Super Coordinate Conversion: A Smarter Way to Scan Large Parts
Scanning large objects has always involved a trade-off. More coverage means more markers, more repositioning, and more time spent on setup rather than scanning. Super Coordinate Conversion (SCC) is designed to change that equation.
SCC is a feature in SCANOLOGY's DefinSight software that simplifies the scanning of medium- to large-sized parts.
By reducing the number of markers required and enabling real-time scan alignment as the tracker moves, it makes large-object workflows faster, more flexible, and easier to manage in real production environments.
The Challenge of Scanning Large Parts
When scanning large objects — a vehicle, a structural assembly, or an industrial component that extends beyond a single tracker position — users traditionally face two options:
Option 1: Dense marker placement
Cover the part surface with reference markers before scanning begins. This works, but setup time is significant and marker placement on large or complex surfaces is time-consuming.
Option 2: Manual scan splicing
Perform multiple scans with overlapping data and splice them together in post-processing. This adds time after the scan and introduces alignment steps that require careful management.
SCC offers a third path: a minimal marker setup combined with point cloud data to align and stitch scans together in real time, as the scan progresses.
What SCC Does
Super Coordinate Conversion uses a combination of marker information and shared point cloud data to maintain alignment as the tracker moves to new positions. This means:
- Fewer markers are needed across the part surface
- Markers do not need to be repositioned when the tracker moves
- Scan data from each tracker position is aligned in real time — no manual post-processing splicing required
- The minimum marker requirement is four
For a full vehicle scan, a single marker block placed on the roof of the vehicle can support the entire project across multiple tracker positions.
Step-by-Step Workflow
The following workflow is demonstrated using the NimbleTrack:
Step 1 — Initial scan
Begin scanning the part normally with the NimbleTrack. No special setup is required at this stage beyond placing the marker block in a stable position on the part.
Step 2 — Collect marker data
Once initial scan data has been captured, switch the scanning mode to marker collection only and capture the marker positions.
Step 3 — Reposition the tracker
Pause the scan and move the tracker to the next desired position. Enable SCC in DefinSight.
Step 4 — Continue scanning
Recollect the markers, switch back to laser scanning mode, and continue. It is important to ensure there is overlapping scan data between positions.
Step 5 — Repeat and finalize
Repeat the workflow until the entire part is covered. Once all data has been collected, disable SCC and finalize the scan.
Practical Setup: Marker Configuration
The marker block used in the 3D Infotech demonstration is an eight-sided puck with one 12mm marker on each face, placed on the roof of the vehicle before scanning begins. This configuration provides reliable visibility from multiple tracker positions without requiring marker placement across the entire part surface.
Key parameters from the demonstration:
- Minimum markers required: 4
- Marker size: 12mm diameter
Compatible Products
NimbleTrack
The system used in the 3D Infotech SCC demonstration. NimbleTrack is a wireless tracking 3D scanner optimised for medium parts, combining 0.025mm system accuracy with a 4.2m tracking distance and single-case portability. SCC extends its practical range for scanning tasks that exceed a single tracker position.
TrackScan Sharp
For larger scan envelopes, TrackScan Sharp supports SCC workflows with an 8.5m tracking distance and 135m³ high-precision measurement range. It is suited to full vehicle inspection, large structural assemblies, and applications where the part size extends significantly beyond a single tracker position.
DefinSight
The software platform in which SCC operates. DefinSight powers the full TrackScan and NimbleTrack workflow — from data capture and real-time alignment through to dimension measurement, GD&T analysis, and hole inspection.
Summary
Super Coordinate Conversion simplifies one of the most persistent challenges in large-object 3D scanning: the setup cost of working across multiple tracker positions. It reduces marker requirements, eliminates manual post-processing splicing, and gives operators more freedom to move around the part.
For engineers working on large-part inspection, automotive scanning, or any application where a single tracker position is not sufficient, SCC is a practical step toward faster, more manageable workflows without accuracy compromise.
Watch the full SCC demonstration with NimbleTrack: TViewer Explained: Super Coordinate Conversion — produced by 3D Infotech.
Please note: the demonstration video references TViewer, an earlier software platform. SCANOLOGY's current recommended software for TrackScan and NimbleTrack workflows is DefinSight. The SCC workflow and steps demonstrated remain applicable.
Want to see how SCC fits your scanning application? Contact our engineering team to discuss your specific requirements.
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