Green Valley LiBackpack C50 - User Manual

The LiBackpack C50 is a mobile handheld 3D mapping system designed for collecting high-precision indoor and outdoor point cloud data, along with panoramic photography. It integrates LiDAR and panoramic photography with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to acquire point cloud data with true color texture information. This system is suitable for various applications, including integrated indoor and outdoor measurement, underground space data acquisition, tunnel engineering, digital factory, digital mining, forest inventory, and building information modeling.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Laser Sensor: Velodyne VLP-16
• Laser Classification: Class 1 Eye-Safe
• Range Accuracy: ±3cm
• System Relative Accuracy: 3cm*
• System Absolute Accuracy: 5cm*
• Weight: 7.1kg
• Main Dimensions: 770*320*190mm
• Max Range: 100m
• Wavelength: 903nm
• Scan Rate: 300000pts/s
• Horizontal FOV: 0°~360°
• Vertical FOV: -15°~15°
• POS System: Integrated SLAM System
• Point Cloud Data Format: .las, .laz, .ply, .LiData
• Storage Space: 512GB
• Ports Available: HDMI, USB, Ethernet
• Battery Capacity: 5700mAh*2
• Operating Time: ≥2h
• Operating Temperature: -10℃~40℃
• Max. Ground Speed: 20km/h
• Camera Type: Panoramic
• Camera Resolution: 3840*1920
• Camera Refresh Rate (fps): 30fps
• Control and Display: UI on mobile devices via Wi-Fi (smartphones and tablets) or data cable (tablets)
• PC Operating Voltage: 19V
• PC Storage Space: SSD 512GB
• PC CPU: quad core 8 threads
• Wi-Fi Frequency Range: 2.4 GHz
• Wi-Fi Protocol: IEEE 802.11n
• Wi-Fi Security: WPA2-Personal
• Wi-Fi Gateway Address: 192.168.12.1
• Wi-Fi Connections Allowed: 1 device
• Wi-Fi Connection Range: 5m
• Wi-Fi SSID (default password): LiBackpack (greenvalley)

*Affected by scanning route and environment.

Usage Features:

The LiBackpack C50 supports a Backpack Scanning Mode for data collection. Setup involves placing the main body and scanner arm on a work surface, inserting the scanner arm into the main body, and tightening a screw until a click sound is heard, ensuring secure attachment. The scanner arm's telescopic poles can be extended or retracted by rotating a lock ring counterclockwise, then secured by tightening the lock rings clockwise. A handheld cable connects the scanner arm to the main body, aligning red dots for proper insertion.

Workflow for Data Acquisition:

1. Preparation: Plan acquisition routes to optimize data quality and accuracy.
2. System Initialization:
   • Insert a charged battery into the battery compartment.
   • Press and hold the round button on the battery for 2 seconds until the red indicator light stays on. The laser scanner and main body will activate, and the laser scanner will vibrate gently.
   • Short-press the camera button; a short beep indicates the camera is on, and its information appears on the LiBackpack interface.
   • The RUN indicator light will stay on after initialization.
3. Connecting to User Interface:
   • Wait one minute before connecting a mobile device (smartphone or iPad) via Wi-Fi or cable.
   • Wi-Fi Connection: Select "LiBackpack" from available networks, enter "greenvalley" as the password, then launch Google Chrome or Safari and navigate to 192.168.12.1 to load the UI. Recommended tablets can use a desktop shortcut.
   • Ethernet Connection: Connect LiBackpack and the tablet with an Ethernet cable. Set the tablet's IP address to 192.168.1.99 and subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Launch Google Chrome or Safari and navigate to http://192.168.1.200 to load the UI.
4. Start Scanning:
   • Press the Laser Scanner On/Off Button once; the red indicator light will illuminate, and the scanner will vibrate gently. Ensure the LiBackpack C50 is balanced horizontally.
   • Click "Start" on the UI. Walk in an "8" pattern for about 1 minute to allow point cloud display before following planned routes.
   • Scanning sessions are restricted to under 20 minutes to prevent camera overload and unstable performance.
5. Acquire Data:
   • The UI displays a sparse 3D point cloud in real-time, along with system status (camera status, device status) and acquisition information (real-time processing switch, collection time, acceleration, angle, file name, file size, queue size, loop number, distance accumulated).
   • After data acquisition, walk in an "8" pattern again for about 1 minute before pressing "Stop" and waiting for the countdown.
   • Turn off the camera, scanner, and main system PC from the UI.
6. Export Data:
   • USB Flash Disk Transmission: Insert a USB storage device, click "Copy" on the UI, select .ply and .bag files. Data transfer details (number of files, total size, speed) and storage space are displayed. A "Copy is completed!" message will appear upon completion.
   • Data Cable Transmission: Connect the device to a computer via network cable. Set the computer's IP address to 192.168.1.99 and subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Access \\192.168.1.200 on the computer network, open the "share" folder, and copy desired files.
   • Export Imagery Data: Copy CollectionRecords.txt with the .bag file (which links to camera file names). Ensure the camera is on, connect it to the computer via USB, and copy camera files.
7. Video Stitching: Use Insta360 Studio 2021 software. Change the suffix of the .mp4 file to .insv, drag it into the software, and uncheck "Enable FlowState Anti-shake." Click "Export," keep the file name, set the export path, and click "OK" to create a panoramic video.
8. Preview Point Cloud Data: Use LiDAR360 software. Click "+" to add point cloud data (.ply file) and click "Apply All" to view an Elevation view with EDL.
9. Collect Point (Handheld Mode):
   • For handheld scanning, the device assembly differs slightly. Install top fixtures on the scanning sensor and bottom fixture, then insert the scanning sensor into the bottom fixture, and connect the handheld extension cable to the laser scanner and backpack mainbody.
   • To collect control points, click "Count" on the UI, set counting time (e.g., 5s). For top fixture collection, point to a corner and set Height to 1mm; for bottom fixture, set Height to 0mm.

Maintenance Features:

• Data Cleanup: If system storage is inadequate, tap the "Clear" button on the UI to delete old data. This operation is permanent.
• System Firmware Upgrade: Acquire upgrade packages from GVI, place them in the root folder of a USB drive, and tap the "Upgrade" button on the UI. The UI will display the current and newest versions.
• System Version Information: Tap the "About" button to check the current firmware version and GVI contact information.
• Real-time Processing Parameter Settings: Before data acquisition, parameters like "Min Points Num" (minimum points in a frame for SLAM processing), "Max Distance" (maximum distance from laser scan center), "Min Distance" (minimum distance from laser scan center), and "File Name Suffix" can be set in the UI settings. These affect the .ply file but not the raw .bag file.
• Wi-Fi Settings: The Wi-Fi name suffix and password can be set via the Wi-Fi button in the extension menu. The default Wi-Fi name is "LiBackpack" (suffix can be added), and the default password is "greenvalley." Note that the password resets to default after system updates.

Safety Warnings and Guidelines:

• The LiBackpack C50 is a high-precision device sensitive to jolts and excessive vibration; handle with care and secure it in its protective case during transport.
• Remove the battery if the scanner is not used for an extended period.
• Dismantling or reassembling LiBackpack devices without official support voids the warranty. Servicing should be performed by qualified, licensed technicians.
• Data Acquisition Guidelines:
  • Scan environments with varied 3D structures.
  • Set mobile device screen auto-lock to 'Never' to prevent Wi-Fi interruption.
  • Start scanning from a stationary, horizontal position.
  • For outdoor scanning, start in an open field; for indoor, start at the center of the space, not corners or near walls.
  • Do not operate if battery level is below 30%.
  • In Wi-Fi mode, connect only one mobile device and keep it within 5 meters of the LiBackpack C50.
  • Keep collection sessions under 30 minutes and less than 2km. Allow the scanner to cool down for 5 minutes after collection.
  • Walk in an "8" pattern for about 1 minute before starting and after ending acquisition to ensure IMU precision convergence.
  • Check camera status periodically. Avoid turning off the scanner in areas with electromagnetic interference.
  • Verify data quality after acquisition; re-collect if unsatisfactory.
• Route Planning Guidelines:
  • Closed loops improve data quality.
  • Plan routes carefully to capture all useful information with minimal redundancy.
  • Slow down when going around corners, moving between rooms, or on stairs.
  • Avoid rotating the laser scanner; rotate your body slowly if necessary (speed < 30°/S).
  • Open doors along the route before indoor scanning; do not move them during scanning.
  • Avoid winding routes or back-and-forth movements, which can cause thick point clouds.
  • Avoid scanning the same area multiple times.
  • For large sites, break them into smaller sections and close loops for each.
  • Walk on the same side of a road to close loops. For scanning both sides of a road, create separate projects and merge point clouds in post-processing.
• Suitable Environments: Furnished offices, forests, residential neighborhoods, office buildings, underground garages, construction sites, pipelines, power lines.
• Less Suitable Environments: Grassland, snowfield, barren lands (insufficient features), narrow roads, stairwells, tight spaces, surfaces with strong reflectance (e.g., painted glass), and areas with strong geomagnetic interference.
• Other Guidelines:
  • Avoid scanning with too many moving objects.
  • Raise the scanner above the operator's head for 360-degree views in large areas.
  • Use specialized Target Spheres as control points for merging multiple scans (minimum 4, placed above ground on tripods, not in a straight line or at the same height).
  • For airborne acquisition, flight altitude should not exceed 15 meters.
  • For automobile acquisition, speed should not exceed 20km/h with slow turning speed (<30°/S).
  • Keep the scanner as steady as possible.
  • Do not remove the flash drive until the 'Completed' message appears during data download.
  • Do not use the provided Surface tablet for other uses.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to prevent extra noise.

Troubleshooting (FAQ):

• Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Reboot the system, refresh the device's Wi-Fi list. If issues persist, contact support.
• No Point Cloud Display: Ensure the laser scanner is powered on, Ethernet cable is fully plugged in (if wired), Ethernet port light is flashing, and clear the browser's cache.
• UI Lags: Check for multiple UI devices connected to LiBackpack Wi-Fi, device distance from the system, and Queue Size (if >50, lags may occur).
• Scanner/Computer Not Starting: Check battery percentage (charge/change if <30%), ensure battery is correctly connected, and disconnect the power cable when the scanner is off.
• UI Device Cannot Connect to Wi-Fi: For Apple/Android devices, reset network settings.
• "Unable to connect" Popup: Likely due to Wi-Fi interference; check Wi-Fi connection and reboot Wi-Fi on the UI device.
• Cannot Open Copied Data: Ensure USB flash drive is formatted to NTFS or exFAT, and was not unplugged before transfer completion.
• Copy Process Bar Stuck at 99%: Wait for the "Completed!" message before unplugging to prevent data loss.
• File Larger Than 4 GB Cannot Be Copied: Ensure USB flash drive is NTFS or exFAT (FAT32 does not support files >4 GB).
• Cannot Open .ply File: File may be incomplete/corrupted due to premature flash drive disconnection; re-copy the data.
• Output Point Cloud Vertical Calibration: Yes, LiBackpack adjusts tilt angle based on IMU data (1-3° accuracy).
• High-Level Noise Points: Often caused by direct sunshine; scan during non-direct sunlight or use LiDAR360's "Remove Outliers" tool.
• Mismatch from Repeated/Closed-Loop Scanning: Due to environmental factors, closed loops may not be detected automatically. Send raw data to GVI for analysis.
• Reduced Point Cloud Accuracy: Occurs in cylindrical/spherical tunnels or buildings without rich 3D structures, areas with reflective surfaces, and narrow scanning environments (small rooms, hallways, stairways) due to limited VLP-16 FOV.