Self-Positioning Handheld 3D Scanner ZScan™1.3 User Guide POWERED BY ZScan: Version 1.
CAUTION NOTES ...................................................................................................1 LASER WARNING .................................................................................................. 2 WARNING LABELS AND LOCATIONS ................................................................. 3 WHAT’S NEW ........................................................................................................ 4 System Overview ...................................................
CAUTION NOTES PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE MANUAL BEFORE USE. OPERATING YOUR ZScanner 700 LASER SCANNER USING PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE. AVOID DIRECT EYE CONTACT WITH THE LASER BEAM. ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGES COULD DISCONNECT THE DEVICE. DISREGARDING ANY OF THE RULES AND CARE RECOMMENDATION INCLUDED IN THIS MANUAL MAY VOID THE SYSTEM WARRANTY.
LASER WARNING This system uses a class II laser which is considered eye and skin safe but can cause eye damage if exposed directly for a prolonged time. Natural human reflexes will normally make the subject blink or look away before any damage is inflicted to the eyes. Any usage procedures other than those specified in this document could result in hazardous laser radiation exposure. Use the following usage precaution: Never stare into the beam, neither directly nor from a mirror-like surface.
WARNING LABELS AND LOCATIONS Figure I - Laser labels and locations 3
WHAT’S NEW ZScan 1.3 ZScan 1.2 Full compatibility with Windows Vista 32 bits OS Enhanced, more functional and efficient facet edition mode New reliable, fast and powerful memory management algorithms (up to 70% more laser curves than 1.2) Session title added to the title bar Help menu Enhanced overall look & feel Enhanced copy features functionality Enhanced surface reconstruction speed (up to 40% faster than 1.
System Overview System description The ZScanner 700 system includes the following components: ZScanner 700 scanner Ergonomic stand Reflective targets Calibration verification plate Carry-on case Firewire PCMCIA card Firewire cable Firewire power supply Laptop computer (optional) ZScan software Instruction manual (PDF) 5
Figure 1.
General care The ZScanner 700 contains optical precision parts and must be handled with care to avoid damage to the components or the calibration system. For transportation, the system must be placed in the carry-on case provided with the kit. The system must be stored in a dry, dust-free place and kept at ambient temperature. The scanner must be kept on its support or in its carrying case when not used. Clean the interference filters with a clean and dry cloth. Never open any of the system’s components.
Connecting the scanner The first step is to turn on the computer. Safely place the ZScanner 700 on its stand. Figure 1.2 Position of the ZScanner 700 on the support Next, the FireWire adapter should be plugged into the computer with the cables plugged in. The connections are shown on the pictures below: Figure 1.3 Scanner's connection on the computer The outlet end of the power supply cable should be plugged into a power outlet using the appropriate outlet adapter.
Storing your ZScanner 700 First of all, the calibration plate should be stored at the bottom of the case, underneath the foam. The calibration plate is a fragile piece of equipment and must be handled with care. It should only be taken out of its case at the time of use. The targets used on that plate are not the usual targets. It is important to avoid touching them with your fingers since human skin fats could affect the reflectivity. Figure 1.
Figure 1.6 System content stored properly Specifications Features Values Laser class II Wave length 660nm (0.000026 in) Depth of field 300 mm (12 in) Power 35 mW Weight Operating temperature 980 g (2.1 lbs) 15°C > T > 35°C 59°F > T > 95°C Table 1.
Concept The ZScanner 700 was designed to allow easier and faster digitization. With its easy to use interface, this system does not require any specific knowledge of the laser-digitizing field. Its principle is based on the alignment of 3D curves of the part scanned. The surface created will then generate a model that will be exported for treatment. Figure 1.
ZScan ZScan minimal required configuration Processor with HT (Hyper Threading) or Dual Core technology (Dual Core recommended). Dedicated Graphical card with at least 128 Mb on board memory. Windows XP 32 bits operating system, or Windows Vista x32. 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended). CD-Rom drive. PCMCIA slot Access to a user account with administrator’s privileges for installation only.
Figure 2.1 - System connections ZScan Software installation If the computer was purchased from Z Corporation with the ZScanner 700 sensor, the software is already installed. Follow these instructions only to install the software on another computer. Verify that all requirements are met on the computer. Note that administrator’s privileges are required to complete the installation correctly. Unplug any connected sensor (scanner) from the computer and close all active applications.
Figure 2.2 Click Next to access installation options.
Figure 2.3 Select components to install and click “Next”. Note that if you wish to install the plug-in for Geomagic, it must already be installed. If this is not the case, cancel the installation, install Geomagic and start over the procedure to install ZScan. If you do not need the plug-in, click “Next”.
Figure 2.4 Select installation folder with the Browse button. Select in which profile the installation should be done. The “Everyone” option is recommended. Click “Next” to launch the installation. The application will install all required files in the selected directory. It will also create shortcuts in the start menu of the desktop and install drivers for the ZScanner 700.
Figure 2.6 The ZScan file manager window will open. You can select the configuration file and the license file. Every ZScanner 700 sensor has its own configuration file containing the calibration parameters. It also has its own license file which is required to use the device with the ZScan application. Click “Browse” for each file and choose the correct files for your sensor. The configuration File is located in the Configuration directory of the ZScan CDROM and is called “YourSensorSerialNumber.cst”.
License and configuration files update If the sensor has been recalibrated after maintenance or if a new license has been generated for you, you may have to update your sensor configuration or license files with new ones. To update your configuration, you can use the ZScan File Manager as described in the installation procedure (Figure 2.6). The File Manager can be launched by clicking on the icon in the start menu. Administrator’s privileges are required to use this tool.
General Concepts File Types .CLF CLF is the license that makes ZScan functional. A specific license is required for each ZScanner 700 sensor. .CST CST file contains configuration data unique to each ZScanner 700 sensor. The file includes calibration parameters and information needed to create a new session. .CSF CSF file contains all the data related to a previously saved session such as the scans, the resolution parameters, the deleted facets, etc. .STL STL files are used to export facets.
References To draw a surface in STL format, the system uses many small triangles. Each triangle is formed by 3 vertices represented in a 3D coordinate system. By default, 3D data are represented in the “sensor reference frame” which is determined from the first sensor position and orientation when you start scanning. You can change the coordinate system either automatically with the “autodetected” reference model, or manually by creating another reference with the Reference Building tool.
Figure 2.11 - ZScan user interface Menu Figure 2.12 - Menu bar File: New Session Open Session Open Positioning Features Save Session Save Facets Save Positioning Features Quit Start a new session. Open an existing session file (.CSF) Open existing positioning targets file (.TXT, .OBC) Save current session (.CSF) Save current facets (.STL) Save current positioning targets (.TXT) Quit the ZScan application.
Edit: (options will appear only when available) Copy Positioning Features Edit Mode Copy features from current to a new scan Changes edition mode (Increase/Decrease Resolution, Delete) Selection Changes selection mode (rectangle, free form, brush, select through/visible) or Clear selection Move Object Build Reference Move Volume Activate move object mode when checked Launch the Add Reference Wizard Enter Move Volume mode Automatically centers the part in the volume Center Volume Fit Vo
Configure: Sensor Configuration Sensor configuration according to the color and texture of the object being scanned Sensor Calibration Scanner calibration verification Key activated diagnostic mode for use by customer support Options dialogue for ZScan Diagnostic Mode Options Help: Content Search Index About Opens ZScan help in Contents tab Opens ZScan help in Search tab Opens ZScan help in Index tab Information about the ZScan version Toolbar The most frequently used features from t
Stop Scan: Stop data acquisition. Reset Scan: Reset the current scan. Positioning Features functionalities Open Features: Open existing positioning targets file (.TXT) Copy Features: Copies positioning targets to a new scan. Save Features: Save positioning targets in file (.TXT) References functionalities Add Reference: Open the Build Reference window to add a user defined axis system to the scan.
Rectangle: Uses a rectangle for selection. Freeform: Uses a custom form for the selection. Shift + Selection Brush: A brush is used for selection. 3 sizes of brushes are available: small, medium and large. Shift + C Clears all selection Unselects the selected facets. Facets functionalities Edit: To edit facets Save Facets: Saves the facets file (.STL) Delete Facets: Deletes selected facets Increase Res: Resolution of the selected area is increased.
Scan tree Visually shows functions of the « View » menu: - Figure 2.13 - Tree view New scan Root node that regroups every components of the current scan. Allows naming or renaming of the scan. When selected, each node will be displayed in the 3D viewer. When selected, each node’s details will be displayed in the expanding panel. Positioning Features Node containing all positioning features in the current positioning model. Each target can be selected, activated, deactivated or deleted.
Surface When selected, the surface is displayed in the 3D Viewer. The surface is a representation of the object being scanned from a specific view points, this is not the final result of the scan. When selected, volume operation buttons are activated in the toolbar. When selected, surface details and parameters will be displayed in the expanding panel. Facets When selected, the facets are displayed in the 3d Viewer. The facets are the final result of the scan. They are the final STL.
Feature Details This expanding panel will be shown when a specific positioning feature node is selected in the tree. It contains detailed information about the selected positioning feature. Figure 2.15 - Features details References Details This expanding panel will be shown when the References root node is selected in the tree. It contains general information about the references. Figure 2.
Surface Details and Parameters (continued) Note that changing the volume size has a direct impact on the resolution level. Click Apply to confirm the setting or Cancel to restore previous settings. See the Toolbar Section to find more information about the Fit and Center Volume options. Refine The refine button will use the neighboring laser curves and look for inconsistent data to try to remove it. The surface will then be rebuilt with the new parameters. Figure 2.
Recycle Bin Details This expanding panel will be shown when the Recycle Bin root node is selected in the tree. It contains general information about the deleted facets. Figure 2.20 - Recycle bin details Deleted Facets Details This expanding panel will be shown when a specific deleted section is selected in the tree. It contains detailed information about the selected facets section. Figure 2.
Move Volume Mode Click both buttons to rotate the volume on the optical axis of the current view point. Edition Mode Shortcuts Shift + Selection Shift + C Ctrl + Left mouse button Unselects the selected area Clears all selections Enable Move Object instead of the selection while in selection mode. Selection mode is reactivated when released.
Figure 2.23 - Sensor configuration window To configure the sensor correctly, the parameters should be set to have a majority of detected laser points included in the reliable zone. This step can be done manually by moving the sliders at the bottom of the screen or automatically by clicking on the Auto Adjust button. Note: In cases where there is too many under exposed points, the laser traces are not detected correctly.
Sensor Calibration This tool is used to verify and optimize sensor calibration. Figure 2.24 - Sensor calibration To complete the optimization process, follow this procedure: Press the Acquire button to activate the sensor Lay the calibration plate on a stable plane surface.
Build Reference This tool is used to manually build a new reference that could be used as the origin of the new reference frame for the facets. Figure 2.25 - Build reference window You can choose between 5 building modes: Duplicate Reference: Create a new reference from an existing one. 3 Planes: Create a reference by specifying positioning features from 3 planes that will define the axes of the coordinate system.
Scanning procedures Object preparation Applying targets It is essential to prepare the object prior to scanning. Reflective targets must be affixed randomly on the object with a minimal distance of 20 mm (0.75 in) between them. For flat surfaces or with a slight curvature, the distance between each target can reach 100 mm (4 in). Those targets will enable the system to position itself in space. Positioning targets must be applied on plane surfaces keeping at least 12 mm from the edges on every side.
TIP: For better digitization, any object that is shiny, black, transparent or reflective, (mirrored, glossy or metallic surface) might need to be covered with a white powder in order to give it a matte finish. TIP: Proper target distribution may be difficult to obtain in some cases such as small surfaces (small objects). It is then suggested to distribute the targets on a plane (preferably black/dark and matte) and place the object on this plane, often referred to as a target pad.
Starting the Software Connect the scanner to the system as explained in section 2.2. To start, launch the ZScan application by clicking on the ZScan icon on the desktop or from the start menu. The scanner must be connected to the computer prior to launching ZScan TIP: You can rename the current scan from “New Scan” to the name you want by clicking on it. Adjusting the surface settings In the Menu click View - Surface or click on the surface node in the tree.
Surface Details Displays a summary of the current settings: dimensions of the volume bounding box and the current resolution. Surface Parameters Adjusts the volume of the digitizing box according to the object size. The resolution setting depends on the volume of the Bounding Box set previously. However, it is possible to choose from 3 levels of resolutions: High, Medium and Low. Click on Apply to confirm the setting.
Configuring the sensor Configure the laser power and the cameras integration time according to the digitizing conditions (object nature, light, color, texture...) In the Menu, click Configure - Sensor Figure 3.5 - Sensor configuration window Two settings modes are possible: manual and automatic. In manual mode, trigger towards the surface to be digitized in order to adjust the settings of the laser power and integration time. Colors will describe the exposure state.
TIP: Darker surfaces will need more laser power and/or longer shutter time. However, longer shutter time will catch more noise. It is recommended to increase laser power first and increase shutter ti m e a fte rw a r d i f ne e de d to ca tc h ve r y da r k s ur fa c es. The object can be moved during digitizing without altering data acquisition as long as the reflective targets are affixed on the object. Importing positioning targets It is possible to import previously acquired positioning model in ZScan.
Proper digitizing distance The Distance meter While digitizing an object, a meter displayed on the screen illustrates the distance between the scanner and the object. This meter is also represented on the scanner by 3 LED lights located on the top of the ZScanner 700 (red, green, red). See pictures below for visual description. Figure 3.6 - Graphic and physical representation of the scanner too close to the surface Figure 3.
Figure 3.8 - Graphic and physical representation of the scanner too far from the surface TIP: When the scanner is too close to or too far from the surface, it loses tracking. This means that the cameras can no longer position the targets or that the target distribution is improper. If tracking is lost, reposition the scanner in front of a surface already scanned and trigger again or try to redistribute the targets on the surface differently.
Editing the scan To delete a part of the scanned object, set ZScan to Facets mode. In the Menu, View - Facets or click on Facets in the tree. Set the Edition Mode by clicking the Edit Facets button and choose a selection mode. More information on the selection tools and possible operations on the facets can be obtained in the Toolbar and Expanding Panels sections. The deleted facets are placed in the recycle bin which can be selected in the tree by clicking on the Recycle Bin button in the menu tree.
Troubleshooting You can use the Troubleshooter to help you find a solution. Also, please check the ZScanner 700 User website for additional support. I get the following message when I start ZScan: “The scanner is disconnected. Scan functions will be unavailable.” I get a “No Configuration File found” message when starting ZScan. I receive an error message while scanning telling me that an internal error has occurred. ZScan is giving a “License Expired” message and refuses to scan.
I receive an error message while scanning telling me that an internal error has occurred. There is a high probability that this error message was triggered by a connection problem. Please see the Connection Troubleshooter. ZScan is giving a “License Expired” message and refuses to scan. Your ZScan license is expired. Most of our systems are shipped with 90 days licenses by default. Use ZScan File Manager to import your new license. Make sure that a file name YouSensorSerialNumber.
work for any reason, set the resolution to low, save your session, restart ZScan and try to open it. I am experiencing slow frame rates when scanning. I am experiencing display problems when using ZScan. ZScan requires high system performances. Please make sure that you are not running your laptop computer on battery power and that you are any possible power saving options in the computer and video card settings are turned off or configured for maximum performance.
