3D Documentation News
Product News It has never been so easy to document the world around you in 3D >> Page 2 & 3
Things to know and important links >> Page 8
New Sensors and More Minimizing efforts in post processing
AUTOMOTIVE – AUDI Digital Factory and 3D Documentation
civil engineering Keeping up with architect’s ambitions
>> Page 2
>> Page 4
>> Page 5
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S
ensor
– FARO I NTER N ATIO NAL –
editorial Alberto Castiglioni, Chief Editor
FARO Focus3D – new features to speed up and simplify 3D Documentation The new FARO Focus3D offers a series of new useful features that make 3D Documentation
projects even more cost efficient. The new multi-sensor package supports a new level of automated scan registration that minimizes manual effort and time in post processing.
D
ear Readers,
One year after the launch of the FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D, we can say without a doubt that the success of our device has clearly exceeded all expectations. The Focus3D is definitely a game changer in terms of performance and price. FARO has become the leader in 3D Documentation. This was also confirmed at the first international 3D Documentation Conference that we organized in May 2011. Today, we are proud to inform you that our hardware and software products have been further improved: new amazing features GPS Height Sensor have been added to automate, facilitate and speed your 3D Documentation and measuring projects. Read on to discover how leading companies like Audi and dynamic institutions like GPS the renowned University of Bergamo are choosing our systems for their 3D Documentation; from plant planning to solving tough challenges in civil engineering and construction. Height AlsoSensor find out
about someCompass of our software partners: FARO is working with the leading software companies to always provide you with the best combination of hardware and software for your specific field of application.
Multi-Sensor-Package
NEW ADAPTERS
FARO is constantly striving to automate the post processing tasks of 3D Documentation in order to make them faster and much more cost efficient. That is why FARO now offers a comprehensive MultiSensor-Package as a key feature of the new Focus3D. All sensors are integrated in the small housing of the new Focus3D so as not to impact the handling in any way. Upgrades for former Focus3D Scanners are possible as well.
The FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D can now be equipped with three new adapters.
The FARO Multi-Sensor approach comprises of a Compass, Height Sensor and Dual Axis Compensator. They respectively deliver the orientation, the relative height against a fixed starting point and the level for each scan. The three sensors tremendously improve the automatic registration process, miniCompass Dual Axis Compensation WiFi mizing manual effort inNeigungssensor the post processing phase.
Height Sensor
Dual Axis Compensation
Dual Axis Compensation Neigungssensor
Dual Axis Compensator: FARO Laser Scanners have always had a dual axis compensator, which proved very helpful in minimizing the number of targets.
Imprint publisher: FARO Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Lingwiesenstrasse 11/2, D-70825 Korntal-Münchingen, Phone: +49 7150 9797-0, Fax: +49 7150 9797-44, info@faroeurope.com, www.faro.com editors: Alberto Castiglioni, David Taylor, Christian Jeske layout: Vanessa Sevil Kizilelma print: SV Druck, D-72336 Balingen photos: iStock, FARO, customers Date of issue: September 2011 in English and German
3D Documentation News | 2
WiFi
Helical Adapter for mobile scanning: This builds on the Automation Adapter (with the same interfaces) but adds two pins to fix the scanner body in a stable position, suitable for the roughest rides that may be encountered in mobile scanning. A zero base plate helps quick mount/release at the start or the end of the scanning campaign. As above, the scanner can be completely remote-controlled. Again the test box is supplied.
TMS-Adapter: This has been developed especially for surveying in super-fast tunnelling applications. Compass Dual Axis Compensation WiFi With its two standard “Wild-studs”, it can hold two Neigungssensor prisms. They support the quick survey of the scanner position. The Ethernet interface enables a direct Height Sensor: Each scan now link to a laptop in order to analyse the data right receives a height information. after each scan. For example this will be useful scanning different floor levels in a building which then can be difWiFivia the height data. ferentiated
Neigungssensor
Yours, Compass
Compass: The new FARO Focus3D employs an electronic compass. Attaching orientation data to each scan is a big contribution to a successful auto-registration.
Automation Adapter: It enables the Focus3D to be mounted on any support such as a fixed post, robot arm, rail etc. Then, via its Ethernet, Power, CAN-bus and sync interfaces, the scanner can be completely remote-controlled and thus integrated into any automation application. In order to test the interfaces an additional test box is supplied.
WLAN (wiFi)
WLAN remote control of the Focus3D scanner is a very helpful feature that permits you to start, stop, view or download scans at a distance. Examples include scanning from difficult to reach positions like high posts, inside tanks, sewage canals, etc.
– sCAN PROCESSIN G SOFTWARE –
The new SCENE V5.0 – next steps towards higher efficiency and 3D measurement on the Web FARO’s scan processing software for the Focus3D offers new features that further facilitate daily work processes.
About SCENE The SCENE software is specifically designed for the FARO Focus3D. It processes and manages scanned data efficiently and easily by using automatic object recognition, scan registration and positioning. SCENE can also colourise scans. SCENE is user-friendly and generates high-quality data. Once SCENE has prepared the scan data, users can commence evaluation and further processing right away. A whole series of easy-to-use functions are at your disposal – from simple measuring and 3D visualization to exporting in various point cloud and CAD formats. Thanks to the “Documentation Object” functionality, users can mark points of interest in the scan data, add comments and attach any kind of document to a scan. This allows the annotation of point clouds with additional information using hyperlink technology. Scan projects can be published on a web server with only one click: the WebShare feature allows easy access to the laser scans and the taking of measurements within a standard web browser. One SCENE license is included with every FARO Laser Scanner. www.faro.com/focus/uk/software
SCENE WebShare V4.9, FARO’s free Internet sharing software, now provides measurement tools and added information via documentation objects. AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION WITH NATURAL TARGETS
documents using hyperlinks. Documentation Objects are now available in the panorama view of WebShare to further enhance your 3D Documentation.
SCENE can already automatically detect and register artificial targets such as spheres and checkerboards. With the newly developed intelligent detection of natural features, in many cases, SCENE can even register scans without any artificial targets. This automatic registration process is now enhanced by the new Correspondence View which allows the user to check the quality of the registration process and optimise the results.
The new SCENE V5.0 supports the new Compass, Height Sensor and Dual Axis Compensator of the Focus3D. This new combined set of sensors gives valuable information for an improved automatic registration – even without artificial targets.
ACCELERATED COLOUR OVERLAY
ASTM 2807 (E57) FILE FORMAT SUPPORT
Applying colour to a Focus laser scan may now take less than 1 minute. To achieve up to 40 times faster colour overlay (depending on the available computer power) FARO has applied brand new multi-threading technologies.
SCENE V5.0 is one of the first software applications on the market which reads and writes scan data in the new ASTM standard format. This allows for easy exchange of scan data with other ASTM 2807 (E57) capable software packages.
New 3D measurements on the
Space centric data analysis
internet - WebShare
The new SCENE V5.0 stores the scan data in a highly efficient spatial database. Thanks to this new feature, a user can easily analyse a collection of scans of an object, area or building. SCENE V5.0 gives direct access to the scans that have been captured without the user needing to know which scan file contains the area of interest. This makes the handling of huge data sets as intuitive as working in a CAD model.
3D
Direct Measurements: Scans shared using the WebShare functionality can now be directly analysed on the Internet. In the overview map it is possible to measure distances and surfaces, while in the panorama view you can easily measure distances between points. Documentation Object: This functionality allows the user to add information and attach
New sensor support for registration
3D Documentation News | 3
– A ut omoti ve–
Four good reasons
Andras Toth, Head of the BIS Digital Factory Team of Audi Motors KFT Hungary says:
1
ast: So far, we have colF lected 23,500 scans covering 2.6 million m2. You can imagine that we could not afford to work with a slower system.
2
recise: Accuracy is very P important because of the effect of cumulative errors when working with such large models.
3
ost-effective: FARO's C systems are truly great value for money.
4
ye safety: If we scan in a E factory, we can't ask everyone to put on goggles or take the day off, so I am already looking forward to the eye safety level of the new FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D.
Digital Factory and 3D Documentation
Audi's production line in 3D. 3D modelling and documentation is being increasingly used within the Audi/VW group to allow more effective planning and implementation in complex factory settings.
In January 2010, the European High Court awarded Audi the exclusive rights to the use of their brand slogan "Vorsprung durch Technik". The court ruled that the claim is not a banal statement of the obvious i.e. you cannot assume that having technology will give you a competitive advantage. So how does Audi use technology to create a competitive advantage? One example is Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. They have been using FARO Scanners since 2003 for their Building Information System (BIS). Andras Toth, Head of the BIS Digital Factory Team, says: "Thanks to FARO 3D Scanners we have been able to revolutionise our factory documentation and planning process to reduce costs, time and risk." In 2003, the BIS team was charged with the task of creating and maintaining full 3D Documentation of the 330,000m2 Győr plant building in Hungary. After creating a 3D model of the whole factory based on the factory drawings, a Building Coordinate System was established to give absolute reference points. "Having accurate 3D Documentation and clear references is the basis for efficient future planning, construction and verification processes," says Toth. The company's management were quick to appreciate the benefits of the chosen technology and processes developed by the Digital Factory Team and decided to offer the service to other plants within the Audi/VW group.
www.faro.com/focus
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"In 2009, the team began with the first 3D Documentation of the actual engine production lines in a 200,000m2 area. Machine suppliers provide as-built documentation, which is used in the digital mock-up. This allows potential clashes to be detected in the digital domain," explains Toth. Once the plans are approved and construction begins, incoming parts and final installations are scanned and verified prior to acceptance.
The BIS Digital Factory Team consists of 11 colleagues and 4 trainees. Everyone is expected to cover both scanning and modelling tasks so the user-friendliness of the scanners and software was important in the purchasing decision. "Using the software SCENE from FARO, we can easily process the point clouds to feed in and allow comparison with the CAD plans in the Bentley MicroStation BIS system used throughout the corporation." The Digital Factory Team had experience with another brand scanner but switched to a FARO Laser Scanner 880 in 2003 for the Győr job. Soon a FARO Photon 120 was added and a Focus3D is now on order as well. "The price performance of the FARO products is simply unbeatable," says Toth. "Thanks to the FARO Laser Scanners which are faster and easier to use than alternatives, we can now verify the CAD plans for a 10,000m2 factory in about 10 days."
AUDI Hungaria Motor Kft Audi Hungaria Motor Kft is a wholly owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. Based in Győr, it is one of the principal engine suppliers to the Audi and Volkswagen Groups. Almost the entire Audi engine range is now built at Győr. Last year, Audi Hungaria produced a total of 1,648,030 engines and 38,541 cars. For many years Audi Hungaria has been one of the highest-revenue companies and one of the largest exporters in Hungary. www.audi.com/com/brand/en/comw pany/production_plants
– Ar c h i t e c t u r e & c iv i l en g ineer ing –
Keeping up with architect’s ambitions Complex curves or innovative materials are
increasingly common in modern construction projects, posing new challenges for structural engineers.
3D Documentation is a rapidly growing field where new applications are continuously being developed. In the field of structural engineering and architecture, a cooperation between FARO and the University of Bergamo has already yielded some innovative new solutions to practical construction challenges. "We were interested in finding new uses for 3D scanners where there will be a widespread demand," explained Professor Paolo Riva, Dean of the Engineering Faculty. Modern architects are creating bolder, non-linear forms and using more complex and creative materials. Now even normal-sized local buildings are stretching the limits of traditional models and measurements. But thanks to FARO's 3D Laser Scanners, new applications and methods are being discovered that allow an efficient approach to structural problem solving and documentation. Professor Riva presents two such examples: 1. A new sports hall of the town of Lonato del Garda, features a lattice-structured roof covering 2000m2. Glulam wood beams with 250 x 22cm profiles bridge the 40-metre span. Traditionally, you would load the supporting structure with test weights before adding the roof. But that is easier said than done when the final roof weight is equivalent to three lorries.
in the plane and in space. To add to the challenge, the specified white concrete finish would be left bare, requiring a much greater standard of optical perfection. However, defects in the concrete moulds led to various imperfections that need to be rectified. So the FARO Scanner was used to compare the design plans with the as-built state. By having an objective assessment of the sub-standard areas, the parties could agree on the cost of the repairs without the threat of litigation. After the concrete structure was completed, the Photon 120 was also used to compare the design with the as-built state to define the size of the pre-fabricated window frames that will hold the glasswork. "As structural engineers we are used to working with deflection transducers which are great for accurate measurement of short spans in simple structures. Meanwhile surveyors have tended to work with total stations. The new generation of laser scanners deliver a level of accuracy and speed that I believe will lead to new methods and widespread acceptance in civil engineering and construction," concludes Riva.
University of Bergamo The region of Bergamo, north east of Milan, is a leading area in the construction industry, thanks to centuries of
Four good reasons
Prof. Alessio Cardaci, responsible for the scanning work at the University of Bergamo says:
1
ccuracy: In structural A engineering, you need to be accurate to the millimetre because you are responsible for functional verifications on which life can depend.
2
Speed of acquisition: Construction usually needs to stop when you are doing measurements. Being able to scan quickly is thus an important cost saver.
3
ersatility: We have just V started to explore. The combination of scanner and software processing means the potential applications are virtually unlimited.
4
odularity: There are several M options and add-ons that we like, such as the camera for colour superposition.
traditional expertise in bricklaying, steel and carpentry. On the other hand, the University of Bergamo is a rmodern institution with a dynamic Faculty of Engineering.
"You could easily spend EUR 20,000 just test loading the beams," says Riva. "That is when we had the idea to simply measure the deflection of the beams before and after adding the roof. Using a FARO Photon 120 that was a very quick and easy process. We found that the in-situ deflection was 30% less than predicted by the idealised models."
With 80% of the Faculty under 50 and a great ratio of students to professors, it is an inspiring open-minded environment where students and researchers mingle easily and share a common passion for new ideas and practical solutions.
www.unibg.it
2. A new church was being built in Mariano al Brembo with a very complex geometry: all the walls were curved
www.faro.com/focus
The sports hall of Lonato del Garda: data analysis using Gexcel's JRC 3D Reconstructor software. 3D Documentation News | 5
– App licatio n Areas–
The opportunities for 3D Documentation are boundless. Against this background, FARO is working closely with its software
partners to offer the most effective and convenient solutions available whatever the application area. This cooperation enables existing and potential customers to easily access advanced technology that makes their day-by-day activities more efficient.
The best hardware and software combination for your application Read all about the different fields of application and the related third party software solutions. Architecture and Civil Engineering With the Focus3D, FARO provides architects, civil engineers and surveyors with an efficient tool for rapid, seamless and precise documentation of the current status of buildings and construction sites. ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Rapid capture of the built environment Capture of complex free form shapes Renovation and structural rehabilitation Facades inspection Structural testing and validation Monitoring of the construction process Real estate applications
The FARO Focus3D combined with SCENE software is compatible with key software applications in the field of architecture, construction and surveying. SCENE's flexible interfaces enable easy integration with AutoCAD Architecture or Autodesk Revit as well as many other CAD applications such as Nemetschek Allplan, GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD, Bentley MicroStation and McNeel’s Rhinoceros. Additional tools like
3D Documentation News | 6
FARO Cloud for AutoCAD, Pointools Plug-ins, Laserscanning Europe’s PointCab and Gexcel’s JRC 3D Reconstructor/Construction further help the user to facilitate 3D Documentation within existing workflows and software environments. Industrial Plant and Factories Technical plants like refineries, power plants and production sites are complex structures which require exact 3D CAD data to ensure smooth asset management and maintenance as well as extension projects. With the FARO Focus3D, complete and precise 3D as built data can be captured easily. ▪▪ Upgrade and retrofit projects ▪▪ Safety and training applications ▪▪ Integration of the as built condition in asset management and dimensional control The Focus3D, with SCENE software and the tools of our partners like kubit’s new PointSense Plant for AutoCAD offer interfaces to the most popular software applications in the field of plant construction and planning. This includes AutoCAD Plant 3D, Autodesk
Factory Design Suite, AVEVA Laser Modeller for PDMS and MicroStation. Mobile Mapping Road and rail construction need precise mobile measurement systems and tailor-made software solutions that can deal with the special demands of this application. Motorway and rail track construction is a challenge for most measurement systems because of the sheer size of the infrastructure alone. The FARO Focus3D is ideally suited to works of this kind, as it can operate mounted on a vehicle (road mapping). Using road mapping systems, a detailed overview of all the components of a road infrastructure and large quantities of other data can be collected, including geographically referenced images, vehicle routes and the street profile. ▪▪ Creation and maintenance of road inventory databases ▪▪ Understand the structure and performance of road systems ▪▪ Clearance analysis Road scanner systems developed by compa-
– Appl i c ation A r eas–
nies like Siteco from Italy or Fagerman Technologies from the USA constitute the next generation of affordable and efficient mobile mapping systems (MMS). Geotechnical, Tunnel and Mining Being robust, compact, fast and easy to use with many features that prevent inadvertent operator errors, the FARO Focus3D is the ideal device for tunnel construction and management applications. For example, continuous 3D Documentation of a mine, by a FARO Laser Scanner, can prevent a mine collapse, as it instantly detects any alterations in local rock strata, allowing appropriate security measures to be initiated in time. ▪▪ Quality control during construction ▪▪ Accurate determination of over cut and under cut ▪▪ Rapid measurement of the excavated volume ▪▪ Monitoring of rock movements ▪▪ Cost savings by shorter interruptions of the construction work The FARO Focus3D combined with specialized software packages like Amberg Technologies’ TMS Tunnelscan, ATS Real Reality Tunnel or JRC 3D Reconstructor/Mining represent the state-of-the-art for 3D Documentation of tunnel and mining projects. Historic Preservation Whether for restoration or scientific analysis purposes, for securing listed buildings or for virtual presentations of historical sites that are closed to visitors, the FARO Focus3D offers the possibility of complete and detailed 3D Documentation of historic structures or excavation sites. Thanks to its integrated colour camera, photo-realistic 3D images can be created instantly. ▪▪ Accurate and detailed as-is documentation ▪▪ Realistically colourised 3-dimensional information ▪▪ Effortless capturing of complex free-
form structures ▪▪ Creation of orthophotos In this area FARO is working closely with AutoCAD and JRC 3D Reconstructor/Heritage. But also re-engineering software packages like Geomagic Studio, PolyWorks or Rapidform XOR help to easily create the necessary deliverable out of the 3D data captured on-site. Large Products Particularly in the case of very large or very complex components and shapes, conventional measuring instruments quickly reach their limitations. With the Focus3D, even these shapes can be precisely captured, inspected and reengineered. ▪▪ Inspection and re-engineering ▪▪ Quality control of large parts The FARO Focus3D and SCENE have interfaces with the most common re-engineering and quality assurance software applications, such as Geomagic, PolyWorks or Rapidform. Security and Law Enforcement The handy Focus3D is also ideally suited to perform rapid and complete 3D Documentation of crime and accident or insurance damage scenes. All scene details can be quickly captured leaving clues intact before the scene is disturbed. So a maximum of data for later analysis is captured before the area is quickly cleared. Also for the development of appropriate safety concepts, laser scans deliver the relevant 3D topography information.
package, the FARO Laser Scanner can be used in combination with the MicroSurvey’s MapScenes Forensic CAD. But also more generic and frequently used tools like AutoCAD, MicroStation or Autodesk’s 3ds Max are prepared to integrate laser scan data captured with a Focus3D. Agricultural Management Agricultural management is becoming increasingly important while government compliance requirements grow more stringent. The Focus3D allows data capture and delivery of 3D Documentation to support efficient and modern agricultural management. In particular, the device can be used for: ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Estimation of forestry value Evaluation of wood quality Optimization of harvesting Forest monitoring Biological research Determination of potential CO2 intake of forests
For example, the combination of the FARO Focus3D and TreeMetrics’ software represent an ideal solution to support forest planners and managers.
visualization of scan data and integration of CAD models For visualization of scan data and for creating high-quality images and animations FARO suggests the use of Pointools or AliceLabs software. To review and integrate CAD models from a wide range of sources with as built data from 3D laser scanners, Autodesk Navisworks is the recommended solution.
▪▪ 3D Documentation of forensic and accident scenes ▪▪ Visualization of crime scenes ▪▪ Security planning for high level events ▪▪ Maximum information with minimum disturbance and time effort
ww.faro.com/uk/software-soluw tion-providers
In addition to the SCENE Forensic software
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