Portable digitizer produces panoramic color 3D point sets
By Alan S. Brown
Managing Editor, Chemical Online
The new DeltaSphere-3000 laser digitizer produces panoramic, accurate, color 3D point sets over large spaces more in record time, according to developer 3rdTech Inc. (Chapel Hill, NC).
Laser scanners have become the rage in the past couple of years. They use a laser beam to scan and map the location of objects, such as pipes, valves, and vessels. Advanced software translates the resulting cloud of points into 3D data compatible with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Engineers and designers increasingly use laser systems to measure and record the as-built dimensions of chemical plants, refineries, and oil and gas facilities, as well as other process and assembly facilities. The technique dramatically slashes the amount of time needed to measure and create accurate CAD models of existing facilities.
Maintenance personnel also use 3D clouds pictures to visualize an area where they need to work, and to identify components that require service before arriving on the spot.
3rdTech, which specializes in commercializing university research, derived the DeltaSphere-3000 from prototypes developed by the Dept. of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). The system produces detailed, accurate models of large 3D scenes and objects. It also combines 3D data with accurate color information for realistic renderings from multiple viewpoints.
The digitizer itself is about the size of a video camera on a tripod, similar to other portable units sold in the United States. It contains a computer-controlled laser-range finder with azimuth and elevation positioning motors, embedded CPU, rechargeable battery pack, and an optional digital color camera.
It takes only 10-30 min for the DeltaSphere-3000 to scan a 150° elevation and 360° azimuth over a range of 1-40 ft. The scan captures 1-50 million points, depending on resolution.
3rdTech plans to introduce the unit in the third quarter of 2000. List price for a complete system starts at approximately $45,000.
INOVx Solutions, another supplier of laser digitizing services for the process industries, has provided an excellent tutorial on using laser systems to document as-built facilities. You'll find it by clicking here.
For more information: Doug Schiff, 3rdTech Inc., PO Box 248, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0248. Tel: 919-929-1903. Fax: 919-929-2098.