Artec Ray FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• What is Artec Ray?

Artec Ray is a long-range 3D scanner that uses phase-shift laser technology to produce high-resolution point cloud data. This data can be used to create precise geometric models of three-dimensional objects.

• How far can I scan with Artec Ray?

Artec Ray has a working range of 1 meter up to 110 meters.

• What is the accuracy of Artec Ray?

Artec Ray is accurate to within 0.7mm at 15 meters away from the scanner, for more information, please check the specifications

• Can the Artec Ray capture colors?
• Can I export a colored point cloud?
• Can the texture also be applied to meshed models?

Artec Ray can capture color using 360° photos from two onboard 5MP cameras. The result can be exported as a colored point cloud in .xyzrgb format. In case of further post-processing in Artec Studio, the color texture can be used as a visual aid (e.g. when aligning scans). If the Ray Scan Triangulation meshing tool is used in SourceColor mode (Artec Studio 14)/ Vertex Colors (Artec Studio 15), the resulting color mesh is exportable in .ply file format with vertex color.
Exporting the mesh in the .obj file format with an external UV map is currently not possible.

• What kind of power source does Artec Ray use?

Artec Ray can be powered from a wall outlet with the included AC adapter, or by using a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack (two battery packs included).

• How much power does Artec Ray consume?

Artec Ray draws 40W of power

• How should I power on the scanner?

1. If connecting via USB and scanning in Artec Studio:
   1) Connect Artec Ray to PC via USB (PC must be powered on).
   2) Flip the scanner’s power switch up
   (in that exact order, otherwise Artec Ray will not be properly detected by Artec Studio).
   3) Launch Artec Studio.
   4) Click on Scan with Ray in the Scan panel.
   
   
2. If connecting wirelessly and scanning via the iOS Remote app (or in unattended mode):
   1) Make sure that the scanner is off and the USB cable is unplugged.
   2) Flip the scanner’s power switch up.
   3) Wait for the scanner to boot (approximately 1 minute).
   4) Launch the Artec Remote app and follow the on-screen instructions.

• What is the Wi-Fi password to connect to Artec Ray?

s3dscanner

• How can I scan with Artec Ray?

Artec Ray can be used in three modes:

1. The scanner is connected to a computer with USB and controlled via Artec Studio
2. The scanner is controlled by a smartphone app for Android and iOS
3. The scanner is used on its own and controlled using the two buttons on top of the scanner (start/stop)

(!) Please keep in mind the scanner can be powered by either wall power or battery back in any of these three scenarios

• What microSD cards will work with Artec Ray?

1. Speed class UHS-I/UHS-II, formatted as NTFS (recommended).
2. The FAT32 format will work, but due to this file system's inherent limitations, scans larger than 4GB will not be saved.
3. exFat is not supported.

• Can I use the same microSD card for Artec Ray and Artec Leo?

No. microSD cards for Artec Leo must be formatted as exFAT whereas microSD cards for Artec Ray must be formatted as NTFS/FAT32

• What is the SYS microSD card?

The microSD card marked SYS is used for restoring Artec Ray original software/ firmware.

• Can I use the SYS card from a different Artec Ray scanner?

No, each SYS card is pre-loaded with the backup and restore information for each individual Artec Ray scanner. Do not use the SYS from a different scanner.

• Help! I've accidentally formatted the SYS microSD card!

Not to worry! Send an e-mail to support@artec3d.com and we will provide a digital copy (download) of the original files.

•  Can Artec Ray be used in a non-horizontal position (upside down/sideways)?

Yes, Artec Ray can be used upside down (inverted 180°, or angled 90°, 45° etc). If this will be the main orientation, please let your dealer know before the final purchase. This way, Artec Ray can be calibrated in the desired position during manufacturing.

For customers who want to use the scanner upside-down/sideways ONLY, a single custom calibration will be done. For customers who wish to have both the upright as well as the custom calibration available, the custom calibration will come at an additional cost (please confirm the exact cost with the Artec sales team).

(!) Important note: The Ray scanner is balanced correctly only when its battery is inserted. If the battery is missing, the weight distribution in the scanner is uneven. This can lead to serious issues in the 3D data, especially if the scanner is not positioned horizontally. Therefore, even if you are scanning with the power supply connected, make sure to always have the battery inserted, for the sake of correct weight distribution.

• What is the difference between points per degree and lines per degree?

Ray internally controls the scan resolution in angular terms, i.e. the number of beams per degree. Since the scanner performs two types of movements, we define horizontal and vertical planes with measures per degree:

• What do the two buttons on the scanner do?

The button circled in red (closest to the cameras; lights up in green) starts the autonomous scanning process. The other button (lights up in red) stops the scanning process.

• Does placing the scanner on a slope affect the balance of the scanner or scan quality?

Artec Ray should be level as possible when scanning.  A slight tilt should not affect the scan quality, but a significant tilt is not recommended unless you are working with a custom calibration file. The scanner achieves the best rotational balance only when the battery is inserted. Therefore, it is highly recommended to always scan with the battery inside the scanner.

• What is tilt correction and how does it work?

Tilt correction measures the tilt of the scanner and automatically levels the scan data on the coordinate grid. This means that even if the scanner was tilted slightly during the scan, the scan will be adjusted to be level in Artec Studio.

This function will not work with a tilt beyond 15° and is best used for compensation of a less than 10° tilt.

Tilt correction is not available when using the Artec Remote app on iOS and Android or the autonomous scanning mode.

• What is the resolution in autonomous (standalone) scanning mode?

The resolution is usually set to 30 points per degree horizontally and 30 lines per degree vertically.

It is currently possible to change the resolution for the autonomous (standalone) scanning mode via the Artec Remote. Connect via the app, set the desired resolution, do a quick scan, then close the app. All subsequent scans done in autonomous mode will maintain the resolution setting, until the scanner is switched off/rebooted.

• Where does Artec Ray begin scanning?

The starting point is currently defined by the position in which the scanner is powered on (position of the scanner in relation to the base at the moment of scanner power-on).

• Can the rotating mirror be controlled or adjusted manually?

No, the mirror angle cannot be changed manually.

• What are the different colors of the status LED?

• How do I combine data from Artec Ray with data from other Artec scanners (Eva, Leo, and Space Spider)?

Please check the following article:

https://artecgroup.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013561499-Combining-Scans-from-Ray-and-Different-Artec-Scanners

• Is the texture (color) used for registration?

Artec Ray registration is performed by geometry-only (and/or targets). 

• How many scans can you perform on one battery before needing a spare?
  

Artec Ray comes supplied with 2 batteries included. Each battery lasts for about 2 hours. The number of scans per battery will depend on the point density and area selection.

• Does Ray have any issues with measuring surfaces of certain color or texture, i.e are there surfaces that cause missing data? Can it measure shiny stainless steel surfaces, e.g. in food production facilities? Can it measure black surfaces, e.g. in a steel mill?

While Artec Ray is somewhat different from Artec handheld scanners, it is still an optical scanner. Therefore, it has many similar limitations. Shiny, black, and transparent surfaces may cause issues. Mostly, it will depend on how shiny the surface actually is, and what the incidence angle of the laser is in relation to the surface. Tweaking the sensitivity may also help, but this will also generate more noise. In case a surface cannot be scanned as-is, scanning spray is the solution.

• How can I change the exposure of the photos taken by the color cameras (e.g when scanning outdoors under direct sunlight)?

Scanning outdoors under direct sunlight can indeed cause issues with the texture brightness/exposure. There is a software option that you can tweak in order to avoid/reduce the overexposure of the texture while scanning in bright environments:

Please open the %AppData%\Artec\Artec Studio 14 Professional\studio.conf file and temporarily change the value RayNFrame=8 to RayNFrame=15.

• When scanning a car, why is a portion of the license plate completely shifted?

 The license plate is coated with a special reflective material that refracts light, making it easily readable, even at night. This special coating seems to scatter or absorb the laser beam in such a way that in the data, the surface appears in a different position.

The only 100% effective solution for avoiding this issue is scanning spray

• Why is the scanned surface messy or noisy?

Highly-reflective surfaces, such as car headlights or mirrors, will scatter the laser beam, resulting in a messy or noisy surface. The only 100% effective solution for avoiding this issue is scanning spray

• Why can't I scan transparent plastic or glass?

Transparent surfaces, such as a car windshield or headlight lens, will be invisible to the scanner, as the laser beam will pass through them and is never reflected back to the sensor in the scanner.

• What kinds of targets can be used with Artec Ray?

Please refer to this article related to targets and scanning best practices with targets

• Why does the point cloud look so sparse in Artec Studio?

Please make sure that the scan is acquired with adequate resolution.

Artec Studio shows a simplified polygonal model to improve performance. To have the preview render in higher quality, go to File > Settings > UI >  Point-Cloud Polygon Limit.

Increase the setting number if you want to see the high level of details on the scans.
This setting cannot be changed for the already scanned data. It’s important to set the limit before scanning.

• Where is the raw point cloud file stored?

When scanning using the Artec Remote app or in autonomous mode, the C3D point cloud file is stored on the microSD card.

When scanning connected to Artec Studio via USB, the C3D point cloud file is stored temporarily in C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Artec\Artec Studio Ray Service\14.0.3.350 (or another applicable version)
Please note: there is only a very limited moment in time when this file is available. Immediately after the scan is finished, Artec Studio shows that it is "importing and converting" the file. This is the moment when you have to access the hidden folder and copy it. As soon as the data has successfully imported into Artec Studio and a visual on your screen, the C3D file is deleted.

• What tripods can be used with Artec Ray?

The Artec Ray scanner must always be used in combination with a tripod. Placing the scanner on the floor, table, or any other object is not recommended under any circumstances.
The tripod must be able to support at least 5 kg (11 lbs). Most engineering or surveying tripod should work fine. Heavier tripods will work best because they are more resistant to wind gusts and inadvertent tip-over. The Artec Ray has a 5/8" mounting hole on the bottom of the scanner but also includes a 3/8" tripod adapter screw, allowing it to work with most laser surveying tripods. For more information, please check here.

• What does the rough handling indicator on the bottom of Artec Ray mean?

The rough handling indicator will turn red if Artec Ray has been dropped or jolted. If the indicator has turned red, please consider performing an accuracy check and sending the scanner in for servicing and recalibration if needed.

• How often does Artec Ray need to be serviced?

Artec Ray should be serviced every 16 months. Standard maintenance service for Artec Ray includes inspection, incoming testing and scanner calibration, partial disassembly, external and partial interior cleaning, tightening if indicated, clock battery replacement if indicted, assembly, thermocycling, testing, scanner calibration, camera calibration, QC, and software/firmware upgrade to the latest production version.

Troubleshooting:

• When I try to save/import a project from Artec Ray (either USB or microSD), I get an error saying I have run out of storage. What should I do?

Some computers may have a smaller SSD (for boot and programs) and a larger HDD (for everything else). By default, Artec Studio has a folder for the temporary storage of projects on the same drive as where Artec Studio is installed, generally the smaller SSD.

Change the Artec Studio temp folder to another folder on a larger drive.

Go to File->Settings and change the temp folder location

• Importing scans into Artec Studio takes a very long time. What should I do?

The slow loading of Ray scans is a known issue that our developers are working to resolve. In the meantime, the following information should help:

After you have finished scanning and the scan is loading (importing), you do not need to wait for this process to finish. You can open the Scan panel again and start the next scan. This scanning session will run in parallel to the loading process. 

Please note that if texture capture is enabled during the scan, the import process will take considerably longer. If you do not need texture or want to considerably speed up import times, be sure to disable the "Texture" option before starting your scan.

There is also the option of controlling the Ray via the iOS app (from an iPhone, iPad, or similar). In this mode, all the scan data is saved to the SD card (which is inserted into the Ray next to the battery); and you can later import the scans into Artec Studio at your convenience.

• Artec Studio crashed and/or my computer turned off while the scan was still importing. Can I recover my scan?
  

Scans which have not yet “loaded” (imported) into Artec Studio are saved here: C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Artec\Artec Studio Ray Service\14.0.4.376\Scan
This is useful information, in case, for example, the software crashes while importing. The scan is not lost, all you need to do is select "Import" in Artec Studio and point it to the scan(s) in this folder. 

• The colors in the scan bleeding or shifting and misaligned. What could be the issue?

The calibration of either the color cameras or the LiDAR sensor itself may not be optimal. Please send an e-mail to support@artec3d.com so we can diagnose the specific issue.