Abstract: A laser scanning system can be used in construction projects to generate a field survey. An architect or engineer can use the field survey to create construction drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction drawings can be identified at the construction site with the scanning system. Further, earth moving equipment can be controlled using the same information. The laser scanning system can be used to determine if two parts can be mated together by scanning and comparing the parts that are to be mated. The laser scanning system can further be used to determine if an object can be moved through an opening in a structure by comparing scan points of the structure with scan points from the object. The laser scanning system can be used to identify objects within the site, to build databases that have relevant information about the objects, and to guide reproducing machines.

Abstract: An integrated system generates a model of a three-dimensional object. A scanning laser device scans the three-dimensional object and generates a point cloud. The points of the point cloud each indicate a location of a corresponding point on a surface of the object. A first model is generated, responsive to the point cloud, that generates a first model representing constituent geometric shapes of the object. A data file is generated, responsive to the first model, that can be inputted to a computer-aided design system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for acquiring tie-point target locations on a structure that eliminates the need for the user to manually identify features that can be used to register multiple scenes so that they share a single coordinate system. In the present invention, readily identifiable objects, known as targets, are placed on or near the structure. When the structure is scanned, the targets are identified and can then be used in other operations, such as registration.

Abstract: Methods for operating a laser scanning system are disclosed. The laser scanning system can be used in construction projects to generate a field survey. An architect or engineer can use the field survey to create construction drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction drawings can be identified at the construction site with the scanning system. Further, earth moving equipment can be controlled using the same information. The laser scanning system can also be used to determine if two parts can be mated together by scanning and comparing the parts that are to be mated. The laser scanning system can further be used to determine if an object can be moved through an opening in a structure by comparing scan points of the structure with scan points from the object. The laser scanning system can additionally be used to identifying objects within the site, to build databases that have relevant information about the objects, and to guide reproducing machines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that allow a surface of interest to be defined by the selection of a seed point that lies on the surface of interest. When a single seed point is defined, additional points that are in the vicinity of the seed point are grouped with the seed point to form a first set of points. When multiple seed points are defined, additional points that are in the vicinities of the seed points are grouped with the seed points to form the first set of points. The first set of points, along with a surface type, are then used to define a candidate surface. Following this, a second set of points is defined using the seed points and additional points that fall within a predefined distance of the candidate surface. The second set of points are partitioned into groups, and the groups that include the seed points along with the surface type are then used to redefine the candidate surface.