Chapter 4: How Freestyle 2 Works
The Freestyle 2 scanner enables you to record the dimensions and colors of objects and environments in
three dimensions. To accomplish this, you move the handset along or around the object of interest. As
you move the handset, three integrated sensors record what they capture. This data is processed and saved
on the Mobile PC, and displayed in an app on your smartphone. The recorded points are then used to
create a colored, 3D model of the captured object or environment.
After 3D data has been captured, you can view and analyze it in SCENE. (For example you can measure
the actual size of objects.) You can also export the data to different file formats and import it into third
party applications, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs.
The main features are:
•
High accuracy.
•
High resolution: you can scan thin cables, ribs of small skeletons, etc.
•
Scanning range: 0.4 meters to 10 meters. (Accuracy is best with shorter distances.)
•
Intuitive handling: no need for complex preparation—just scan!
•
High mobility due to its small size and weight.
•
Photorealistic 3D color scans due to the integrated color camera.
•
Seamless integration with FARO Focus
s
laser scanner scan data.
•
No artificial targets required.
How it Works
The Freestyle 2 projects a pattern of small infrared dots on the surface of the object. The two infrared
cameras take photographs of this pattern. The 3D coordinates of the infrared dots are then calculated
using a mathematical method called triangulation.
Commonly Used Terms
Frame
: a color photograph taken by Freestyle 2 along with the 3D points and other information that was
recorded when the photograph was taken. Freestyle 2 records about 20 frames per second.
Features
: 2D objects (e.g., planes) and textures that are recorded by Freestyle 2 and which can be
identified by the Freestyle 2 software. Features are used during the
tracking
process.
Target
: a physical object in the area to be scanned that can be detected by the software and used to
register the scans. A target can be a naturally occurring plane such as a wall or desk, or a
marker
.
Tracking
: the process of following features from frame to frame. Tracking makes it possible to
reconstruct the movement of Freestyle 2 in space, thus putting the points of the individual frames into a
common 3D context.
Scan
: a set of frames resulting from one recording sequence and saved in one file.
FARO Freestyle 2 User Manual
Chapter 4: How Freestyle 2 Works
FARO Freestyle 2 (August 2020)
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