Head & Face Platform

This manual explains techniques for setting up and using the Cyberware Head & Face scanning system and scanning software on a graphics workstation to digitize live human subjects. Common applications for this process include computer animation, portrait sculpture, and computer art. Special "tricks of the trade" are included to ensure success. It will be helpful to read these instructions thoroughly and practice the procedures until they become almost automatic. Familiarity with the procedures will make you and your subject much more comfortable and allow you to concentrate on posing and quality. It is assumed that you have read the Scanner Operating Manual and are familiar with the operation of the scanner hardware and the graphics workstation.

Head & Face Platform Placement

The Head & Face Platform provides a steady place for the subject and moves the scanner head in a precise circle at a constant speed. It is very heavy so that accuracy is maintained. A servo motor drives the motion platform in a 1.8 meter (6') diameter circle. In the process of one scan, it travels almost 1½ complete revolutions, stops, and does the same motion in reverse to return to the start position. It completes one revolution in about 17 seconds. The Servo motor will give way if resistance is encountered, but there is considerable momentum in the scanner assembly at full speed.

You will need to have a space of about 2 meters (6' 6"), clear of walls, furniture, and common walking paths. The corner of a room is a popular place to locate the scanner, because less of the scanner path is in an accessible area. Included with the scanner is a floor mat that shows the restricted area wherein the scanner operates. This takes the guesswork out of deciding where to stand, place furniture or other items, etc. You may even want to erect a partition or two to minimize the risk of someone or something being in the path of the scanner, or allocate a small room just for scanning.

Head & Face Color 3D Scanner (Side View)	Head & Face Color 3D Scanner (Top View)

The platform should be placed on a solid floor. A soft, yielding floor may allow movement that will result in inaccurate measurements or motion problems. Some older wood framed buildings have caused problems in the past. If the scanner must be installed where it cannot be leveled, or where floor movement is likely, the counterbalanced arm option must be purchased. Padded carpets may need to have holes cut to allow the platform feet to contact the unyielding sub-floor.

Refer to the Head & Face Color 3D Scanner Installation Instructions for further information regarding the leveling of the scanner.

The platform has a start position, which is where the scanner arm will normally be when not in motion. Thought must be given to the planned orientation of the scanner such that the start position is in a desirable place. The best placement is to have the laser point toward a wall when the platform is in the start position. This will reduce the chance of the laser inadvertently shining into a bystander's eyes while the system is not moving.

Approximately 90 degrees clockwise from the start position is the frame zero position. This lines up with vertical arm of the motion platform and is where the scanner begins and ends its recording of data. Live subjects should be placed such that frame zero is at the least important area (e.g. the back of a head) in order to minimize the effect of accumulated errors due to movement of the subject. Keep this in mind when choosing an orientation, because the direction a subject is facing can have a noticeable effect on the quality of the scans.

The diagram above is an example of how a system might be arranged. An enclosed room (at least 3 m Ã- 3 m or 10' Ã- 10') with the scanner's start position and the computer in opposite corners is also a popular arrangement.

Controls

The height of the scanner can be adjusted by using the lever located on the left side of the digitizer head as viewed from the platform. Pull the lever toward the platform to release the brake, then raise or lower the head as needed. The weight of the head is counteracted by a heavy counterweight.

Moving the Platform

There may be occasions when you will want to move the platform a short distance for purposes of floor cleaning, redecorating, or rearranging the room. If you do move the platform, be aware that most of the weight is in the arm and compensate with more manpower on that side. Four people should be able to move the assembly, which weighs approximately 135 kg (300 lbs). Before you start, check the cable lengths to see if you need to disconnect them. After you have moved the scanner, adjust the feet as needed to insure that the platform does not rock and that it is level.

If you need to move the system large distances, please contact Cyberware Support for specific instructions.

Maintenance of the Platform

There is no regular maintenance necessary for a Head & Face motion platform. Occasionally, the rails on the vertical arm may accumulate some rust. If this happens, simply knock the corrosion off with a very fine sandpaper. There is no need for lubrication on these rails, nor for any other part of the PS motion platform.

IMPORTANT:
No petroleum-based lubricants should ever be used on any of the Cyberware motion platforms, as they can cause severe damage to the mechanical parts.

For complete maintenance information, please refer to the Maintenance Section of this user guide.