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3D Laser Scanning & Modeling System
The Need
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Traditional methods of measuring and modeling
the surface geometry of large, complex structures or sites that require engineering or
survey-grade accuracy are often inaccurate, incomplete or expensive. Inaccurate or
incomplete drawings and models often lead to costly construction errors or delays.
Technicians or surveyors using tapes or survey instruments typically performed field
measurements, which were used to either mark up existing drawings or create new 2D CAD
drawings and 3D CAD models. These traditional methods are particularly problematic if the
structures or sites are large, complex or difficult to access. |
Cyrax Laser Scanner
Reality
3D point cloud
3D model
2D Drawing
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| The Technology |
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A portable, auto-scanning laser and PC system
that lets users economically obtain accurate, complete, and timely as-built geometry
information for large structures and sites. The
system can remotely measure natural surfaces up to 100m away at the speed of 800 points
per second. With spacing between adjacent points as fine as 1mm, users can capture an
extremely high level of detail for large, complex structures and sites. Each 3D point is
accurate to 6mm and modeled surfaces are as accurate as 2mm.
As 3D measurements are collected, each point appears on the
system's laptop screen. As points accumulate, detailed graphic images quickly emerge. The
system's software lets users create initial 3D models right on site and accurately
"stitch" adjacent scans together. Detailed 3D or 2D models are easily exported
to popular CAD and rendering software.
By using an innovative, pulsed laser, the system has a
number of advantages over
conventional lasers. First, the high power of each pulse allows the operator to conduct a
survey without the use of targets or reflectors. Part of the emitted laser energy is
naturally reflected back to the instrument by the natural surface of the object being
measured, even for surfaces that are not perpendicular to the incident laser beam. This
reflector-less feature also lets you accurately measure structures that are inaccessible,
such as mine walls or suspended utility cables, or that are unsafe to occupy such as busy
highways, airport runways or areas with hazardous materials. The Cyrax system can be used
without disrupting ongoing site operations.
The system's integrated software gives you 3D measurements
and results immediately in the field. Unlike other methods, there are no intermediate
processing steps. These immediately available "point clouds" of 3D measurements
provide an intuitive backdrop for ongoing fieldwork and modeling activities. |
The Benefits
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The system provides the following advantages:
- Reduces costly construction errors and delays by providing
highly complete, accurate and timely 3D geometry measurements and models of existing
structures and sites.
- Allows as-built records and surveys for complex or difficult
to access areas.
- Provides detailed as-built and topographic surveys to
obtaining immediate, highly accurate profiles and volumes.
- The system can be used indoors or outdoors under any
lighting conditions.
- Eye-safe (Class II) laser does not interfere with ongoing
operations or construction activities.
- Remote operation of the scanner via modem allows the system
to be used for problem solving.
- No need to attach special reflecting targets to the object
being measured.
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Status
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Cyrax has been used successfully by major
organizations (including Chevron, Fluor Daniel, Raytheon, Disney, U.S. Navy). The technology was awarded with the "R&D 100 Award"
from the R&D magazine as one of the 100 most technological significant
products of 1998 and the 1998 "Innovation Award" from Computer Graphics
World as one of the top 20 new products shipped in 1998. |
Barriers
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The current technology does not address
measurement accuracy requirements tighter than 2mm and the scanner must be stationary
(usually tripod-mounted) while it is scanning. While the system can measure to the vast
majority of natural surfaces, some specific surfaces such as mirrors and pure black
surfaces can be temporarily treated with powder in order to be measured directly. |
Points of Contact
- Geoff Jacobs, Cyra Technologies, Inc. 8000 Capwell Dr.
Oakland, CA 94621. Phone: (510) 633-5000, Fax: (510) 633-5009.
- cyra@cyra.com
References
- CYRAX Product Catalog.
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
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