MAXSHOT 3D TRAINING SCRIPT

MAY 2014
INSTALLING VXELEMENTS

Install VXelements
from the USB Key
provided by Creaform
or from Customer
Center on Creaforms
website

Enter the required

product CD Key (1 per
product)
CREAFORM CUSTOMER CENTER
Download the license file for the appropriate
product

License Last Version of

VXelements

License

License
LICENSE & SOFTWARE UPDATES
Types of license provided by Creaform
Dongle (VXmodel & Pipecheck) .clf file (Scanners, CMMs and MAXshot)

When do we need to update our license files?

When a new version of VXelements has been installed.
A service release is not a new version.

How to update your license files?

Dongle (VXmodel & Pipecheck) .clf file (Scanners, CMMs and MAXshot)
The license file is an executable file. The file needs to be replaced in
Connect the dongle and double-click VXelements product manager.
on the license file.
 ACTIVATING YOUR PRODUCT IN VXELEMENTS

Open the Product

Manager
Click on New or select it
from the list of active
products
Enter the Serial Number
Attach license and
configuration files
The configuration file is available from
the Customer Center. Each system has
a unique configuration file.
HARDWARE
SYSTEM CONNECTION - LOCAL
Connect the Express Card to
the computer
Connect the Firewire cable
into the Express Card
Connect the power supply
into the FireWire cable
Plug the power supply to an
electric source
At the very end, connect the
elbow shaped end of the
FireWire into the scanner
Launch VXelements
SYSTEM CONNECTION - REMOTE

Connect the Firewire cable into the controller

Connect the elbow shaped end of the FireWire
into the scanner
OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Photogrammetric video camera MaxSHOT 3D uses the

VXshot software module of VXelements
Reflectors placed on the part are easily rebuilt in 3D
Scale bars provided in the measurement volume allow
for model scaling
High accuracy positioning model generated with VXshot
determines scanner position in the measurement volume
High accuracy positioning model can then be used in
VXelements with other Creaform technologies
(Handyscan, HandyPROBE, MetraSCAN, Go!SCAN 3D)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
TYPICAL WORKFLOW

Setup Picture Save

Acquisition

Add Take several Save

reference blocks of reference
frame, scale convergent model
bars and pictures Remove
coded Analyze reference
targets pictures frame, scale
Optimize bars and
model coded
targets
TYPICAL WORKFLOW
COMBINED WITH HANDYSCAN OR GO!SCAN 3D

Setup Picture Save Scan Save

Acquisition

Add targets Take several Save Import Save

on the part blocks of reference reference VXelements
Add convergent model model session
reference pictures Remove Scan part Save facets
frame, scale Analyze reference Edit mesh (STL)
bars and pictures frame, scale
coded targets Optimize bars and
model coded targets
TYPICAL WORKFLOW
COMBINED WITH HANDYPROBE

Setup Picture Save Probe Save

Acquisition

Add Take several Save Import Save probing

reference blocks of reference reference session
frame, scale convergent model model
bars and pictures Probe part
coded targets Analyze
pictures
Optimize
model
SOFTWARE INTERFACE
Main Toolbar

Image View 3D View

Shooting Details

Shooting Details

Shooting Parameters Target Table Image Browser

MAIN TOOLBAR

To create a new session file

To open an existing session file
To save the current VXelements session file
To reset the current project. The project parameters
will not be reinitialized in New Session
MAIN TOOLBAR

To enter the VXshot module and

start the shooting process. After
acquisition: quit and export the
positioning model
To start and stop picture
acquisition
To launch the final adjustment
calculation for the model
To navigate between 3D view,
image view or a combined view
MAIN TOOLBAR

Rectangle and free form

selection tools are available in
the 3D Viewer to select specific
positioning targets
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP

Target Installation

Non-coded targets
Use high reflectivity targets for HandySCAN 3D
Use black contour targets for Go!SCAN 3D
Normal installation for scanning (optional for probing)
Hub reflectors may also be used. These must have
adequate material/roundness diameter (6-mm for
Handyscan 3D and C-Track 380, 8-mm for C-Track
780, 10-mm for C-Track 1480)
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP

Target Installation

Coded targets
Add one target every 2 or 3 feet
Make sure that a minimum of 4 targets are visible for each
picture
Ensure proper triangulation (avoid targets disposed on
straight lines)
Make sure that the targets are laid out in a way that will
create an overlap between pictures
Use your surrounding environment if needed
Targets should rest on flat surfaces to prevent the
magnetic holders from bending
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP

Reference Cross Installation

1 per model
Use as a starting point for picture acquisition (first three
images). This is necessary because it provides a scale
for the live model creation
Can be placed anywhere on the part
Provides the orientation and position of the origin (see
axis on the reference)
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP

Scale Bars Installation

Use the 2 scale bars in the model.

Scale bar targets should be surrounded by other targets.
This is necessary for accurate scaling of the model.
Make sure that scale bars are part of the
photogrammetry model, and not isolated.
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP

Scale Bars Installation Tips & Tricks

Make sure that scale bars are stable and affixed securely
Place directly on the object on stable surface
Use integrated magnets to place on magnetic surface
Hot glue the 2 ends of the scale bars (Use the surface around
the magnets)
To avoid any damage, use masking tape on the surface prior to
applying hot glue
To stabilise the scale bar, use tie-wrap, masking tape, double-
sided tape, etc.

Note: Masking or double face tape should not be used to affix the scale
bars but only to stabilise them.
PHOTOGRAMMETRY SETUP
EXERCISE

YOUR TURN TO TRY!

ACQUISITION RULES
STAND-OFF DISTANCE

Stand-off distance is Stand-off distance for

determined by the size of Go!SCAN 3D
the part
Min distance: 1,500 mm Min distance: 1,500 mm
Max distance: 3,500 mm Max distance: 2,500 mm
ACQUISITION RULES
FIELD OF VIEW

To help get the right stand-off, a distance meter is

displayed on the left side of the screen, just after a
picture is taken during the acquisition process.

Good distance Bad distance

ACQUISITION RULES
DISTRIBUTION OF THE TARGETS

It is important to have a good distribution of coded

targets across the image

Good distribution Bad distribution

ACQUISITION RULES
THE FIRST 3 IMAGES

First 3 images taken should

be of the reference frame

Aim at the reference frame

(all three coded targets must
be visible)

Proper stand-off distance

Sufficient triangulation angle

(45o) to the frame normal
vector is good practice
ACQUISITION RULES
CAMERA POSITIONS

Multiple camera positions are required to ensure

accuracy
Each target should be captured from multiple points of
view (a minimum of 6)
Convergence in picture acquisition should be prioritized
over quantity

Up to
60
ACQUISITION RULES
CAMERA POSITIONS

Ensure convergence by minimizing triangulation

uncertainty: shooting targets from obtuse rather
than from acute angles.
Obtuse angle Acute angle

Detection error
(mechanical
constant)

Area of
uncertainty
ACQUISITION RULES
CAMERA POSITIONS

Ensure that an overlap exists between pictures (at least

4 common targets should figure in successive images)
It is necessary to improve triangulation and minimize
image alignment uncertainty

Correct Incorrect
ACQUISITION RULES
CAMERA ORIENTATION

Taking pictures from one location with various camera

orientations (rotation around the optic axis) increases the
accuracy by helping the final adjustment.

Take pictures with random angles throughout the whole

acquisition process

Capture image from various angles from the same location.

ACQUISITION RULES

Use tooling to put coded targets over thin areas of the

part, in order to create a bridge between the two sides of
the part.
Common targets
View #2
View #1

Targets seen in
view #1

Targets seen
in view #2
PICTURE ACQUISITION
EXERCISE

YOUR TURN TO TRY!

SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
IMAGE BROWSER
Image validity level: statuses are based on the 3D uncertainty of the
camera position. It may be affected by the following criteria:

Amount of coded targets

Image area filled with information
Detection angle
Distance to the targets
Target match with rest of the model
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
IMAGE BROWSER

Delete a bad image by right-clicking on it and select

Delete Image, or use the Del key on the keyboard.
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
IMAGE VIEW

Makes it possible to see a greater number of details in

each image

Targets may appear in red (bad status) because there

may be a difference between the observed target and
the modeled target.
 SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
3D VIEW

When the value of the point corresponds to the threshold

values below, poor and bad targets appear in yellow
or red in the 3D View.
The bar will not turn green until all the targets are green
(Good status).

# of Valid
Status 3D Uncertainty Image Error
Observations

Good 0.1 mm >3 < 0.2 pixel

Poor > 0.1 and 0.2 mm 3 0.2 pixel

Bad > 0.2 mm 2 -

SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
3D VIEW

To delete a target, select it

in the 3D View by left-
clicking on it or by using the
selection tools. Use the Del
key on the keyboard to
delete.
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
3D VIEW

By double-clicking on a target in the 3D View, all camera

positions that have observed this target are displayed.
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
3D VIEW

By right-clicking in the 3D View, it is possible to set the

view so that the camera positions are displayed at all
times.
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
TARGETS TABLE

The Targets Table displays information about each

target of the model
SOFTWARE FEEDBACK
TARGETS TABLE

Delete targets in the Targets

Table by right-clicking on
them and selecting Delete
Selected Targets, or by
using the Del key on the
keyboard.
Deleted targets can be
restored to the model or
permanently deleted by
right-clicking on them in the
Targets Table and by
selecting the appropriate
option.
MODEL FINALIZATION

After verifying the model integrity, the

project can be finalized by using the
Finalize Model button.

Finalizing affects the values and statuses in

the Targets Table. Extra verification should
be performed once computation is over.
 Error Message Description Solution / Verification Model Usable?
Interrupted Finalization cancelled by the user Re-launch finalization No

Scale bar information properly entered?

SB activated?
Not Scaled No scale bar (SB) detected Enough images of SB targets? No
Check targets on SB (dusty or damaged?)

Target # properly entered?

Enough images of SB targets?
Missing Scale Bar At least one SB not detected If more than one SB used, try deactivating the No
one not detected.

(More than 2 SB) Correct length entered for SB?

Invalid Scale Bar At least one SB has an invalid measurement (not All SB properly detected (green)? Yes
included in the model)

Correct length entered for SB?

Scaling Error Too (More than 1 SB) All SB properly detected (green)?
Yes
High At least one SB has a too important scaling error Movement of SB during acquisition?

Image taken from too close?

Image Error Too
Error in terms of pixel Flash working? Yes
High

Suppress targets with high standard deviation

3D Uncertainty Too
Average standard deviation too high Proper triangulation on targets? Yes
High

Use a 64 bit OS
Reduce number of targets / images
Out of Memory RAM limit exceeded No
Divide project

Take more pictures

Failed Finalization failed (no convergence) Verify image quality and target statuses No
MODEL CREATION
SHOOTING DETAILS

Upon completion of the

finalization, a summary of the
project is available in the
Shooting Details band, where
general information about the
project and the Finalisation
Results are displayed.
MODEL CREATION
SHOOTING DETAILS
Detail Description Threshold Value

Include any error that could prevent the model from

Status -
being completed (see list below).

Average difference between calculated and measured

Image Error 0.05 pixel
targets position on each image
Average uncertainty on targets measured position
3D Uncertainty 0.05 mm
(standard deviation).

Evaluation of the difference between measured lengths

of the scale bars and their reference lengths (as
entered in Shooting Parameters). The table shows the
mean deviation value for all scale bars as well as the
particular value for each scale bar.
Scaling Deviation 0.1 mm
Note that if only 1 scale bar is used in the model, the
scaling deviation will be null, since only one scale bar
contributes to the model scaling. Therefore, it is
recommended to always use at least 2 scale bars.
GENERAL DISPLAY OPTIONS

User can have access to

some display options by
right click in the 3D scene

Reset Viewpoint Resets the view

Center Viewpoint Fits the model to the display window
Lock Zoom Locks the zoom during the acquisition
Lock Viewpoint Locks in the point of view during the
acquisition
Change Display Colors Allows changing all colors in the 3D
viewer
SESSION PARAMETERS

Set the parameters that VXelements uses by default

when launching the software
Users can also import and export the parameters
OPTIONS
CREAFORM ONLINE SERVICE

Used to link VXelements with Creaform Customer Center

Allows the users to access all the relevant information about his
product directly within VXelements

Maintenance expiration date

License expiration date
Last calibration date

Ensure that the license files and software version installed on the
computer are up to date
HELP
HANDS-ON SESSION
www.creaform3d.com