Method and an apparatus for capturing three-dimensional data of an area of space

USRE45854E1 · kind E1 · reissue

Assignee

• FARO Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Juergen Gittinger · Ludwigsburg, DE
• Bernd-Dietmar Becker · Berlin, DE
• Reinhard Becker · Wiesbaden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 21, 2014
• Grant date: Jan 19, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 21, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

In a method for capturing three-dimensional data of an area of space, a plurality of measuring beams (Ls) are sent out to a plurality of measuring points. A detector (50) receives a plurality of reflected beams (Lr) which are reflected by the measuring points (34a). A plurality of distances to the measuring points (34a, 34b) are determined as a function of the reflected beams (Lr). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one object (30) which comprises a hidden channel (66) having a visible entry opening (72) is located in the area of space. A rod-shaped element (32) is inserted into the channel (66) in such a manner that a free end proximal portion (70) protrudes from the entry opening (72). A first distance to a first measuring point (34a) and a second distance to a second measuring point (34b) are determined. An orientation (74) of the hidden channel (66) is determined as a function of the first and the second distances.