Field of View

The field of view (FoV) is the area detected by the cameras and laser scanners.

Note: Objects in the FoV will appear in the data collected by the NavVis VLX. Keep hands, arms, clothing, helmets, backpacks, and other objects out of the FoV while scanning.

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Figure 1: Laser scanners FoV

FOV2

Figure 2: Front and back cameras FoV

FOV3

Figure 3: Side cameras FoV

Obstacles

Advice on navigating obstacles while scanning with NavVis VLX.

Door Frames and Areas with Low Clearance

There are two ways to move through areas with low clearance. Use the method that is most comfortable for you.

Bend your knees until you can fit underneath the obstruction without hitting the NavVis VLX, or
Tilt the device in front of you. Hold the frame securely and remove the hooks from your shoulders. Leave the belt hook in the holster.

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Method 1: Bend your knees

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Method 2: Tilt forward

While moving through low clearance areas:

Move slowly and carefully.
Do not trigger panoramic images.
Be aware there may be people on the other side of the door.
Check the area above your head is free before lifting the NavVis VLX back up.

Collision Warnings

While scanning the NavVis VLX honks loudly if an object is too close to a laser scanner. When you hear a collision warning stop moving and determine what caused it.

Collision warnings only happen while the NavVis VLX is scanning. NavVis cannot guarantee that every potential collision will be detected.

Elevators

Do not use elevators while scanning with NavVis VLX. The vertical movement will not be detected by the device. Use the stairs when scanning multiple floors. If there are no stairs start a new {{glossary.Dataset}} on every floor.

Stairs

Warning: Fall hazard
Watch your step and use the handrail.

Wearing the NavVis VLX decreases your ability to see the stairs in front of you. To ensure your safety you should always hold the handrail.

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If you trigger the cameras while holding the handrail, your hand and arm could be visible in the resulting panoramic image.

Panoramic Images

Information about taking photos with the NavVis VLX.

The photos taken by the four cameras on the NavVis VLX are combined during processing into 360° panoramic images. These are used to color the {{glossary.Point cloud}} and provide a realistic walk-through experience in the {{glossary.Digital twin}}.

Photos should be taken regularly while scanning and at all points of interest. For good point cloud coloring we recommend taking photos at least once a meter in complicated or cluttered environments. In more open spaces a photo every three meters is sufficient.

You will hear a shutter sound when the cameras have been triggered. A gray dot will appear on the {{glossary.UI}} marking the location.

Note: Remain completely still while taking a photo. In a low light environment, stay still for two seconds.

Manual Triggering

To trigger the cameras manually press the trigger button above the handle, as shown here.

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Use manual trigger mode in complicated environments to ensure photos are taken in the right locations.

You can trigger the cameras manually at any time while scanning, except while adding a control point.

Auto Triggering

In auto trigger mode the cameras are triggered after traveling a specified distance. Stop moving when the NavVis VLX beeps, and the cameras will be triggered.

Use auto trigger mode in open environments to ensure enough photos are taken. When using auto trigger mode the image locations will be distributed more randomly in the final scan

Tap the Settings icon to turn auto triggering on or off, and to adjust the distance between auto triggers.

Hot Swapping the Batteries

Follow these instructions to swap the batteries while the NavVis VLX is powered on. Hot swapping allows near-continuous scanning.

Caution: Loss of power
Potential loss of data
There must always be one battery with charge powering in NavVis VLX.

Procedure

Pause scanning.
Tap the Pause icon to stop the NavVis VLX recording data.
Check the battery charge levels.
The {{glossary.UI}} displays the battery charge levels. If one battery is empty, remove it first.
Remove the battery.
Push the blue battery release to remove the battery.
Insert one charged battery.
Slide the battery into the mount. You will hear a click when the battery is fully inserted. The charge level will display in the {{glossary.UI}}.
Repeat with the other side.
Remove the battery with low charge and replace it with a charged battery.
Recharge the low batteries.
It will take two hours to recharge an empty battery to 80%, and two and a half hours to fully recharge a battery, refer to Checking and Charging the Batteries

FAQ

What is the field of view (FoV) in the NavVis VLX?

The field of view (FoV) is the area detected by the cameras and laser scanners of the NavVis VLX.

How should I position my body while scanning to avoid interference?

Keep hands, arms, clothing, helmets, backpacks, and other objects out of the FoV while scanning.

What should I do if I encounter a low clearance area?

You can either bend your knees to fit underneath the obstruction or tilt the device forward while holding it securely.

Is it safe to use elevators while scanning with the NavVis VLX?

No, do not use elevators while scanning as the vertical movement will not be detected by the device.

How often should I take panoramic images while scanning?

It is recommended to take photos at least once a meter in complicated environments and every three meters in more open spaces.

What should I do if I hear a collision warning while scanning?

Stop moving immediately and determine what caused the collision warning.

Can I manually trigger the cameras while scanning?

Yes, you can manually trigger the cameras at any time while scanning, except when adding a control point.

What is the procedure for hot swapping the batteries on the NavVis VLX?

Pause scanning, check battery levels, remove the empty battery, insert a charged battery, and repeat for the other side.

How long does it take to recharge a battery for the NavVis VLX?

It takes about two hours to recharge an empty battery to 80% and two and a half hours for a full recharge.