Faro has released a new portable handheld wide range 3D scanner, the Freestyle 2 for photorealistic scene documentation both indoors and out.
The Faro Freestyle 2 is aimed at forensic investigators that require fast and complete scene documentation, but it offers some other features that might make it of use in the product development sphere.
Wireless and lightweight, Freestyle 2 can scan distances ranging from 0.4m to 10m, from small discrete objects to entire vehicles (interior and exterior) as well as interior scenes.
This is all made possible by the scanner’s infrared laser, which projects a 100 x 100 grid of invisible dots onto the target and is interpreted by two cameras built into the device’s T-shaped casing.
When used in conjunction with the colour capture camera, all work to create photorealistic images in real time.
Combined with a proprietary tracking engine that enables users to make natural movements while scanning, the handheld device is easy to use even for untrained operators.
Designed for normally illuminated interiors and outdoor spaces (10,000-45,000 lux) including overcast conditions, Freestyle 2 is credited with being capable of generating usable data even in complete darkness.
The device’s one-hand operation leaves the operator’s other hand free to open doors, balance or brace themselves against objects for a better, more stable capturing angle, and provides the ultimate on-scene flexibility to reach in, under, and around objects.
Additional user benefits include haptic feedback alerts for the user when adjustments are required to the user’s scanning technique to ensure the highest quality data is always being captured.
As a fully self-contained solution, with Freestyle 2 there is no need for an external laptop, no tablet to carry, no annual calibration, and no long cables to trip over or interfere with your shot. Eliminating these restrictions should help make it easier for users to do tasks like white balance calculations as well as on-site compensation.
The device also features a training mode that generates a live display of data capture quality along with integrated training videos.
