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3-D Modeling of Holotype Skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex
MAGLEV, Inc., McKeesport, PA; Leica Geosystems, Heerbrugg, St. Gallen, Switzerland; MetricVision, Newington, VA
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THE CHALLENGE:
In-place measurement and 3-D modeling of the holotype skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Paleontologists now believe the Tyrannosaurus species carried its tail high in the air, thus Carnegie wishes not only to remount T. rex in this position, but also to pose the dinosaur facing a second Tyrannosaurus rex. With an exact digital replica, the museum will be able to easily model the 3-D skeleton in different configurations, choose the most appealing positions and then design the required support. This high-precision data can also be used further down the road for scientific analysis of the fossilized bones.
THE SOLUTION:
Metrology experts from MAGLEV, Inc., Leica Geosystems and MetricVision measured the original Tyrannosaurus rex using non-contact scanning technology, which is used for the measurement of large structures for both reverse engineering and research applications. The measurement plan incorporated two Leica LR200 laser radar scanners networked together to maintain a single coordinate system while doubling the acquisition rate for data. The LR200s were mounted upon movable six-foot towers for maximum mobility around the dinosaur. The scanning began at the T. rex skull and moved down the spine to the tail. This plan provided the ability to build on the scanned surfaces for new perimeters and receive visual confirmation on real-time acquisition needed for planning purposes for the proceeding measurements. Tighter scans of the teeth were made to document the serrations in the teeth. The team acquired accuracy up to 250 microns and build the most accurate, complete digital model of Tyrannosaurus rex to date. Using the 3-D model, Carnegie paleontologists will be able to take T. rex apart in sections, even vertebrae by vertebrae, to reposition the dinosaur. The precise model will serve as the foundation for scientific analysis, comparisons to other fossils, visualization and animation, and replication in any scale for solid freeform or mold generation using 3-D printing technology.
THE TOOLS USED:
- Leica LR200 laser radar scanners
- Leica LR200 data processing software
(Both were used for image acquisition.)
THE DIFFERENCE IT MADE:
Because the T-rex exhibit needed to be scanned in place, a strategy and the right metrology equipment were needed. The metrologists needed unrestricted access to locate point data in areas where viewpoints were unobstructed by the exhibit plants, support armatures or other exhibits in direct line of sight of the mounting. The LR200s were mounted upon six-foot towers and navigated around the perimeter of the skeleton. The data had to be captured quickly and precisely during the hours when the museum was closed. The LR200 measurement mode called "vision scan" was used to measure over 2000 points a minute. Using two LR200s maintained a single coordinate system and eliminated the need for secondary registration monuments. Because "vision scan" and networking capabilities are incorporated into the LR200 system, it is capable of statistical quality data for each point measurement. The team achieved accuracy up to 250 microns and built the most accurate, complete digital model of Tyrannosaurus rex to date.
