BLK3D imager from Leica Geosystems raises the bar in 3D measurement

Las Vegas. 13 June 2018. Unveiled today at the HxGN Live cross-industry technology conference, the Leica Geosystems BLK3D handheld imager integrates a calibrated stereo camera with custom lenses, Electronic Distance Measuring technology, and an onboard Android-based capturing and measuring application. Supported by a Snapdragon 820 processor, the imager can capture, compute and display photogrammetrically-derived 3D measurements from 2D images … all in real-time.

In dispensing with conventional measurement tools - pen and paper, tape measure and smartphone camera - the BLK3D imager has been developed over the past two years to appeal to a broad spectrum of potential users. These include quantity surveyors, construction site engineers, facilities and asset managers, insurance assessors, crime scene investigators, and those estimating for fixtures and fittings such as doors, windows and flooring. Importantly, and unlike laser distance meters, the BLK3D can acquire measurements of interior or exterior features that would otherwise be inaccessible or take two people to measure and document.

Every image captured by the BLK3D is a complete and precise 3D record. Its Edge computing capability eliminates the need for network connections and/or cloud services, ensuring professionals can make faster decisions within their daily workflow – whether creating floor plans and estimating building installations or documenting construction progress and creating as-built facility documentation. Measurement accuracy will, of course, depend on lighting conditions, baseline length, positioning, etc., but one to three millimetres should be achievable at short range, typically three to five metres.

The BLK3D connects seamlessly to a laptop or desktop computer via Wi-Fi or USB cable and field-gathered data is automatically synced with the BLK3D office software. Measurable images can be accessed, processed, and organised from the convenience of this application and retrospective measurements taken at any time, thus avoiding the need to return to site. Furthermore, users can create new projects and CAD-ready 3D models from their measurable images.

In a pre-launch briefing, Johannes Hotz, Business Director at Leica Geosystems, told GeoConnexion that, like the award-winning BLK360 laser scanner introduced last year, the same revolutionary design approach has been employed in developing and manufacturing the BLK3D. “Everything has been optimised to build-in quality and impart a premium look-and-feel.” says Hotz. He adds that its ease and speed of use will be particularly welcomed by those working on projects where budgets are tight and margins low, as well as those compiling documentation that satisfies the evolving BIM mandate. “If you can use a smartphone camera, you have all the skills you need to use the BLK3D,” he says confidently.

Part of that simplicity is down to the way the on-board application helps the user select the right pixels for measurement. Hotz explains: “Normally in photogrammetry you have two or more images and have to manually find the same pixel in each image again and again. What I think is absolutely unique is that the smart algorithm we developed for the BLK3D performs this task automatically once a vertex has been clicked.”

In unveiling the BLK3D to conference attendees at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén claimed that it raises the bar in 3D measurement. “Its ability to capture, visualise, and index precise 3D measurements directly from a 2D image sets new expectations for professionals who are looking for faster, more accurate ways to get the measurements they need. Not only that, it’s so easy to operate virtually anyone can use it,” he said.

Priced at €4,000, the BLK3D will commence shipping in Q4 to customers in Western Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan, as will the subscription-level office software. Global rollout will proceed thereafter.