Scanner (Code Lyoko)

Virtualization and materialization, which is also known as devirtualization, are the processes used when Lyokons enter and leave Lyoko, respectively, in the French animated television series Code: Lyoko,

Virtualization

Virtualuzation is the process used to enter Lyoko. All a Lyokon has to do is enter one of the three scanners. Then the operator (usually Jeremie) inputs a profile for their virtualized form and starts up the process. The scanners then take the person apart and place a digital replica on Lyoko. There is also a default option that will send a Lyokon to Lyoko in their regular form, but it has only used once, by Jeremie, and unsuccessfully at that.

The scanner process takes place in three steps. The first step seems to pressurize the scanner. This appears as a slight upward wind within the scanner. The second step levitates the Lyokon while a circular scanning ring records their physical makeup. One can assume that this records every minute detail of the Lyokon. The final effect creates some sort of energy pulse within the scanner. This appears as a much greater gust of wind within the scanner which blows the Lyokon's hair up. This is the step that takes the Lyokon apart.

Materialization

Materialization (also known as devirtualization) is the process used to bring Lyokons back from Lyoko. This can be accomplished one of three ways. The first is through a normal computer command by the operator. This just brings the Lyokon in question back after a minute or so. The second is through laser (or any other) death. When a Lyokon runs out of life points, they are automatically materialized. The last is through a time reversion. The effect of the time reversion will materialize any Lyokon that is currently in Lyoko.

Aelita is the exception to the rules stated above. Until the episode Code: Earth, she could never leave Lyoko. Jeremie finished his materialzation program for her in that episode. After that episode, she can only be materialized through a neutral tower. Once there, Jeremie can use the materialization program to bring her to Earth. If she suffers a laser (or any other) death, she will be lost forever. A time reversion, on the other hand, will bring her back to Earth most of the time. Now that she has her human memories back, she might only be subject to the same rules as any normal Lyokon.

When other items, such as the vehicles, are brought into Lyoko, they are also sometimes described as being materialized.