2009-6-30
Why did I get more coverage on the outside of the heel than on the inside of the heel?
The plantar surface can be tilted slightly backward in relation to the digitizer front panel to get more heel area. But you want to make sure that the plantar surface is not biased on one side, because if you get more on one side, you get less on the other. This is the same with any optical 3D measurement technologies. When relaxed, the plantar surface is at an angle with respect to the leg. So if the leg is porting straight at the digitizer, there is a natural bias toward the outside of the plantar surface. To get foot plantar surface to be unbiased in relation to the digitizer, the direction of the leg needs to be compensated at an angle to the digitizer, not pointing straight.


2009-2-19
How to set up the digitizer? Do I need a tripod?
The way you mount the digitizer depends on your patient’s sitting position. Below are two pictures showing two typical setups. Note that if you want to capture more of the heel area, the foot and front panel of the digitizer should be at an angle. Note also that the carrying case itself can be used as a supporting device, making the whole package extremely portable (no tripod needed). However, in a orthotics clinic, when you don’t need to move the digitizer around often, we still recommend buying a tripod of appropriate height (The tripod should be rated for at least 3kg and we recommend 5kg for extra stability).
 

2008-9-18
What kind of socks (or stocking) can be worn?
The Vismach digitizer is designed to work with bare foot sole or foot wearing white socks or nylon stocking. When nylon stocking or white socks are worn, 3D reconstruction will return the full 3D plantar surface with the toe area. We recommend nylon stocking over white socks, because nylon stocking is thinner and can be considered without thickness, nylon stocking is cheaper and disposable, and automatic outline extraction model will return more consistent results with nylon stocking. When wearing nylon stocking, choose skin color model for automatic outline extraction. When wearing white socks, choose contrast model for automatic outline extraction. Refer to your user guide and tutorial for more details.

2008-9-8
Can I use another USB cable (not the original one provided with your hardware unit) to connect the hardware unit to my computer?
No. You should always use the USB connection cable provided with your hardware unit. The original USB cable has been tested to meet required specifications.

2008-9-8
Can I use a USB hub to connect the hardware unit to my computer?
No. You should avoid connecting to a computer through a USB hub. A USB hub splits the bandwidth of communication among many USB appliances.

2008-9-8
Can I connect the hardware unit to a USB 1.0 port on my computer?
No. You should always connect the hardware unit to a USB 2.0 port on a desktop or laptop computer. USB 1.0 port is too slow.

2008-9-8
When I connect the hardware unit to a USB port on the front panel of my desktop computer, the preview window does not come up or the preview image is grainy. Why?
The Vismach 3D Reconsole must be connected to a USB port directly connected to the main board of the computer. Often times, the USB ports located on the front panel does not meet this requirement. You should consider change to an USB port on the back panel of the desktop computer or try another computer.

2008-9-8
I have installed the hardware unit and it worked perfectly last time. But when I plug in the hardware unit to another USB port on the same computer, why am I asked to install camera driver files again?
Once you installed camera driver files with the hardware unit connected to one USB port, but later connect the hardware unit to another USB port on the same computer, you may need to install the camera files again. Just follow the same procedure.  

2008-9-8
Do I need the optional carrying case?
If you need to travel with the hardware unit, we recommend you purchase the optional carrying case, which provides extra cushion and allows you to carry all accessories in a handy package. If the hardware unit is going to be installed in a fixed location and not moved around, you probably don’t need the carrying case.

2008-9-8
Do I need the optional foot switch?
The foot switch allows the orthotics practitioner to hold the patients’ foot in position, while activating the digitizer. It is a convenient enhancement that allows one-person operation. 

2008-9-8
When I fly with the hardware unit, can I place it in my checked luggage?
When traveling with the hardware unit, we recommend placing it in the optional carrying case. And place the case in your rolling case and carry it on board with you. If you have to check the luggage, have the airline crew place an "Fragile" sticker on your luggage.  

2008-9-8
How should I care for the hardware unit during day to day use?
The hardware unit is a precision optical-electronic equipment. You should treat it with care. You may think of it as a high-end binocular or microscope. Avoid excessive vibration or shock. Even with the protective carrying case, avoid dropping it to solid ground. Avoid big swing in surrounding temperature. Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Store in cool and dry place.