Setting the scene for a 3D revolution

IRL's 3D scene-scanning technology in use.

The most recent developments to the IRL scene-scanner mean it now has the potential to fill a significant gap in 3D scanner technology worldwide, according to IRL project leader Dr Robert Valkenburg.

“Now that we can perform mobile photorealistic scanning of complex or cluttered scenes over a two-metre to 40-metre range, we are targeting structures that are difficult to scan by other means—for example retrofits within the marine, aviation and baggage-handling industries, where there are many obstacles and downtime is prohibitively expensive.”

IRL’s handheld scanner records 3D images in real time. The operator works much like a spray painter, progressively covering the scene and recording the 3D data as a computer file that can be processed for photo-realistic fly-throughs, scene re-examinations, measurement and digital manipulation.

This can prove invaluable in applications such as online merchandising, as-built engineering surveying, heritage and archaeology recording, artistic modelling, computer games, accident and crime-scene recording—in fact, anywhere that a 3D photo-realistic record is needed.

Potential end-user clients such as Glidepath Group, Integrated Marine Group and Altitude Aerospace Interiors are anticipating that the data from these new trials, made possible by additional funding from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, will be converted into a useful format for their application areas.

For Alex Tung, Engineering Manager with baggage-handling company Glidepath Group, the speed and mobility of IRL’s scene-scanner are major advantages. “With digital images like this we would be able to precisely engineer the equipment on site, which cuts down significantly on rework.

We have projects in almost 70 countries, so time is very precious—we want to minimise site time and keep costs down.

“We envisage the scene-scanner to be compact enough to be packed into a suitcase and taken to the site by one of our managers or engineers. This will allow us to take everything back that we see and makes the scene-scanner a very powerful tool.”

Mark Wightman, Managing Director of superyacht refitting company Integrated Marine Group, sees the scene-scanner as a valuable device for streamlining its refitting processes.

“Invariably the vessel will not have all the drawings we require, or the as-built vessel varies from the drawings, so to have a tool that can quickly draw complex shapes in relatively confined spaces will create significant efficiencies in so many aspects of our work.”

Making complete 3D scans of complex scenes has always been a challenge. Many scans taken at different positions were required, meaning compilation of the data was a complex process.

The IRL team has overcome this problem by placing numerous small LED (light-emitting diode) beacons around the site or object being scanned. This allows the mobile scanner to track its position relative to the beacons, and results in one all-encompassing data file.

With its key attributes of speed, mobility, photo-realism and non-invasiveness, IRL’s 3D scanner is unique and offers innovative opportunities in 3D content creation, says Dr Valkenburg.

“Once the trials are completed, we anticipate significant interest from investors and manufacturers keen to commercialise this technology in the global market.”