MicroScribe/MicroScan
Frequently Asked Questions

Issues not covered in detail in the product
information (to be continued)

Questions

• Q1: How does MicroScan compare to other laser or optical scanners?
• Q2: How can MicroScan results be used with other applications?
• Q3: I already own a MicroScribe G2 desktop digitizer. Can I add MicroScan laser sensor to my MicroScribe?
• Q4: Can I also use MicroScan with my MicroScribe 3D I already bought a few years ago?
• Q5: Is MicroScan also compatible with the MicroScribe MX series of digitizers?
• Q6: Is there additional hardware or software required to operate MicroScribe/MicroScan?
• Q7: How about calibrating the MicroScan?
• Q8: What is the maximum size of objects that can be captured?
• Q9: Can MicroScribe/MicroScan be taken to different locations and applications?
• Q10: If I have MicroScan attached to my MicroScribe, can I still use it as a touch probe digitizer?
• Q11: Which objects are difficult or even impossible to scan with MicroScan?
• Q12: What is the MicroScan Tools software needed for?

Antworten

A1: Effective MicroScan accuracy and resolution is in the range of many other 3D scanning devices or even better. Due to the small size of the sensor a considerably higher percentage of a complicated object’s surface can be captured as with other scanners. Regarding price-to-performance, both MicroScan and MicroScribe/MicroScan are leading products on the market. For better estimating the importance of resolution and accuracy in particular see separate document “MicroScan Chances and Limits”.
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A2: MicroScan exports 3D point cloud and polygon (wireframe) models. Since 3D technologies have meanwhile entered many application areas and almost every 3D software can import at least either of these data types, MicroScribe/MicroScan fits perfectly into the workflow of all these applications. For technical background information see separate document “From CAD Reconstruction to Reverse Engineering”.
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A3: Because MicroScan sensor needs to be permanently reoriented relative to the object surface in order to capture all details from an optimum perspective, an additional rotation axis for the stylus is required. This axis is provided by the 6DOF (six degrees of freedom) MicroScribe version. So only if your MicroScribe is a 6DOF version it can easily be upgraded with MicroScan, the standard 5DOF version can not be used. Upgrading from 5DOF to 6DOF is possible but costly..
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A4: No, this is not possible. Even if you bought a 6DOF MicroScribe which is a basic requirement, only a serial port was provided with the older 3D generation. MicroScan, however, connects to the MicroScribe USB port which is only available with the G2 and MX generations of devices. Adding a USB port to a 3D type of MicroScribe is possible but costly.
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A5: Except for the older MicroScribe 3D generation MicroScan can without any problems or limitations be used with every Immersion 6DOF MicroScribe desktop digitizer, including the portable MX CMMs (coordinate measurement machines).
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A6: No. MicroScan connects to the MicroScribe’s accessory port and the computer’s firewire interface, cables are included in the delivery. Laser scanning, data processing, and export are controlled by the MicroScan Software Tools.
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A7: Same as the MicroScribe, MicroScan laser sensor comes factory-calibrated. Before operating the sensor for the first time, MicroScan must be calibrated relative to the MicroScribe after mounting the sensor to the MicroScribe stylus. using a precision calibration sphere which is part of the delivery. The procedure takes a few minutes only and is described in detail in the documentation. To maintain high(est) accuracy, recalibration each time MicroScan has been detached/reattached is not necessary but recommended.
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A8: The maximum reach of the combined MicroScribe/MicroScan system is up to 30 cm in excess of the MicroScribe’s. However, MicroScan software enables scanning objects from arbitrary perspectives independently. Some overlap between neighboured perspectives can be used to accurately and seamlessly register (align and merge) them. Therefore also objects the size of which considerably exceeds the system’s working space can be completely digitized. This method corresponds to walking the MicroScribe around an object and each time using triples of reference points for proper realignment in a predefined coordinate system, a procedure also known as “daisy chaining” or “leap frogging”..
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A9: MicroScan was designed for maximum performance and ease of use, contained in minimum volume. This is why the combination is a leading product in versatility and portability. Set up in minutes, MicroScribe/MicroScan is ready for digitizing whenever and wherever needed.
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A10: MicroScan is a powerful external add-on device for the MicroScribe and does not require modifications. MicroScribe’s capabilities as a stand-alone device are neither influenced nor prevented.
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A11: As every other scanner as well MicroScan has its limits but they relate to the object surface properties and are not critical for the vast majority of possible applications: Transparent and shiny or highly reflective surfaces like mirrors can not be captured. The same holds for extremely dark surfaces which re-emit only a very low percentage of the incident laser intensity. However, MicroScan Tools software allows to individually adjust and optimize the sensitivity of the laser sensor, thus considerably broadening the range of digitizable objects. A camera lens filter tailored to the wave length of the laser light minimizes the effects of ambient light.t.
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A12: MicroScan Tools enable the user to optimize and calibrate the sensor, control data acquisition, process point cloud and polygon models, register multiple scans, and export results to subsequent software applications. Even the MicroScribe’s ability to support custom tips for single point acquisition has been implemented.
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