The Reality of Reality Capture Technology

Registration for the June 21st Autodesk Photogrammetry Workshop at History Park opened two weeks ago. The training was specifically focused on teachers and administrators from throughout Santa Clara County. We targeted art, photography and STEM teachers with outreach efforts through the County Office of Education as well as contacts through San Jose State University, Stanford University, Evergreen Valley College and Santa Clara University. We had two original objectives for the program; 1) To train teachers to use the technology so they could take the lessons back to the classroom and share with their students. 2) Recruit teachers as volunteers and enhance our capacity for training at the Reality Capture Technology Training Center.

MEP Systems

As word of the training opportunity spread, we were surprised by the responses. Request for training began coming from people from a variety of places and varying disciplines. Our current list of registrants consist of crime scene investigators, homicide detectives, professional photographers, art instructors, museum curators, archivist, graduate school students, high school STEM teachers, middle school math teachers, school administrators, surveyors, MEP professionals and construction managers. The diversity of the registrants is indicative of the myriad applications of reality capture technology. From forensic documentation of accidents and crime scenes, to artistic renderings, historic preservation, BIM/green buildings, surveying and education, the applications for geospatial technology are far reaching and we are just beginning to scratch the surface.

Preservation

As our programs progress, we intend on expand the number and variety of trainings offered to our community. Given the various interest, needs and uses for the technology, the Reality Capture Technology Training Center will develop specialized trainings utilizing the various software applications offered by Autodesk, FARO and other developers. Future trainings will feature programs like Revit, Maya, and FARO SCENE. These trainings will offer hands-on experience for professionals and students alike; for those who are looking to enter the job market and for others who are looking to enhance and update their current jobs skills.

Forensic Studies

The Reality Capture Technology Training Center is focused on expanding the impact of today's technology through education, workflow development and practical applications.

Point Cloud, Zeche Zollverein, scanned with the Z+F IMAGER® 5010C.

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Applying The Technology

Reality Capture Technology has practical applications across many fields and disciplines. Originally designed as a civil engineering tool, these technologies are used for
Air Navigation Services
Archaeological Excavations
Forensic Documentation of Accidents and Crime Scenes

Construction and Green Building Technology
Historic Preservation 
As-Built Documentation
Mapping/Surveying/Geomatics
Reverse Engineering
Urban Planning
Gaming 3D Environments
Virtual Design
Condition Monitoring/Seismic Analysis
Land Management and Reform
Oceanography
Meteorology
Orthotic/Prosthetic Design and Fabrication

Infrastructure Management

We're looking for students from 10th grade through graduate school who are interested in art, technology, engineering and design to participate in our technology camp. Registration for the Reality Capture Technology Training Center's July summer camp opens June 1st. 
Register online at www.historysanjose.org

KEY DATES

June 1st 
 Registration Opens for Reality Capture Technology Training Centers' Summer Technology Camp
We are currently seeking students who are interested in architecture, archaeology, construction, design, computer sciences, civil engineering, facility management, geospatial technologies, industrial engineering, photography, preservation, surveying and related technologies to participate in this summer’s digital documentation project
Register at www.historysanjose.org

June 21st
Photogrammetry Training for Educators, powered by Autodesk.
(Photogrammetry is technology that allows users to create 3 Dimensional models extract measurements  from photographs) We are currently seeking educators who are interested in learning about photogrammetry from the professionals at Autodesk. The training will facilitated by Tatjana Dzambazova, Autodesk's "Technology Whisperer". Training will be from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the History Park.
In exchange for this free training opportunity we ask that educators agree to assist in facilitating a photogrammetry training course at our summer technology camp  July 14th-19th or at a future training.
The great thing about Autodesk's programs is they offer free software to educators. So, teachers who participate in the program can take these lessons back to the classroom and share this new technology with their students.
RSVP to brianmiller@nventum.net by June 10th

July 12th
RCTTC Technology Camp Orientation/Tours of History Park and the HSJ Collection Center

July 14th-19th
Reality Capture Training: Laser Scanning/Photogrammetry
Project Documentation
Software Applications
3D Modeling 

July 12th through 20th 2014
Summer Technology Camp

Reality Capture 
Technology Training Center 

at History Park.

This summer, the Reality Capture Technology Training Center will host its' inaugural training  at History Park in San Jose. Beginning Saturday July 12th, students will learn about laser scanning technology and put their newly acquired skills to work on a preservation/historic documentation project at History Park.

FARO Technologies'
3D Focus Scanner

The Reality Capture Technology Training Center program is a STEAM program that focuses on state of the art geospatial technologies. Student/participants will work in teams to laser scan and digitally document the Nelson-DeLuz House on the campus of History Park. Students will use Autodesk ReCap Software, FARO

Nelson-DeLuz House @ History Park
Photo Courtesy Of History San Jose

3D Focus and Z&F laser scanners as part of the Reality Capture Technology Training Center process. Following the documentation process, students will register the scans and create a 3D model for the museum's archives.

The Reality Capture Technology Training Center is open to students 16 years and older. Reality Capture Technology and 3D modeling has literally dozens of applications. From as-built documentation and condition monitoring to civil engineering and electronic gaming, modern reality capture technology's impact on the way we live is being felt more and more.

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The inaugural technology training camp will host 15 student/participants. Registration for the summer training camp opens June 1st, check this blog or the History San Jose webpage at www.historysanjose.org for updates.

The Reality Capture Technology Training Center powered by NVentum, LLC.

Coming Summer 2014...

The Reality Capture Technology Center  at History Park in San Jose
is a working laboratory, developing new procedures and processes to maximize the impact of 21^st century reality capture technology. Located in Silicon Valley, the hub of modern technology, this one of a kind STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) program provides learning opportunities in emerging fields for students of various backgrounds and interest. This unique training center introduces students of all ages to the technologies that address the critical needs of modern society; from geospatial technology to green building techniques. Educating and engaging the greater community in the preservation of our local history, History Park is the ideal home for this new collaborative educational endeavor.

3D Focus Scanner

Beginning in June of 2014, the Reality Capture Technology Center will offer hands-on training in photogrammetry and forensic laser scanning for architecture, historic preservation, survey/geomatics and relevant data collection applications. Students will participate in the documentation of artifacts, historic buildings and property at History Park. In this unique program students will learn to capture data using laser scanners and import that data to FARO SCENE for manipulation and processing. This is the first program to integrate components of state of the art hardware with newly developed software in the field; our focus is on workflow.

At a time when Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs are needed most in our public schools, resources for students and teachers are on a dramatic decline. Working with local high schools, community colleges and universities, the Reality Capture Technology Center endeavors to fill the void of services left by the ever dwindling educational budgets at the local state and federal levels.
During our week long summer camp, participants will have an opportunity to work in teams made up of high school, community college and university students to collect data from around the park.
Student teams will process the data and preserve it for the History Museum's archives.
In the Fall of 2014, the Reality Capture technology Center will expand training opportunities to include labor organizations and other professionals in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, construction, design,  facility management, surveying, MEP coordination and BIM applications.


The Historic Peralta Adobe in Downtown San Jose
Captured with the FARO 3D Focus Laser Scanner

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Capturing History San Jose, "The History of Transportation"

1917 Harley Davidson
HSJ Collection Center

The Digital Documentation of History San Jose's collection of unique and varied modes of transportation will require a combination of technologies to properly share our regional history. This will be one of the more challenging aspects of the project and one that I am really looking forward to.

The San Jose History Museum's collection of items range from one of a kind bicycles and scooters to antique autos and railroad engines.

Classic Excelsior

Fortunately, we have some experience with laser scanning difficult and/or unusual items. We've learned a lot through the trial and error method so I'm really excited about the opportunity to properly document these artifacts.

Antique automobiles, trolley cars, trains, horse and buggies, wagons, tractors, emergency response equipment or bicycles; each presents it's own set of challenges. Whether the problem is non-reflective paints and finishes or lots glass and chrome; whether the artifact is the size of a person or larger than a building, we have to be prepared to utilize the best possible documentation techniques to accomplish the task at hand. 

Southern Pacific #1215
Courtesy History San Jose

While I'm really excited about the our ability to bring these artifacts out of the warehouse and online for everyone to view, it is important that we keep in mind the importance of properly documenting the historic items. It would be easy to put together some 3D scans, texture map it and package it as an exhibit. However, the records we are developing are the digital blueprints of the buildings and artifacts that we are charged with preserving for future generations; detailed and accurate documentation is critical to the success of the project.

In some instances the size and dimensions of the artifact(s) may  influence the technology and documentation  processes required for the job. Standard laser scanners are perfect for much of the work we have planned. However, smaller items require  different techniques when creating a digital record. In those instances hand held laser scanners, 3D/HD cameras, standard laser scanners are all part of the equation. Some artifacts will require a combination of all the three technologies/techniques to properly document them.

Capturing HSJ is a multi-layered project with several steps and components. The most important element of the project is the gathering and processing of the data. The more thorough the data, the more options you have for post production.

1915 Metz

Silicon Valley's "Smithsonian West"

 San Jose is home to one of California's most unique and eclectic historic collections. The San Jose History Park is 14 acres of manicured grounds and historic structures. 

Japanese Internment Document
Courtesy History San Jose

"History San Jose' collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San Jose' and the Santa Clara Valley." From HSJ Webpage

No where is this diversity reflected more than in the vast and varied collection of artifacts both on display and in the museum's collection center. 

What are some of the things one might find in this unusual collection?

Califaro Tank House- Built 1880
Courtesy History San Jose

Buildings: (1880s-1920s) Homes, Commercial Buildings, Small Businesses, Temples, Cabins, Barns

Dr. Warburton's Examination Chair
Courtesy History San Jose

Appliances/Machinery/Tools: 
(1800-2010) Kitchen Appliances, Utensils, Industrial Tools, Manufacturing Equipment, Tractors, Lathes, Printing Presses, Typewriters, Telephones, Ice Boxes, Plows, Wagons, Pianos, Household Furniture, Native American Bowls/Utensils

Milk Machine
Courtesy History San Jose

Transportation: (1840s-1940s) Automobiles, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Scooters, Trolleys, Trains, Trucks

1915 Excelsior Auto Cycle

Button Trolley
Courtesy HSJ

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reality-Capture-Technology-Training-Center-at-History-Park/304789553009310Art/Documents: (1790s-2012) Paintings, Etchings, Carvings, Historic Documents, Letters, Spanish Regional Maps, Mexican Regional Maps, Arial Maps, Land Grant Documents, Newspapers/Periodicals, Films, Lithographs, Native American Tools

1917 Harley Davidson

Electronics: (1900-Present) Computers, Televisions, Teletype Machines, Transmitters, Decoders, Generators, PC Boards, Phonographs, Victrolas, Listening Devices, Tape Recorders, Radios, Broadcast Equipment, Video Recorders, Video Games, Prototypes.

Victrola

Varian-Klystron
Courtesy History San Jose

The San Jose History Museum is home to over 500,000 artifacts; 95% of these artifacts are currently in storage and unavailable to the public. There are three primary reasons for this;1) there isn't enough space to display all of the artifacts.2) the museum's collection is constantly expanding. History isn't just about what happened years ago, but what happened yesterday. 3)) most of the museum's work is conducted by volunteers. With over 500,000 artifacts and the research required to properly preserve them, the processes are time intensive.

1903 DeForest Wrls Responder
Photo Courtesy History San Jose

One of the major benefits to the "Capturing History" project is that many of these unseen artifacts can be displayed in the virtual museum setting. The virtual museum isn't restricted by walls and square footage that limit traditional museums. By digitally documenting the contents of the collection center, many of these artifacts will be seen by the public for the first
time in decades.

Peralta Adobe and the FARO 3D Focus Scanner

On March 21st, we gathered at the historic Peralta Adobe in downtown San Jose for a demonstration of FARO's newest laser scanner, the 3D Focus.
FARO representative Matt Daly was on site to give us a hand's on demo of the scanner and a look at the raw data gathered from the Peralta Adobe. In a little more than one hour, we took a total of seven (7) scans; five (5) scans were taken outside the building and two (2) were taken inside the historic structure. The results can be seen in the YouTube video below.

This was our first time using FARO equipment and I must say we were really impressed. In comparison to our current laser, it is smaller, lighter, with tons of features and cost a third of the price. How can you not be impressed? Of course, we are comparing the latest laser scanning technology with a scanner that is 7 years old so you would expect some major innovations have taken place.

There are a lot of things that this latest generation of laser scanners offer that make life easier for operators but the most important from my perspective is time. The FARO 3D focus has a built-in HD camera that makes texture mapping as simple as pressing a button. The self registering software cuts post production time  in half and the relatively small foot print of the scanner means you can access areas that other scanners can't.

All in all, it was a great experience and we are looking forward to working with FARO on the completion of the Peralta Adobe project. Stay tuned for more updates and info

For a more information of FARO products, please contact Matthew Daly:
matthew.daly@faro.com

For more information on the Peralta Adobe, please visit the History San Jose webpage at www.historysanjose.org

Documentation of the Peralta Adobe

San Jose Historic Marker #1
California Historic Marker #866

On March 21st, the representatives of FARO and NVentum, LLC. will begin the digital documentation of the Peralta Adobe in downtown San Jose. Beginning at 12 noon, the historic adobe structure will be laser scanned using FARO's state of the art 3D Focus High Speed Scanner. Immediately following the scanning of the Peralta Adobe, demo of the data will begin at 2:00pm.
San Jose's oldest structure, the Peralta Adobe was constructed in 1797 by Manuel Gonzalez. The property was eventually name for Luis Maria' Peralta, the home's most famous resident.
The Peralta Adobe is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the first site recognized as part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Peralta Adobe Interior

FARO representative Matt Daly will be demonstrating the company's latest laser scanning equipment, the 3D High Focus Laser Scanner. We are currently using the Leica Geosystems 6000 series scanner for our project w/History San Jose and for the most part, we've been pleased with the results. As the project begins to move into high gear, we realize the need to purchase additional equipment to meet the demands of the task ahead. Comfort and familiarity led us to immediately consider purchasing Lieca's next generation laser scanner. However, we have been hearing rave reviews about FARO's products from a variety of respected individuals in both the construction and preservation professions. After receiving a link to Blach Construction's video documenting their collaborative work with FARO at Mission Carmel, I decided it was time to talk with the folks at FARO.

The Leica dilemma is one that we struggled with for quite sometime and ultimately led to our conversations and subsequent collaboration with FARO. We have had a real love/hate relationship with the product that is hard to overcome. On the one hand, the equipment is excellent and the end product is unquestionably outstanding. The Leica 6000 series scanner NVentum uses is one of the earlier scanners on the market. Yet, this scanner is capable of capturing up to 1 million points per second, still more than many modern lasers are capable of of capturing.
On the other hand, the Leica is expensive; twice the cost of the FARO. It's bigger, heavier and after a long day of work, you really feel how heavy it is. Granted, Leica's new C5 and C10 laser scanners capture more data and have a much farther range. (FARO's 3D Focus  is designed to capture 976,000 measured points per second with a range of 120m.) For what we are going to accomplish on this project, will the added capacity and range of the Leica warrant the additional cost?

The FARO 3D Focus features self registration, touch screen display and a built-in digital camera. It's compact size gives it an advantage when transporting and when working in confined spaces. In comparison with our current Leica scanner, it's lighter, has more features and maintenance/upkeep is less expensive.

The March 21st demo at the Peralta Adobe will be my introduction to FARO equipment. While I've heard lots of good things about FARO, I know that different applications for this technology result in a variety of expectation levels and evaluation criteria. A piece of technology that a surveyor might think  is great, may be rather useless for a person in other skill trades.While I'm optimistic about the results of the Peralta Adobe project, I've learned to wait until the results are in before offering an opinion.
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Peralta Adobe
California Historic Site #866

As usual, I will share the results of our scanning project with FARO on this blog. If you are interested in attending the FARO demo at the Peralta Adobe on March 21st, please RSVP to Alida Bray, Executive Director of the San Jose History Museum at 408 287-2290.


For Information on FARO, visit http://www.faro.com/contentv2.aspx?ct=us&content=misc&item=61