Trimble Develops Next Generation 3D Laser Scanner for Industrial Plant Applications

Trimble Develops Next Generation 3D Laser Scanner for Industrial Plant
Applications
3D Laser Scanner Combines Phase and Time of Flight Technologies for Fast and
Accurate Data Capture

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB)
introduced today the Trimble® CX 3D laser scanner with Trimble's proprietary
WAVEPULSE(TM) technology. WAVEPULSE combines the high short-range accuracy of
phase-shift technology with the low-noise sensitivity and high-distance
characteristics of time-of-flight technology. The result is high-precision
measurements over the full operating range that provides the clean 3D data
needed for industrial plant scanning applications--allowing the user to
realize increased productivity and reduced operating costs. And by requiring
fewer setups and enabling faster processing time in an industrial plant
environment, the Trimble CX solution can contribute to improved worker safety.

Built for Efficiency in the Plant

The Trimble CX solution is built for efficient data capture in the plant. With
reliable scanning at 50,000 points per second and an 80 meter range with a 360
degree x 300 degree field of view, the solution provides widespread and
efficient data capture from a single setup. A rugged design, IP54 rating and
protective housing for the rotating laser allow the scanner to deliver
continuous and reliable results even in difficult industrial environments. An
integrated camera collects additional image information that can improve the
visualization, post-processing and communication of the captured data.

The Trimble CX is supported by Trimble Access(TM) software for Spatial
Imaging, which runs on the Trimble Tablet rugged PC. Powerful and built for
industrial conditions, the Trimble Tablet combines a large, daylight readable
display, IP67 environmental rating and long battery life that can easily
withstand the demands of plant environments. With intuitive and streamlined
Trimble Access Software, capturing data with the Trimble CX requires a very
short learning curve. Data can be seamlessly transferred to Trimble's 3D
scanning office software packages: Trimble RealWorks(TM) and Trimble
LASERGen(TM) software.

Certified Application for Tank Measurements

The Trimble CX solution also includes 3D Extractor software specifically
developed for storage tank calibration. The software can significantly reduce
the time taken to calibrate storage tanks while also providing a richer data
set that can be used for monitoring tank deformations. The Trimble CX is
certified by the Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (the German National
Metrology Institute, PTB).

An Integral Solution for Plant Lifecycle Management

Managing a plant's lifecycle requires a clear understanding of the location
and condition of the plant's assets. The Trimble CX 3D laser scanning solution
can be used for a variety of industrial plant positioning applications:

-- Capturing existing condition data for accurate project planning for
basic and detailed design;
-- Ensuring dimensions of fabricated parts prior to transportation and
installation;
-- Verifying as-built construction for quality assurance and additional
detailed design;
-- Visualizing real world conditions for training and simulation;
-- Monitoring plant assets and potential movement or deformation during
use;
-- Planning retrofit construction projects based upon accurate data and;

-- Calibrating storage tanks by determining filling tables and sump
volumes.

The Trimble CX is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2009.

About Trimble's Power, Process and Plant Division

Trimble's Power, Process and Plant Division provides a comprehensive range of
positioning solutions to transform the plant lifecycle work process--from
design and construction to ongoing operation and maintenance. Trimble's 3D
laser scanning hardware and software provides: increased productivity by
delivering fast, accurate data with minimal impact to plant operations or
project timelines; reduced rework by providing highly accurate existing
condition data; and can contribute to improved worker safety through the fast
acquisition of data when in the industrial plant environment. Trimble's
solutions are used in the oil & gas, power generation and manufacturing
industries.

For more information about Trimble's Power, Process and Plant solutions visit:
www.trimble.com/plant.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and
government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on
applications requiring position or location--including surveying,
construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and
mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS,
lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to
the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the
solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back
office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com

GTRMB

SOURCE Trimble

investors, Willa McManmon, +1-408-481-7838, willa_mcmanmon@trimble.com; or
media, Lea Ann McNabb, +1-408-481-7808, leaann_mcnabb@trimble.com