MeasureMind 3D Training Workbook

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The document appears to be a user manual or training guide for using measurement software and hardware. It covers topics like how to set up and use targets, set up parts and define datums, and common measurement functions.

The document provides instructions for using measurement software and hardware, including how to power up the system, navigate the user interface, set up targets and parts, define datums, and more.

The document covers sessions on the system overview and user interface, targets, part setup and datums, and provides a warranty policy.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Course Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Course Design and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Course Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using This Workbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Typographical Conventions Used in This Workbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Session 1: System Overview and User Interface


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
How to Power Up the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
How to Exit from MeasureMind 3D and Power Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
Hardware User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 4
Software User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Software and Hardware Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
Exercise 1: Review Practice Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8

Session 2: Targets
Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
Manual Alignment Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Changing Target Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Focus Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3
Automatic Edge Analysis Targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4
FeatureFinder Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 5
“Dark-to-Light” Rule for Weak Edge Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 5
Common Measure Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6
Common Construct Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 7
Comparison of Distance and Width Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 8
Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 8
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 9
Comparison Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 9
Composite Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 10
Exercise 2: Using the Circle Target, and the Strong Edge and FeatureFinder Tools . . . . . . 2 - 11

Contents i
Session 3: Part Setup and Datums
Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Manual Part Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
When to Set Up a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Useful Features for Setting Up a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Ways to Set Up a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Manual Setup on Part Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Defining Part Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
Datum Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
Typical Sequence for Defining 3D Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
Entering Part Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 6
Entering a Report Heading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 7
Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
Exercise 3A: Setting Up the 3D Training Part on the Stage Manually . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 8
Exercise 3B: Automatically Defining Datums in a Routine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 9
Exercise 3C: Perform the Manual Setup after Moving the Part (or else...) . . . . . . . 3 - 14

Session 4: Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Including Nominal Values and Tolerances in a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
How to Enter Nominal Values and Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
Understanding How Tolerances Are Carried Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 3
How Deviations and Tolerance Ranges are Calculated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 4
Report Text and Feature Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5
How Measurement Results Are Displayed on the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 6
How to Output Measurement Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 6
How Measurement Results Are Shown on the Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 7
How to View All the Steps in a Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 8
Exercise 4: Measure and Construct Features with Nominal and Tolerance Values . . . . . . . 4 - 10

Session 5: 3D Model Window


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 1
Views in the Model Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2
Coordinate System Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2

ii Contents
Model Window Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 3
Three-Button Mouse Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 4
Features in the 3D Model Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 5
Colors of 3D Model Window Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 6

Session 6: Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 1
Using Edit Functions in a Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 2
Delete the Last Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
Insert a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
Delete a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 4
Change a Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 5
Copy a Step. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 6
Defining a New Datum (Moving a Datum) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7
Example: Defining a New Datum to Create a Bolt Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7
Step Edit a Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 8
Exercise 5: Edit the Routine by Changing and Adding Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 9

Session 7: MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 1
How to Measure a Cone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 2
How to Measure a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 3
How to Measure a Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 4
How to Construct a Cone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 5
How to Construct a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 5
How to Construct a Sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 6
How Features Are Projected onto a Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 6
XY Angle Button (Projection Angle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 7
Elevation and Declination Angle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 7
2D/3D Button for Circles and Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 8
XY Plane Button (Projection Plane) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 8
Exercise 6: 3D Features and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 9
Challenge Exercise 1: Add Steps and Re-Run the Created Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 12

Contents iii
Session 8: Run Options and Measurement Output
Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 1
Run Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 2
Example: Measuring Multiple Identical Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 3
Run Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 4
Example: Printer Override Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 4
How and When Measurement Dimensions Are Output to the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 5
Differences Between a Routine Listing and Run Output to the Print Data Destination . . . . . . 8 - 5
Configuration of Statistical Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 6
Statistics Configuration Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 7
Configuration of Data Stream Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 8
Exercise 7: Run the Routine with Run Options and Overrides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 10
Challenge Exercise 2: Measure Two Identical Parts with the Fixture Repeat Option . . . . . . 8 - 11
Challenge Exercise 3: Send Measurement Output to a Statistics File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 12
Challenge Exercise 4: Send Measurement Output to a Data Stream File . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 13

Session 9: Other Useful Measurement Functions


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 1
Advanced Weak Edge Weighting Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 2
Create a Mask of the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 3
Save the Video Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 4
Save the Video Image When Creating a Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 4
Save the Video Image During a Routine Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 4
Measure a Feature with the Edge Trace Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 5
Extract Data from a Measured Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 5
Measure a Feature with the Centroid Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 6
Find Features with the Search Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 6
Math Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 7
Branch Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 8
Datum Recall Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 9
True Position Tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 10
True Position Tolerance Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 11
Exercise 8: Extract Multiple Features from One Measured Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 12
Exercise 9: Use Math and Branch Functions to Measure Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 14
Exercise 10: Save a Video Image to a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 15

iv Contents
Challenge Exercise 5: Measure Variable Features with the Centroid Target
and Search Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 16
Challenge Exercise 6: Use the Face and Trim Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 18
Challenge Exercise 7: Measure and Calculate a True Position Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 20

Session 10: Useful System Functions


Session Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 1
Weak Edge Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 1
View and Change the Optics Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 2
View and Change the Sound Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 3
Exercise 11: Using Weak Edge Diagnostics and the Advanced Weak Edge Parameters . . . . 10 - 4

Glossary

Reference Materials
MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 2
If You Need Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 2

Contents v
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vi Contents
Introduction

Welcome to the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor training course.

This course is designed to provide you with basic skills to use the MeasureMind
3D MultiSensor software and run the video measuring machine to inspect
different kinds of parts.

In this Introduction, you’ll find the following information:


• What you need to know and do before attending this training
• What you can expect to learn during this training
• How this training is designed and organized
• How to use this workbook

Course Prerequisites

To ensure your success with this training, we recommend that you do the
following before you come to class:
• Read Sections 1 and 2 in the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide,
P/N 790322. This guide is included with your system.
• Complete the self-paced training in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor
FastStart Guide, P/N 790321. This guide is included with your system.
• Complete the short exercise that was sent to you after you registered for this
training.

You should have a working knowledge of the following topics, which are not
covered in this training:
• XYZ coordinate systems
• Reading blueprints (dimension drawings)
• Basics of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (desirable)

Introduction 1
Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:


• Turn on and operate the video measuring machine
• Select appropriate targets for different kinds of measurements
• Set up a part for measurements and define 2D and 3D datums
• Measure 2D and 3D part features using the Measure and Construct functions
• Create, save and run an inspection routine
• View measurement results in the 3D Model window
• Measure features using non-contact (video) methods
• Enter nominal and tolerance values from a dimension drawing
• Edit an inspection routine by changing, copying, inserting, and deleting steps
• Generate data output indicating in-tolerance and out-of-tolerance conditions
• Use the on-line Help to find desired information

Course Design and Organization

Optical Gaging Products has designed this training to teach both concepts and
procedures. Each major concept is presented in a separate session.

Each session starts with the “big picture” to introduce a concept, feature or
function. The instructor then presents and explains the details in small,
easy-to-absorb segments and “walks through” a typical procedure.

We believe that people generally learn best by doing. Each session includes
exercises consisting of guided hands-on activities to measure a training part.

The course is organized to teach you the basics first, followed by tasks requiring
increasing levels of knowledge. The information in each subsequent session
builds on what was learned in the previous session.

2 Introduction
Course Outline

This training course contains the following sessions:


• Session 1: System overview and user interface
- Machine power up and power down procedures
- Hardware components, including lights, joystick, computer, stage, optics
- Software user interface, including toolbox, windows, pull-down menus
• Session 2: Using manual and automatic targets
- Manual alignment targets
- Automatic edge analysis targets such as Strong/Weak Edge, FeatureFinder
- Focus target for autofocus and Z axis measurements
- Introduction to common Measure and Construct functions
• Session 3: Part setup and datums
- Stage a part: how and when to stage a part
- Set up the part manually and define datums automatically
- Specify part setup instructions
• Session 4: Creating, saving and running an inspection routine
- Nominal values and tolerances
- Saving and running a routine
- Printing specified measurements and print listing
• Session 5: 3D model window
- Understand how features are displayed in the Model window
- Control the information and views displayed in the Model window
• Session 6: Editing and adding steps in a routine
- Change, insert, delete, copy steps
- Define new datums
• Session 7: MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor features and functions
- Measure and construct features 3D features such as cones and cylinders
- Control the display of the projected angle of a feature’s axis using the XY
Angle function
- Control the display of the plane into which a feature is projected using the
XY Plane function
- Display the elevation or declination angle of an axial feature’s axis
- Construct composite features

Introduction 3
• Session 8: Run options and measurement output
- Run options and overrides
- Measuring multiple identical parts
- Statistics and data stream templates and output
• Session 9: Other useful measurement functions
- Advanced weak edge parameters
- Edge Trace and Centroid tools
- Data extraction from measured reference features
- Search function
- Save an image to disk and create an overlay of a video image
- True position tolerances
• Session 10: Useful system functions
- Weak edge diagnostics
- Configuration of optics and sound settings

Using This Workbook

This workbook is written to help you during this training and to use as a handy
reference for your daily work. It contains the following information:
• Training sessions containing objectives, explanations and exercises
• Glossary of terms used in this course
• Listing of reference documentation and materials

Typographical Conventions Used in This Workbook

The following typographical conventions are used in this workbook:

Convention Meaning

Slash: / Selections from a menu or submenu, e.g., Measure / Circle

italic or bold Emphasized words, e.g., Do not run this routine now.

Bold, initial caps Commands, menu names or items, buttons, targets; also used for procedures
to create a routine, e.g., Set the Datum for X-Axis Alignment.

4 Introduction
Session 1
System Overview and User Interface

The purpose of this session is to provide you with an overview of the system and
a general understanding of the user interface:
• Procedures to power up and power down the machine
• Hardware user interface: control panel, joystick, computer components, stage,
lighting, and optics
• Software user interface: MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor functions, windows,
pull-down menus, toolbox, and on-line Help

For more information about the user interface, see:


• Section 3 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 2 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Power up and power down the machine in proper sequence
• Set the proper lighting using the illumination knobs
• Move the stage and optical assembly using the joystick
• Control the screen magnification using the joystick or zoom scroll bar
• Select MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor functions with the mouse using the
toolbox icons and pull-down menus
• View each MeasureMind software component (functional area) on the
computer screen and understand the purpose of each component
• View a live image of the part on the computer screen
• Zero out the X and Y axes in the Coordinate and Angle Display window
• Use the on-line Help to find specified topics

User Interface 1-1


How to Power Up the System

Use the procedure below to power up the system.

Typically all the components are plugged into a power strip. However, if they are
not, be sure to turn on the machine first, before turning on the computer. If you do
not, the computer processor may display an error message indicating that it
cannot establish a connection with the machine.

Action Results / Comments

1. Turn the main power switch(es) ON. • "ON” indicators light up


- If the components are plugged into a power • System displays startup commands and
strip, turn the switch ON. information on the computer screen
- If the components are plugged into separate • Then the system displays:
outlets, turn each switch ON:
- A message “Downloading .\cpu.s1
A) Machine: control panel
- System software revision numbers
B) Monitor: below the screen
- A prompt “Press STOP on front panel to
C) Computer: front panel continue ...”
D) Any attached accessories • Note: If the Windows desktop is displayed,
double click the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor
icon.

2. Click No if a probe stylus is not attached or click • If the system is equipped with the optional touch
Yes if a probe stylus is attached. probe, the system displays a prompt “Is a probe
stylus currently installed?”
Press Start / Stop on the joystick or handheld • System displays a prompt “About to seek stage
controller. home”

3. Click OK with the left mouse button or press • Camera goes all the way up and the zoom
Enter on the keyboard. function is enabled
• Stage moves to the home position, which is the
lower-left corner of the stage (X=0, Y=0, Z=0 on
the digital readout)
• Stage and camera return to their starting
positions
• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor appears on the
screen.

1-2 User Interface


How to Exit from MeasureMind 3D and Power Down the System

You must exit from MeasureMind 3D before turning the system or computer off.

Action Results/Comments

1. Click the Save icon in the toolbox if you are The routine should be saved if you added or
working on a routine. changed steps in the routine.

2. Raise the camera above the parts on the stage Although this is not required, it is recommended
and center the stage. that the stage and optics be in a safe position
before the system is powered down.

3. Select File / Exit. to exit from the MeasureMind • The software displays a confirmation prompt.
(Plus) software and click OK in response to the
confirmation prompt.
• All system files are closed and the Windows
desktop is displayed.

4. Select Shut Down in the Windows™ Start The system may display a message indicating that
menu. Then follow the shutdown instructions. it is safe to turn the computer Off.

5. Turn the main power switch Off or turn the


individual components Off, starting with the
machine itself.

User Interface 1-3


Hardware User Interface

The hardware user interface consists of the hardware components such as control
panel, joystick, computer components, and the machine itself. For detailed
illustrations describing the functions of the hardware components, see the pages
listed below in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide.
• Mouse: pages 3-1 to 3-3
• Joystick: pages 3-4 to 3-7
• Front panel: page 3-3

For information about the machine itself such as stage travel options, optical
configurations, and optional hardware components, see the respective data sheet
for your video system.

1-4 User Interface


Software User Interface

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor is a powerful software package that is used to


measure parts accurately on SmartScope MVP, SmartScope Flash, SmartScope
CNC/Flash CNC, SmartScope ZIP/ZIP Advance/ZIP Lit, and SmartScope
Quest/Vantage video measuring systems. The software user interface consists of
the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor functions, windows, pull-down menus, tool
box, and on-line Help.

Screen Layouts

The MeasureMind 3D software supports two user interface types depending on


the resolution of the system monitor(s). The screen layout varies depending on
how the user interface is configured.
• Classic User Interface (shown in Figure 1-1 below) — used for all monitors
with a display resolution width (first number) of less than 1600 pixels.
• Enhanced User Interface (shown in Figure 1-2 on the next page) — used for
higher resolution monitors, i.e., with a minimum display resolution width of
1600 pixels (for example, 1600 x 1200 or 1680 x 1050). The Enhanced User
Interface displays all of the tools and windows at the same time on a single
screen. This is the default user interface for higher resolution monitors;
however, you can configure the system to display the Classic User Interface if
you want.
Routine name Tool Box

Pull-down menus

Image Window, Information in


Model Window, Measurement
or Surface window varies:
Window Feature measurements
in a step (displayed here)
Advanced parameters
Target and
Image Controls,
Model Window
toolbar, or Surface
Window toolbar Controls intensity
of the light sources

Displays current XYZ Displays unit Displays settings and controls


location of the part or stage and print icons for the selected target
and axis alignment angle
Click X, Y, Z, or ANG to
change that value to zero

Figure 1-1. Screen Layout (Classic User Interface)

User Interface 1-5


Model window or
Routine name Tool Box Surface window

Pull-down
menus

Image
Window

Model
Window
Target & toolbar or
Image Surface
Controls Window
Controls toolbar
intensity
of the light
sources
Edit a
step

Displays
unit, print,
& rotary
move icons

Displays current XYZ Displays settings Automatic & Information in


location of the part or stage & controls for the manual Measurement
and axis alignment angle selected target target icons window varies:
Click X, Y, Z, or ANG to Feature measurements
change that value to zero in a step (displayed here)
Advanced parameters

Figure 1-2. Screen Layout (Enhanced User Interface)

1-6 User Interface


Software and Hardware Options

The following software packages work in conjunction with MeasureMind 3D


MultiSensor:
• SmartProfile takes point clouds of data from part measurements performed
on any measurement system, merges that data with the nominal CAD model
of the part with GD&T tolerances, and automatically performs a results
evaluation based on those tolerances.
• SmartCAD converts CAD data into automated MeasureMind routines.
• SmartFit compares the blueprint (DXF file) dimensions with the
MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor measurement results for a detailed contour
analysis.
• MeasureFit compares the blueprint (DXF file) dimensions with the
MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor measurement results for a detailed contour
analysis.
• SmarFeature includes a user-level front-end interface that enhances the
MeasureMind 3D experience by providing the ability to control what
programs or features within programs should be run. Enterprise version can be
purchased to further enhance security, as well as provide audit trails and
escalation approvals.
• Touch probes and scanning probes enable you to measure features using a
contact method.
• Feather probe enables you to measure small or fragile parts, or surfaces such
as liquids, adhesives, and solder paste, without deformation.
• MSR and MTR rotary indexers enable you to reposition and rotate parts for
inspection.
• TTL laser enables you to measure parts using an on-axis (no offset) laser.
• DRS laser enables you to measure parts using laser triangulation.
• MeasureMenu enables you to organize multiple routines into defined
sequences and automatically run them in the selected sequence, and associate
part routines with pictures and text files for easy searching and access.
• QC-CALC, enables you to generate on-line statistical reports.

User Interface 1-7


Exercise 1: Review Practice Session

Perform the tasks below to become comfortable with using the hardware and
software user interfaces to view an image of the QVI 3D training part.

1. If the system is off, power the machine up as described on page 1-2.

2. Place the 3D training part in the middle of the stage.

3. Move the stage with the joystick so that the lower-left corner is under the
optics.

4. Turn the Back Light knob to set the back light to approximately 45%. Make
sure that the cursor is not over the image of the part itself.

5. Select the lowest magnification in one of the following ways:


- Press and hold the button on top of the joystick knob and twist the knob
counterclockwise.
- Using the mouse, place the cursor over the zoom slider in the Target and
Image Control window, press and hold down the left mouse button, and
move the slider all the way to the left.

6. Twist the joystick knob clockwise and counterclockwise until an edge appears
to be in focus. You may need to move the stage to display an edge.

7. Use the mouse to click the in/mm icon in the DRO (Digital Readout) window
to select Millimeters. Then select Units / Inches pull-down menu to return
to inches.

8. Click the Crosshair icon in the toolbox to display the crosshair target in the
Image window.

Hint If you don’t know which icon to press, place the cursor over the icon and view the
icon name at the bottom of the toolbox.

9. Move the stage to place the lower-left corner of the training part at the
intersection of the crosshair target.

10. Zero the X and Y values in the DRO window. You can do one of the
following:
- Place the cursor over the X button and click the left mouse button. Repeat
this for the Y value.
- Press the X and Y buttons on the control panel (if equipped).

1-8 User Interface


11. Search for a topic in the on-line Help.
- Select Help / Contents from the menu.
- Click the Index tab to display the topics in alphabetical order.
- Type “Model Window” in the search field or scroll down to that topic.
- Click the Display button or double-click the topic to display it. Then, if
needed, use the scroll bar to view the entire topic.
- When a topic is displayed, select File / Exit to close the online Help.

12. Power down the machine in proper sequence and then power it back up.

This completes the Review Practice Session.

User Interface 1-9


This page was left blank intentionally.

1 - 10 User Interface
Session 2
Targets

The purpose of this session is to learn how to use various targets to measure the
size of part features.
• Manual alignment targets for manual measurements
• Automatic edge analysis targets to measure edges and create steps in a routine
• Focus target to focus an edge or surface and measure the Z axis position
• Introduction to common measure and construct functions

For more information about targets, see:


• Section 5 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 9 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Use the common manual alignment targets to align and measure features
• Change target sizes and colors
• Use the Focus target to perform an Autofocus on a surface and an edge
• Use the FeatureFinder target to measure a feature and find multiple points
automatically
• Use the Edge Finder target to measure a feature with strong edges
• Measure and construct common features

Manual and Automatic Targets 2-1


Manual Alignment Targets

The manual alignment targets help you align geometric shapes and objects
visually to the center of the screen. This enables you to measure both the feature
size and location.

Four commonly-used targets include:


• Crosshair target for aligning edges

• Microgage target for aligning edges

• Box target for square, rectangular or odd-shaped features

• Circle target for holes and features with rounded corners

• Protractor target for angles and intersections

For detailed descriptions on how to use the manual alignment targets, change their
size, see:
• MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide: pages 5-10 to 5-11
• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide: pages 9-1 to 9-4 and page
9-28

The manual alignment targets can also be used with the Measure function to
perform simple measurements. For example, a circle target can be used to
measure the diameter of a circle. See pages 10-1 to 10-4 in the MeasureMind 3D
MultiSensor Reference Guide for a more detailed description.

Changing Target Colors

You can change the target color to any of the 16 colors displayed at the bottom of
the screen in the Target and Image Control window. This allows you to choose the
optimum contrast between the part image and the target (brown virtually hides the
image of the selected target).

To change the color of a target, place the cursor over the desired color and click
the left mouse button once.

2-2 Manual and Automatic Targets


Focus Target

The Focus target is used to measure the Z axis position and get an edge or surface
in focus. The Focus target appears as a box in the center of the Image window.

Your system may be equipped with the following Focus targets:


• Basic Focus target appears as box with a closed border. When you use this
target, the system performs an autofocus using general focus parameters.

• Advanced Focus target has an open border with solid corners. The advanced
autofocus is optimized for the image conditions at the instant of the
measurement, such as magnification and lighting.

You can change the size of the Focus target in two ways:
• Select any edge or corner and drag it to the desired size while holding the left
mouse button.
• Use the slider or click the arrows in the Focus Box Type scroll bar in the
Target and Image Control window.

The Focus target can also be used with the Measure Point function to measure the
Z axis position and with the Measure Plane function to measure a plane or do
height and depth measurements. The best illumination for these kinds of
measurements is surface illumination.

For detailed descriptions on how to use the Focus target, see:


• MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide: page 5-7
• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide: pages 9-24 through 9-27.

Z-axis autofocus and repeatability improve at higher magnifications. For a zoom


Hint system, zoom to the highest magnification before you measure the Z axis
position. Mount the 2x add-on lens and use the highest magnification for optimal
results.

Manual and Automatic Targets 2-3


Automatic Edge Analysis Targets

• Strong Edge
- Used with high-contrast, smooth edges and backlighting.
- Automatically moves the stage to find the edge at the point where you
placed the cursor.
- When you run the routine, the point appears in the center of the image.
• Weak Edge (average, maximum and minimum)
- Used with any kind of edge, especially low-contrast, ragged edges.
- Also may be used to measure points along edges of features that are larger
than the field of view.
- Automatically finds and measures a point on an edge within the search
area that you defined.
• FeatureFinder
- Used with any kind of edge.
- Automatically measures the selected geometric shape (line, arc or circle)
after you specify the points.

Hint Double-click a feature to measure the feature automatically, without specifying


any points.

- Measures features in the field of view.


- If the feature does not fit entirely in the field of view, you can use the
Composite function (described in Session 2) to construct a composite
circle or line from the measured points or features.
• Edge Trace (described on page 9-5)
- Used with high-contrast, smooth edges and backlighting.
- Used to trace a line, arc, circle, or irregular contour.
- The entire feature does not need to be in the field of view.
• Centroid (described on page 9-6)
- Used to measure the area and perimeter of an irregular contour. For
example, it is useful for measuring leads, solder points and pins.
- The feature or contour must fit entirely in the field of view.

For detailed descriptions on how to use the edge targets, see:


• Edge Analysis Targets topic in the MeasureMind 3D on-line Help
• MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide: pages 5-2 to 5-9.

2-4 Manual and Automatic Targets


• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide: pages 9-9 to 9-26.

FeatureFinder Parameters

You can change any or all FeatureFinder parameters using the scroll bars in the
FeatureFinder Settings window.
• Number of points. Increase the number of points for a better statistical
sample. Decrease the number of points if the edge is very ragged.
• Strength of edge. This indicates the contrast level which MeasureMind will
accept as a valid edge. Move the slider toward Strong if the edge shows high
contrast. Move the slider bar toward Weak if the desired edge shows low
contrast.
• Roughness of the edge.
This indicates the extent
to which evaluated points
are included in the edge
analysis. Move the slider
toward Smooth to
statistically evaluate and
remove points that do not
belong in the analysis.
Move the slider toward
Rough to include more
points in the analysis.

“Dark-to-Light” Rule for Weak Edge Analysis

Whenever you measure a feature with a weak edge target (i.e., Weak Edge Point
or FeatureFinder), the software performs the edge analysis going in a dark-to-light
direction.

Weak edge analysis scans the search area going from dark to
light (shown by the direction of the arrow)

DARKLIGT.CDR

Manual and Automatic Targets 2-5


Common Measure Functions

The Measure functions enable you to measure the feature size, location and other
geometric dimensions.

Common Measure functions include:


• Point, which is a single XYZ location.
- This is typically used to measure the Z location.
- The Locate Point function enables you to define a location without
actually measuring the point; this can be used as a safe point.
- A point appears as an asterisk in the Model window.
• Line, for measuring the straightness and angles of lines.
- You must specify at least 2 points to measure a line.
- You must specify at least 3 points for a straightness calculation.
- The XYZ coordinates are of the line’s midpoint.
- A solid line appears in the Model window.
• Circle, for measuring diameters and radii of circles, arcs, holes, and rounded
or curved edges.
- You must specify at least 3 points to measure a circle or arc.
- You must specify at least 4 points for a non-zero roundness calculation.
- The XYZ coordinates are of the center of the circle.
- Click the Diameter button to display the radius. Continue to click it to
display minimum and maximum diameter/radius measurements.
- A solid-line circle appears in the Model window.
- If you measure a curved edge that goes into a line, do not specify a point
that is very close to or on the line; this may cause inaccurate measurement
results.
• Plane, for measuring the angle, profile and flatness of a surface.
- Use the Focus target to focus each point before entering it.
- Spread the points as evenly as possible around the entire plane for the
most accurate results.
- You must specify at least 3 focus points for the plane and at least 4 focus
points for a non-zero flatness.
- The points do not appear in the Model window.
• Centroid, for measuring the area and perimeter of an irregular contour.
- The feature or contour must fit entirely in the field of view. This target can
be used with the Measure Centroid and Measure Circle functions.

2-6 Manual and Automatic Targets


Common Construct Functions

The Construct function enables you to build features in the Model window from
previously-measured or -constructed features. The Model window displays
constructed features with dashed lines.

A constructed feature does not necessarily have to be on the part itself. The
composite function may be used for circles and lines that do not fit entirely in the
field of view.

Common Construct functions include:


• Point enables you to define a point in space in the Model window.
- You must either enter the nominal location or select a feature from the
model window. The point can be used for future constructions.
• Line enables you to measure the angle and midpoint location.
- The angle is defined relative to the current coordinate system. Click the
Angle button to display the supplementary angle.
- The coordinates are of the midpoint of the line.
- You must select at least three features for a straightness calculation, or
select fewer features and select the Composite check box.
• Circle enables you to measure diameter and center location.
- You must select at least three features to construct a circle, and at least
four features for a roundness calculation, or select fewer features and
select the Composite check box.
- Click Diameter to display the radius. Continue to click this button to
display minimum and maximum diameter/radius measurements.
- The coordinates are of the center of the circle.
• Intersection is a point where two features meet.
- You can construct intersections between two lines (one point), between a
line and a circle (one or two points), or between two circles (one or two
points).
- If the 1 of 2 button is active, this indicates that there are two intersection
points. However, if you toggle this button, the stage moves to the selected
intersection.
- Reports the angle between two lines and the coordinate of the intersection
point, calculated counterclockwise from leg1 to leg2.

Manual and Automatic Targets 2-7


• Width reports how far apart two features are and the location of the
centerline, independent of the coordinate system.
- Calculations are based on the perpendicular distance between the features.
- You can construct widths between a point and a line, two lines, a point and
a circle, two circles, or an intersection and other features.
- Click Width to toggle to the Minimum and Maximum widths.
• Distance reports how far apart two features are, relative to the current
coordinate system.
- Reports the XYZ (RAZ) distance and the straight line distance, from one
feature to another using their center locations.

Comparison of Distance and Width Functions

Both the Distance and Width functions can be used to find the size of a feature
(i.e. overall length of part, size of slot) or the spacing between two features.
However, while the functions seem to be similar, there are several differences,
which are described below.

Distance

• Looks at the center point of the feature rather than the characteristics of the
feature itself
• Reports XYZ and straight-line distance values relative to the current
coordinate axis

Distance between Distance between Distance between


two parallel lines with two parallel lines with the centers of two
different lengths different locations circles

DISTCNST.CDR

2-8 Manual and Automatic Targets


Width

• Looks at both the center point and the

th
id
.W
size of the feature

ax

th
• Reports values relative to the selected

id

th
W

id
features

.W
in
• Allows the selection of the Best-Fit,

75
Minimum or Maximum widths

.8
• May be used with points, lines, circles
within a 2D measurement
WIDTHSLT.CDR

Width calculated as a perpendicular between two best-fit lines

WIDPARLN.CDR

Comparison Example

In the example shown here, you can use either function to determine dimensions
between the same two parallel lines with different XY locations. The choice of
which function to use is based on the dimensions that you wish to measure.

Distance Width

Y
Straight line
distance

WIDNDIST.CDR

Manual and Automatic Targets 2-9


Composite Features

The composite check box in a constructed feature indicates how the software
calculates a constructed line, constructed circle, constructed plane, constructed
sphere, constructed cylinder, or constructed cone.
• If the box is checked, the software uses the XYZ locations of the individual
data points that make up (compose) each reference feature. In this case, you
can also construct a feature from the same kind of feature, e.g., a line from a
single line.
• If the box is checked, measurement results appear in the window even if you
have selected fewer than the minimum number of features. However, the
selected feature(s) must have at least the minimum number of points, e.g., a
circle measured with FeatureFinder that has at least three points.
• When you check the box, the system also updates the corresponding XY
Angle and Elevation/Declination values (described in Session 6).
• If the box is not checked, the software uses the actual location of each
reference feature (e.g., the midpoint of a line or the center of a circle).
• A reference feature can be measured or constructed. If the reference feature is
a constructed feature, only its location is used in the calculation.

2 - 10 Manual and Automatic Targets


Exercise 2: Using the Circle Target, and the Strong Edge and FeatureFinder Tools

In this practice session you will measure one of the six-bolt circles on the red 3D
training part three times, using a different target/tool each time.

1. Using the joystick, position one of the six bolt circles on


the 3D training part in the center of the Image window.

2. Adjust the backlight illumination for sufficient contrast,


and manually focus the feature by adjusting the Z
position of the optics.

3. Select the Basic Focus target.

4. Perform an autofocus by clicking in the Image window (inside or outside the


Focus box).

The system performs an autofocus and display a green cross in the center of
the Focus box if the autofocus was successful.

5. Measure the desired bolt circle using the Circle target.

a. Select the Circle target.

b. Resize the target to match the size of the bolt circle displayed in the Image
window; reposition the feature if necessary.

Hint To resize the target, click and hold the left mouse button on the edge of the target,
and then drag the edge of the target to the desired size.

c. Record the diameter of the bolt circle, to the 4th decimal place.

Bolt Circle Diameter (measured with Circle target): __________

Manual and Automatic Targets 2 - 11


6. Measure the same bolt circle using the Strong Edge tool.

a. Select the Strong Edge target.

b. Click the Measure tab and Circle icon.

c. Position the Strong Edge target over the desired edge on the bolt circle.

d. Click the edge (inside the Strong Edge target) of the bolt circle.

e. Press Enter on the joystick or handheld controller (as applicable).

f. Repeat Steps 6c through 6e to measure three more points on the bolt


circle.

g. Record the diameter of the bolt circle, to the 4th decimal place, and then
click Done in the Measurement window.

Bolt Circle Diameter (measured with Strong Edge tool): __________

7. Measure the same bolt circle using the FeatureFinder tool.

Note The feature must fit entirely in the field of view.

a. Select the FeatureFinder target.

b. Double-click the edge of the bolt circle in the Image window.

c. Record the diameter of the bolt circle, to the 4th decimal place, and then
click Done in the Measurement window.

Bolt Circle Diameter (measured with FeatureFinder tool): __________

8. Start a New routine.

2 - 12 Manual and Automatic Targets


Session 3
Part Setup and Datums

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Stage the part to be measured
• Set up and align the part manually
• Specify the part setup instructions
• Define datums automatically at the beginning of an inspection routine

For more information about part setup and datums, see:


• Section 6 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 4 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

For more information about the Measure and Construct functions, see:
• Sections 9 and 10 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Sections 10 and 11 in the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide.

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Describe when a part needs to be set up and why
• Stage a part on the stage glass so that it can be inspected
• Manually establish the setup zero location and axis alignment using part
features
• Enter specific instructions for setting up the part
• Use common Measure and Construct functions to define datums
• Automatically define a datum origin and datum axis within a routine
• Save a routine

Part Setup and Datums 3-1


Manual Part Setup

Manual part setup consists of the following functions:


• Stage the part:
- The stage should be cleared of any obstructions and the optics should be at
a height that is above the part to be measured.
- The part must be placed on the stage such that its features can be
measured. If necessary, a fixture should be mounted to the stage and one
or more parts can then be mounted in the fixture.
- The part must be secured to the stage or in the fixture.
- Appropriate illumination, magnification and focus are required to begin
measurements.
• Manually set up the part, i.e., define the setup zero location (Zero X, Y and Z)
and align the part (axis alignment):
- The setup zero location tells the system where the part is located on the
stage. The measurements are based on the setup zero location.
- The Axis Alignment function tells the system how the part is rotated
relative to the stage motion and it compensates for any misalignment
between the part and the stage.

If you do not do the manual part setup or define a datum in the routine, the
measurements are based on stage home. The stage home process sets the scale
origin to zero. This is done each time you start MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor and
initialize the stage.
• The XY origin is at the lower-left corner of the stage.
• The Z origin is approximately at the bottom of the Z axis travel.

When to Set Up a Part

You must do the manual part setup anytime the part is placed in a different
location or orientation on the stage. For example, it is necessary to set up a part:
• The first time you stage a part for measurement
• Every time if the part is not located in the same place as before
• Every time if additional samples of the same part are not located in the same
place as the first part (for example, fixtures are not used or the fixtures are
movable)

3-2 Part Setup and Datums


Useful Features for Setting Up a Part

When setting up a part, use features on the part or fixture that are easily seen in
the Image window at low magnification and that are easy for operators to line up
to. Useful features include:
• Focus points for the Z axis
• Circles, corners and points for defining an XY origin and alignment point

Ways to Set Up a Part

You can set up a part in the following ways to create and run a part routine
automatically.
• Manual (visual) setup on part features. This is described below.
• Manual (visual) setup on a fixture. This is described in Session 8.
• Using stage home. It is not necessary to set up a part if it is always located in
the same place on a fixture that is permanently mounted to the stage.

Manual Setup on Part Features

With this method you can use manual alignment targets to locate features on the
part itself for the part origin and axis alignment. For example, you can use the
Focus target to zero the Z axis on the top surface and the Crosshair target to locate
the lower-left and lower-right corners on the QVI 3D training part.

This method is useful for quick


part setups and when the part is
not mounted in a fixture (i.e., it
can be placed in different
locations on the stage). If you
use this method, you must do a
manual setup each time you
stage a part and load a
measurement routine.

Z Setup Zero
Location (Z=0)

XY Setup Zero Top View Setup Alignment


Location (X=0, Y=0) (Y=0)

Part Setup and Datums 3-3


To perform a manual setup using part features:

1. Secure the part to the stage. For example, you can use modeling clay to secure
the part to the stage glass.

2. Locate two features on the part that can be used for the XY setup zero
location and the axis alignment. For example, you can use the lower-left and
lower-right corners on the 3D training part.

3. Identify the best manual alignment targets to be used for the manual setup.
For example, you can use the Focus target to zero the Z axis and the Crosshair
target for the lower-left and lower-right corners on the 3D training part.

4. Manually define the Z setup zero location:


- Display the top surface of the part, e.g., near the bottom-left edge of the
cylindrical slot. Use surface illumination and high magnification.
- Select the Focus target and perform an autofocus.
- Click the Z button in the DRO (Digital Readout) window to zero the Z
setup zero location.

5. Manually define the XY setup zero location:


- Display the feature used for the XY setup zero location, e.g., lower-left
corner, in the field of view. Remember to use the lowest magnification and
adjust the lighting and focus.
- Select the Crosshair target and adjust it as necessary.
- Click the X and Y buttons in the DRO window to zero the XY setup zero
location.

6. Manually define the axis alignment:


- Display the feature, e.g., lower-right corner, used for the axis alignment in
the field of view.
- Use the same alignment target; select another target only if it is necessary.
- Move the stage if necessary to align the feature with the target.
- Click the Ang button in the DRO window to align the part.

3-4 Part Setup and Datums


Defining Part Datums

A datum is a feature whose location is considered exact for the purpose of


determining relationships to other features. Defining the datum ensures that the
measurements done on a part correspond to the blueprint specifications.

You must do both the manual part setup and define the datums when you are
creating a routine. All routines should have datums at or near the beginning of
the routine.

Datums enable the same routine to be repeated for other identical parts. The only
requirement is that you perform the manual setup on the part or fixture in the
same way as it was done initially, before you run the routine.

Datum Features

Datums are constructed within a routine from previously-measured features. As


with the part setup, useful features that can be used in the construction of datums
include measured / constructed points and holes.

The typical targets that are used to measure the datum features include Focus,
FeatureFinder and Weak Edge Point.

You need to construct a Z and XY datum origin and axis alignment after
measuring each datum feature; this is a two step process (see the typical sequence
below).

The Construct functions for datums are:


• Datum Plane
• Datum Origin
• Datum Axis

Typical Sequence for Defining 3D Datums

The typical sequence for defining a datum origin and axis alignment is shown
below:

1. Measure at least 3 points on the surface of the part using the Focus target.

2. Construct a Z=0 datum plane.

3. Measure the feature to be used as the XY datum origin.

Part Setup and Datums 3-5


4. Construct the XY datum origin.

5. Measure the feature to be used for the datum axis.

6. Construct the datum axis for the part.

Entering Part Setup Instructions

When you open an existing routine, it will run only if the manual part setup is
done in the same exact way as when the routine was created. If you set up the part
in a different way (e.g., use different features or locations), the routine will fail
when you try to run it.

Setup instructions help you remember how the part was set up when you first
created the routine and how it needs to be set up when you use the routine again.
They are also useful for other people, e.g., operators, who run the routine.

It is strongly recommended that you enter the part setup instructions after you
do the manual part setup and create the datum steps. For example, you can
specify the location, orientation and alignment of the part, or explain how to begin
measuring the part.

To enter the part setup instructions, select Part Setup / Setup Instructions.

A window pops up where you can enter or view specific instructions for setting
up the part. For example, you can specify the location, orientation and alignment
of the part, or explain how to begin measuring the part.

3-6 Part Setup and Datums


You may enter up to 15 lines of text. To enter each line of text:

1. Place the cursor after the colon and click the left mouse button once.

2. Type the desired text. Characters will not wrap to the next line.

3. Press Tab to move the cursor to the next line (do not press Enter).

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each line.

5. Click OK or Cancel.
- OK saves the instructions and any changes/additions you made.
- Cancel saves only your original instructions; any additions or changes are
not saved.

Entering a Report Heading

If you wish, you may enter up to five lines of text about the routine. This
information appears at the beginning of any report when you print the routine.

To enter the report heading, select Part Setup / Header and enter the
information in the displayed dialog box.

Part Setup and Datums 3-7


Exercises

Complete the following exercises to become familiar with performing a manual


part setup and automatically defining the datum origin and axis alignment.

3A.Manual setup of the 3D training part, including the Z setup zero location, the
XY setup zero location, and axis alignment

3B.Automatic definition of the datum plane, datum origin, and datum axis using
measured features

3C.Repeating the manual setup after moving the part and running the routine

Exercise 3A: Setting Up the 3D Training Part on the Stage Manually

In this exercise you will:


• Manually establish the Z setup zero location by performing an autofocus on a
surface and zeroing the Z axis at the found focus point.
• Manually establish the XY setup zero location and axis alignment using the
lower-left and lower-right corners.

Before getting started with the exercises, click the Units icon in the DRO
window to set the measurement units to millimeters. All dimensions are specified
in millimeters.

To set up the 3D training part manually, complete the steps below.

1. Turn up the surface illumination to approximately 45 - 55%. Be sure that all


other illumination sources are off. If you’re using a touch probe, ensure that
all sides of the part may be reached with the probe.

2. Zoom to the highest magnification, if required.

3. Move the stage so that a surface, e.g., near the bottom-left edge of the
cylindrical slot, is in the middle of the screen.

4. Turn up the surface illumination and, if needed, twist the focus


knob on the joystick until the surface is in best focus.

5. Select the Focus target, change its size to look like a 1 inch
square, and make sure that it is completely on the surface.

6. Press the left mouse button to initiate the autofocus.

The system performs an autofocus and displays a green cross in the focus box.

3-8 Part Setup and Datums


7. Click the Z button in the DRO window to zero the Z axis.

8. Turn off the surface illumination and zoom to the lowest magnification.

9. Turn on the back light, move the stage so that the lower-left corner is in the
middle of the screen, place the cursor in a lit area, and adjust the back light to
approximately 45 - 55%.

10. Select the Crosshair target.

11. Line up the lower-left corner with the target.

12. Press the X and Y buttons in the DRO window (or on the control panel) to
zero the X and Y axes.

13. Move the stage along the X axis until the lower-right corner is in the middle
of the screen.

14. Line up the corner with the Crosshair target.

15. Click the Ang button in the DRO window (or the Axis Align button on the
control panel) to align the part. This “draws” the positive (+) X axis between
the setup zero location and the setup alignment point. The X field displays the
value along the new X axis. The Y field is reset to 0, reflecting the rotation of
the coordinate system to align with the part.

You have just completed the manual setup of the part. Now the system knows
where the part is located on the stage.

Exercise 3B: Automatically Defining Datums in a Routine

In this exercise you will:


• Automatically define the Z origin by taking autofocus points on the surface of
the part and constructing a plane from the the focus points. Then you will
construct the Z datum plane in a separate step using the constructed plane.
• Automatically define the part origin and axis alignment by measuring the
lower-left and lower-right corners and then construct the XY datum origin and
datum axis in separate steps. In this exercise, you will measure the same
features that were used in the manual part setup.
• Run the routine after moving the part. You will need to perform a manual
setup in order for the routine to run.

When you measure features and define datums, you are automatically creating
steps at the beginning of the routine.

Part Setup and Datums 3-9


To measure the Z datum feature and automatically define the Z datum
origin, complete the following steps.

1. Click the Units icon in the DRO window to select Metric units.

2. Click the Focus icon, change the size of the displayed target if needed, and
make sure that it is completely over the surface.

3. Turn off the back light and turn up the surface illumination to approximately
45 - 55%.

4. Move the stage so that the top surface, e.g., near the bottom-left edge of the
cylindrical slot, is in the middle of the screen.

5. Zoom to the highest magnification and adjust the surface light as needed.

6. Twist the focus knob on the joystick until the surface is in best focus.

7. Click the Measure and Point icons. Point dimensions appear in the
Measurement window.

8. Perform the autofocus on the surface using the Focus target and press Enter
on the joystick or handheld controller to accept the focus point. This ensures
that the Z axis coordinate is measured.

9. Click Done in the Measurement window. The measurement is now in Step 1


of the routine.

10. Click the Construct and Datum Origin icons.


The system displays the Model window and
Origin settings in the Measurement window.

11. Click the View All icon in the Model Window


toolbar if all features do not appear in the Model.

12. Click the center of the point in the Model window.

13. Select the Zero Z Axis check box.

14. Click Done in the Origin window. The Z datum


origin is now in Step 2 of the routine.

15. [Classic User Interface Only] Click the Image


window icon to return to the Image window.

3 - 10 Part Setup and Datums


16. Repeat Step 6 through 9 for at least three other points. Be sure to spread the
points around the entire top surface. Do not measure any points on the left
surface that is slightly lower than the top surface. The points are in Steps 3
through 5 of the routine.

17. Click the Construct and Plane icons. The system displays the Model
window and the Plane settings. If all the features do not appear in the Model
window, click the View All icon.

18. Click the center of each of the four points in the Model window.

19. Click Done in the Plane window. The constructed plane is in Step 6 of the
routine.

20. Click the Datum Plane icon (the Construct


mode is already active). The system displays the
Model window and Datum Plane settings in the
Measurement window. Click View All, if needed.

21. Click the constructed plane in the Model window.

22. Select the Align XY Plane and Set Z Axis


check boxes. Enter zero in the field if it is not
already displayed.

23. Click Done in the Measurement window. The


datum plane is now in Step 7 of the routine.

24. [Classic User Interface Only] Click the Image


window icon to return to the Image window.

25. Zoom to the lowest magnification and turn off the


surface illumination.

To measure the XY datum features and


automatically define the XY datum origin and axis
alignment, complete the following steps.

1. Turn on the back light to approximately 45 - 55%.

2. Move the stage so that the lower-left corner is in the middle of the screen.

3. If needed, twist the focus knob on the joystick until the corner is in best focus.

4. Click the FeatureFinder icon.

5. Measure the left edge and click Again to complete the measurement and
display the next step. The measurement is now in Step 8 of the routine.

Part Setup and Datums 3 - 11


6. Measure the bottom edge and click Done. The measurement is now in Step 9
of the routine.

7. Click the Construct and Intersection icons. The system displays the
Model window and the Intersection window. If all the features do not appear
in the Model window, click the View All icon.

8. Select the left and bottom lines in the Model window and click Done to
complete the construction. The construction is now in Step 10 of the routine.

9. Click the Datum Origin icon (the Construct mode is already active). The
system displays the Model window and Origin settings in the Measurement
window.

10. Click the measured lower-left intersection point


in the Model window.

11. Select the Zero X Axis and Zero Y Axis check


boxes.

12. Click Done in the Measurement window. The


XY datum is now in Step 11 of the routine. The
intersection of the X and Y axes moves to the
datum origin in the Model window.

13. [Classic User Interface Only] Click the Image


window icon to return to the Image window.

14. Move the stage so that the lower-right corner is in


the field of view.

15. Click the Average Weak Edge icon.

16. Measure a point along the bottom edge near the


lower-right corner and click Done in the Measurement window. The
measurement is now in Step 12 of the routine.

17. Click the Datum Axis icon (The Construct mode is already active). The
system displays the Model window and datum axis settings in the
Measurement window. If all the features do not appear in the Model window,
click the View All icon.

18. Click the measured point in the Model window.

19. Select the Align X Axis radio button if it is not already selected.

20. Click Done in the Measurement window. This aligns the X axis through the
point in the Model window. The datum axis is now in Step 13 of the routine.

3 - 12 Part Setup and Datums


21. Click the Run icon to run the routine. The
Toolbox window displays a message to set the
origin and align the axis along with a run
number field and control buttons.

22. Click OK to begin running the routine. The


routine runs through all the steps.

23. When the run is completed, click OK in the “All


features completed” dialog box.

24. Select Part Setup / Setup Instructions and


enter the manual part setup instructions.

25. Select Part Setup / Header... and enter the


header “This routine measures the 3D training
part.”

26. Click the Save icon to save the routine. A


window pops up displaying the existing routine
(RTN) files in the c:\partrtn folder.

27. Type yourname1.rtn in the File Name field to save


this routine. The routine is saved in the routine
folder and also remains in memory so that it can be
changed or run again.

(Go to Exercise 3C on the next page.)

Part Setup and Datums 3 - 13


Exercise 3C: Perform the Manual Setup after Moving the Part (or else...)

You must complete the manual setup procedure any time the part is moved. The
following demonstrates what happens when you do not do a part setup after
moving the part.

1. Physically move the 3D training part to the right at least 1 inch and secure it.

2. Click the Run icon to run the routine and click OK. The system may be able
to complete the first and/or second step but then it displays one of the
messages shown below because it cannot find a feature.

3. Press the Stop/Start button to stop the run of the routine.


- If the “Autofocus failed” message is displayed, click OK when you see the
confirmation prompt to stop the run.
- If the “Feature Calculation Failed” message is displayed, click No and
then click OK when you see the confirmation prompt to stop the run.

4. Press the Stop/Start button to cancel the Stop mode.

5. Click Run again but do not click OK yet.

The reason for not clicking on OK yet is to allow you to perform a manual setup
if the part is not in the same location as it was when the routine was created.
Hint
When a routine is in memory, you can do a manual setup only when the routine is
in run mode, i.e., the Run window is open.

6. This time, perform a manual setup, selecting the targets from the Targets
menu: focus on the top surface -A- and establish Z = 0; set X and Y = 0 on the
lower-left corner; set the datum axis on the bottom edge on the right side.
Hint If you don’t remember how to perform the manual setup, see Exercise 1A.

7. Click OK to run the routine. The routine will run through all its steps because
the system now knows where the part is located on the stage. You do not need
to re-measure the steps or re-define the datums.

This completes Exercise 3C.

3 - 14 Part Setup and Datums


Session 4
Creating, Saving and Running a Routine

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Include nominal values and tolerances in a step
• Save and run a routine

For more information about the Measure and Construct functions, see:
• Sections 9 and 10 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Sections 10 and 11 in the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide

For more information about including nominal values and tolerances in a step,
see:
• Section 8 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 3 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

For more information about saving and running a routine, see:


• Section 8 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 5 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Include nominal values and tolerances in routine steps
• Select specific measurements for printing
• Save the current routine
• Run the current routine
• View the print listing on the screen

Creating, Saving and Running a Routine 4-1


Including Nominal Values and Tolerances in a Step

Nominal values refer to the ideal dimensions of a feature. Tolerances are values
that indicate how much the dimensions can vary. These dimensions are specified
on the part’s dimension drawing (blueprint).

The system uses the nominal values when it searches for a feature. It also displays
the feature in the Model window at the nominal size and location.

How to Enter Nominal Values and Tolerances

You need to enter the nominal


values and tolerances that are on
the blueprint for each dimension
that you measure. For similar
features, the system “carries
forward” the tolerance
information from one feature to
the next (see next page).
However, you need to enter the
nominal values by overwriting
the actual values.

You can enter nominal values and


tolerances either before or after
you measure a feature. We
recommend that you measure the
feature first and then enter the
nominal values and tolerances.

When you do the measurement first, MeasureMind copies the actual values into
the nominal fields. This provides several benefits:
• It allows you to see the signs and enter the correct signs for the nominal
values. For example, if the measurement results show an angle that is negative
(e.g., -45º), you must also enter the nominal as a negative value.
• It decreases the amount of data entry because you only need to change some
values rather than enter all of them.

To display the Nominal window and enter nominal values and tolerances, click
Nominal in the Measurement window.

You can enter and change values in the Nominal window in the following ways:

4-2 Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


• Place the cursor in a field. While holding the left mouse button down, drag the
cursor over the desired digits to highlight them. After releasing the button,
type the new digits. This overwrites the highlighted digits.
• Place the cursor in a field. Enter new values at the cursor location. They are
inserted in front of existing values. This is used most often for editing and
changing existing values.
• Use the Tab key to move forward from one field to the next and [Shift] +
[Tab] to move the cursor backward. When the tab key is used, the entire field
changes color and the entire value in the field is replaced. This is used most
often for first-time entry.

Tips When entering nominal values and tolerances, keep the following in mind:
• You do not need to enter leading zeros (i.e., to the left of the decimal point)
unless you are making changes.
• It is not necessary to enter the positive (+) sign for nominal values. However,
a negative (-) sign is necessary for applicable location coordinates.
• You do not need to enter signs for ANSI tolerance values. When they appear
on the printed report, the upper tolerance is + and the lower tolerance is -.

Understanding How Tolerances Are Carried Forward

When you enter the size, location and form tolerances for a feature, MeasureMind
“carries forward” the tolerances to the next measurement of the same feature.
That is, the software automatically uses the same tolerances that were used in the
last identical or similar type of feature.

For example, the tolerances for the holes on the 3D training part are the same.
After you measure the first hole using the Circle function and enter the tolerances,
MeasureMind “remembers” the tolerances you entered. It carries them forward
when you use the same Circle function to measure all the other holes. You do not
need to enter any tolerances for the other holes.

The software also carries tolerances for similar types of features. Several
examples are listed below.
• If you used Measure/Line, tolerances are carried forward for Construct/Line.
• If you used Measure/Circle, tolerances are carried forward for
Construct/Circle.

Creating, Saving and Running a Routine 4-3


How Deviations and Tolerance Ranges are Calculated

When you measure a feature, the software calculates the deviations and tolerance
ranges as follows:

1. It compares the actual measurements with the specified nominals by


subtracting the nominal value from the actual value. The amount that the
actual value exceeds (varies from) the nominal value is given as the deviation.

Deviation = actual value - nominal value

2. It calculates the lower and upper tolerance limits and determines the range
between the upper and lower tolerance limits.

Lower tolerance limit = Nominal + lower tolerance

Upper tolerance limit = Nominal + upper tolerance

4-4 Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


For example, if the nominal is 1.000 in., with an upper tolerance of + 0.005 in.
and a lower tolerance of - 0.005 in., the range is from 1.005 in. (upper limit) to
.995 in. (lower limit).
Actual value Nominal value

Yellow

Yellow
Out of tolerance Out of tolerance
(red) (red)

Marginal Marginal

Acceptable (green)
2x lower tolerance 2x upper tolerance

Lower tolerance limit Tolerance range Upper tolerance limit

3. It checks if the actual value is within or outside the tolerance range.


- If the actual value is between the upper and lower limits, it is in tolerance.
- If the actual value is beyond the upper or lower tolerance limit, it is out of
tolerance.

4. If the actual value is within the tolerance range, the software calculates the
percentage of the tolerance used and displays the “quality” of the percentage.

Tolerance percentage = deviation / upper or lower tolerance

Report Text and Feature Prompts

In the Nominal Values and Tolerances window, you can also type a comment
and/or prompt for the feature being measured. Each line can have up to 256
characters.
• Any text (comments) that you enter in the Report Text field will appear on
the printed report when you print the measurement results. However, the text
is truncated at 80 characters when it is printed. If you wish to print all the text,
it is recommended that you keep the text below 80 characters.
• Any text that you enter in the Feature Prompt field will appear as a prompt
when MeasureMind encounters the feature during a run. The routine will
pause and you will need to perform an action to continue the routine.

Creating, Saving and Running a Routine 4-5


How Measurement Results Are Displayed on the Screen

MeasureMind displays the calculation


results in a box next to the measured
value in the Measurement window. It
displays one of three colors:
• Red, if the actual value exceeds the
tolerance range (it is out of
tolerance). The actual value falls
outside the lower or upper tolerance Pass/Fail
limit. indicator
• Yellow, if the tolerance percentage is
between 75% and 100%. The actual
value uses 75% or more of the
tolerance range.
• Green, if the tolerance percentage is
less than 75%. The actual value is
within 75% of the tolerance range.

How to Output Measurement Results

You may output the measurement results (actual and nominal values, tolerances,
deviations) to a print data destination or save them in a statistics file.

The default destination for the print data is the printer (or file) specified in Page
Setup. However, you can override sending data to the printer by specifying two
other destinations in the Print Override Options:
• Print to File. The checked dimensions are sent to a specified file.
• Scroll Output. The checked dimensions are sent to the Scroll Output window.
You may wish to use this option when printing the dimensions in the
exercises. You can resize this window as needed.

If you wish to output any of the measurement results to a print data destination:

1. Select the check box next to the result to select it for output. A checkmark
appears in it.

2. Click Print. The software places the selected measurements in the print queue
(assuming “Print during Create” is On) and an asterisk appears on the button
to indicate that this function has been activated.

4-6 Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


When you are creating or editing a routine, or the routine is in Step Edit mode, the
checked dimensions are sent to the print data destination when you close a step (if
Create Mode and Step Edit Mode are selected in the Data Printer configuration).

When you run the routine, the software displays and clears the Scroll Output
window at the start of the run and sends the print data to this window as each step
is measured. The window remains open at the end of the run.

You may select one of the options in the Scroll Output menu to close the window
or send the data to a printer or file.

How Measurement Results Are Shown on the Printout

When measurement results are sent to a print data destination, MeasureMind also
outputs the nominals, tolerances, and deviation calculations.

If the actual value exceeds the tolerance range (it is out of tolerance), an amount
is shown in the Exceeded column on the output. The amount indicates how much
the measured value has exceeded (gone beyond) the tolerance limit.

Amount in Exceeded Column = deviation - upper or lower tolerance

If the actual value is in tolerance, the deviation within the upper or lower
tolerance is shown in the form of pluses and minuses in the Exceeded column on
the printout. Each plus/minus represents 25 percent of the tolerance.

Sign Meaning

(blank) A deviation is not calculated because tolerances are not specified.

+ The deviation is between the nominal (0) and 25% of the upper tolerance.

++ The deviation is between 26% and 50% of the upper tolerance.

+++ The deviation is between 51% and 75% of the upper tolerance.

++++ The deviation is between 76% and 100% of the upper tolerance.

- The deviation is between the nominal (0) and 25% of the lower tolerance.

-- The deviation is between 26% and 50% of the lower tolerance.

--- The deviation is between 51% and 75% of the lower tolerance.

---- The deviation is between 76% and 100% of the lower tolerance.

Creating, Saving and Running a Routine 4-7


The example below shows a sample printout and how the percentage is calculated
and displayed. The printout shows two minuses in the Exceeded column for a
diameter measurement. This indicates that the percent of the tolerance used
(36.8%) is between 26 and 50 percent of the lower tolerance.

============================================================================
Feature Unit Nominal Actual Tolerances Deviation Exceeded
============================================================================

Step 6 - Datum -C- Hole


Diameter in +00.25000 +00.24816 +0.0050 -0.0050 -00.00184 --

Calculation of the Deviation 0.00184


= 36.8% (displayed as two minus signs)
tolerance percentage Tolerance 0.00500

How to View All the Steps in a Routine

You can view and print a listing of all the steps in a routine or select which steps
you wish to print.

To view and/or print the steps in the routine, select Print in the File menu. A
window pops up with selection options. You can view and print the measurements
in three formats:
• Condensed. For each step, this lists the feature, XYZ (or RAZ) location and
size. If the measurements in a step are constructed from previous
measurements, the step number(s) are listed in the Reference column.

4-8 Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


• Standard. This lists the
details of the
measurements in each
step. It includes the units
of measurement, features
measured, actual
measurements, and
nominals and tolerances.

• Expanded. This lists the


standard information with
details about each point in
the measurement. The
details include location,
zoom, lighting and target
used.

Hint To print the routine listing and the name of the routine:

1. Specify the steps that you want to print (default is all steps) and select the
desired format (default is Standard).

2. Click OK. If you have not selected a printer, the software displays the
standard “Print Setup” window to select the printer.

The measurement data is sent to the printer.

Creating, Saving and Running a Routine 4-9


Exercise 4: Measure and Construct Features with Nominal and Tolerance Values

In this exercise you will manually set up the 3D training part and measure the
outer edges of the part

To measure the outer edges of the 3D training part, complete the steps below.

1. Open routine yourname1.rtn and read your setup instructions.

2. Perform a manual setup (if necessary). If you don’t remember how to do this,
see below:
- Focus on the top surface -A- and establish Z = 0.
- Establish X and Y = 0 on the lower-left corner.
- Establish axis alignment on the bottom edge on the right side.

3. Run the routine to verify that the setup was done properly and that the initial
steps were created properly.

4. Measure the edges around the outside perimeter of the part, starting at the
middle of the bottom edge (left side was measured in Step 9). Remember to:
- Skip the slot on the right side of the part.
- Use the Back light and use FeatureFinder for all the measurements except
the edges that are on an incline.
- Use three Average Weak Edge Points for the inclined upper-right edge.
- Construct the lines of each edge on the perimeter of the part, and then
construct intersections from those lines to form the outer perimeter of the
part. Also construct a line from the three Weak Edge Points on the
inclined upper-right edge.

Note: All points measured in a single FOV measurement have a constant Z


value in the machine coordinate system. Therefore, when measuring features
that are on an incline, measure each point in focus at the center of the FOV.

5. Run the routine.

6. Use Save As. to save the routine as yourname2.rtn.

7. Select File / Print to view the print listing on the screen. Look at the
Condensed, Standard and Expanded views.

8. Move the part, redo the manual part setup (see Step 2 if you do not remember
how to do this), and run the routine again.

This completes Exercise 4.

4 - 10 Creating, Saving and Running a Routine


Session 5
3D Model Window

The 3D Model window displays a CAD-like sketch of the part. If the software is
configured to display the Classic User Interface, click the Model icon to display
the 3D model.

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Display different views in the Model window
• View the two sets of coordinate system axes
• Select and control the data that is displayed in the Model window
• Use the three mouse buttons in the Model window
• Interpret the features displayed in the Model window
• Interpret the colors of the features displayed in the Model window

For more information about the 3D Model window, see:


• Model Window and Model Window Toolbar topics in the on-line Help
• Section 7 in the MeasureMind3D Reference Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Display different views in the Model window
• View the two sets of coordinate system axes
• Use the icons in the Model Window toolbar to select and control the data that
is displayed in the Model window
• Control the features displayed in the Model window using the three mouse
buttons
• Identify the features displayed in the Model window
• Understand the colors of the features displayed in the Model window

3D Model Window 5-1


Views in the Model Window

You can display different views in the Model window.

To display a specific view, select the view in the 3D Model menu. You may also
click the view icons that are in the 3D Model Window toolbar (see the next page).

The default is Top View. The other views that may be selected are: Isometric,
Bottom, Left, Right, Front, and Back.

Coordinate System Axes

The 3D Model window displays two sets of XYZ coordinate system axes.
• Part origin, shown as smaller, thinner lines. This indicates the XYZ origin of
the part being measured and is always displayed with the part image. If the
image is moved or rotated, the part origin moves and rotates with the image.
• View origin, shown as larger, thicker lines. This is a set of XYZ reference
axes that always remain in the center of the Model window.
- The view origin provides a constant visual reference for the location and
orientation of the part in the Model window.
- Whenever you select Zoom In or Zoom Out, the zoom is done about the
view origin.
- The view origin is displayed only when you click and hold one of the
mouse buttons.

Part origin View origin

5-2 3D Model Window


Model Window Toolbar

The Model Window toolbar contains icons that represent the most common
functions in the 3D Model menu.

If you do not remember the icon’s function, place the cursor over the icon, but do
not press the mouse button. The system displays the icon’s function on the right
side of the Model Window toolbar.
View Isometric Next Point Hide View
all view view Actuals data feature feature

Zoom Zoom Top Surface Nominals View Lights


in out view window CAD data

The icons in the Model Window toolbar have the following functions:
• The three zoom icons on the left control the size of the model as described
earlier.
• The Isometric View and Top View icons enable you to display the
appropriate views.
• The Next View icon toggles through six views in the following order: Top,
Front, Right, Back, Left, and Bottom. When you click the icon, the Icon Help
indicates which view will be displayed next.

Hint Position the mouse cursor over the Next View icon (do not click it) to see which
view is currently displayed in the Model window.

• The Surface icon displays the Surface window for the selected feature.
• The Actuals, Nominals and Points icons control the display of the applicable
data. See the topic Graphical Representation of Displayed Data in Section 7
of the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide for more information.
• The CAD icon toggles the display of the imported CAD template On and Off.
• The Hide Feature icon toggles the display of hidden features On and Off.
• The View Feature icon maximizes the feature currently being edited in the
Model window. To view a feature, select the feature in the Model window and
click the View Feature icon.
- The top view of the feature (not the entire part) is displayed in the Model
window. The feature step is displayed in the Measurement window.
- This function is useful when you wish to view the actual data and compare
them to the nominal data.

3D Model Window 5-3


• The Light icon toggles between a shaded (solid) image of the measured
features (On) and a wireframe model (Off). The colors of the shaded image
have the same meaning as in the wireframe model. The shaded image does not
appear if the computer display is set at 256 colors.

Three-Button Mouse Functions

The table below shows the mouse functions for a 3-button mouse, which is the
default configuration.

Button Function

Left • Click to select features or icons


• Hold the button down and
- Drag the mouse up to zoom the entire model up
- Drag the mouse down to zoom the entire model down
• Zoom in on a specific area by holding the button and Shift key down and dragging the
cursor diagonally to draw a box around the desired area

Middle Pan (move) the entire model in any direction by holding the button down and moving the
cursor in the desired direction

Right Rotate the entire model around the view origin by holding the button down and moving the
cursor:
• Left/right to rotate the model around the Z axis
• Up or down to rotate the model about the horizontal screen axis

5-4 3D Model Window


Features in the 3D Model Window

Features are displayed in the following ways in the 3D Model window:


• Measured features are displayed as solid lines.
• Constructed features are displayed as dashed lines.
• Lines are drawn along the entered points.
• Circles are displayed in two ways:
- As a full circle, if the diameter is output.
- As an arc along the entered points, if the radius is output.
• An intersection between two lines displays a cross at the intersection location
and joins the lines to create the corner formed by the intersection. When
circles and lines are intersected, they are joined in a similar way.
• Contour features are displayed as a continuous line or curve with all the data
points connected. The nominal contour location is displayed as an octagon.
• Spheres are displayed as five circles. One circle is near the top and one near
the bottom, and the other three circles connect the top and bottom circles.
• Planes are displayed as a rectangle enclosing all of the plane’s points.
• Cylinders and cones are displayed as two circles, one each at the top and
bottom, connected by lines at the 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree points on the
circles.
- For cylinders, both circles are the same size.
- For cones, one circle is smaller than the other.
• If the optional touch probe is enabled, the current location of the probe is
shown with a solid red circle. This circle moves as you move the probe.
• All measured points are displayed differently based on the target used to
measure them.

Target Symbol Target Symbol

Strong edge All manual targets

Average weak edge Constructed point

Maximum weak edge Touch probe point

Minimum weak edge Centroid

Focus

3D Model Window 5-5


Colors of 3D Model Window Attributes

The 3D Model window has a black background. This enables the other colors to
be displayed more vividly. However, if you print the 3D model, the system
reverses the black and white colors to save printer ink.

Model Attribute Color

Coordinate system axes • X: red


• Y: green
• Z: yellow

Actual feature - in tolerance or not toleranced Green

Actual feature - within the tolerance band specified in the YELLOW_PERCENT Yellow
parameter in the INPUT.CFG file

Actual feature - out of tolerance Red

Current feature Light cyan

Features not measured yet Dark cyan

Selected features Light magenta

Reference features of selected features Dark magenta

Nominal dimensions for all features (only if you entered nominal values for all Light blue
feature and size dimensions in the Nominals window)

Data points of a measured feature White cross

DXF file features Light gray

Touch probe attributes Red: location of tip


Green: point not
entered yet
Yellow: missed point

5-6 3D Model Window


Session 6
Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Use the Edit functions to make changes in a routine
• Include nominals and tolerances when editing steps
• Measure features based on a new datum

For more information about the Edit functions, see:


• Section 13 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 6 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference
Guide

For more information about creating a bolt circle, see:


• Section 10 in the MeasureMind 3D Multisensor FastStart Guide
• Section 11 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor
Reference Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Add, change, insert, delete and copy steps in a routine
• Define a new datum in the routine
• Add measurements based on the new datum
• Construct a bolt circle
• Enter specific information about the routine in the heading

Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine 6-1


Using Edit Functions in a Routine

The Edit functions are used to edit and make changes to the current MeasureMind
routine.

You can select the following functions from the Edit menu or click the
appropriate toolbox icon.

Delete last step Delete the last step created in the routine

Delete Delete one or more specified steps

Insert Insert a step anywhere in the routine

Change Change the specified step

Copy Copy one or more steps a specified number of times with an


offset

Step Edit Perform interactive editing while running the routine. You can:
(Edit menu only)
• Change the current step
• Insert a feature after the current step
• Delete the current step

Tips 1. When you finish editing a routine in any way, it is strongly recommended that
you run the routine to verify that the changes were made correctly.

2. The last step of the routine is displayed in all the Edit dialog boxes that appear
in the Measurement window.

6-2 Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Delete the Last Step

This function deletes (removes) the last step that was entered in the routine.

When you select Delete Last Step in the Edit menu or click the toolbox icon,
the system displays a confirmation prompt and verifies the step number.

You can use this function more than once; each time you select it, the last step is
removed.

Insert a Step

You can insert a step anywhere in the routine. MeasureMind increments the step
numbers that follow.

To insert a step:

1. Click the toolbox icon or select Insert in the Edit menu. A prompt for
the step number appears and the Model is displayed.

2. Specify the step number in one of the following ways:


- If you know the step number, type it in the Step Number field.
- If you don’t know the number, click a feature in the Model. That
feature’s step number appears in the field. Continue doing this until you
find the feature before which you want to insert the new step.

3. Click OK. The software will wait for you to measure or construct a
feature.

4. Measure or construct the desired feature and click Done. This inserts the
feature in the selected step and ends the insert mode.

If you click Quit, only the measurement is removed; the insert mode is still
active.

If you clicked on the Insert icon in the toolbox, it remains depressed to


indicate that the insert mode is active.

If you wish to continue the insert mode and insert another feature, click Again
instead of Done. This displays the same type of measurement that was just done.
Then measure or construct the next feature. You can continue to insert different
types of features until you select Done.

Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine 6-3


Delete a Step

You can delete one or more steps anywhere in the routine. The software
decrements the step numbers that follow.

To delete a step:

1. Click the toolbox icon or select Delete in the Edit menu. A prompt for
the step number(s) appears and the Model is displayed. The cursor is in
the Edit field.

2. Specify the step number(s) in the following ways (no spaces):


- Click the desired feature in the Model. That feature’s step number
appears in the field. If you continue to click other features, the software
automatically includes the comma between each number.
- Type the desired number(s). If you want to delete more than one step,
include a comma between each number.
- If you specify a range of steps, you must type the hyphen, regardless of
whether you click a feature in the Model or type the step number.

3. Click OK. MeasureMind displays a confirmation prompt.

4. Click Yes to delete the feature(s) or No to quit the deletion.

Important 1. Be careful about deleting a feature that was used as part of a constructed
measurement. If the deleted measurement is a component of a constructed
feature, and the constructed feature becomes invalid, it will also be removed
from the routine without any warning.

2. Be very careful about deleting a step that contains a datum. This could make
other measurements become invalid.

6-4 Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Change a Step

You can change the measurement or construction in an existing step in different


ways. For example, you can:
• Add, change or remove points or constructions that were used to build a
feature
• Re-measure or change the feature using different targets, units and zoom and
light settings
• Add, change or remove nominals and tolerances for a feature
• Change the Print and Stats options in the Measurement window
- For Print, you may change or add to the nominal and actual values sent to
the printer by placing a checkmark in front of at least one value.
- For Stats, you may change or add to the actual values sent to the
designated port or file by placing a checkmark in front of at least one
value.

To change a step:

1. Start in one of the following ways:


- Click the feature in the Model window. The software displays the video
image and measurement window for that feature, and drives the stage to
that feature’s location. Go to Step 4.
- Click the toolbox icon or select Change in the Edit menu. A prompt for
the step number appears and the Model is displayed.

2. Specify the step number in one of the following ways:


- Type the desired step number in the field.
- Click a feature in the Model window. That feature’s step number appears
in the field.

3. Click OK. The software displays the video image and measurement
window for that feature, and drives the stage to that feature’s location.

4. Change the feature as desired in any of the ways described above.

5. Click Done.

If you want to quit the change mode, click Cancel.

Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine 6-5


Copy a Step

If a part has many features with the same characteristics, for example, film
sprocket holes, you can use Copy to measure such features. Copy automatically
creates duplicate steps.

To enter the step numbers and copy the feature(s) one or more times:

1. Click the toolbox icon or select Copy in the Edit menu. Fields appear in
the Measurement window and the Model is displayed.

2. Specify the Start and Stop step numbers in one of the following ways:
- Type the desired step numbers in the applicable fields.
- Click a feature in the Model window. That feature’s step number appears
in the Step Number field. Put the cursor in the “To” field and repeat this
for the “To” step number.

3. Put the cursor in the “Number of Times” field and type the number of
times the feature is to be copied. They must be copied at least once.

4. Change the units and coordinates if necessary (for example, if you will
specify an angular offset).

5. Enter an offset ( XYZ or RAZ coordinate or angle). If you do not specify


an offset, zeros are assumed. Offsets are added to data point locations of
copied features and to nominal coordinates. All the offsets are relative to
the current datum setup.

6. Click OK.

MeasureMind displays a confirmation message showing the steps to be copied.

7. Click Yes to copy the feature(s). This selection does not appear until at least
one feature has been selected in the Model window. MeasureMind displays
the copied features in the model.

No additional measuring or output occurs when you finish the copying. The
measuring occurs when you run the routine.

Note The coordinates of copied steps are always based on the current datum origin.

6-6 Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Defining a New Datum (Moving a Datum)

When you create a routine, you can move the datum origin to another location by
defining another datum origin. All the measurements that follow will be based on
the new datum.

Use the following guidelines when you define a new datum.


• After you reset the datum origin, the coordinates of any features measured
prior to the new origin are converted to the current coordinate system, which
is based on the new datum origin. The current coordinates of these features
are used in new calculations and constructions.
• If you plan to insert a new datum, add it at the end of the routine because any
measurements that follow will be based on the new datum. If you insert the
datum anywhere else, any existing measurements may no longer be valid
because they were based on the previous datum.
• Datum definition is strongly recommended at the beginning of a routine.

Example: Defining a New Datum to Create a Bolt Circle

The bolt circle consists of a large hole in the middle with six smaller bolt holes
that are equally spaced from each other and equidistant from the center of the
large hole.

Since the locations of the smaller bolt holes are relative to the location of the large
hole, it is much easier to create the bolt hole pattern when the holes are based on
the distance and angle from the center of the large hole. To accomplish this, you
need to define a new datum at the center of the large hole.

Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine 6-7


This function is useful to measure features
such as the holes that form the bolt hole
pattern. For example, you can use this function
to measure the six smaller bolt holes that are 60°
equally spaced from each other and
equidistant from the center of the large hole.

To create the bolt circle, you need to:

1. Measure the large hole.


BOLTANG.CDR
2. Define a new datum based on the center of
the large hole.

3. Measure one of the small holes near the large hole.

4. Copy the measurement of the small hole at an angular offset.

5. Construct the bolt circle in the Model window.

You will have the opportunity to define a new datum in Exercise 4.

Step Edit a Routine

The Step Edit option allows you to do interactive editing while running the
routine. In step edit mode, the system steps through the routine in the way it was
created. The routine pauses at every step or at each point in a step so that you can
view the measurement results and make the necessary changes.

For example, to interactively change a step while running the routine in step edit
mode:

1. Select Edit / Step Edit. MeasureMind displays a prompt for the step number
where you wish to start the editing.

2. Type the step number or select the desired feature from the Model window.

3. Make the desired change(s) in any of the ways described under Change Step.

4. Click Done. MeasureMind displays three buttons at the bottom of the screen.

5. Click the desired button:


- Stop Run to stop the run
- Change to Run to resume running the routine
- Next Feature to continue with the step edit

6-8 Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Exercise 5: Edit the Routine by Changing and Adding Steps

In this exercise you will:


• Add steps to the routine that you created in the previous exercise by
constructing distances, widths, and intersections
• Construct a new datum origin
• Create a bolt circle
• Change existing steps by adding nominal and tolerance values. Refer to the
print of the 3D training part for the nominal and tolerance dimensions.

To change and add steps in an existing routine, complete the steps below.

1. Open the inspection routine yourname2.rtn.

2. Use Save As to save this routine with the name yourname3.rtn.

3. Perform a manual setup in the same way as you originally set up the part.

4. Run the routine to make sure it runs without any problems.

5. Measure at least two arc segments on the 6.0 mm thru hole.

6. Construct a Circle from the measured segments of the thru hole.


- Click the Composite check box.
Dim. 9
- Enter nominal and tolerance values for the diameter and X and Y location
Dim. 10 and print dimensions 9 and 10.

7. Set an XY datum origin on the constructed thru hole.

8. Measure the small hole just to the right of the thru hole.
- Add the nominal and tolerance values for the diameter.
- Record the routine step number here _____.

Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine 6-9


9. Copy the circle from Step 9 above, five times to create the rest of the holes
for the bolt circle. Remember to:
- Change the units to Polar coordinates and then after copying, reset them
to Cartesian.
- Enter an angle offset of 60°.
Dim. 11
10. Construct the 18 mm bolt hole. Enter the appropriate nominal and tolerance
Dim. 12 values and print dimensions 11 and 12.
Dim. 13 11. Measure or construct the large 25 mm circle. Enter the appropriate nominal
and tolerance values and print dimensions 13 and 14.
Dim. 14
12. Save the routine and then run it.

13. Select Edit / Step Edit from the pull down menu.
- Enter the recorded routine step number from Step 9 in this exercise into
the Start at Step field.
- Click OK. Notice that the software starts to run the routine at the recorded
routine step number and displays the step in the Measurement window.

14. Change the diameter tolerance to +/- 0.0001 mm.


- Click Done. Notice that the hole is now red to indicate it is out of
tolerance; features not yet measured are dark cyan; the features already
measured are green (or the color of their respective tolerance).

15. Click Next Feature in the Step window. The software runs the routine to
measure the next step and displays the results in the Measurement window.

16. Change the Units to Polar. A dialog box displays a prompt to convert the
values for this feature to polar coordinates. Click Yes.
- Enter a nominal value for the angle and add a tolerance of ± 10°.
- Add the angle dimension to the printout and click Done.

17. Repeat Step 16.

18. Change the target color to a different one and click Remeasure to save the
changes in the step. Then click Done.

19. Click Change to Run to run the rest of the routine, obtaining a printout of
the measured results. Compare them to the last complete run’s printout.

20. Do not save the most recent changes and open a new routine.

This completes Exercise 3.

6 - 10 Editing and Adding Steps in a Routine


Session 7
MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor
Features and Functions

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Measure and construct features 3D features such as cones and cylinders
• Control the display of the projected angle of a feature’s axis using the XY
Angle function
• Control the display of the plane into which a feature is projected using the XY
Plane function
• Display the elevation or declination angle of an axial feature’s axis

For more information about the Measure and Construct functions, see:
• Sections 10 and 11 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor
Reference Guide

For more information about the 3D functions, see:


• Section 7 in the on-line Help and the MeasureMind3D Reference Guide

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Measure a cone, cylinder and sphere
• Construct a cone, cylinder and sphere
• Display the projected angle of an axial feature’s axis
• Display the plane into which a feature is projected
• Display the elevation or declination angle of an axial feature’s axis
• Construct a composite feature

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7-1


How to Measure a Cone

The cone function reports the orientation, location and size of a cone, calculated
from the entered data points.
• Measure three points near or at one end of the cone, which defines a circle.
• Measure three points near or at the other end of the cone, which defines a
circle.
• After the first six points, you can measure other additional points. For more
accurate results, increase the distance between the two sets of points and
increase the total number of points.
• The vector direction points away from the apex of the cone.
• The line going through the two centers is used to calculate the cone's
centerline axis.
• If nominal information is not entered, the values are reported from the
midpoint of the cone’s centerline axis.
• To display a partial cone in the Model window when Radius is selected:
- Make sure that the paths of the two groups of points do not form complete
circles.
- The first point determines
where the start angle
begins, then the path goes
through the second point,
and the last point
determines the end angle of
the path.

For more information, see the First 3


Measure Cone topic in the points
MeasureMind 3D on-line Help.

Hint When entering the nominal Z


location, you must also enter the
nominal diameter at that Z location
so the feature is drawn properly in
the Model window.

Next 3
points

CONEPNT.CDR

7-2 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


How to Measure a Cylinder

The Cylinder function reports the size, location, orientation, and form of a
cylindrical object, calculated from data points taken on the surface of the
cylindrical object.

You must enter at least six points in the following order to measure a cylinder:
First 3 Next 3 • Measure three points at one end of the
points points
cylinder, which defines a circle.
1 6
• Measure three points at the other end of the
2 5 cylinder, which defines a circle.
• After the first six points, you can measure
3 4 other additional points.
CYLPOINT.CDR
• For more accurate results, increase the
distance between the two sets of points and
increase the total number of points.
• The vector direction is from the first set of
points to the second set of points.
• The line going through the two centers is used to calculate the cylinder's
centerline axis.
• To display a partial cylinder in the Model window when Radius is selected:
- Make sure that the paths of the two groups of points do not form complete
circles.
- The first point determines where the start angle begins, then the path goes
through the second point, and the last point determines the end angle of
the path.

For more information, see the Measure Cylinder topic in the MeasureMind 3D
on-line Help.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7-3


How to Measure a Sphere

The sphere function reports the size, location and form of a sphere, calculated
from the entered data points.

Use the following guidelines to enter the data points:


• At least four points are required to measure a sphere and at least five points
are required to calculate the sphericity.
• At least one point should be at the top or bottom of the sphere. If the point is
measured optically, it should include an autofocus to capture the Z-axis
measurement.
• For more accurate results, make sure that the measured points are spread as
evenly as possible around the sphere.
• To ensure that a hemisphere is displayed in the Model window when Sphere
Radius is selected:
- Make sure that all the points are on the same side of the equator.
- The first two points and the center location of the sphere determine the
plane of the equator.

For more information, see the Measure Sphere topic in the MeasureMind 3D
on-line Help.

7-4 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


How to Construct a Cone

A cone can be constructed from points, or from a previous cone or two circles if
the Composite box is checked.

If you construct a cone from measured or constructed points, you must select at
least six points, in two groups of 3 points each. It may be easier to select points in
Top View.
• Select three points near or at one end of the cone.
• Select three points near or at the other end of the cone.
• After the first six points, you can select other points in addition to the two
groups. For more accurate results, increase the total number of selected points.
• The vector direction points away from the apex of the cone.
• The line going through the two centers is used to calculate the cone's
centerline axis.
• To display a partial cone in the Model window when Radius is selected:
- Make sure that the paths of the two groups of points do not form complete
circles.
- The first point determines where the start angle begins, then the path goes
through the second point, and the last point determines the end angle of
the path.

How to Construct a Cylinder

You can construct a cylinder from points, or from a previous cylinder or two
circles if the Composite box is checked.

If you construct a cylinder from measured or constructed points, you must select
at least six points, in two groups of 3 points each.
• Select three points at one end of the cylinder.
• Select three points at the other end of the cylinder.
• After the first six points, you can select other points in addition to the two
groups. For more accurate results, increase the total number of selected points.
• The vector direction is from the first group of points to the second group.
• The line going through the two centers is used to calculate the cylinder's
centerline axis.
• To display a partial cylinder in the Model window when Radius is selected:
- Make sure that the paths of the two groups of points do not form complete
circles.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7-5


- The first point determines where the start angle begins, then the path goes
through the second point, and the last point determines the end angle of
the path.

How to Construct a Sphere

The sphere function reports the size, location and form of a sphere, calculated
from the selected data points.
• When the points were measured optically, at least one of the first four points
should include an autofocus to capture a Z axis measurement. This is typically
the point measured at the top of the sphere. You can select this point either
before or after the “equator” points.
• For more accurate results, make sure that the selected points are spread as
evenly as possible around the sphere.
• To ensure that a hemisphere is displayed in the Model window when Sphere
Radius is selected:
- Make sure that all the points are on the same side of the equator.
- The first two points and the center location of the sphere determine the
plane of the equator.

How Features Are Projected onto a Plane

A measured or constructed feature can be projected


on three principal planes:
• XY plane
• YZ plane
• ZX plane

The orientation of a feature is expressed with respect


to a projection plane as a pair of angles. The two
angles are: Projection angle and
Elevation/Declination angle.

The XY Angle button changes the projection plane.


When the projection plane changes, both the
Projection angle and the Elevation/Declination angle
change accordingly.

7-6 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


XY Angle Button (Projection Angle)

The XY Angle button controls the display of the projected angle of a feature’s
axis. The button can be toggled to display six angles (+ and - indicate the feature’s
vector direction; the first letter indicates the primary axis of the projection plane;
the second letter indicates the secondary axis of the projection plane):
• XY Angle and -XY Angle
• YZ Angle and -YZ Angle
• ZX Angle and -ZX Angle

When you toggle this button, the value of the selected projection angle and the
corresponding elevation/declination are calculated, updated and displayed in the
Measurement window.

The XY Angle button is valid for measured or constructed features that have a
vector direction for the axis:
• Line - 2D/3D space
• Circle- 2D/3D space
• Plane - 3D space only
• Cylinder - 3D space only
• Cone - 3D space only

Elevation and Declination Angle

An Elevation/Declination toggle button appears in the 3D feature measurement


and construction steps, e.g., line, circle, plane, cylinder, cone.
• Elevation indicates the angle that a feature’s axis (e.g., centerline axis of a
cylinder or cone) goes above or below the surface of the reference plane. The
value of the angle can be within ± 90°. For example:
- The elevation angle for a cylinder laying on its side, parallel to the XY
plane would be 0º.
- The elevation angle for a cylinder standing up, perpendicular to the XY
plane would be +90º or -90º, depending on whether the cylinder is
pointing up away from the plane or down toward the plane.
• Declination indicates the angle that a feature’s axis deviates from the normal
(perpendicular vector) to the reference plane. The value of the angle is always
positive; the maximum value is 180°. It is calculated as 90° - Elevation.

The elevation or declination values are recalculated and updated whenever you
toggle the XY Angle button.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7-7


2D/3D Button for Circles and Lines

The 2D/3D button for circles and lines determines if the actual points are used
for the calculations or if they are projected into the selected plane.
• Straightness.
- 2D Straightness is calculated from the line projected into the selected
plane.
- 3D Straightness is calculated in three-dimension space.
• Circularity. This defines whether or not the circle is projected and controls
the method used to calculate all the displayed measurement results.
- 2D Circularity: The resulting circle is calculated from the measured
points projected onto the selected plane.
- 3D Circularity: The resulting circle is calculated in three-dimension
space based on the measured points.

XY Plane Button (Projection Plane)

The XY Plane button controls the display of the plane into which a feature is
projected. You can use this button to display the results that apply to different
views on the dimension drawing.

This button can be toggled to display the following planes (the first letter
indicates the primary axis; the second letter indicates the secondary axis):
• XY Plane - 2D calculation
• YZ Plane - 2D calculation
• ZX Plane - 2D calculation
• XYZ Plane, which indicates that the feature is calculated using the actual
points in 3D space, instead of projecting them onto a plane. For example, in
the case of a Width measurement, the results include Z axis coordinates.

When you toggle this button, the system updates all the displayed values in the
Measurement window.

The XY Plane button is valid for the following functions:


• Width
• Distance
• Intersection - Between two lines, line and circle, cone and plane, cylinder
and plane. This is not valid between two planes.

7-8 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


Exercise 6: 3D Features and Functions

In this exercise you will:


• Manually set up the 3D training part
• Measure three planes
• Use the functions in the Model Window toolbar and use the 3-button mouse to
become familiar with its functionality in the 3D Model window
• Measure and construct 3D features: cylinder, sphere and cone
• Reset the Z and XY datums
• Include nominal values and tolerances in the steps and select specific
measurements for printing. Refer to the print of the 3D training part for
the nominal and tolerance dimensions.

To measure the three planes and 3D features, and reset datums, complete the steps
below.

1. Open routine yourname3.rtn.

2. Use Save As to save the routine as yourname4.rtn.

3 Perform a manual setup (if necessary). If you don’t remember how to do this,
see Exercise 1A.

4. Run the routine to verify that the setup was done properly and that the initial
steps were created properly.

5. Measure the following three planes (it may be helpful to choose the Isometric
view in the Model window to improve feature visibility):

Dim. 1 - Inclined plane on the right side. Include the nominal and tolerance values
for the angle and print dimension 1.

Dim. 2 - Inclined plane on the front. Include the nominal and tolerance values for
the angle and print dimension 2.

Dim. 3 - Flat plane on the left side below surface -A-. Include the nominal and
tolerance values for the Z location and print dimension 3.

6. Click the Points button in the Model Window toolbar. Notice that all of the
measured data points now appear as white plus (+) signs.

7. Turn off the Actuals icon. This will make it easier to see the nominal data.

8. Turn off the Points icon, and turn on the Nominal icon. Notice that the
features that contain nominal information appear as dark blue.

9. Turn off the Nominal icon and turn on the Actuals icon.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7-9


10. Click the Isometric View icon to look at a 3D view of the part and click the
Next View icon repeatedly to toggle through all the 2D views. Note that all
of these functions performed by the icons may also be accessed by selecting
the View/Model submenu.

11. Use the buttons on the mouse to become familiar with their functionality.
- Left button: Zoom in/out. Then press Shift and zoom in on a specific area
by holding the button down and dragging.
- Middle button: Move the Model.
- Right button: Rotate the Model.

12. Run the routine.

13. Save the routine.

14. Measure the horizontal cylindrical slot using the Focus target and Measure
Cylinder function.
- Remember to measure three points near each end of the slot.
Dim. 4
- Specify nominal and tolerance values for dimensions 4 and 5 and print the
Dim. 5 dimensions.

15. Construct the sphere in the center of the part from measured focus and weak
edge points.
- Measure five points around the “equator” of the spherical bore at low
magnification using Weak Edge points.
Hint: The software may not always display a hemisphere in the Model
window when Radius is selected. To ensure that a hemisphere is
displayed, measure points on both sides of the equator.
- Measure one Focus point at the “bottom” of the sphere at high
magnification.

Dim. 6
- Construct the sphere using the Construct / Sphere function.
- Specify nominal and tolerance values for dimensions 6 and 7 and print the
Dim. 7 dimensions.

16. Construct a cone from measured Focus points.


- Measure three points near the top surface (upper diameter of the cone) and
three points near the lower diameter.
Hint: use High magnification and spread out the points evenly.
- Construct the cone using the Construct / Cone function.
- Select the focus points in the proper order.
Hint: Select Top View and zoom in on the 3 top and 3 bottom points.
(Go to the next page for the remaining instructions to complete this step.)

7 - 10 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


- Make sure that the Z nominal value is 0, to attain the correct diameter size.

Dim. 8 - Specify nominal and tolerance values for dimension 8 and print the
dimension. Hint: Click the Nominal button.

17. Construct the following distances, include the appropriate nominal and
tolerance information, and print the dimensions:
- Between the lower-left corner and the cone
- Between the lower-left corner and sphere

18. Save the the new changes in the routine.

19. Measure the 4 mm hole at the bottom of the cone at low magnification.
Dim. 15 - Specify nominal and tolerance values for dimension 15 and print the
dimension.

20. To establish -D- (set this feature as X and Y=0), select Construct / Datum
Origin, select the 4 mm hole in the Model window, and select XY origin.

21. Construct an XY Datum Plane from the plane on the right surface and set
Z=0.

22. Measure the rounded slot on the right side of the part. Use two points each to
measure the lower and upper edges and use three points to measure the 3D
arc. For each point:
- Before measuring each point, use the Focus target to get the edge in
focus, but do not press Enter for the point.
- Use the Strong Edge Finder target and the Measure Point function.
- Using the F4 function key, set the search position to Z=0 for each point.
This will ensure that each point is measured at the planar surface.

Note: Do not print the 3D diameter at this time, since it is measured as an


ellipse (see Step 24 below for details).

23. Run the routine to verify that the strong edge points are in focus and the
graphics are updated.

24. Construct the XY Datum Plane on surface -A- and set Z=0. Set X=0 and Y=0
at the center of the 4 mm hole in the cone to re-establish -D-, due to shift
during plane alignment.

25. To project the arc onto the new plane, construct a composite 2D arc from the
Dim. 16
measured arc in Step 22 above. Print dimensions 16 and 17.
Dim. 17
26. Run the routine to verify that it runs properly.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions 7 - 11


26. Save the routine.

This completes Exercise 6.

Challenge Exercise 1: Add Steps and Re-Run the Created Routine

In this exercise you will:


• Manually set up the 3D training part.
• Add steps to the routine created in Exercise 3 by constructing another cone.

To add steps to an existing routine and re-run it, complete the steps below.

1. Move the part to a different location on the stage.

2. Open the routine yourname4.rtn and click the Run icon.

3. Perform a manual setup (if necessary). If you don’t remember how to do this,
see Exercise 1A.

4. Run the routine to verify that it runs properly.

5. Construct another cone from the previously-measured points.


- Change the nominal diameter to 0 and the nominal Z location to -6 mm to
report the Z location of the cone’s apex.
- Notice the graphical change in the Model window.

6. Run the routine. The dimensions selected for printing are sent to the printer.

7. Save the routine.

8. Open a new routine.

This completes Challenge Exercise 1.

7 - 12 MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Features and Functions


Session 8
Run Options and
Measurement Output

The purpose of this session is to learn how to:


• Run a routine with various run options and overrides
• Measure more than one part with the same routine
• Send measurement output to a printer and statistics file

For more information about the Run options, see Section 5 in the on-line Help
and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide.

For more information about statistical output, see Section 12 in the on-line Help
and the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide.

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Select specific routine run options
• Specify routine run overrides
• Use the same routine to measure two training parts
• Send selected measurements to the printer
• Specify the destination of the statistical data output
• Create a statistics template and view the statistical data output

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8-1


Run Options

Select Part Setup / Run Options... if you wish to specify certain settings when
you run the routine.

Each option has a check box next to it. Select the check box to select and activate
that option. Clear the check box again to deactivate it. You can select as many
options as you want.
• Auto Edge. This activates the automatic entry of
Edge Finder and FeatureFinder points.
• Fixture Repeat. This can be used to measure up to
24 additional parts that are mounted in a fixture (the
parts do not need to be spaced evenly). The fixture
may have empty cavities and uneven offsets. The
offsets are from the original part.
• Part Repeat. This option contains two offset entries
(X and Y) to measure equally spaced parts in a
fixture. The offsets are from the original part. If the
Confirm Next Part option is on, the routine stops after
measuring a part. You can stop the run or continue to
run to measure the next part.
• Display Windows. This allows you to display or not
display the Measurement and Model windows during
the routine run.
• Stop On Out of Tol. If this option is checked, the
system stops the run if a feature is out of tolerance.

• Done During Run. This option is used for measurements done with Strong
Edge. It allows you to end the measurement during the run after the software
has processed the minimum number of points for the feature.
• Missed Edge Override. This option instructs the software not to display any
message and wait for user input when the software encounters a missed strong
edge, or a focus fails during the run of the routine. The software continues
with the next point in the feature. For missed weak edge features or points, the
system prompts the user to change the run to Step.
• End On Missed Feature. This option is displayed only if Missed Edge
Override is checked. If this option is checked and a feature is missed during
the run, the routine will either end or start executing the next part repeat. If the
missed feature is in the last repeat loop, the software will execute the features
after the last step in the part repeat, if any.
• Advanced Focus Fast Scan. If this option is checked, the software will
perform a fast scan focus for all features that were measured with Advanced
Focus. This option is not saved with the routine and it is reset when a new
routine is created or a routine is opened.

8-2 Other Useful Measurement Functions


• Enable Feature prompt Messages. This enables you to control the display of
all the feature prompts. The default is checked.

Example: Measuring Multiple Identical Parts

In the example shown here, you can measure multiple parts that are not evenly
spaced using the Fixture Repeat option. The offsets are from the original part.

This allows you to create one routine to measure multiple parts with only one
manual setup.

To measure two parts using the same routine:

1. Stage the parts on the glass, e.g., two 3D training parts next to each other. Be
sure to line up the bottom edges in a straight line because these parts are not
mounted in a fixture.

2. Perform a manual setup on the first part, e.g., left part.

3. Measure the datum features and the other desired features on the part.

4. Run the routine to verify that it runs properly.

5. Use a manual alignment target to determine the offset from one part to the
other and note the displayed XY offsets.

6. Select the Fixture Repeat run option, specify the offset(s) and run the routine
to measure both parts.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8-3


Run Overrides

When you select Part Setup / Run Overrides, the system displays a dialog
box with buttons for different run override options. They override the current
settings for the dimensions or measurements in the individual steps.

Click a button to display the overrides for a category:


• Printer. Overrides any Print settings for the dimensions or
measurements in the individual steps.
• Stats. Overrides any Stats settings for the dimensions or
measurements in the individual steps.
• Data Stream. Overrides any data stream settings for the
dimensions or measurements in the Nominals windows of the
individual steps.
• Report. Overrides any Report settings for the dimensions or
measurements in the individual steps.
• Data Export. Overrides any Export settings for the dimensions
or measurements in the individual steps.
• Test Output. View the output without running the routine. The
software generates the output using the data from the creation
of the routine or from the last run.

Example: Printer Override Options

You can select any of the printer override options.


• Default. This uses the Print settings in the routine steps.
• None. No dimensions or measurements are sent to the printer
(or file), even if they are selected in a step.
• All. All dimensions and measurements are sent to the printer,
even if they are not selected in a step.
• Toleranced. Only those dimensions and measurements that
have nominals and tolerances are sent to the printer.
• Out of Tolerance. Only those dimensions and measurements
that are out of tolerance are sent to the printer.
• Print Run Time. If this option is checked, the software prints
the elapsed time for the run of the routine.
• Print to File. Any values checked for Print are sent to a file
rather than to the data printer.
• Scroll Output. Any values checked for Print are sent to the
Scroll Output window rather than to the data printer.

8-4 Run Options and Measurement Output


How and When Measurement Dimensions Are Output to the Printer

When you wish to output dimensions to the print destination, you must place a
checkmark next to the dimension and click the Print button in the step.
• The selected dimensions go to the
print queue if Print During Create is
ON in System / Configuration / Data
Printer.
• If Print During Create is OFF in
System / Configuration / Data Printer,
no dimensions go to the print queue,
even if they are selected in the step.

If you wish to print the dimensions that


are in the print queue while you are
creating the routine, click the Printer icon
in the DRO window. This also clears the queue.

When you run the routine:


• Anything that is in the print queue, is printed before the run of the routine.
• Dimensions are printed at the end of the run according to the selected Printer
Override Option. For example:
- If the override option is Default, dimensions selected in each step are
printed.
- If the override option is None, no dimensions are printed, even if they are
selected in a step.
- If the override option is Scroll Output, the dimensions selected in each
step are output to the Scroll Output window.

Differences Between a Routine Listing and Run Output to the Print Data Destination

Routine Listing (File / Print) Run Output

Contains details of each routine step Contains only the measurement results

For each step: lists actual measured values from For each dimension in a step: contains the step
most recent run, nominals / tolerances for each number, units, actual values, nominal values,
dimension; also lists units, reference features of tolerances, deviations and how much the
constructions, and details about each point, e.g., deviations have been exceeded
zoom, location, lighting, and target used

Run Options and Measurement Output 8-5


Configuration of Statistical Output

This option allows you to configure the output and format of the measurement
results so that they are suitable for further statistical analysis. When you select
Stats Output in the System/Configuration menu, a dialog box appears where
you can specify the:
• Destination (file or port) to indicate where the measured data can be sent.
• Delay, which is used to pause the system after the Stats value has been
transmitted to allow additional processing time. The value entered is in tenths
of seconds. For example, to add a 30 second delay, enter 300.
• The default file name extension for the statistical data, which is TXT. If you
wish to change it, highlight the extension and type the desired extension.
• Precision of the values to be from 2 to 8 decimal places. The default is 0,
which indicates the current system resolution (selected in the Units menu).
The selected precision is saved with the part routine.

The dialog box also displays:


• Template file name (the name of the file that contains all the statistics
configuration data). The default file name is STATDFLT.CFG; however, the
name is not displayed in the dialog box.
• Buttons to load, save and reset the statistics configuration templates.
• Buttons to access the templates and tags windows where you can format the
data so that you can read the results and the data is compatible with your data
collector.

The names of both the template file (.CFG) and the statistics data file (.TXT) are
stored as part of the MeasureMind routine (RTN) file when you save the routine.

8-6 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Statistics Configuration Template

MeasureMind outputs measurement results in ASCII form. Five templates, shown


in the dialog box below, control the form and content of the output. Each template
line has a maximum length of 80 characters.

To view and/or change


the templates, click the
Templates button in
the Configure
Statistics dialog box.

The templates format


the statistics data as
described below. The
default templates are
shown below each
description. The
meaning of each letter
is described under the
Output Characters
topic in the on-line
Help file.
• The Beginning of Run template formats the header for the statistics report.
- @R @A @B @N^M^J (output routine name, date, time, run number)
• The Beginning of Feature template indicates the data to appear at the
beginning of the feature. The default is a blank template. An example is
shown below.
- @W @S^J (output the feature name)
• The Output template formats the output for each measured feature.
- @T @D^M^J (output the tag and actual data)
• The End of Feature template indicates the end of a specific feature.
- EOM^M^J
• The End of Run template indicates the end of a specific run.
- EOT^M^J

The two characters, @ and ^, are used together with letters to specify action:
• @ followed by a letter is a command to output a specific piece of information
• ^ followed by a letter outputs a control character such as carriage return or
line feed
Note See the Output Characters topic in the on-line Help for output character details.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8-7


Configuration of Data Stream Output

This option allows you to configure the output and format of the measurements
being sent via data stream. You can use this option when you wish to output the
XYZ location of every point that was used to measure a feature, e.g., every point
measured with FeatureFinder.

When you select Data Stream in the System / Configuration menu, a dialog
box appears where you can specify the:
• Destination to indicate where the data can be sent
• Format of the data, which allows templates to be created so that the data can
be read and is compatible with your data collector
• Buttons to load, save and reset the data stream template (see the Statistics
Configuration Data topic in the on-line Help for details about the buttons)

The data stream destination, format and templates are the same as the statistics
destination, format and templates, with the following exceptions:
• The data stream file name extension is .DAT.
• The name of the temporary file for data stream output is DSTREAM.TMP in
the C:\OGPMM folder. This file contains only the default data, even if you
select the None or All override when you run the routine (see the Data Stream
Override Options topic in the on-line Help).

8-8 Other Useful Measurement Functions


• Data stream templates cannot be saved with a routine.
• You can select the precision of the data stream values to be from 2 to 8
decimal places. The default is 0, which indicates the current system resolution
(selected in the Units menu). The selected precision is saved in the
STREAM_PRECISION field in the STRMDFLT.CFG file.
• The W output character enables you to specify the type of feature being
output and the X, Y and Z output characters enable you to output the XYZ
values for each point in the feature. These characters are not valid in statistical
output.
• The D (actual data) and J (deviation) output characters are not valid for data
stream output.
• The K (touch probe diameter) output character is used to output the diameter
of the current tip in the current units of the step. The @K character must be at
the end of the POINT TEMPLATE line in the Configuration/Data Stream
dialog box (e.g., @X @Y @Z @U @K ^J). The line specifies that the XYZ
values, units and probe tip diameter be output to the data stream for each point
in a touch probe geometry step (line, arc, circle, sphere, plane). This character
is valid for data stream output only. For example, a line output to the data
stream would appear as shown below:
- +0.91811107 -0.06292034 -0.18337782 in +0.11792338
• The TP_POINTS_UNCORRECTED parameter in the STRMDFLT.CFG file
controls whether or not the tip radius is included in the calculation of the
touch probe data stream values. The parameter has one of two values:
- 0 = Output touch probe XYZ point values corrected by the tip radius. In
this case the actual point of contact is output. This is the default.
- 1 = Output raw, uncorrected touch probe XYZ point values. In this case,
the tip radius is not included in the calculation and the center of the touch
probe tip is output.
• The Q (path) output character is used to output the complete path and routine
name. This character is valid for data stream output only.
• Tags (T output character) do not apply to data stream output.

Data stream and statistics output can be sent to the same file or the printer.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8-9


Exercise 7: Run the Routine with Run Options and Overrides

In this exercise you will:


• Open the routine that you created in the previous exercise
• Run the routine with selected run options
• Run the routine with selected overrides

To run the routine with selected options and overrides, complete the steps below.

1. Open the inspection routine yourname4.rtn.

2. Remember to perform a manual setup in the same way as you originally set up
the part.

3. Run the routine to make sure it runs without any problems.

4. Select the Toleranced and Print Run Time Printer Override options and
run the routine.

5. Run the routine with the Display Windows option set to Off.

6. Run the routine with the Stop on Out of Tolerance option On.

7. Reset the run options and overrides to their defaults.

8. Save the routine.

This completes Exercise 7.

8 - 10 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Challenge Exercise 2: Measure Two Identical Parts with the Fixture Repeat Option

In this exercise, you will:


• Perform a manual setup on the features of the first part
• Create a new routine and measure two parts using the Fixture Repeat run
option

To measure two parts with the Fixture Repeat option, complete the steps below.

1. Place two 3D training parts next to each other on the stage and secure them
properly.

2. Perform a manual setup on the left training part and enter the setup
instructions.

3. Measure the datum features on the left training part and automatically define
the Z, XY, and axis alignment datums.

4. Measure the outside edges of the part.

5. Run the newly created routine to measure the part.

6. Use a manual alignment target to determine the offset from the lower-left
corner of the first part to the lower-left corner of the second part and note the
displayed XY offsets.

7. Select the Fixture Repeat run option.


- Specify the noted X and Y offsets.
- Select the check box next to the first offset.

8. Run the routine to measure both parts.

9. Do not save the routine.

8. Open a new routine.

This completes Challenge Exercise 2.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8 - 11


Challenge Exercise 3: Send Measurement Output to a Statistics File

In this exercise you will:


• Open the routine that you created in the previous practice session
• Specify the destination of the statistical data output
• Create a statistics template
• View the statistical data output in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet

To run the routine and output data to a statistical file, complete the steps below.

1. Open the inspection routine yourname4.rtn.

2. Perform a manual setup in the same way as you originally set up the part.

3. Change the six steps that measure the bolt holes:


- Send the diameter to Stats in each step.
- Specify the name of the statistics file: bolthole.txt. It will be saved in the
part rtn folder.

4. Select System / Configuration / Stats Output to create a statistics


template so that only the diameters are output.
- Create a template with @T,@D, for the Output Template and ^J for the
End of Run template.
- Save the template as bolthole.cfg.

5. Run the routine.


- Make sure that the Stats Override setting is Default.
- Verify that the specified statistics filename is bolthole.txt.

6. Run the routine a second time.

7. View the measurements sent to the stats file in an Excel spreadsheet.


- Open a blank Excel spreadsheet and then open bolthole.txt.
- Select Delimited and Comma in response to the prompts.
- View the data in the spreadsheet. Notice the output from both runs.
- Close the spreadsheet and exit from Excel.

8. Do not save this routine.

This completes Challenge Exercise 3.

8 - 12 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Challenge Exercise 4: Send Measurement Output to a Data Stream File

In this exercise you will:


• Open the routine that you created in the previous exercise
• Specify the destination of the data stream output
• Create a data stream template
• View the data stream output with Notepad or Wordpad

To run the routine and output data to a data stream file, complete the steps below.

1. Open the inspection routine yourname4.rtn.

2. Perform a manual setup in the same way as you originally set up the part.

3. Change the six steps that measure the bolt holes:


- Send the XYZ locations to Data Stream in each step.
Hint: The check box is in the Nominal and Tolerances window.
- Specify the name of the data stream file: bolthole.dat. It will be saved in
the Partrtn folder.

4. Select System / Configuration / Data Stream to create a data stream


template so that only the X, Y and Z values are output.
- Create a template with @X,@Y,@Z^J for the Point Template and ^J for
the End of Run template.
- Save the template as bolthole_DS.cfg.

5. Select Part Setup / Run Overrides and click Data Stream.


- Make sure that the Data Stream Override setting is Default.
- Make sure the Keep Data Stream Filename check box is checked and
name the file bolthole.DAT. This will append the data for each hole into
one file. If it is not checked, it will ask for a new filename for each hole.

6. Run the routine.

7. Repeat Step 5. This time uncheck and recheck the Keep Data Stream
Filename check box and rename the file.

8. Run the routine a second time. You should now have two different files. If
you don’t rename the file, then it will append the second run to the first run.

9. View the measurements sent to the data stream file with Notepad or Wordpad.

10. Do not save this routine.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 8 - 13


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8 - 14 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Session 9
Other Useful
Measurement Functions

The purpose of this session is to learn about other useful MeasureMind 3D


MultiSensor measurement functions that may not be used every day.

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Use advanced weak edge parameters with the weak edge analysis tools
• Create a mask of the video image
• Save a video image in a file
• Measure a feature with the Edge Trace target
• Extract data from a measured feature
• Measure a feature with the Centroid target
• Use the Search function to find a measured feature
• Use Math and Branch functions to measure features
• Measure a feature and calculate a true position tolerance

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9-1


Advanced Weak Edge Weighting Factors

Weighting factors indicate the relationship of an edge to neighboring edges. They


are used to “fine-tune” which points should be included in the measurement.

To view and change the weighting factors, click the Advanced button in the
Target Control window when a weak edge target is displayed.

The scroll bars control the importance of the weighting factors in the edge
analysis. A weighting factor is considered to be least important when you
move the slider all the way to the left. The importance of the factor increases
as you move the slider to the right.

The weak edge analysis uses the following weighting factors:


• Nearest Nominal — Highly weights the edge that is closest to where
you clicked and dragged the cursor or to the center of the target search
area.
• First Edge — Highly weights the edge that is found first in the search
area, going in the direction of the arrow.
• Last Edge — Highly weights the edge that is found last in the search
area, going in the direction of the arrow.
• First of Two Edges — Highly weights the first of two edges that are
very close to each other.
• Last of Two Edges — Highly weights the last of two edges that are very
close to each other.
• Contrast — Highly weights the edge that has a contrast value closest to
the value that was calculated during the initial measurement.

9-2 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Create a Mask of the Video Image

Select File / Save Image to create graphic representations of the video image.

You can create two kinds of graphic representations and then display a live
image behind the created image for comparison purposes:
• Overlay superimposes a VGA image over the live video image.
Overlays are typically selected with surface illumination and they create
a relatively transparent image.
- If you select Black & White, the overlay uses only four colors:
black, white, dark gray, and light gray.
- If you select Color, the overlay uses all 16 colors displayed at the
bottom of the screen.
• Masks are used with back lighting and create an image with the color
that you select from the Target and Image Control window. The bottom
of the screen also displays the percentage of the image that is dark or
light. These percentages can also be used in comparisons. For example,
for a part that is illuminated with profile lighting:
- If you select Dark, the mask appears in the dark area where the part
is.
- If you select Light, the mask appears in the light area (not the part).
- If you select Edge, the mask is displayed as an outline anywhere
that a sharp contrast exists between light and dark.

When you select an overlay or mask option, the video image is “frozen” and
becomes a snapshot. You must select Live or Cancel to see the live image behind
the overlay or mask. If you select Cancel, you will not be able to use the Clear to
remove the mask when you are done.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9-3


Save the Video Image

An image is typically saved as a reference for comparisons with other identical


parts. For example, you can save an image of the master part or of a part with a
known defect, or archive images of measured parts for future use.

Save the Video Image When Creating a Routine

To save the video image displayed on the screen while creating the routine:

1. Select File / Save Image. A list of options appears in the Measurement


window.

2. Click Save. A Save As dialog box pops up displaying the files of the selected
file type in the folder that was used last.

3. Select the desired file type from the drop-down list.


- 24-bit Targa file, TGA (default)
- Bitmap, BMP
- Tiff file, TIF
- Jpeg file, JPG
- VGA graphics that appear on top of the image, e.g., target, overlay and
mask information

4. Type a unique name for the file. You can also change the folder if you wish.
Then click OK or press Enter. This freezes the video image and saves it in the
designated file using the selected format.

Save the Video Image During a Routine Run

You can also save a video image as part of a step each time you run the routine.
• The image is saved in a file in the Part Routines folder (default) or another
folder that you may have specified. If you wish to change the default path,
modify the IMAGE_PATH parameter in the Input.CFG file.
• The image can be saved in a TGA (default), BMP, TIF, or JPG format. If you
wish to change the default format, modify the IMAGE_EXT parameter in the
Input.CFG file.

When the routine is run, the software saves the image at the point where it
encounters a User Input step with Save Image instructions. It uses the file name
that was specified or the routine name followed by the step number and index
number, e.g., 3DPART-12-1.TGA.

9-4 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Measure a Feature with the Edge Trace Tool

The Edge Trace target enables you to measure many points on a line, arc, circle,
or an irregular contour. When you use this tool, the software traces the edge from
the specified start point to the specified end point using the dark-to-light rule or
the direction that you specified.

The feature or contour does not have to fit entirely in the field of view; the stage
will move automatically if required. Typically, the edge trace tool is used for the
Measure Contour function and to measure circles and lines that are larger than the
field of view because the measurement can occur in a single step.

For detailed instructions to trace an edge, see the How to Use Edge Trace topic in
the on-line Help.

Extract Data from a Measured Feature

The data extraction function enables you to construct a feature (Line, Circle,
Plane, Sphere, Contour, Cone, Cylinder) from a subset of points taken from one
or more measured reference features or composite features. It is assumed that the
measured feature has many points, e.g., Contour.

You can select one or more subsets in a reference feature in the 3D Model
window while holding down the CTRL key on the keyboard. You can select
subsets from one feature or multiple features. Each subset is considered a
"feature" and increments the Features counter in the constructed step.

Typically data is extracted from features that have many points. For example, it is
common to construct lines and circles from contours that were measured with an
Edge Trace or Laser Scan target.

For detailed instructions to extract data from one or more reference features, see
the How to Extract Data topic in the on-line Help.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9-5


Measure a Feature with the Centroid Target

The Centroid target enables you to measure the area and perimeter of an irregular
contour. For example, this target is useful for measuring leads, solder points and
pins. The feature or contour must fit entirely in the field of view. The centroid
target can be used with the Measure Centroid and Measure Circle functions.

To access this target, click the icon in the toolbox or select Centroid in the Targets
menu. The system displays the target as a box with corner handles in the center of
the Image window. The system displays the Centroid Target Control Window at
the bottom of the screen.

You can change the size of the target to any desired rectangular size. The
maximum size is the size of the field of view. To change the size, select any
corner and hold the left mouse button while “dragging” the corner to the desired
size.

When you measure a feature with the centroid target, the system measures the
portion of the feature that lies within the boundaries of the centroid target.

For detailed instructions to measure a feature with the centroid target, see the
How to Use the Centroid Target topic in the on-line Help.

Find Features with the Search Function

The Search function is used to measure features that have a direct location
correlation with other features. When you turn this function On in a step, you can
include a reference feature. The system automatically fills in the offset values
between the two features (the software adds the deviation from the nominal of the
reference feature to the current feature's location). When you click Remeasure or
run the routine, the system measures the current feature using the deviations from
the reference feature.

This function is available in every Measure step except Rotary Move and Digital
I/O. It is available on a per axis basis (i.e., multiple features are allowed as
references). Any individual axis may be pursued at its original measured /
nominal location, rather than relative to a reference feature.

Important: Be sure that the reference steps used in the Search function contain
the appropriate location nominal values. If the values are not specified, the
software automatically copies the actual values and uses them instead. The
software does not display any messages when it does this.

For instructions on how to use the Search function, see the How to Use the Search
Function topic in the on-line Help.

9-6 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Math Function

The Math Function enables you to perform mathematical operations to calculate a


result, which can be saved in a math step. You can use measured values from
other steps of the routine in the mathematical operations. You can also compare
the calculated result with the nominal and tolerance values entered with the step.

The Math function is comprised of three components:


• Enter the mathematical expression in the Expression window.

• The Variables pop-up window (appears when you click a feature in the
Model window) displays the number of the selected step along with the valid
variables.
• The Measurement window contains the valid
mathematical operation function and the
calculated result.

Math Tags are labels or identifiers for measurement


features. These tags consist of a maximum of three
characters and are used in argument variables. The
tags, and their definitions, are covered in the Math
Tags topic in the MeasureMind 3D online Help.

Note Math steps do not take into account the measurement units (inches or
millimeters). Make sure all measurement steps included in a math step use the
same units of measurement.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9-7


Branch Function

The Branch Function enables you to skip one or more steps and go to a specific
step in a routine. This is done using IF-THEN-ELSE Go to conditional
statements. The Condition may be based on measured results or on calculated
values from mathematical expression.

The Branch function is comprised of three components:


• Enter the mathematical expression or function in the Expression window.

• The Variables pop-up window (appears when you click a feature in the
Model window) displays the number of the selected step along with the valid
variables.
• The Measurement window contains the valid
arithmetic as well as logical/comparison
operators and the routine steps in the conditional
statements.

Math Tags are labels or identifiers for measurement


features. These tags consist of a maximum of three
characters and are used in argument variables. The
tags, and their definitions, are covered in the Math
Tags topic in the MeasureMind 3D online Help.

If you are checking a feature for an out-of-tolerance condition, you may also want
Hint to check if it was not measured (missed). For example, you may want to use an
expression such as OUT(DIA5) | MIS(5).

9-8 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Datum Recall Function

The Datum Recall function enables you to reset a datum in one step. This resets
the datum by replacing the current datum set with a previously defined datum set
(datum plane, datum origin, datum axis, or datum input from a file).

To recall a datum:

1. Select Construct / Datum ⇒ Recall from the main menu or click the
Construct and Datum Recall icons in the Tool Box (only if the Enhanced
User Interface is displayed).

2. Select a previously-defined datum set in one of the following ways:


- Click a feature that was measured with the previously-defined datum
structure that you want to use as your current datum. You can click the
Features button to deselect the feature if it is not the feature you want to
use.
- Select the Input from File check box to use coordinates from the
specified file.

3. Click Done to complete the datum recall.

Note It is assumed that a part routine is in memory and that at least two datum sets have
been defined in the routine.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9-9


True Position Tolerances

A true position tolerance is a tolerance of location. It defines a zone within which


the center point or axis of a feature is permitted to vary from the nominal location.
True position tolerances are applied on the basis of the material condition.

If the blueprint shows a position tolerance, type the value in the True Position
Tolerance field. No sign is necessary.

If you specify a position tolerance, click the left mouse button in the Tolerance
Modifier field to select the material condition.
• RFS (Regardless of Feature Size). This is the default. If the blueprint shows a
S circled S or does not show a circled M or L in the feature control box, the
tolerance should be applied RFS. Any deviation in the size of the feature will
not change the position tolerance.

M • MMC (Maximum Material Condition). Use MMC if there is a circled M in the


feature control box on your dimension drawing or blueprint.
• LMC (Least Material Condition). Use LMC if there is a circled L in the
L feature control box on your dimension drawing or blueprint.

If you select MMC or


LMC, you must also
specify ID (inner
dimension) or OD (outer
dimension) in order to
calculate the appropriate
“bonus” tolerance.
Bonus tolerances are
determined by
comparing the feature’s
actual measured size (up
to its size limit) to the
MMC or LMC size and
adding the difference to
the position tolerance as
a “bonus.” The default is
ID. An example of the
calculation is shown on
the next page.

Note If the true position tolerance has a value other than zero, the X and Y nominal
values, actual values, and deviations can be printed, even if the X and Y nominals
are zeros.

9 - 10 Other Useful Measurement Functions


True Position Tolerance Calculation

The following example shows how the elements of a true position tolerance are
calculated. The calculation is based on the actual measurements and the nominal
and tolerance values specified in the Nominals window shown on the previous
page.

Calculated true position tolerance in the printout after the measurement is completed
================================================================================
Feature Unit Nominal Actual Tolerances Deviation Exceeded
================================================================================
Step 5 - Upper-left hole measurement
Diameter in +00.10000 +00.09943 +0.00300 -0.00300 -00.00057 -
X Location in +00.00000 -00.00007 -00.00007
Y Location in +01.25000 +01.25015 +00.00015
Position in +00.00033 +0.00743 +00.00033 +

1 .10000 Nominal 2 .09943 Actual Size


(+) - 0.00300 Lower Tolerance - 0.09700 At MMC
.09700 Maximum Material Condition .00243 Bonus

0.00500 Basic T.P. Tolerance


3
+ 0.00243 Bonus
0.00743 Effective T.P. Tolerance

Actual location Double the hypotenuse to get the


4 actual true position deviation.
0.000165 x 2 = 0.00033

hypotenuse
y deviation +0.000165 Actual location
+0.00015

Nominal
location True position
x deviation
-0.00007 deviation
0.00033

Effective true position


Nominal
tolerance: 0.00743
TPTOLCAL.CDR location

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9 - 11


Exercise 8: Extract Multiple Features from One Measured Feature

In this exercise, you will:


• Measure the width and height of the 2D training part with the Edge Trace tool.
• Extract multiple lines and construct a width.
• Extract an arc and construct a circle.

To measure the 2D training part and extract data, complete the steps below.

1. Start a New routine.

2. Perform a manual setup using the holes in the lower-right and lower-left
corners of the 2D training part.

3. Display the bottom-left outer edge in the Image window; focus the edge.

4. Select the Edge Trace tool. To set up the trace path, use the procedure below
or try one of the procedures described in the on-line Help.
- Specify the Start point on in the middle of the edge.
- Specify the direction to go clockwise.
- Specify the End point at the same place as the Start point.
- If you are not sure how to do this, see the How to Use Edge Trace topic in
the online Help.

5. Click Trace. The software traces the edge and displays a Contour step. Be
sure to close the step.

6. Click the Construct and Line icons.

7. Extract a line from the left edge. Be sure to extract the subset in the same
order (direction) in which the points were specified. If you are not sure how to
do this, see the How to Extract Data topic in the online Help.

8. Repeat the above step to extract a line from the right edge.

9. Construct a Width between the two extracted arcs.

10. Repeat Step 6 through 9 to construct a width between the top and bottom
edges.

9 - 12 Other Useful Measurement Functions


11. Click the Construct and Circle icons.

12. Extract a circle from the upper-right arc. Be sure to extract the subset in the
same order (direction) in which the points were specified.

13. Run the routine.

This completes Exercise 8.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9 - 13


Exercise 9: Use Math and Branch Functions to Measure Features

In this exercise, you will measure features on the 3D training part and:
• Use the Branch function to go to a specified step if a feature cannot be
measured because the manual setup was not done after the part was moved.
• Use the Math function to calculate the area of a measured hole.

To use the Math and Branch functions, complete the steps below.

1. Perform a manual setup on the part.

2. Start a New routine.

3. Measure the left edge, near the lower-left corner, in Step 1 of the routine.

4. Click the Branch icon and type MIS(1) in the Expression (below Image).
Type 3 in the Then field and 4 in the Else field and close Step 2.

5. Select Construct / Others ⇒ User Input (Step 3 of the routine) and type
the following text in the Prompt field (Hint: Nominal window): Manual setup
not done. Press the Start/Stop button and perform the manual setup!

6. Measure the left bottom edge and right bottom edge in Steps 4 and 5.

7. Measure the diameter of one of the bolt holes in Step 6 of the routine.

8. Click the Math icon to calculate the area of the bolt hole in Step 6.
- Type ( in the Expression field. Then click the PI button.
- Place the cursor in the Expression and type *(DIA6)^2)/4 to complete it.
- Then click the Calc button to calculate the area.

9. Select Part Setup / Run Options and check Missed Edge Overrides.

10. Run the routine to measure all the steps and view the Print Listing.

11. Move the part and Run the routine again, without doing the manual setup
first. The software will display your prompt when it cannot find the left edge.

12. Press the Start/Stop button to stop the system, click OK in the User Input
prompt, and click OK to stop the run.

13. Press the Start/Stop button to enable the system and click the Run icon.

14. Perform the manual setup and click OK to run the routine again.

This completes Exercise 9.

9 - 14 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Exercise 10: Save a Video Image to a File

In this exercise, you will save the image of a bolt hole on the 3D training part
when creating a routine, and in a User Input step when running a routine.

To save a video image in a file, complete the steps below.

1. Perform a manual setup on the part.

2. Start a New routine.

3. Edit the Input.CFG file and verify/change the value of the


Image_File_Format parameter to 3, indicating that JPG is the default format.

4. Measure the hole with FeatureFinder and close the step.

5. Select File / Save Image menu. A list of options appears in the


Measurement window.

6. Click Save. A Save As dialog box displays the files of the selected file type
in the folder that was used last. Verify that the JPG file type is selected.

7. Type a unique name for the file. You can also change the folder if you wish.
Then click OK. This freezes the video image and saves it in the designated
file using the selected format.

8. Click Cancel to close the Save Image window.

9. Select Construct / Others / User Input. The software displays the User
Input step in the Measurement window.

10. Click Nominal to display the Nominal Values dialog box.

11. Type Save_Image in the feature prompt field. The "S" and "I" must be
upper-case. You do not need to specify an extension; the system appends the
selected output type extension (JPG) when the routine is saved.

12. [Optional] add a space after Save_Image and type a filename; do not type the
path. The software appends a unique index number when you run the routine.

13. Click OK and then Done.

14. Run the routine. The software saves the image when it encounters the User
Input step.

15. View the saved images in the Part Routines folder.

This completes Exercise 10.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9 - 15


Challenge Exercise 5: Measure Variable Features with the Centroid Target and
Search Function

In this exercise, you will:


• Measure a bolt hole on the 3D training part with the Centroid and
FeatureFinder targets, and copy it at an incorrect offset to simulate part
variability
• Run the routine and use the Search function to find the hole even after its
location is changed

To measure the bolt holes, complete the steps below.

1. Perform a manual setup in a different location.


- Focus on the surface next to the large bolt hole and set Z=0.
- Using the Circle target, set X&Y=0 on the center hole and align the axis
on the right bolt hole.

2. Start a New routine.

OR 3. Measure the center bolt hole with FeatureFinder or Edge Trace.

4. Set the center bolt hole to X=0 and Y=0 in a Datum Origin step.

5. Center the right bolt hole in the field of view using the Circle target.
However, do not measure the hole.

6. Click the Centroid icon to measure the hole in a Centroid step.


- Stretch the box to the entire field of view.
- Click inside the Centroid target in the Image window to measure the hole
and close the step.

7. Click the Centroid icon again. This will enable the software to capture the
data more easily when you run the routine.
- Click inside the Centroid target in the Image window to measure the hole.
- In the Nominal window, click the Search button and select the X and Y
dimensions of the last step of the routine.
- Close the dialog box and windows.

8. Measure the same hole again with FeatureFinder. Do not move the stage.
- In the Nominal window, click the Search button and select the X and Y
dimensions of the last step of the routine.
- Close the dialog box and windows.

9 - 16 Other Useful Measurement Functions


9. Copy the last three steps, 5 times, at an Angular offset of 58 degrees, not 60.
(Remember to use Polar coordinates.) This simulates part variability.

10. Run the routine.


- When you measure the holes with an incorrect location, the Search
function brings each hole into the center of the field of view so that they
can be measured.
- The Search function will work as long as the hole is within the search area
of the Centroid target in the field of view.

This completes Challenge Exercise 5.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9 - 17


Challenge Exercise 6: Use the Face and Trim Functions

In this exercise, you will:


• Measure most of the features on the 3D training part
• Use the Face function to define the outer boundary and shapes of solid
(shaded) features in the Model window
• Use the Trim function to create “cutouts” in the defined faces

To use the Face and Trim functions, complete the steps below.

1. Open the inspection routine yourname2.rtn.

2. Remember to perform a manual setup in the same way as you originally set up
the part.

3. Run the routine to make sure it runs without any problems.

4. Measure the inside edge of the large counterbore with FeatureFinder (Hint:
select Radius) and then Construct a Circle.

5. Measure the center bolt hole (use Circle) with Edge Trace and the small bolt
holes with FeatureFinder. Hints: Remember to reset the datum and to use an
angular offset when copying the first bolt hole to create the pattern.

6. Select Construct / Datum ⇒ Recall from the main menu. Then click a
feature in that datum set (for example, the Point in Step 12) to reset the datum
to the lower-left corner.

7. Measure the diameter at the top of the Cone with three Weak Edge Points,
each approximately 120º apart. Then Construct a Circle.

8. Repeat the above step for the Sphere.

9. Measure four separate Focus Points (one in each “corner” on the top surface
of the part. Then construct a Plane from the measured focus points.

11. Click the Lights icon to view the shading and then turn it Off.

12. Select Construct / Others ⇒ Face from the main menu.


- Select the constructed Plane (Hint: click a corner) and then select all the
features that make up the outer boundary (Hint: select the lines).
- Select the Hide Features check box (they can still be selected later) and
close the step.

13. Repeat Step 11, rotate the Model, and then return to the Top View.

9 - 18 Other Useful Measurement Functions


14. Select Construct / Others ⇒ Trim from the main menu.
- Select the Face in the Model window (Hints: click a corner; last step) and
then select the constructed circles of the counterbore, cone and sphere.
- Select the Hide Features and Multiple Trim check boxes and close the
step.

15. Click the Lights icon. Do not turn it off.

16. Measure the diameter at the bottom of the cone using FeatureFinder.

17. Click the Construct and Cone icons, select the diameters at the top and
bottom of the cone, select the Composite check box, and close the step.

18. Rotate the part in the Model window to view it in 3D and return to the Top
View.

19. Measure the plane at the bottom of the large counterbore using at least three
Focus points.

20. Select Construct / Others ⇒ Face from the main menu. Then select the
Plane that was measured in the last step and then select the diameter of the
large counterbore. Close the step.

21. Select Construct / Others ⇒ Trim from the main menu.


- Select the Face constructed in the last step (it looks like a circle) and then
select all the bolt holes. (Hint: use the Isometric View)
- Select the Multiple Trim check box and close the step.

22. Rotate the part in the Model window and return to the Top View.

23. Measure a Focus Point at the bottom of the sphere.

24. Click the Construct and Sphere icons, select the three points (not the
circle) at the top of the sphere and the point at the bottom of the sphere; close
the step.

25. Repeat Step 22.

26. Edit the Cone and make any dimension, e.g., diameter, out of tolerance.

27. Rotate the Model and view the cone, which is now red.

28. If you want, save the routine under yournamex6.rtn.

This completes Challenge Exercise 6.

Other Useful Measurement Functions 9 - 19


Challenge Exercise 7: Measure and Calculate a True Position Tolerance

In this exercise, you will measure the upper-right 6.0 diameter thru hole of the 3D
training part, and include the required nominal values and a true position
tolerance value. Refer to the print of the 3D training part for the nominal and
tolerance dimensions.

To measure and calculate a true position tolerance, complete the steps below.

1. Check that the training part is mounted securely.

2. If not done already, perform a manual setup on the part datum features.

3. Measure the datum features and define the datum origin and datum alignment.

4. Measure the upper-right 6.0 diameter thru hole.

5. Specify the nominal and tolerance values for the hole size and location and the
true position tolerance at MMC.

6. Select the size and location dimensions for printing.

7. Run the routine to measure the step and output the measured results.

This completes Challenge Exercise 7.

9 - 20 Other Useful Measurement Functions


Session 10
Useful System Functions

The purpose of this session is to learn about useful system functions that are not
used every day.

Session Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:


• Evaluate weak edge measurements using weak edge diagnostics
• Change optics and sound settings in the System/Configuration menu

Weak Edge Diagnostics

Select System / Diagnostics to display diagnostic tools in the


Measurement window. To display weak edge diagnostics, select the Weak
Edge Graphics check box.

When you measure an edge with FeatureFinder or a Weak Edge Point target,
the weak edge measurement displays two sets of weak edge points:
• The actual (selected) weak edge points, which are larger and have the
same color as the target
• All the other possible points that were used to calculate the actual weak
edge, which are smaller and are shown with another color

You can then use the diagnostics, together with both the weak edge controls
in the Target Control window and the weighting factors, to measure the
feature more accurately.

Weak Edge Diagnostics OFF Weak Edge Diagnostics ON

Useful System Functions 10 - 1


View and Change the Optics Settings

Select System / Configuration ⇒ Optics to configure the tube adapter and


lens attachment. This controls the magnification.

The base system is configured with a 1x tube and no additional lenses. You can
use additional adapters and/or lenses to change the magnification range.

You must select Optics and enter the appropriate configuration:


• Each time you change the lens.
• Each time you change the tube. However, this is not done very frequently. In
this case, you must also re-calibrate the optics.

CAUTION The Reset button clears all the optical calibration values for all lenses and tubes.
If you click Reset, you must perform the zoom lens and field of view
calibration for all lenses and tubes before you can use the system.

10 - 2 Useful System Functions


View and Change the Sound Settings

Select System / Configuration ⇒ Sound to configure the audio signals that


serve as a guide or warning during the measuring process.

You can turn the sound On or Off for any listed action by clicking in the
appropriate box to specify when the sound should occur.
• Take Point is activated when you use a Measure function. If you specify
Save, you hear a high-tone beep when you press Enter to accept the point. If
you specify Delete, you hear a low-tone beep when you remove a measured
point.
• Find Edge is activated when you use an Edge Finder target with the Measure
function. You hear a high-tone beep each time a valid (pass) edge is
encountered or a low-tone beep each time an invalid (fail) edge is
encountered.
• Auto Edge is activated if you used an Edge Finder target while creating a
routine. When you run the routine, you hear a high-tone beep each time a
valid (pass) edge is encountered or a low-tone beep each time an invalid (fail)
edge is encountered.
• Focus is activated when you use the Focus target or you perform an
Autofocus. You hear a high-tone beep for each pass condition or a low-tone
beep for each fail condition. The same beep is used for either edge or surface
focus.

Note Even if all the audio signals are Off, warning sounds are given if you use incorrect
options or out of sequence operations, e.g., when you try to measure another
feature before completing the current measurement.

Useful System Functions 10 - 3


Exercise 11: Using Weak Edge Diagnostics and the Advanced Weak Edge
Parameters

In this practice session you will turn on the weak edge graphics and re-measure
the chamfered edge on the left side of the 3D training part after changing
advanced weak edge parameters.

1. Check that the training part is mounted securely.

2. Perform a manual setup.

3. Turn on the display of the weak edge graphics using System / Diagnostics.

4. Display the chamfered edge on the left side of the part in the Image window.

5. Turn on the surface light to approx. 45%.

6. Select the Average Weak Edge Point target and measure a point on the
chamfered edge.

7. Stretch the boundaries of the target so that the boundaries also include some
of the surface to the right of the edge.

8. Click the Advanced button.

9. Move the First Edge slider to the right and all the other sliders to the left.

10. Click Remeasure. Notice that an “edge” on the surface is measured as the
system searches for an edge going dark to light.

11. Move the Last Edge slider to the right and all the other sliders to the left.

12. Click Remeasure. Notice that the last edge is measured as the system
searches for an edge going dark to light.

13. Close the advanced weak edge parameters window and then click Reset.

14. Turn off the surface light.

15. Turn off the weak edge diagnostics.

This completes Exercise 11.

10 - 4 Useful System Functions


Glossary

This glossary defines terms that appear in the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor


Training Workbook and documentation. The terms encompass the following
categories:
• User interface. This includes terms related to the computer, hardware and
software.
• Metrology. This includes measurement concepts and terms, geometries,
dimensions and tolerances.
• Optics. This includes terms related to imaging, projection and illumination.
• Acronyms, such as DRO, FOV, LMC, and RFS.

The glossary information on the following pages is listed in two columns:


• Term. This lists the term and any specific OGP equipment or software with
which it is associated.
• Usage. This contains a definition or description of the term. Words indicated
with a bold typeface are also listed in the Term column.

Glossary of Terms 1
Term Usage

Accuracy Degree to which a measurement conforms to an exact standard. Usually expressed


in microns.

Actual A measured value.

Active memory A temporary storage area for the current routine that is being created or that was
loaded from the disk. Anything in active memory is lost when you start a new routine
or exit from MeasureMind.

Accucentric Patented OGP zoom lens that performs an automatic self-calibration when the
magnification is changed.

Alignment, axis When positioning a part during part setup, this function electronically aligns the part
to a designated axis or reference point. This tells the system how the part is rotated
relative to the stage motion, and compensates for any misalignment between the part
and the stage.

Angle 1, 2 ,3, 4 Angles between constructed intersecting lines. Reported counterclockwise going
from the first line to the second.

ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Typically used to describe
plain text.

Axes of travel Stage motion in the X and Y axes and movement of the optical assembly in the Z
axis

Axis One of the reference lines of a coordinate system.


• X axis is horizontal in the plane of projection.
• Y axis is vertical in the plane of projection and perpendicular to X.
• Z axis is the optical axis, which is perpendicular to the plane of projection and the
X and Y axes.

Back light Light projected from below or behind the part creates a contour or profile “shadow”
image of the part. This type of illumination is used most frequently. It is typically used
to outline edges and through-feature measurements. Also called profile illumination.

Backoff distance • The distance that Z moves (up or down) from the nominal location before
performing an autofocus. The distance is increased if the autofocus operation
fails.
• The distance that the touch probe moves away from the contact point after
contact.

Blueprint See Dimension drawing.

2 Glossary of Terms
Term Usage

Calibration The process of determining the deviation from a standard and making the
necessary adjustments or applying correction factors so that a measuring machine
meets the standard.

Cartesian Rectangular 2D or 3D coordinate system where X, Y and Z define the location of a


coordinates point as the distance and direction from the origin and where the axes intersect.

Circle A function used to measure rounded or curved edges. At least three points are
required for a circle measurement.

Coaxial light See Surface light.

Comment Descriptive text for a feature, step or routine. It can also be a report heading or
setup instructions.

Construct(ion) • A mode of programming using previously-measured or constructed features.


• A measurement or feature that is built from two or more previously measured or
constructed features.

Contrast The apparent difference in brightness between light and dark areas of an image.

Control window The area on the screen where the user can control tool and target parameters such
as size, number of points, edge processing, etc. See also Toolbar.

Datum An exact point, axis (line) or plane used as an origin for measuring the features of a
part and establishing their location. Typically a part’s datum features are measured
first and defined as coordinate origin and axis alignment features, from which all
other features are referenced.

Dark-to-light Process by which the system searches for an edge in a dark-to-light direction to
avoid erroneous edges that may be caused by improper illumination or dust
particles. See also Edge detection.

Deviation The amount by which a measured (actual) value differs from the nominal value.

Dialog box A window that displays messages or further instructions, and allows you to select
items or enter information such as values or commands.

Diameter Length of a straight line passing through the center of an object and ending at the
object’s surfaces or perimeter. Indicates the size of a circle.

Dimension A numerical value, expressed in appropriate units of measure, that defines the size
and/or geometric characteristic of a part or feature.

Dimension An engineering drawing that shows the dimensions and tolerances of each part
drawing feature that can be measured.

Glossary of Terms 3
Term Usage

Distance Degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces or objects
measured along the shortest path joining them.

DRO Digital Readout, which typically displays the current XYZ location.

Edge analysis and Process used to search for an edge. Typically the system searches for an edge in a
detection dark-to-light direction to avoid erroneous edges that may be caused by improper
illumination or dust particles. The following kinds of factors affect edge detection:
illumination, contrast, roughness, search area, search direction, weak edge weighting
factors, number of points, percent of the feature, etc.

E-stop Emergency-stop button on the side of the machine or on the control panel.

Feature A physical portion of a part, such as surface, hole, edge, or slot.

Fixture A device that holds one or more parts in a desired position so that they can be
measured. A fixture is typically mounted at a fixed location on the stage or worktable.

Flatness The condition of a surface having all elements in one plane. A flatness measurement
is the deviation from the plane.

Focus Movement of the optics along the Z-axis relative to an object to obtain the sharpest
possible (highest contrast) image.

FOV Field of View. This is the size of the image area as seen in the image window. The
FOV varies with magnification.

Geometric The category of tolerance information used to control form, profile, orientation,
tolerance location, and runout.

Header User-specified descriptive text that appears at the beginning of a routine listing.

Icon Graphic representation of a function. It can be a label for a button or key, or it can be
a software object.

Illumination The application of light to a subject. See back light, surface light, ring light,
SmartRing light.

Image window The area on the computer screen that displays the video image. Depending on
which menu selections you make, the model, pop-up dialog boxes, and prompts
and messages may be displayed over the video image.

Intersection A constructed point where two features meet.

LED Light-Emitting Diode. A source of illumination or a display device.

Light-on-right See Dark-to-Light.

4 Glossary of Terms
Term Usage

Line A function that measures a straight path. At least two points are required for a line
measurement.

Listing A sequential record of the steps in a routine. It shows all the pertinent information
for each measurement of a feature, e.g., actual values, nominals, tolerances, light
settings, magnification, and text. A listing can be displayed on the screen, stored in
a file, or sent to a printer.

LMC Least Material Condition, in which a feature of size contains the least amount of
material within the stated limits of size – for example, maximum hole diameter,
minimum pin diameter.

Mag(nification) • Optical: Ratio of the actual size of an object to the image of the object. It is
based on the magnification lens that is used, any adapter tube, and the position
of the zoom lens.
• Screen: Ratio of the actual object size to the image size on the computer
monitor. The magnification varies with the monitor size. For example, the
on-screen mag is increased with a larger monitor.

Menu A list of related functions or options under one keyword. For example, the Edit menu
lists options for editing the steps of a routine, such as Insert, Copy, Change, and
Delete.

Microinch One millionth of an inch. Shown as 0.000001 inch. ≈.0254μm.

Micron (µ), µm One millionth of a meter (10-6); micrometer. Used to indicate measurement
accuracy. Shown as 0.001 mm (.000039 inch).

Midpoint A function that reports a 3-D distance and a point that is equally distant from the
two end points. At least two points are required.

mm millimeter (one thousandth of a meter).

MMC Maximum Material Condition, in which a feature of size contains the maximum
amount of material within the stated limits of size – for example, minimum hole
diameter, maximum pin diameter.

Model CAD-like sketch of the part based on measured or constructed features.

Mouse Device used to move the cursor that is displayed on the computer screen. The
buttons have different functions such as selecting an item and changing the spacing
of a target.

Nominal Basic dimension of a feature as specified on the dimension drawing.

Origin An exact point (Zero XYZ/RAZ) used to tell the system where the part is located on
the stage and to measure the features of a part. See also Part setup and Datum.

Glossary of Terms 5
Term Usage

Out of tolerance Condition where the measured value exceeds the tolerance limits.

Override A method to change parameters temporarily. Example: display only out-of-tolerance


measurements for the current run of the routine.

Part setup Method used to indicate where a part is located on the stage and how it is aligned so
that system can measure the part and its features. Part setup consists of the
following functions:
• Staging: positioning the part on the stage or in a fixture, mounting it securely and
making sure it is illuminated properly and in focus
• Defining the part origin (Zero X, Y and Z)
• Axis (or Skew) alignment

Plane A 2-D surface that has no curvature and is perfectly flat. It is of such nature that a
straight line joining any two of its points lies wholly in the surface. The plane function
enables you to measure the angle, profile and flatness of a surface. Height and depth
measurements are based on focus points.

Point • A single location that is measured or constructed on the part.


• Subset of a feature measurement. For example, a measured circle may consist
of nine points, which can be changed or removed.

Polar coordinates 2-D or 3-D polar coordinate system where R(adius), A(ngle) and Z define the
location of a point using circles rather than a grid.

Positional A zone within which the center, axis, or center plane of a feature of size is permitted
tolerance to vary from the true position. Positional tolerancing is applied on an MMC, RFS or
LMC basis.

Profile light See Back light.

Program See Routine.

Radius Length of a straight line from the center of an object to the edge.

RAZ Used for Polar coordinates (Radius, Angle, Z)

Reference plane A function that levels a plane so that all the measured focus points on the plane are
set to a Z axis value of 0. This is typically done in the first step of a routine.

Reset Changes the origin back to the stage home location and removes a routine from
memory.

Resolution The number of significant digits to the right of the decimal point. Inches are displayed
with two to five significant digits; millimeters and angular units are displayed with one
to four significant digits.

6 Glossary of Terms
Term Usage

Revision A number indicating an update to a version of the software. The number is typically
(software) incremented when the software is corrected or an enhancement is added.

RFS Regardless of Feature Size. Indicates that a geometric tolerance or datum


reference applies at any increment of size of the feature within its size tolerance.

Ring light Circular bundles of optical fibers that project a cone of light onto a surface. The light
creates a three-dimensional image that highlights heights, depths and surface
imperfections. Also called oblique light. See also Quad light and SmartRing Light.

Routine A sequence of measurements saved as steps. You can run the same routine for
identical parts. You can also edit a routine and make changes to it. Also called
inspection routine or program.

Run setup Actions that the user can perform just before running a routine. Typically include
re-doing the part setup, specifying run options, etc.

Scroll bar, Slider A horizontal or vertical bar with a scroll box and arrows at each end. Use the cursor
to click either arrow or slide the scroll box in the desired direction to change a
parameter.

Setup instructions User-specified instructions that explain how to do the part setup. After they are
entered by the user, they are included as part of the routine listing.

Skew alignment • See Alignment, axis.

SmartRing Light A source of illumination on OGP video systems that lets you control the ring light
more precisely by varying the intensities and angles of incidence at which the light
is projected.

Software Computer programs that the user can manipulate to perform various functions such
as measuring features and parts automatically.

Stage Surface on which the object to be measured is placed. Uses vertical projection.

Stage Home Machine origin: XYZ (RAZ) zero location.


• The machine’s Z origin is approximately at the bottom of the Z axis travel.
• The machine’s XY origin is located at the lower left corner of the stage.

Step A unit in an inspection routine that contains the measurement results for one feature
of a part. A step may contain several discrete measurements, e.g., location, size
and number of points.

Stop button • Button on the joystick or control panel, or red E-stop button that can be pushed
to stop the movement of the stage and cut power to all motors. Typically used to
prevent the accidental collision of the optics with an object on the stage.
• Software button at the bottom of the screen used to stop the run of a routine.

Glossary of Terms 7
Term Usage

Surface light Light projected down through the lens directly onto the surface of the part. This
provides better contrast on a surface. Typical applications include the illumination of
blind holes and standoff surfaces. This illumination is also best for a Z axis autofocus
on a surface. Also called coaxial, auxiliary and front light.

Targets Graphical tools used in video systems


• Alignment: used to manually align geometric shapes and objects, e.g., circle.
• Image processing: used to automatically find and enter points more accurately
and quickly, e.g., FeatureFinder or Strong Edge.
• Focus: used to automatically focus an edge or surface and to measure the Z
axis position of the part.

Template A pre-set format that controls the form and content of output. The user may use or
change an existing template, or create a new template.

Tenth Slang term used to refer to ten thousandths of an inch (.0001 inches).

Thousandth Refers to 1 one thousandth of an inch (.001 inches); also known as a “mil.”

Tolerance The total amount by which a specific dimension is permitted to vary. It is the
difference between the minimum and maximum limits.

Toolbar The area on the screen where the user can control the data in the displayed window
such as save/print, view, zoom, etc. See also Control window.

True position The theoretically exact location of a feature established by basic dimensions.

Version • Software: General level of a release, indicated by a single digit. The version is
normally changed when there are significant enhancements in the software, e.g.,
from MeasureMind Version 10 to MeasureMind Version 11.
• Subassemblies (PC boards): a subassembly which is similar to the original, but
must have a different part number because the bill of materials is different.
Typically the versions are in the same series of part number, e.g., 036541,
036543, 036544.

Video image Actual, live image of a part that appears on the computer screen.

Width Measurement taken at right angles to the length. A width can be measured or
constructed between lines, a point and a line, a point and a circle, a line and a circle,
and two circles.

XYZ Used for Cartesian coordinates. Do not put any commas or spaces between the
letters. See also axis.

Zoom Used to control the size of an image by magnifying or reducing it.

8 Glossary of Terms
Reference Materials

OGP provides the following documentation related to the MeasureMind 3D


MultiSensor software:
• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Fast Start Guide (P/N 790321). This booklet
contains an overview of the user interface and software tools and provides
basic instructions on getting started with and using the system.
• MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Reference Guide (P/N 790322). This manual
describes the MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor software functions and explains
how to use the software.
• QVI 3D training part (P/N 790217) for testing and self training. It is used in
all the examples in the training workbook and the 3D reference guide.

For a complete list of OGP documentation, contact your OGP sales or service
representative.

Reference Materials 1
MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor Online Help

Help is available at your fingertips while you are using MeasureMind 3D


MultiSensor. You can display and view the MeasureMind Help topics while you
are creating a routine.

To access the on-line Help, click Help in the main menu.

When you click Contents in the MeasureMind Help menu, the system displays a
list of MeasureMind topics. Click the desired main topic to view a list of
subtopics. Then click the desired topic to view it in the Help window.

If You Need Assistance

If you need additional assistance, contact your local authorized OGP


representative first. If he or she cannot solve your problem, you may contact us ⎯
• By phone at 585-544-0400
• By Fax at (585) 544-8092 (Sales) or (585) 544-0131 (Service)
• By e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected]
• On the Internet at http://www.ogpnet.com

2 Reference Materials
Dimension Drawing of the QVI 3D Training Part
This document was produced by the Marketing Communications Department of Quality Vision International, Inc.
850 Hudson Ave., Rochester, New York 14621-4896 USA. Telephone: 585-544-0450. FAX: 585-544-0131.
E-mail: [email protected].

Warranty
Optical Gaging Products (OGP® company) warrants that the software will operate according to the specifications described in the
software reference manual and be free from known defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. During this warranty period, OGP will, at its option, repair, replace or provide a work-around solution to any items that
prove to be defective. In order to qualify for such warranty service, a complete description of the problem, with appropriate
documentation (such as results, program listing, sample part and program) should be forwarded to OGP for our inspection. Such items
will be returned to the customer if requested.

OGP does not warrant that the operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error-free. The information in this manual is subject
to change without notice.

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from customer-supplied or -configured computer equipment, operating systems or
software, unauthorized alteration or misuse, or operation outside the environmental specifications for the product.

THESE WARRANTIES AND OGP’S LIABILITY HEREUNDER, ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTIES AND
ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL OGP
BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES
INCLUDING, AND NOT BY WAY OF LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, AND WITHOUT REGARD TO THE FORM OF
THE ACTION OR THE NATURE OF THE CLAIM WHICH IS MADE.

Please Note
The information contained herein is based on the experience and knowledge relating to the subject matter gained by
Optical Gaging Products prior to publication.

No patent license is granted by this information.

Optical Gaging Products reserves the right to change this information without notice and makes no warranty, express or
implied, with respect to this information. Optical Gaging Products shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including
consequential or special damages, resulting from the use of this information, even if loss or damage is caused by
negligence or other fault on the part of Optical Gaging Products.

AccuCentric, Avant, Basic Bench, Cobra, DRS, Contour Projector, Feather Probe, FeatureFinder, Flare, Flash, Focus,
GageFit, IQ 2000, Intelligent Qualifier 2000, MeasureFit, MeasureMenu, MeasureMind, MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor,
Measure-X, MicroTheta, MSR, OGP, OQ-30B, Projectron, QC-Calc, Q-Check, QL-20, QL-30, Q-SEE, Quest, Rainbow
Probe, Scan-X, SmartCAD, SmartCheck, SmartFeature, SmartFit, SmartProfile, SmartRing, SmartReport, SmartScope,
SoftGage, TeleStar, Top Bench, and Vantage are registered trademarks or trademarks of Optical Gaging Products and/or
Quality Vision International, Inc.

Due to the nature of this material, a number of hardware and software products may be mentioned by name. In most, if
not all, cases these product names are claimed as trademarks by the companies that manufacture the products. It is not
our intent to claim these names or trademarks as our own.

The software described in this manual is based in part on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.

© 2001 - 2011 Optical Gaging Products. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

No part of this document may be reproduced or disclosed in any form or for any purpose, other than personal use,
without the written permission of Optical Gaging Products or Quality Vision International, Inc.

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