The graphical viewpoint within the job file can be updated dynamically based upon the current probe or scanner position and orientation. This enables the capability to “fly around” a part using an instrument, or to update the viewpoint while measuring such that the probe is always visible in the graphics.
To Enable the Viewpoint Based on Instrument Updates:
Open the Settings dialog which can be found in the Visibility section of the Home tab. Select the >View Controls - Instrument Viewpoint button:
Enabling the Instrument View
At the top of the Instrument View dialog is an optional check box to Enable Viewpoint from Instrument. This is the on / off control for the view control. When enabled, graphical position updates from the selected instrument will be used to update the graphical view using the selected settings below.
Instrument selection is not necessary if only a single connected instrument is available in the job file. However, if more than one live instrument is available the controlling instrument must be selected using the ellipsis button.
Configurations
Probing Controls
3D Probe Users (Laser tracker and total stations) When measuring with only a reflector the instrument does not provide enough information to control the direction of the view in the graphics. However two options are available.
Clip Behind Probe. This check box enables graphical clipping (use of a clipping plane) behind the probe position. This provides the ability to cut through surrounding objects in the job file based on the position and orientation of the probe. This operation is typically only useful with a 6D probe or arm. In the image below a plane has been drawn in the position and orientation of the Clip plane to give you an idea of the effect.
Automatic Zoom When Trapping. This option adds zooming to the graphic control. This is linked to feature trapping such that the view zoom depth is set to fit the nominal feature and the current probe position. As the probe is moved toward the nominal feature the view will zoom in on the operation.
Scanning Controls
Enable Directional Cloud Points. With this option enabled the directional flag for cloud points will be set such that cloud points are only viewed from their probing direction. This prevents point measured from the back side of a part from being visible from the front, clarifying the extent of scan coverage when scanning in points display mode.
Use Scan Stripe for View Focus.
Graphics Updates
Zoom Extent Reset. This option controls when the view is reset as a probe is moved toward the edge of the screen. A percentage value is used for this which is defined as the percentage of the distance from the center of the graphics to the outer edge of the screen. By default this is set to 75% so that as you get to three quarters of they way to the edge the graphics will shift to re-center on the probe.
Angle Rest Threshold. This defines how often the view is updated and is the key control when using a 6D probe. The current orientation of the probing vector is compared with the last saved position and when the angle is greater than the specified value the graphics will update orientation. Otherwise they will remain fixed.
Animation Steps. The transition from one view orientation to another can be disorienting without some degree of animation. But too much slow performance. Start low and raise this threshold until you find an optimum for your application.
View Orientation Reference Frame
The instrument view uses the selected frame to control the vertical orientation of the display. By default it expects the Z axis of World frame to represent the gravity direction and orients the graphics accordingly. If you wish the view to be at a different angle, a different frame can be selected.
Example Use Cases:
Measuring with a Laser Tracker and an 1.5" SMR. In this scenario the only control you need is an ability to keep the reflector within the graphics. You may also want to check the box to Automatic Zoom when Trapping. This allows the view to zoom out to encompass the nominal target and the allows the zoom to increase as you move the probe closer to it. It also helps to more precisely measure that feature.
Measuring with a 6D probe, such as a T-probe. In this case the view is set by the probe such that the user is looking straight down the probe tip. A 6D probe can also be used as a navigation device that cuts through features in the graphics showing those objects behind. To do so use the Click Behind Probe option.
When Point Cloud Scanning. When scanning a point cloud a slightly different