User manual
35
Single-Color vs. Multi-Color Scanning
The difference between the Single- and Multi-Colored scanning options is in the
number of camera exposures used to detect the lasers. Single-Colored scans
use one camera exposure for laser detection, whereas Multi-Colored scans use
two camera exposures. To choose the best option for the object you want to
scan, determine if your object’s colors are contrasting, or if they are close to the
same spectrum. This can be accomplished by looking at the Single-Color or
Multi-Color? chart on p. 35.
Single- and Multi-Color scanning options are intended to make scanning objects
easy. However, as you get more comfortable with scanning, you’ll come to
realize that the choice can be a little less black and white. For example, objects
that have Colors on both sides of the wheel, but are very light, can often be
successfully scanned with the Single-Color option. The closer a Color gets to
white the more it starts to have in common with other Colors which are also
close to white, and the fact that they’re on opposite sides of the wheel matters
less. The same holds true for Colors that are very dark (close to black).
For a more detailed analysis of laser detection and high contrast (multi-Colored)
objects, go to our section on Advanced Scanning (p. 42).
The Importance of Lighting
Scanning should be done in well-lit conditions. Diffuse, white light is best. The
type of light (fluorescent, LED, halogen, natural light, etc.) doesn’t matter as
much, as long as the lighting is diffused. Be aware that incandescent bulbs can
add a yellowish tone to your final scan.
Lighting situations to avoid include:
Spotlights or shining light directly on the object – it can cause hot spots in
some areas and shadows in others making your scan appear lighter or
darker than it actually is. Also problematic when combining a scan with a
heavy shadow as Colors won’t match.
Bright direct sunlight – can overpower and wash out the scanning lasers,
leaving fewer points recorded by the scanner. Also causes hot spots.
Dim lighting – causes missing or inaccurate data. Object will appear
darker than it actually is.
Variable lighting – lighting that fluctuates between bright and dark during
the scan will affect the Color information that is gathered, making the
scan look striped. Can also happen if light is blocked during scanning.