Combine laser scan data with color information
Colored point clouds become more and more important. Leading manufacturers of scanners have responded to this tendency: They offer their scanner models with an integrated camera to create high-definition images simultaneously.
But these internal image sensors don't suffice for many applications. On the one hand because image quality doesn't convince, on the other hand because an exposure time of up to 5 minutes per position (without scanning) simply doesn't allow economic working.
That's why many users are looking for alternatives. Using the panoramic camera iSTAR from NCTech is a great solution. The camera provides high-definition 360° panoramic images that can be used for scan colorization. As an additional feature, NCTech's iSTAR provides HDR (High Dynamic Range) allowing the capture of high-quality images even in adverse lighting conditions.
In order to use a panoramic camera in conjunction with a laser scanner, it's required that the optical center of the camera conforms to the tilting axis height of the scanner. It is not enough to replace the scanner by a camera on the tripod. To respect the correct height, we need an adapter. Depending on the type of laser scanner, specific adapters are required since the rotating mirror of different laser scanners isn't located at the same height. The subsequent graphics show which adapter shall be used for different scanners.
Different adapters for FARO Focus - depending on the quick release in use
Several adapters are available for FARO Focus3D and FARO FocusS depending on the the quick release you use. If you need an adapter for the FARO quick release that comes with the FARO FocusM 70, please contact us. We can also offer you a solution for this.
iSTAR adapter for FARO with Laserscanning Europe quick release
You should apply this iSTAR adapter (item no.: 030-10666) if you use the scanner together with a quick release offered by Laserscanning Europe. The adapter consists of a quick release plate, which is attached to your scanner, and a spacer rod ensuring that the iSTAR camera's lenses are exactly located at the height of the rotating mirror of your laser scanner. The 3/8" male thread of the adapter allows attachment of the iSTAR camera. Due to the identical quick release plates on FARO Focus scanner and iSTAR, quick and easy exchange at the quick release head, which is located on the tripod, is guaranteed.
iSTAR adapter for FARO with ATS/FARO quick release
This iSTAR adapter (item no.: 030-10745) is suited if you use the scanner together with an ATS quick release offered by FARO. The adapter has a height of 60.9mm (2.4 in) and is designed in such as way that it fits exactly into the counterpart of your ATS adapter. A 3/8" male thread is located on top and allows attachment of the iSTAR.
iSTAR adapter for FARO Focus3D with rotatable tripod adapter
You must extend this iSTAR adapter (item no.: 031-10645) with variable height (70 – 105mm / 2.76 – 4.13 in) to 78.9mm (3.10 in) if you use a tribrach with a height of 22.5mm (0.88 in). Thus, the iSTAR's optics have the same height as a FARO Focus3D equipped with the rotatable tripod adapter (item no.: 030-10262). The iSTAR adapter is outfitted with two screw threads: The iSTAR can be attached to the adapter via the 3/8" male thread; the 5/8" female thread is screwed onto the tribrach.
Note: The tripod adapter is not part of the adapter; it has to be acquired separately.
iSTAR adapter for FARO Focus3D with rotatable tripod adapter.
Trimble TX8 - iSTAR
The iSTAR adapter (item no.: 030-10667) for Trimble TX8 aligns the iSTAR to the height of the laser scanner's mirror axis. The adapter consists of a tribrach and a spacer rod with 3/8" male thread where the iSTAR can be attached.
Leica C5 | C10 | P15 | P20 | P30 | P40 - iSTAR
The iSTAR adapter (item no.: 031-10646) has a variable height ranging from 100mm to 165mm (3,93 to 6.49 in). It is designed for Leica laser scanners C5, C10, P15, P20, P30 and P40. The distance between the lower edge of the tribrach adapter and the laser scanner's mirror axis is 250mm (9.84 in). Depending on the tribrach adapter you use for iSTAR, you have to adjust the height of the adapter accordingly. If you use the tribrach adapter (030-10283) with a height of 22.5mm (0.88 in) for instance, the iSTAR adapter should be adjusted to a height of 132.9 mm (5.23 in). Thus, the iSTAR camera is located at the height of the scanner's mirror axis due to the adapter. Using the 3/8" male thread of the adapter, iSTAR can be attached to the adapter. The 5/8" female thread at the bottom is screwed onto the tribrach.
Note: The tripod adapter is not part of the adapter; it has to be acquired separately.
Leica Scanstation 2 - iSTAR
The iSTAR adapter (item no.: 031-10644) for Leica Scanstation 2 has a variable length ranging from 150mm to 265mm (5.90 to 10.43 in). The distance between the lower edge of the tribrach adapter and the laser scanner's mirror axis is 384.1mm (15.12 in). If you use the tribrach adapter (030-10237) with a height of 32mm (1.25 in) for example, the iSTAR adapter should be adjusted to a height of 257.5mm (10.13 in). Thus, the iSTAR camera is located at the height of the scanner's mirror axis due to the adapter. Using the 3/8" male thread of the adapter, iSTAR can be attached to the adapter. The 5/8" female thread at the bottom is screwed onto the tribrach.
Note: The tripod adapter is not part of the adapter; it has to be acquired separately.
Leica HDS 6x00 & Z+F 5006 | 5006i | 5006h - iSTAR
The iSTAR adapter (item no.: 031-10644) is suited for Leica's HDS 6x00 series and Z+F 500x series. The adapter has a variable height ranging from 150mm to 265mm (5.90 to 10.43 in). Please adjust the adapter height to 190.2mm (7.48 in) if you use a tribrach adapter (item no.: 030-10283) with a height of 22.5mm (0,88 in). If you use different tribrach adapters, you have to adjust the height accordingly. The iSTAR adapter is equipped with two screw threads: The iSTAR can be attached to the adapter via the 3/8" male thread; the 5/8" female thread is screwed onto the tribrach.
iSTAR adapter for Leica HDS 6x00 series & Z+F 5006 | 5006i | 5006h.
Leica HDS 7000 & Z+F 5010 | 5010C | 5010X - iSTAR
The iSTAR adapter (item no.: 031-10644) for Leica HDS 7000 as well as Z+F scanners 5010, 5010C and 5010X allows the iSTAR to be at the height of the laser scanner's tilting axis. Adjust the adapter to a height of 167.8mm (6.60 in). If you use a different tribrach adapter, please adjust the height accordingly. The iSTAR adapter is equipped with two screw threads: The iSTAR can be attached to the adapter via the 3/8" male thread; the 5/8" female thread is screwed onto the tribrach.
iSTAR adapter for Leica HDS 7000 & Z+F 5010, 5010C and 5010X.
