This chapter should be read prior to the installation of the scanner, so that setup will be efficient and operation reliable. It should also be used as a guide when moving the system to a new location, be it across the building or across the country. It is much easier to prepare the site in advance and have a smooth installation process, than to attempt to install the equipment and make changes as problems are discovered.
The scanning environment is very important. While no work space is perfect, there are measures one can take to create the best situation possible:
Careful planning should be done to decide where the scanner system will be installed, and preparations may need to be done to properly accommodate the new equipment.
Choose a location that will not leave excessive space between the scanner and the next permanent object (wall, partition, piece of furniture, etc.) on which the laser will shine. Preferably, the only person who will walk in the path of the laser is the operator who is setting up objects to be scanned, thus minimizing eye contact of those not familiar with the equipment.
The platform should be placed on a very solid, stable and sturdy surface. A
soft, yielding object may allow movement or vibration which will result in
inaccurate measurements.
Cables
Choose a location that will allow all of the cables to be laid in an untraveled area.
One electrical outlet will be needed within 1.5 meters (5 feet) of the digitizer; a filtering-type power strip/surge protector is strongly recommended. The digitizer heads do not have their own power cords; power to the laser and motors is supplied by a central unit. An electrical circuit with, at least, 20 Amps of power is highly recommended. If this is not possible, then a single circuit should be dedicated the the scanner and workstation, while a completetly separate circuit should be used to power the lighting assemblies.
The SCSI Interface should reside close to the host computer. The length of SCSI
cabling should not exceed 1 meter (3 feet).
Proximity to Host Computer
During a scanning session, the operator may go back and forth several times
between the scanner and the host computer that is being used to control it.
For this reason, try to minimize the distance between them for the sake of
convenience. It is helpful to orient the computer such that you can see the
display while standing in front of the scanner.
Lighting
Excessive light, particularly sunlight, can cause spikes and anomalous data.
If you must place the scanner in view of any windows or doors, use heavy
curtains or blinds to eliminate natural (outside) light during scanning
sessions. Do not have incandescent lights in the field of view, from any
angle. Also, check the area for bright reflections and other direct light
sources. Fluorescent lights are preferred for room lighting, because they emit
less of the orange-red light sensed by the scanner.
If the surface of the subject is particularly bright or dark,
adjust the Sensitivity as described elsewhere
in this User Guide.
Environmental Limits
Normal temperature ranges for an office or computer laboratory environment are
suitable for the scanner. The scanner will not operate properly in adverse
climates. Allow extra time for the scanner to warm up to proper alignment if
the room is heated from very cold temperatures. Also be aware of condensation
on the optics if the temperature or humidity is changing rapidly.
Do not allow the scanner to reach freezing temperatures, even when not in use.
Moving the Platform
There may be occasions when you will want to move the digitizer a short
distance for purposes of floor cleaning, redecorating, or rearranging the
room. Before you move the platform, check to see that all cables are
disconnected and that none will be stepped upon or crushed during the move.
If you have the need to move the system over a large distance, please contact
Cyberware Support for specific
instructions.