A Reality Capture Device.
Overview
Project: Development of a reality capture device enabling real-time scanning, mapping, localization and visualization of the user’s environment in 3D.
Client: Hexagon / Leica Geosystems
Technologies Used: C++, Data Analysis, Data Visualization
1. Background
On June 15th, 2023, Hexagon added another exciting device – the BLK2Go Pulse - to their award winning BLK series at HxGN LIVE Global 2023. Yesterday, on October 10th, 2023, the product was finally announced publicly at INTERGEO 2023 in Berlin, a conference foe the Geospatial Community.
The BLK2Go Pulse is a novel handheld reality capture laser scanner that uses smartphones as a mounted display and enables new user experiences and functionalities such as a live colorized point cloud.
The device is an adapted version of the existing BLK2Go and for the first time ever the Lidar technology is based on time-of-flight cameras thanks to a partnership with [Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony)] (https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/info/2023/2023061401.html).
2. Objectives
- Develop a handheld reality capture device that enables real-time 3D scanning and visualization
- Create a product that utilizes smartphone technology for display and user interface
- Implement time-of-flight camera technology through partnership with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
- Design a tool suitable for various indoor applications across multiple industries
3. Solution
The BLK2Go Pulse was developed as an adapted version of the existing BLK2Go, with several key features:
- First-person scanning perspective with real-time colorized 3D data streaming to a smartphone screen
- Immediate viewing and sharing of colorized 3D point clouds and images
- Smart scanning guidance through in-app notifications
- Utilization of time-of-flight camera technology for LiDAR scanning
The device is designed for indoor applications such as creating 3D digital twins, 2D floor plans, and point-to-point measurements, catering to industries including architecture, building construction, real estate, and facility management.
4. Challenges
While not explicitly stated in the document, we can infer some potential challenges:
- Integrating novel time-of-flight camera technology with existing systems
- Developing software that could process and display real-time 3D data on a smartphone
- Ensuring user-friendly operation for professionals across various industries
- Maintaining accuracy and quality in a compact, handheld device
5. Results
The BLK2Go Pulse successfully combines several advanced technologies:
- Real-time 3D scanning and visualization
- Colorized point cloud generation
- Smart scanning guidance for optimal results
- Integration with smartphone technology for display and control
- These features make the device highly attractive for professionals in architecture, construction, real estate, and facility management.
6. Lessons Learned
While not explicitly mentioned, we can infer some potential lessons:
- The importance of partnerships (e.g., with Sony) in bringing cutting-edge technology to market
- The value of adapting existing products (BLK2Go) to create new, innovative solutions
- The significance of user experience in professional tools, as evidenced by the smart scanning guidance feature
7. Conclusion
The Leica Geosystems BLK2Go Pulse represents a significant advancement in reality capture technology. By combining LiDAR scanning, smartphone integration, and real-time 3D visualization, Leica Geosystems has created a tool that has the potential to transform workflows in various industries. The success of this project demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and its ability to leverage partnerships and existing technologies to create cutting-edge solutions.
The BLK2Go Pulse showcases how ideas can indeed become reality, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in 3D scanning and digital twin creation. As the technology continues to evolve, it's likely to open up new possibilities and applications across multiple sectors.
