Z Corporation ZScanner 700 User Manual

Z Corporation ZScanner 700 User Manual

Self-positioning handheld 3d scanner

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Self-Positioning Handheld 3D Scanner
ZScan
1.3 User Guide
POWERED BY
ZScan: Version 1.3

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Summary of Contents for Z Corporation ZScanner 700

  • Page 1 Self-Positioning Handheld 3D Scanner ™ ZScan 1.3 User Guide POWERED BY ZScan: Version 1.3...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    System Overview ....................5 System description..................... 5 General care ...................... 7 Scanner Manipulation ..................7 Connecting the scanner ................. 8 Storing your ZScanner 700 ................9 Specifications....................10 Concept......................11 ZScan™ ........................ 12 ZScan minimal required configuration.............. 12 System Installation / Start-up ................12 ZScan Software installation................
  • Page 3: Caution Notes

    Please read and follow all WARNING statements throughout this manual USER LICENSE The ZScanner 700 system and the ZScan software are provided according to a license agreement. Any partial or complete copying of this software without proper authorization is prohibited. Distribution of the software without a written authorization from Z Corporation is forbidden.
  • Page 4: Laser Warning

     The ZScanner 700 should NEVER be opened for any reason as there are no internal adjustments. In case of a malfunction, contact the manufacturer or distributor.
  • Page 5: Warning Labels And Locations

    WARNING LABELS AND LOCATIONS Figure I - Laser labels and locations...
  • Page 6: What's New

    WHAT’S NEW ZScan 1.3  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 ...
  • Page 7: System Overview

    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 ...
  • Page 8 Figure 1.1 - ZScanner 700...
  • Page 9: General Care

    Scanner Manipulation The first step when it comes to scanning with the ZScanner 700 is to be able to connect the system properly. Also, in order to avoid recalibration, the ZScanner 700 should always be properly stored in its case.
  • Page 10: 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.
  • Page 11: Storing Your Zscanner 700

    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.
  • Page 12: Specifications

    Figure 1.6 System content stored properly Specifications Features Values Laser class Wave length 660nm (0.000026 in) Depth of field 300 mm (12 in) Power 35 mW Weight 980 g (2.1 lbs) Operating temperature 15°C > T > 35°C 59°F > T > 95°C Table 1.1 - System specifications...
  • Page 13: Concept

    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.
  • Page 14: Zscan

     A power supply cable for the PCMCIA card (scanner)  Firewire PCMCIA card If you did not purchase the computer from Z Corporation or if you are using a different computer than the one provided with the system, you need to install ZScan BEFORE connecting the sensor cables.
  • Page 15: Zscan Software Installation

    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.
  • Page 16 Figure 2.2 Click Next to access installation options.
  • Page 17 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”.
  • Page 18 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.
  • Page 19 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.
  • Page 20: License And Configuration Files Update

    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).
  • Page 21: General Concepts

    AICON 3D Systems software. Positioning Features To position itself in space, the ZScanner 700 sensor uses a positioning model which is a combination of many positioning features. These correspond to the positioning targets that were affixed on the object before scanning. The positioning model can be built before scanning the surface.
  • Page 22: References

    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.
  • Page 23: Menu

    Figure 2.11 - ZScan user interface Menu Figure 2.12 - Menu bar File:  New Session Start a new session.  Open Session Open an existing session file (.CSF)  Open Positioning Open existing positioning targets file (.TXT, .OBC) Features ...
  • Page 24 Edit: (options will appear only when available)  Copy Positioning Features Copy features from current to a new scan Changes edition mode (Increase/Decrease  Edit Mode Resolution, Delete)  Selection Changes selection mode (rectangle, free form, brush, select through/visible) or Clear selection ...
  • Page 25: Toolbar

    Configure: Sensor configuration according to the color and  Sensor Configuration texture of the object being scanned  Sensor Calibration Scanner calibration verification Key activated diagnostic mode for use by  Diagnostic Mode customer support  Options Options dialogue for ZScan Help: ...
  • Page 26 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.
  • Page 27 Rectangle: Uses a rectangle for selection. Freeform: Uses a custom form for the selection. Brush: A brush is used for selection. 3 sizes of brushes are available: small, medium and large. Shift + C Clears all selection Shift + Selection Unselects the selected facets.
  • Page 28: Scan Tree

    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. ...
  • Page 29: Expanding Panel

    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. ...
  • Page 30 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.
  • Page 31 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.
  • Page 32: 3D Viewer Controls

    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.
  • Page 33: Status Bar

    Click both buttons to rotate the volume  Move Volume Mode on the optical axis of the current view point. Edition Mode Shortcuts  Shift + Selection Unselects the selected area  Shift + C Clears all selections Enable Move Object instead of the selection ...
  • Page 34 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.
  • Page 35: Sensor Calibration

    Lay the calibration plate on a stable plane surface. Position the scanner at approximately 10 cm (4 in) from the calibration plate Use the Preview button on the ZScanner 700 to position the laser cross in the white cross of the calibration plate Press the trigger and move the scanner slowly away from the plate to an approximate distance of 60 cm (24 in) or until the 10 measurements are taken.
  • Page 36: Build Reference

    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: ...
  • Page 37: Scanning Procedures

    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).
  • Page 38: Reference Targets

    TIP: For better digitization, any object that is shiny, black, transparent 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).
  • Page 39: Starting The Software

    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”...
  • Page 40 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.
  • Page 41: Configuring The Sensor

    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.
  • Page 42: Importing Positioning Targets

    To start the scan, click scan - Record Scan or click on in the toolbar.  Take the ZScanner 700 in one hand and position at about 300 mm (12 in) away from the object.  To have the laser cross displayed on the object at any time, press the preview button on the ZScanner 700 (see figure 1.1)
  • Page 43: Proper Distance Digitizing

    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.
  • Page 44 Any dysfunction of the ZScanner 700 is identified by 2 red LEDS on the top of the scanner. TIP: When the scanner is too close or too far from the surface, it loses tracking.
  • Page 45: Editing The Scan

    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...
  • Page 46: Troubleshooting

    I checked the option to install the plug-in for Geomagic but there is nothing under plug-in in Geomagic. I have some problems hooking my ZScanner 700 to targets, it loses its position I have some difficulties scanning more dark surfaces or parts of the surface. I am not able to scan small parts.
  • Page 47 ZScanGeomagic”X”PlugIn.dll where “X” should be your version of Geomagic. I have some problems hooking my ZScanner 700 to targets, it looses its position Please make sure that you use the calibration tool to optimize your calibration, this should be done before starting to scan every time you use it.
  • Page 48 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.

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