3D object scanner

[Jolanta]

Hi guys, I am a PhD student and interested in 3D laser scanning of objects using NI Labview.

I saw this interesting video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmfwPXYO5vM

i am bit confused what all the hardware will I need to order from NI keeping aside the stepper motors, 

Suggestions much appreciated.

Thank you

[NIquist]

It depends on the scanner.  It is unlikely that you will be using stepper motors.  Laser scanheads usually use galvonometers and servo drivers to control the beam.  There are a couple of standard laser interfaces that control the servos (XY2-100) and laser power (IPG, SPI).  Or, you could just use DAQ cards to do it yourself.

[Jolanta]

HI I was confused between which NI board should I use in interface with Labview?

[Jolanta]

Thanks for the reply

Is it possible for u to watch that video on youtube which I haev posted.

I am thinking of using Microtrak Laser II. 

[DFGray]

That particular demo, as it says in the video, was done with an X-series DAQ device.  The particular X-series device you choose will depend on what motors and lasers you pick. If you want even more control (and more cost), consider one of the FPGA devices.

[NIquist]

I can't watch YouTube at work but I'll try to remember to check it out at home. 

The MicroTrak looks like a laser vibrometer, not a scanner.  You can't control the beam on these devices.You would have to move the whole MicroTrak or your target to 'scan' anything.

Tell us a little more about your actual application if you would...

[Jolanta]

I want to scan some parts on human body i m sure microtrak would do it for me.

But i m confused what all the hardware components will I have to order in order in conjunction with the labview software, to make this as it is shown in the video.

[NIquist]

OK, I just watched the video on my phone.  Your answer is...  ANY multi-function DAQ card will work just fine for you. 

They were collecting at 4KHz, 16-bit (X-series) to get whatever image resolution they got.  Even the cheapest $99 Multi-Func DAQs have one channel of analog in and digital IO so even if you buy a 1KHz 12-bit card it will still work fine but you'll have to spin your model and move the stage slower to get similar resolution. I would recomment the X-series as they're the best price/performance DAQ products NI offers since they're the newest models.  I have a USB6351 on my bench and it's an excellent product although a bit overkill for your app.  If cost is an issue look into the USB 6008(or 9) modules.

[NIquist]

Woah, wait a minute!  "Parts on the human body"???  Are you going to cut the parts off so you can spin them on a stage?  Again, you have to move something in a VERY controlled manner.  Either the beam or the part you're scanning has to move in a predictable way or you can't create a 3D image.

[Jolanta]

I am not gonna spin the parts. I am planning to project a controlled beam on a localised and exposed parts intraoperatively. Hence I am not much interested in motors but in NI board. 

So my question is which NI DAQ board should be used.