3D Imaging Technology Is Focus of New ASTM Standards Initiative

ASTM International Committee E57 Will Meet
Important Industry Need for Consensus Standards

ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations (SDO) in the world, has announced the formation of ASTM Committee E57 on 3D Imaging Systems. The new standards initiative was driven by the cooperative efforts of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and stakeholders within the 3D imaging systems sector. Committee E57 will focus on the development of new performance specifications and test methods for 3D imaging systems with the aim of promoting wider market acceptance of this dynamic technology.

Powerful Tools for Measurement and Information Capture
3D imaging systems are used to rapidly capture three-dimensional information of a scene or object. This information is often provided in the form of “point clouds” (grouping of points) with associated color and intensity data. Usage of 3D imaging systems has steadily increased during the past 10 years as the devices have become important measuring tools in industrial sectors such as construction, manufacturing, medical, mining, transportation, surveying, forensics and others. Applications range from capturing information of large capital projects such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, buildings, and bridges, to vehicle-based 3D imaging systems that provide navigation-related information.

Dynamic, Growing Technology in Need of Consensus Standards
3D imaging technology has been in existence for several decades. Current systems include laser scanners, 3D optical scanners, 3D range cameras, and 3D flash laser radars (LADARs). Although these systems have become more established during the last decade, there are presently no standards for evaluating the performance of 3D imaging systems or the related end projects derived from the data they generate. Standards will provide a basis for fair comparison of these systems, facilitate consistent and clear terminology, and increase user confidence that systems will perform as intended.

ASTM International: Meeting the Call for a Comprehensive Standards Program
Following a NIST workshop of stakeholders from the 3D imaging systems sector held in March, ASTM International was chosen in a competitive bid process to be home of the new standards initiative. With a proven consensus process and state-of-the-art standards development infrastructure, ASTM is well suited to meet the 3D imaging industry’s need for comprehensive standards. ASTM Committee E57 will bring together technical experts with an interest and stake in the future of 3D imaging technology including manufacturers, federal agencies, design professionals, professional societies, trade associations, and academia.

Alan Lytle, Leader, Construction Metrology and Automation Group at NIST and Chairman of Committee E57, commented, “The lack of standard test methods for evaluating 3D imaging system performance is inhibiting a wider acceptance of this enabling technology.  After presenting how they would support the standards development process, ASTM was selected as the organization to house this effort by an overwhelming majority of industry stakeholders.  NIST is pleased to be working with ASTM and our industry partners to create objective, repeatable comparisons of different instruments, reduce confusion about terminology, and increase user confidence in these systems.” 

John W. Palmateer, Technical Fellow, Boeing Commercial Airlines, added, “Consensus standards for 3D imaging systems will aid commerce and improve the quality of products and services.  ASTM International is the organization uniquely capable of bringing together the community of developers and manufacturers, technical and professional societies, and users with an interest in creating these important standards.”

The committee will hold its next organizational meeting in January 2007. Industry feedback and comments should be directed to Pat A. Picariello, director of Developmental Operations, (phone: 610/832-9720; ppicarie@astm.org). For more information, visit www.astm.org/COMMIT/E57.htm.

 

Release #7445

 

Committee
E57

Source URL: https://newsroom.astm.org/3d-imaging-technology-focus-new-astm-standards-initiative