Proposed procedure for a distance protocol in support of ASTM-E57 standards activities on 3D imaging

The performance of 3D Imaging Systems needs to be evaluated using a common terminology and test procedures. This evaluation is necessary because three-dimensional imaging systems are measuring instruments and the spatial coordinates they provide are only estimates of the 3D surfaces being sampled. These coordinates need to be completed by a quantitative statement about their uncertainty to be meaningful. The statement of uncertainty is based on comparisons with standards traceable to the national units of length (SI units). We describe and present experimental results of a procedure to evaluate distance measurement uncertainty of medium range laser scanners (range between 2-100m). The procedure is based on the evaluation of Point-to-Point distance errors using custom made Reference Test Object (RTO) and a certified 3D laser tracker as a reference. This work is proposed as a possible protocol to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-E57.02 3D Imaging Systems standards committee on test methods.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye