Tutorial Setup

In this section of the tutorial, we will discuss some ways to think about subject positioning and begin with the basic setup of the software.

Scan Preparation

In order to capture consistent and high-quality scans, it is necessary to pay attention to subject positioning, environmental concerns and subject preparation. These factors contribute to better data and thereby better measurements.

Positioning & Environment

We cannot stress enough the importance of positioning the scan subject correctly and consistently. Also, a user should check the scanning environment prior to scanning. The extra time spent to ensure that one obtains the best possible scans will save countless hours of processing and analyzing the scan data. Remember, you will always have the scan data, but once the scan subject is gone, you may not have the opportunity to scan that subject again.

Subject Preparation

The subject should remove all jewelry, including eyeglasses. Hair is very difficult for a laser-based scanner to capture, so the subject's hair must be prepared in some way to guarantee good results. Cyberware suggests a light sprinkling of cornstarch in the subject's hair if measurements from the head area will be required for a particular project. Only a small amount of cornstarch is necessary, so you need not completely coat the subject. For even better results, use a make-up artist's spray. These sprays are commonly used to make a person look as if his/her hair is gray or white. These sprays are available in several colors at beauty-supply and crafts stores. For optimal results, cover the hair with a bald cap. This cap will provide the scanner with a surface that is free from problems. Additionally, long hair should be secured off of and above the neck in order to accurately capture data at the subject's neck.

Subject Position

When the subject is properly prepared for a scan, he/she should step onto the scan platform. The subject should be positioned with his/her head looking straight forward with the chin held slightly elevated, the shoulders should be relaxed, and the back held straight. It is not necessary for the subject's eyes to be open (under most circumstances), so if the subject would be more comfortable, advise him/her that it is acceptable to close one's eyes. Please note that there are no known harmful effects from exposure to the laser light. Please refer to the Safety Section of this user guide for more information on the laser. The subject should also be advised to breathe normally during the scan, in order to avoid motion artifacts caused by a tensing of the body.

The scanner operator should next instruct the subject on any positional correction that may be required. The best results are obtained if the following conditions are met:

• The subject is in the center of the scanner's field of view. Use the centering pointer as a guide. An imaginary line drawn from the pointer should bisect the head from a frontal view, and pass through the outermost portion of the ear from a side view. The pointer itself should be approximately 1 cm (0.5") above the subject's head.
• The subject is in the proper position so that when the scan is complete the nose is centered evenly in the DigiSize viewing window.
• The subject is relaxed while the scan is in progress. To prepare for this, the subject should be instructed to take several deep breaths, then relax. At no time should the subject hold his/her breath. In some cases, it might be necessary to scan a person more than one time in order to reassure that scan subject and to allow the subject to relax fully.

Basic Setup

In this step, you will create a new project folder, launch the DigiSize software and switch into the Head & Face mode.

1. Using Windows Explorer, create a new folder at the "C:\" root directory for the purposes of this tutorial. For consistency throughout the tutorial, use a folder name of "C:/digisize_databases/tutorial/".

DigiSize will store the project's scan files in this directory. This file can reside anywhere on the local computer, or on a network drive. Please be aware that, if you are saving files to a network drive, network latency can have a significant effect on the time it takes to complete a project. Therefore, it is recommended that you create this project directory on a local hard drive.

2. Start the DigiSize software.
3. Double-click the DigiSize icon on the desktop. Alternately, you may choose DigiSize by selecting 'Start Menu | All Programs | DigiSize'. You should see a window similar to the illustration below.

DigiSize

4. If you do not see your Cyberware Scanner "PS (SCSI/USB) #xxxx" (where xxxx is the serial number of your scanner) at the bottom of the DigiSize window, select the Head & Face scanner:
1. Choose 'Scanner | Select Device...'

Scanner Menu

2. Click one time on the entry for your scanner, then click the Accept button.

Choose a Scanner Dialog

5. Continue to the project planning guide.