Advanced geometric calibration facility and methods

Three-dimensional (3D) reality capture is an umbrella term for imaging techniques used to create accurate models of real scenes. An important reality capture technology is lidar or laser scanner devices that collect three-dimensional measurements of objects they can see. Laser scanners can be deployed on aircraft, a surveying tripod or on a self-driving car. Regardless of the platform, laser scanner measurements are used to construct digital twin (DT) models. DTs find increasing use in many sectors including construction, transportation mining, energy, chemical processing and heritage preservation, to improve both the construction of and the effective management of capital assets. For all these applications, the accuracy of the DT is critically dependent on the geometric integrity of the collected laser scanner data. This requires an instrument calibration process. Current lidar calibration processes are inefficient, relying on manual processes performed by expert users. This project aims to develop new, more efficient accurate calibration processes for several lidar sensors. This will result in more efficient industry use of lidar sensors in Canada for the production of digital twins.

Faculty Supervisor:

Derek Lichti

Student:

Partner:

Teledyne Geospatial

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Calgary

Program: