Using Point Clouds - Intergraph Smart Isometrics - Help - Hexagon PPM

Intergraph Smart Isometrics Help

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English
Product
Intergraph Smart Isometrics
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SmartPlant Foundation / SDx Version
10
I-Configure Version
6.0(2016)
Isogen Version
13.0(2016)
Smart Isometrics Version
7.2
Spoolgen Version
9.2

Point clouds are created by 3D laser scanners. These devices measure a large number of points on the surface of an object and output a point cloud as a data file. The point cloud represents the visible surface of the object that has been scanned or digitized. Using point clouds saves redrawing a piping model, while still being able to add to it or build on top of it. When merged with digital photographs, point clouds can produce nearly photo-realistic 3D views, as shown in the example below.

CloudWorx for Smart Isometrics is an add-on for efficiently creating as-built piping isometrics from laser-scanned point cloud data using the industry-leading Isogen software. When piping isometrics are needed for inspection, maintenance, or repair activities, this add-on makes it possible to do a traditional "walk down" without leaving the office.

Pipe centerlines and diameters are automatically calculated by selecting a single point on the pipe surface. Using these construction lines and the Smart Isometrics native sketching tools, you can create intelligent as-built piping models. Leica Geosystems' CloudWorx and the powerful Cycloneâ„¢ point cloud engine let you efficiently visualize large point cloud data sets. You can create accurate 2D as-builts, check proposed designs against existing conditions, and perform critical construction and fabrication quality assurance all directly within Smart Isometrics.

To begin using the point cloud integration functionality in Smart Isometrics, you must set up at least one point cloud database. You can set up the point cloud so that it is available only on a single local computer or so that both the local and remote computers are able to access the data.

Each time that you connect to a point cloud data set, the software immediately displays it in the 3D View window. The Smart Isometrics 3D View commands allow you to navigate around the point cloud and search for an area of interest. Next, you use the Smart Isometrics standard routing and placement commands to create a sketch of the piping configuration as it appears in the point cloud.

After you have completed the basic pipeline model sketch, you must then take measurements from the point cloud and transfer them to the referenced sketch. Only a few measurements are needed because Smart Isometrics can do many of the calculations automatically. The software performs the calculations based on the defined pipeline configuration and the known dimensions for the piping components in the currently active pipe specification.

At a minimum, a single user-specified point is required on the pipe in the point cloud. The software takes this point and searches for other points in the same region that lie on the surface of the cylinder. Provided that the fit is good and the centerline is accurate, measurements can then be taken from the centerline and used to complete the referenced piping isometric sketch.

The system supports two measurement points: one that indicates the measurement start point (red), and one that indicates the measurement end point (green). These points are constrained to move on the fitted pipe centerline and are used to capture key coordinates and measurements.

Three key types of measurements can be transferred between the point cloud and the referenced sketch:

  • A point or a coordinate.

  • A length to an individual section of pipe.

  • A length to a dimension spanning more than one component.

To transfer measurements, the software supports the methods listed below.

  • Drag and Drop - Transfer a value from the Point Cloud Measurements window by clicking the appropriate icon on the left side of the window, dragging it into position in the pipeline sketch, and then releasing it.

  • Copy and Paste - Copy a value to the clipboard by clicking the appropriate icon on the left side of the window, and then pasting it into the destination dialog box. When you copy a measurement point in this way, all three coordinate values (E/N/U) are copied to the clipboard.

    To copy only one of the coordinate values, select the value, and then press CTRL+C to copy it. Alternatively, right-click the value, and select Copy in the pop-up menu.

Point Cloud Toolbar

The Point Cloud toolbar displays automatically when you connect to a point cloud database. The toolbar includes two categories of commands: those that control the view of the point cloud display and those that facilitate measuring the pipeline.

  • Use View > Toolbars > Point Cloud to manually toggle on and off the display of the toolbar.

  • Select a command on the Point Cloud toolbar, to make the 3D View window active.

  • If you are not currently connected to a point cloud data set, the commands on the Point Cloud toolbar are not available.

View Commands:

Density specifies the density of the displayed point cloud data. Select Maximum unless there are severe performance problems. Other available settings are High, Medium, Low, or Minimum.

Select cancels the current command and returns to the default Select mode.

Seek centers the view of the point cloud display on a user-specified point. You can rotate and zoom in and out from this point to quickly find the required piping.

Increase Point Size increases the size of the dots that represent each data point. When the view is zoomed in close to the model, increasing the point size can make point cloud features easier to see.

Decrease Point Size reduces the size of the dots that represent each data point. When the view is zoomed out from the model, decreasing the point size can make point cloud features easier to see.

Define Working Region defines a rectangular-shaped area in the point cloud based on two user-specified points. The working region allows you to focus on a specific area in the point cloud, such as a pipeline. This command includes the two options listed below:

  • Crop excludes points outside the defined rectangle from view.

  • Reset restores the full point cloud.

When using the crop feature, it is recommended that you view the point cloud using plan or elevation view. For more information, see Change the view orientation.

Orthographic sets the 3D View window in Orthographic mode.

Perspective sets the 3D View window in Perspective mode. This is the default setting

Measurement Commands:

Pipe Measurement fits a cylinder and pipe centerline to a user-specified straight length of pipe. You must select at least one point on the pipe. This command includes the following options:

  • Show Fitted Pipes toggles on and off the display of the cylinder fitted to the pipe.

  • Show Fitted Centerlines toggles on and off the display of the centerline fitted to the pipe.

  • Undo Fit reverses the last fitting operation so that you can select a different point and repeat the calculation. You can also press ALT+Z to undo the last fitted pipe.

  • Clear Fittings clears all fitted cylinders and centerlines.

Set Start Point sets the measurement start point along the fitted pipe centerline.

Set End Point sets the measurement end point along the fitted pipe centerline.

Point Measure records the distance between user-specified measurement start and end points and displays them in the Point Cloud Measurements window.

Lock Vertical Alignment eliminates camera roll regardless of the viewpoint. When camera roll is disabled, the software locks the vertical alignment so that the model remains visually horizontal or vertical.

View as 1st Person enables the camera view to mirror the movement of the mouse as it is dragged to the left or right. Rolling the mouse wheel moves the camera view forwards and backwards.

View as 3rd Person orients the camera view on a centered point. Dragging the mouse rotates the view around the centered point. Rolling the mouse wheel zooms in and out on the centered point.

Hide/Show Window toggles on and off the display of the Point Cloud Measurements window.

Point Cloud Measurements window

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See Also

Common Tasks