Operating the MicroScribe G2 Digitizer

Before you start: 1. Make sure the Microscribe G2 coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is plugged into the USB port at the back of the computer. 2. Ensure the light on the unit is lit green. If it is lit red, make sure the CMM is in the position pictured in Fig.1 and then press the white home button on the back of the base. Figure 1. Check to see that the accompanying pedal unit is plugged into the base of the CMM. 4. Designate an area close to and in front of the CMM as your workspace. Place the object you are to scan in the center of this workspace. It is recommended that the object is secured down to the workspace surface by using double sided tape or sticky tack. To set up Rhinoceros and the CMM: 1. Open the Rhinoceros software on the computer either through the start menu or the desktop. 2. From the File menu, start a new Rhino file. Pick the template that uses the units you desire. 3. Go to Tools>3-D Digitizer>Connect. Enter the origin of your workspace by moving the CMM stylus tip to the origin point and clicking the right foot pedal. Define the X and Y axes in a similar manner. Define these entities in Rhino by using the mouse and left clicking on the appropriate points in the Rhino workspace. To construct a CAD model of a real life object, you will need points and curves sampled from the object which define its features and characteristics. These points and curves will then be used to construct curves, surfaces and solids modeling the object. To input points: 1. Go to Tools>3-D Digitizer>Sketch Curve. 2. In the top command line, set Points to Yes and Curve to No by left clicking on each option once. 3. To input a point, place the stylus tip on that point and click the right foot pedal once. Notice that a point will appear in the Rhino workspace. 4. When done inputting points, press Enter on the keyboard. To input profile curves: 1. Go to Tools>3-D Digitizer>Sketch Curve. 2. In the top command line, set Points to No and Curve to Yes by left clicking on each option once. 3. To input a profile curve, place the stylus tip on the object. Press and hold down the right foot pedal while dragging the stylus tip across the object. When done inputting a particular profile curve, release the right foot pedal. This will cause the CMM to cease inputting data. 4. When done inputting profile curves, press Enter on the keyboard. To create CAD model: 1. Use the points and/or curves inputted by the CMM into Rhino to construct defining edges and cross sectional curves. Use any of the built-in Rhino curve commands to create arcs and lines. Free form curves can also be constructed by using the Free-Form>Fit to Points command under the Curve menu. 2. Construct surfaces between curves by using the Patch, Loft, or Curve Network commands under the Surface menu. 3.

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Create a solid model by joining all surfaces together in order to form a closed surface/polysurface, which Rhino interprets as a solid. For additional help in using Rhino, refer to the Rhinoceros manual.