MICRO-EPSILON surfaceCONTROL 3D User manual

3DInspect 1.1
Instruction Manual

MICRO-EPSILON
MESSTECHNIK
GmbH & Co. KG
Koenigbacher Str. 15
94496 Ortenburg / Germany
Tel. [phone] / 168-0
Fax [phone] / 168-90
e-mail: [e-mail]
www.micro-epsilon.com

Inhalt
Page 3
Inhalt
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................................5
1.1 Using this Manual ......................................................................................................................5
1.2 Overview of the Complete System ............................................................................................6
1.3 Definition of Basic Terms ...........................................................................................................6
1.4 Operating Modes .......................................................................................................................6
1.5 Functions of the Measuring Programs ......................................................................................7
2. Installation and Preparation for Measurement Operation .................................................8
2.1 Installation Requirements ..........................................................................................................8
2.2 Installation of the Software.........................................................................................................8
2.3 Connecting the Sensor to the PC ..............................................................................................8
3. Working with 3DInspect ....................................................................................................10
3.1 Launching 3DInspect...............................................................................................................10
3.2 Overview Description ...............................................................................................................10
3.3 Steps for Setting the Parameters for a Measuring Task ..........................................................11
3.4 Online Mode ............................................................................................................................11
3.4.1 Description of the "Sensor Settings" Box (reflectCONTROL) ..................................................12
3.4.2 Make Reference Measurements (reflectCONTROL)................................................................14
3.4.3 Description of the "Sensor Settings" Box (surfaceCONTROL) ................................................17
3.4.4 Description of the “Resolution / Measuring field” Dialog Box .................................................19
3.4.5 Description of the "Advanced Sensor Settings" Dialog Box ....................................................20
3.5 Offline Mode.............................................................................................................................20
3.5.1 Description of the "File Settings" Box ......................................................................................21
3.6 Saving Point Clouds ................................................................................................................22
3.6.1 Saving Point Clouds / 2D Measurement Data manually .........................................................22
3.6.2 Saving Point Clouds automatically ..........................................................................................22
3.7 Description of the Status Display.............................................................................................23
3.8 Description of the "Display Settings" Box ................................................................................23
3.9 Description of the "Lighting / Surface" Box ..............................................................................24
3.10 Description of the 3D-View ......................................................................................................26
3.11 3D-View Settings......................................................................................................................27
3.12 Structure of a Measuring Program ..........................................................................................30
3.13 Adding/Removing Measuring Programs .................................................................................30
3.14 Moving/Duplicating a Measuring Program ..............................................................................32
3.15 Adding/Removing Measuring Program Groups ......................................................................32
3.16 Configuring a Measuring Program ..........................................................................................34
3.16.1 Renaming a Measuring Program.............................................................................................34
3.16.2 Specifying a Measuring Task...................................................................................................34
3.16.3 Selecting Input Data ................................................................................................................35
3.16.4 Selecting 3D Points..................................................................................................................35
3.16.5 Resetting the Region of Interest ..............................................................................................38
3.16.6 Adding/Removing Region of Interests.....................................................................................38
3.16.7 Setting the Parameters for a Measuring Program ...................................................................38
3.16.8 Selecting Measured Values to be Used Further ......................................................................39
3.17 Saving and Loading Parameters .............................................................................................39
3.17.1 Saving Parameters to File ........................................................................................................39
3.17.2 Loading Parameters from File .................................................................................................39
3.17.3 Resetting Parameters to Factory Default .................................................................................40
3.18 User management ...................................................................................................................40
3.19 Menu Bar..................................................................................................................................41
3.20 Functions of the “General” Toolbar .........................................................................................42
3.21 Basic Settings ..........................................................................................................................44
3.22 Adjusting Sensor Network Settings (Ethernet Configurator)...................................................46
3.23 Exiting 3DInspect .....................................................................................................................48

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4. Description of the “Data Acquisition” View ......................................................................49
4.1 Description of the "Display Image Data" Tab ...........................................................................50
4.2 Description of the “Measurement” Tab ...................................................................................52
4.3 Description of the “3D-View“ Tab ............................................................................................54
4.3.1 Description of the Preview Window .........................................................................................55
4.3.2 Description of the 2D-View ......................................................................................................55
5. Description of the “Data Preprocessing” View ................................................................57
5.1 Description of the Measuring Programs in the “Data Preprocessing” Group .........................58
5.1.1 “Calibrate Position” Measuring Program.................................................................................59
5.1.2 “Select Points” Measuring Program ........................................................................................61
5.1.3 “Bounding Box Alignment” Measuring Program .....................................................................63
5.1.4 “Plane Alignment” measuring program...................................................................................65
5.1.5 “Contour Alignment” Measuring Program...............................................................................67
5.1.6 “Trend Removal” Measuring Program.....................................................................................69
5.1.7 “Average Filter” Measuring Program .......................................................................................71
5.1.8 “Median Filter” Measuring Program ........................................................................................73
5.1.9 “Low Pass Filter” Measuring Program .....................................................................................75
5.1.10 “High Pass Filter” Measuring Program....................................................................................77
5.1.11 “Closing” Measuring Program .................................................................................................79
5.1.12 “Erosion” Measuring Program .................................................................................................81
6. Description of the “Evaluation” View................................................................................83
6.1 Description of the Measuring Programs in the “Find Objects” Group ....................................84
6.1.1 “Center of Gravity” Measuring Program ..................................................................................85
6.1.2 “Extreme Point” Measuring Program.......................................................................................87
6.1.3 “Plane Fit” Measuring Program ...............................................................................................89
6.1.4 “Sphere Fit” Measuring Program.............................................................................................91
6.1.5 “Cylinder Fit” Measuring Program ...........................................................................................93
6.1.6 “Circular Hole” Measuring Program ........................................................................................95
6.1.7 “Circular Pad” Measuring Program .........................................................................................98
6.1.8 “Rectangular Pad” Measuring Program ................................................................................101
6.1.9 “Edge” Measuring Program...................................................................................................104
6.2Description of the Measuring Programs in the “Combine Objects” Group ..........................107
6.2.1 “Distance” Measuring Program .............................................................................................108
6.2.2 “Angle” Measuring Program ..................................................................................................111
6.2.3 “Object Intersection” Measuring Program.............................................................................113
6.2.4 “Perpendicular Point” Measuring Program ...........................................................................115
7. Description of the “Outputs and Results” View .............................................................117
7.1 Calculating Measured Values ................................................................................................119
7.2 Assessing Measured Values (OK/nOK) .................................................................................120
7.3 Outputting and Logging Measured Values, Controlling the Measurement...........................121
7.3.1 Load parameters in an Automated Manner ...........................................................................124
8. Appendix..........................................................................................................................125
8.1 Status and Error Messages ...................................................................................................125
8.2 Notes and Tips on Using 3DInspect......................................................................................130
8.3 Key Shortcuts / Mouse Functions..........................................................................................131
8.4 Color Palettes.........................................................................................................................132

Introduction
Page 5
1. Introduction
This user manual gives an overview of the functions of the "Micro-Epsilon 3DInspect" software, referred to
in short as 3DInspect in the following. This provides you with the possibility to configure and parameterize
the surfaceCONTROL 3D and reflectCONTROL RCS sensors for your measurement task in order to ex-
amine and solve typical 3D measurement tasks with it. The sensors are designed for applications in the
industrial environment.
The surfaceCONTROL 3D sensor is used for non-contact optical measurement of diffusely reflective sur-
faces.
The reflectCONTROL RCS sensor is used for non-contact optical measurement of reflective surfaces.
This product is characterized by high speed and accuracy of measurement. 3DInspect provides you with
ways to solve different applications combined with maximum precision.
Note: In the following the term ”sensor”stands for the supported sensors.
1.1 Using this Manual
The user manual contains general information on the installation and use of 3DInspect and on the use of
the supported sensors. As a user of the software it is important that you read Chapter 2 “Installation and
Preparation for Measurement Operation“. Chapter 3 “Working with 3DInspect“and Chapter
4 “Description of the “Data Acquisition” View“ explain how to use the basic functions offered by the soft-
ware. In Chapter 5 “Description of the “Data Preprocessing” View“ and Chapter 6 “Description of the
“Evaluation” View“the functions of the individual measuring programs are described. In Chapter 7 De-
scription of the “Outputs and Results” View”you will find a description about combining, evaluating, log-
ging and outputting measured values via Ethernet.
Note: Please refer to the contact address printed on the inside cover for any issues relating to queries
and support or any other technical information.

Introduction
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1.2 Overview of the Complete System
3DInspect transmits measurement data from the sensors used via Ethernet in a simple way and provides
said data in three-dimensional form. These 3D data are further processed, evaluated and assessed in
measuring programs with 3DInspect on the PC and, if necessary, logged and transmitted via Ethernet to
a control unit. If required, these 3D data can be saved with the software.
The measuring programs can be selected and configured in the software. The programs are arranged in
a list and executed from “top” to “bottom”. The measuring programs can access results of previous
measuring programs, but not the other way round (“waterfall model”).
Once parameterization is complete, measurement operation can be activated in the software. The meas-
ured values can be output via Ethernet using the following protocols:
-UDP, binary format
-TCP, binary format
You can run 3DInspect in its standard version or with the “Automation” function extension. If you are us-
ing the surfaceCONTROL 3D 3X10-XX sensor, this automatically serves as the license for activating the
“Automation” function extension.
Function
3DInspect
3DInspect Automation
Data transmission sensor (online operation)
X
X
Load a stored point cloud (offline operation)
X
X
Sensor parameterization
X
X
„Data preprocessing“measuring programs
X
X
„Find objects“measuring programs
X
X
„Combine objects“measuring programs
X
X
Visualization of point clouds
X
X
Visualization of measurement results
X
X
Combine measured values
X
X
Evaluate measured values
X
X
Restore factory settings
X
X
Offline logging of measurement results
X
X
Load and save parameters
X
X
Select language
X
X
Select unit (mm, µm)
X
X
Synchronization (Hardware trigger)
X*
Synchronization (measurement control via Modbus TCP)
X
Online logging of measurement results
X
Output of the measured values via Ethernet (UDP, TCP,
Modbus TCP)
X
* The functionality is only available when using a surfaceCONTROL sensor.
Fig. 1.1: Functional scope of 3DInspect
1.3 Definition of Basic Terms
-Point cloud: A surface measured by the sensor is represented by a number of three-dimensional
points. Each of these points is defined by its X, Y and Z coordinate.
-X coordinate: The transverse coordinate of a point.
-Y coordinate: The longitudinal coordinate of a point.
-Z coordinate: The vertical coordinate of a point.
-Measuring operation: Refers to the operation in which a point cloud is detected by the sensor,
transmitted and all measured values are determined in the PC.
1.4 Operating Modes
3DInspect offers two operating modes:
-Setup mode: The user can set up the sensor and the software for the measuring task at hand and
carry out measuring operations if required.
-Measurement mode: In measurement mode, measurements can be controlled automatically.
Note: The measurement mode is only available with an activated “Automation” function extension.

Introduction
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1.5 Functions of the Measuring Programs
This list of functions should only be used as a brief overview. The measuring programs are split into three
groups. A detail description of all measuring programs can be found in Chapter 5.1, 6.1 and 6.2.
-Data preprocessing: Programs for selection, filtering, transformation and alignment of point clouds
can be found in this group.
Calibrate Position: Adjusting the mounting position of the sensor using a static rotation and
translation.
Select Points: Select 3D points by using regions of interest and discard the remaining points.
Bounding Box Alignment: Align a point cloud by means of a bounding box.
Plane Alignment: Align a point cloud by means of a plane.
Contour Alignment: Align a point cloud by means of a contour.
Trend Removal: Remove a trend of a point cloud.
Average Filter: Filter a point cloud by using an average filter.
Median Filter: Filter a point cloud by using a median filter.
Low Pass Filter: Filter a point cloud by using a low pass filter.
High Pass Filter: Compute the difference of a point cloud which has been filtered with a low
pass filter from the original point cloud.
Closing: Fill gaps of a point cloud by using a dilatation and an erosion filter.
Erosion: Filter a point cloud by using an erosion filter.
-Find objects: Programs for fitting geometric objects can be found in this group.
Center of Gravity: Calculate the center of gravity of 3D points.
Extreme Point: Calculate an extreme point of 3D points.
Plane Fit: Calculate a fitting plane through 3D points.
Sphere Fit: Calculate a fitting sphere through 3D points.
Cylinder Fit: Calculate a fitting cylinder through 3D points.
Circular Hole: Measure a circular hole in a point cloud.
Circular Pad: Measure a circular pad in a point cloud.
Rectangular Pad: Measure a rectangular pad in a point cloud.
Edge: Measure a straight edge in a point cloud.
-Combine Objects: Programs for combing previously found objects.
Distance: Calculate the distance between two objects.
Angle: Calculate the angle difference between two objects.
Object intersection: Calculate a new geometric object by intersection of two objects.
Perpendicular Point: Calculate a point by an orthogonal projection from a point to a plane or
a line.

Installation and Preparation for Measurement Operation
Page 8
2. Installation and Preparation for Measurement Operation
2.1 Installation Requirements
The following minimum system specification is necessary for the operation of 3DInspect:
-Windows 8 or 8.1 (64 bit), Windows 10 (64 bit)
-1 GHz or faster (64 bit) processor
-4 GB RAM
-Screen resolution: 1280 x 1024
-Graphics card / GPU supporting OpenGL 3.1 or higher
The following system specification is recommended:
-Windows 10 (64 bit)
-3-GHz or faster (64 bit) processor
-16 GB RAM
-Screen resolution: 1920x1080
-Dedicated graphics card
To be able to use 3DInspect the following steps must be followed:
1. Install the Ethernet interface hardware, if not already installed.
2. Adopt the following settings of the Ethernet interface:
Jumbo-Frames: Enabled / Use the maximum value
Interrupt Moderation: Enabled
Interrupt Moderation Rate: Adaptive
Receive Buffers: Use the maximum value
3. Install 3DInspect (see Chapter 2.2).
4. Connect the sensor to the PC via Ethernet.
Note: It is recommended to use the PRO 1000 line of Intel PCI Express (PCIe) NICs. You can find further
information on using the Ethernet interface hardware on: https://supportcenter.pleora.com/s/article/Con-
figuring-Your-Computer-and-Network-Adapters-for-Best-Performance-KBase#Select-
ing_a_NIC_and_Laptop
[CD]:\Documentation
Contains manuals and the installation instructions.
[CD]:\Examples
Contains examples of point clouds
[CD]:\License
Contains license information for 3DInspect
[CD]:\Program\3DInspect 1.1
Contains 3DInspect 1.1
[CD]:\Support\eBus
Contains the driver for integrating sensors via GigE Vision.
[CD]:\Support\Sentinel System Driver 7.5.0
Contains the dongle driver
[CD]:\Support\VCRedist2017
Contains the "Microsoft Visual C++ 2017" Redistributable
Package
Fig. 2.1: Content of the Software CD
2.2 Installation of the Software
After extracting the installation files to a temporary folder, an installation window appears which offers you
a number of options. Alternatively you can start the window with the [Temporary folder]:\setup.exe file.
Click on the "Install" button to start installing the software.
Now the installation wizard installs the software and necessary components.
Note: You need administrator rights in order to install the software.
2.3 Connecting the Sensor to the PC
In order to connect the sensor via Ethernet to the PC, proceed as follows:
Finish the installation of 3DInspect completely. This procedure is described in Chapter 2.2.

Installation and Preparation for Measurement Operation
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Connect the sensor via the Ethernet interface to the PC and switch on the power supply.
Please wait until the sensor is recognized by the PC. This process may take up to one minute.
The system is now ready to operate the sensor with 3DInspect.
Note: The sensor must be connected directly with the PC. Do not use hubs or switches.
Note: The PC and the sensor must be located in the same subnet in order to operate the sensor with
3D-View. Use the "Ethernet configurator" dialog box (see Chapter 3.22) in order to adjust the network set-
tings of the sensor, if necessary.
Note: Use the recommended settings for the Ethernet interface (See Chapter 2.1, section 2).

Working with 3DInspect
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3. Working with 3DInspect
3.1 Launching 3DInspect
Once the software and drivers have been installed, launch the software. To do this, use the program
shortcut on your desktop or select “3DInspect" in the Start menu.
After the program has started, the software will automatically connect to the sensor connected to the PC.
If multiple sensors are connected to the PC, a dialog for selecting the sensor will appear.
Note: Never change the settings of the Ethernet interface used when the software is running. This may
cause the operating system to shut down unintentionally.
Note:
-Never disconnect the connection between the sensor and the PC while using the software.
-Never disconnect the power supply of the sensor while the software is running.
This may cause the software to shut down unintentionally.
3.2 Overview Description
Fig. 3.1: Overview
The figure provides an overview of the software.
1 Menu bar: The menu bar allows you to select the data source, save and export point clouds, save and
load parameters, reset selected parameters to the default setting, call up the help screen, set the parame-
ters for the 3D-View and specify basic settings (see Chap. 3.19).
2 “General” toolbar: This toolbar allows you to select the data source, save point clouds, save and load
parameters, reset selected parameters to the default setting (see Chap. 3.20) and set the parameters for
the 3D-View.
3 Measuring program groups: You may add and remove measuring program groups and select exist-
ing program groups in this section (see Chap. 3.15).
2
1
4
5
6
3

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4 Tab bar for switching between views: This tab bar allows you to switch between the four main views:
-Data acquisition: In this view, you can set the parameters for the sensor for optimal measurement
data acquisition (see Chap. 4)
-Data preprocessing: In this view, you can select and parameterize programs for preprocessing
the measurement data (see Chap. 5)
-Evaluation: In this view, you can select and parameterize programs for calculating and combining
geometric objects (see Chap. 6)
-Outputs and results: In this view, you can calculate measured values, assess them and configure
them for output and logging (see Chap. 7). Additionally, you can set the parameters for the soft-
ware operating mode (see Chap. 1.4).
5 “Start measurement” button: Click on this button to perform a measuring operation, calculate the
measured values and display the measured point cloud and the measured values.
6 Status bar: The status bar is shown in the bottom region of the overview. It shows status and error
messages. You can find a complete list of all possible messages in Chapter 8.1.
3.3 Steps for Setting the Parameters for a Measuring Task
The following sets out the basic approach for setting the parameters for a measuring task:
-Set the parameters for the sensor in order to ensure optimal measurement data acquisition in the
“Data acquisition” view (see Chap. 4).
-In the “Data preprocessing” view, select programs for preprocessing the measurement data (see
Chap. 5) and set the parameters for the individual programs.
-In the “Evaluation” view, select programs for calculating geometric objects (“Find objects” group,
see Chap. 6.1) and set the parameters for the individual programs.
-In the “Evaluation” view, select programs for combining geometric objects (see Chap. 6.2) and set
the parameters for the individual programs.
-If applicable, you can calculate the results from measuring programs in the “Outputs and results”
view (“Calculation” tab, see Chap. 7.1).
-In the “Outputs and results” view, define limit values for selected measured values in order to eval-
uate the measurement (“OK/nOK” tab, see Chap. 7.2)
-In the “Outputs and results” view, configure the way in which the measurement is controlled and
measured values are output (“Input/Output” tab, see Chap. 7.3)
-Once parameterization is complete, save the parameters in a file (see Chap. 3.17.1). You can re-
load the saved file at a later time.
-In the “Outputs and results” view, select the “Measurement mode” operating mode (see Chap. 7).
The software and sensor are now ready to automatically carry out measurements and output
measurement results.
3.4 Online Mode
After starting the software 3DInspect is in online mode. In online mode data from the sensor is transferred
directly to the PC and visualized by the software.
If you are in offline mode, you can activate the online mode either by selecting the "File Connect
to sensor" menu item or by pressing the corresponding button in the toolbar (see Fig. 3.2).
Fig. 3.2: “Connect to sensor“ button
If exactly one senor is connected to the PC, 3DInspect connects to the connected sensor.
If several sensors are connected, a dialog for selecting the sensor appears (see Fig. 3.3). Select a sen-
sor and confirm the dialog with the "OK" button to establish a connection to the selected sensor.

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Fig. 3.3: "Select sensor" dialog box
Parameters in the "Select sensor" dialog box:
1 Sensor list: This list contains all Micro-Epsilon 3D sensors which are connected to the PC via Ethernet.
2 Scan for sensors: Press this button in order to identify all sensors which are connected to the PC.
Select a sensor and confirm the dialog with „OK“.
3DInspect now uses the connected sensor as data source. You can make settings for the sensor in the
"Sensor settings" input field (see Chapter 3.4.1 and 3.4.3).
3.4.1 Description of the "Sensor Settings" Box (reflectCONTROL)
Use the parameters in this box in order to configure the sensor when using the “reflectCONTROL” sensor
type.
Fig. 3.4: "Sensor settings" box (reflectCONTROL)
You enter the following settings:
-Exposure time [µs]: With this parameter you select the exposure time for the scanner.
-Pattern width [pix]: This parameter defines the stripe width of the sine pattern on the monitor.
-Pattern type: This parameter provides predefined settings options for the number of sine patterns
and of the images to be acquired for processing a measurement operation:
HighSpeed: 4
Balanced: 6
HighPrecision: 12
Custom: Select a custom value for the number of sine patterns (see Chapter 3.4.5,
“PatternCount” parameter).
-Amplitude threshold: This parameter provides predefined settings options for the amplitude
threshold. For the calculation of the results, only pixels with an amplitude value larger than this
value are used. Thus, undesirable pixels with low reflectivity (e.g. outside of the measuring object,
or on the border) can be excluded.
Very low: 1
Low: 5
Medium: 15
High: 30
Custom: Select a custom value (see Chapter 3.4.5, “AmplitudeThreshold” parameter).
-Referencing state: Shows the referencing state, see Chapter 3.4.2
1
2

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-Start referencing mode: Starts the referencing mode, see Chapter 3.4.2
-Resolution / Measuring field…: Opens a dialog for parameterization of the resolution and the
measuring field in x-/y- direction, see Chapter 3.4.4
-Advanced…: With this button you access the "Advanced Sensor settings" dialog box (see Chap-
ter 3.4.5).
Note: The "Sensor settings" dialog box is available only in online mode!
Note: The "Sensor settings" dialog box is available only in the “Data acquisition” view!
Note: For further information on the configuration of the sensor, please refer to the operating instructions
of the sensor used (Menu „? Documentation“, refer to Fig. 3.61: "?" menu).

Working with 3DInspect
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3.4.2 Make Reference Measurements (reflectCONTROL)
In order to perform high precision measurements with the reflectCONTROL sensor, it is possible to ini-
tially make reference measurements using special target objects. By means of the reference measure-
ments it is possible to compensate systematic measurement variations for subsequent measurements as
far as possible. Proceed as follows in order to setup the sensor for performing high precision measure-
ments:
-Start the referencing mode
-Position the target object
-Make a reference measurement
-Stop the referencing mode
The individual steps are described in detail below:
-Start the referencing mode:
Use the “Start referencing mode” button (see Fig. 3.4). The “Referencing settings” dialog appears
(see Fig. 3.5).
Fig. 3.5: Dialog „Einstellungen Referenzierung“
You enter the following settings:
Referencing mode: Two modes are available for referencing. The mode depends on the
target object which is used for the reference measurement:
Planar: An optically flat mirror with negligible flatness deviations is used as target ob-
ject
Nonplanar: A mirror with well-known deviations in the µm range is used as target ob-
ject. When using a nonplanar object, it is necessary to specify a description file of the
object (see below).
Referencing target file: When using a nonplanar object, use this field in order to specify the
corresponding description file. If you have already specified the file earlier and if you didn’t
change the referencing object, this step is not necessary. The last loaded file is displayed
below (“Current referencing target”).
If you only want to load the referencing target file without starting the referencing mode, you may
use the “Load target file only” button in order to load the file and close the dialog.
Press the “Start referencing mode” or, respectively, the “Load file and start referencing mode”
button in order to close the dialog.
The referencing mode is active now. The state “Referencing mode active” is displayed in the “Sen-
sor settings”. The “Start referencing mode” button is replaced by the “Stop referencing mode” but-
ton. The “Start measurement” button is replaced by the “Start reference measurement” button.
-Position the target object:
Open the “Display image data” view (see Chapter 4.1).
In case of using a planar referencing target you have to position the target so that it is completely
inside the camera images.
The nonplanar target has to be positioned correctly with respect to the sensor. For this, you acti-
vate the “Show measuring field” option. With this, a contour is displayed in the camera images.
You have to position the target so that it is aligned properly to the desired contour (see Fig. 3.7).

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Fig. 3.6: Positioning the reference target –position has to be corrected
Fig. 3.7: Positioning the reference target –position is OK
-Make a reference measurement:
You may make reference measurements after you have correctly positioned the reference target.
To do so, you have to open the 3D-View and to press the “Start reference measurement” button.
The sensor executes a reference measurement. Use the preview in order to check the correct dis-
tance from the sensor to the reference target:
Fig. 3.8: Positioning the reference object –Distance too small

Working with 3DInspect
Page 16
Fig. 3.9: Positioning the reference object –Distance is OK
The scale shows the distance of the reference target surface to the sensors zero level. Please
check that the minimum/maximum values don’t exceed +-1mm. Adopt the distance between refer-
ence target and sensor if necessary and repeat the reference measurement. When you have fin-
ished you have to check if the latest reference measurement has been executed successfully. For
doing this, use the status display in the “Sensor settings” box. When the reference measurement
was successful, the status “Referencing mode active: Valid” is displayed and you may leave the
referencing mode. In case of an unsuccessful reference measurement the status “Referencing ac-
tive: Not valid” is displayed. In this case, check the position of the target object and the sensor pa-
rameters (Exposure time, etc.), adopt them and repeat the reference measurement.
-Stop the referencing mode:
You may leave the referencing mode after you have successfully executed a reference measure-
ment. Use the “Stop referencing mode” button in order to leave the referencing mode. The follow-
ing dialog will be displayed:
Fig. 3.10: “Stop referencing mode dialog box”
Close the dialog using the “Yes” button in order to apply the latest reference measurement and in
order to use the referencing.
The sensor is now prepared for performing high precision measurements.
If you close the dialog with “No”, you will leave the referencing mode but the referencing won’t be
activated. The sensor will perform subsequent measurements with standard precision.
-Referencing state display: In the “Sensor settings” box (see Chapter 3.4.1) a state display for the
referencing state can be found. The following information may be displayed:
Valid (green): The referencing is active and a valid reference measurement is available. The
sensor performs high precision measurements.
Valid (yellow-green): The referencing mode is active and a valid reference measurement is
available. You may leave the referencing mode.
Not active (gray): The referencing is not active. The sensor performs measurements with
standard precision.
Not active (yellow): The referencing is not active, but a valid reference measurement is avail-
able. The sensor performs measurements with standard precision.
Not valid (yellow): The referencing mode is active but no reference measurement has been
made yet or the data of the reference measurement is invalid. Use the “Start reference meas-
urement” button in order to make a reference measurement.
Not valid (red): The referencing is active but the data of the reference measurement is inva-
lid. Start the reference mode and make a reference measurement.

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Binning mismatch (red): The current value of the binning parameter (“Binning horizontal/ver-
tical”) doesn’t match with the value used during the reference measurement which is ap-
plied. Adopt the binning value or start the reference mode and make a reference measure-
ment.
3.4.3 Description of the "Sensor Settings" Box (surfaceCONTROL)
Use the parameters in this box in order to configure the sensor when using the “surfaceCONTROL” sen-
sor type.
Fig. 3.11: "Sensor settings" box (surfaceCONTROL)
You enter the following settings:
-Exposure [µs]: This parameter controls the exposure time of the sensor’s cameras per pattern and
the brightness of the projection of the fringe patterns. The value is the product of exposure time
and brightness. The brightness is 100 % by default and will be only reduced if the minimum expo-
sure time is reached. You may select the “Custom” option in order to set both parameters sepa-
rately (see Chapter 3.4.5, “ExposureTime” and “LightBrightness” parameters).
-Contrast threshold: This parameter provides predefined settings options for the “Graycode
threshold” and the “Amplitude threshold” parameters. For the calculation of the results only pixels
are used whose gray value difference from bright and dark image is greater than the “Graycode
threshold” and whose amplitude value for the received sequence of sine patterns is greater than
the “Amplitude threshold”. In this way, unwanted pixels with too low gray value difference and with
too low reflectance respectively (e.g. outside the measuring object or in the margin range) can be
excluded.
Very low: AmplidudeThreshold = GraycodeThreshold = 1
Low: AmplidudeThreshold = GraycodeThreshold = 2
Medium: AmplidudeThreshold = GraycodeThreshold = 5
High: AmplidudeThreshold = GraycodeThreshold = 8
Custom: You may select this option in order to set both parameters separately (see Chap-
ter 3.4.5, “GraycodeThreshold” and “AmplitudeThreshold” parameters).
-Resolution / Measuring field…: Opens a dialog for parameterization of the resolution and the
measuring field in x-/y- direction, see Chapter 3.4.4
-Pattern projection: In the “Display Image Data” View (see Chapter 4.1) the button “Measuring
Field/Resolution” is replaced by the parameter “Pattern projection”.
Bright: With this setting the projector is switched to bright. The maximum measurement field
size can be recognized on the part.
Pattern: By selecting the “pattern” setting a sine pattern is projected onto the part. This set-
ting is used to adjust the optimal exposure time/brightness via the camera images.
Positioning: This setting is used to adjust the sensor position to the part. A pattern consist-
ing of a cross and several guide lines is projected onto the part. The same pattern is dis-
played in the camera images. If the component is positioned in the middle of the measuring
field (in z-direction) and so at the right distance from the sensor, the crosses in the middle
should be exactly on above of the other. The outer guide lines border the measuring field.
The other guide lines and circles can be used for the exact alignment of the parts.
-Advanced…: With this button you access the "Advanced Sensor settings" dialog box (see Chap-
ter 3.4.5).
Note: The "Sensor settings" dialog box is available only in online mode!
Note: The "Sensor settings" dialog box is available only in the “Data acquisition” view!

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Note: For further information on the configuration of the sensor, please refer to the operating instructions
of the sensor used (Menu „? Documentation“, refer to Fig. 3.61: "?" menu).

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3.4.4 Description of the “Resolution / Measuring field” Dialog Box
This dialog box allows adjustments to the resolution and measuring field.
Fig. 3.12: “Resolution / Measuring field” dialog box
The image in the center of the dialog box displays the measuring field of the sensor. To change the
size of the measuring field you can either enter numerical values in the input fields , or modify the
green rectangle with the mouse pointer. The number of data points is calculated and adjusted
automatically. You can use the buttons on the right above the image to maximize the measuring field
or to reset all parameters of this dialog to factory default.
To change the resolution , enter the desired values for the resolution in x- and y-direction in the upper
right corner. Use the "Lock" option to enforce an equal resolution in x- and y-direction.
Use the input fields in range to parameterize the limits for the measuring field in z direction.
If limits are violated due to changes, the measuring field is reset to the last valid setting. To check the
measuring field, use the "Start measurement" button . Use the OK button to leave the dialog and the
entered values will be saved.
Note: The parameters for setting the measuring field in z-direction are only available when using a
surfaceCONTROL sensor.
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3.4.5 Description of the "Advanced Sensor Settings" Dialog Box
This dialog box offers you extended settings for the sensor used. The parameters which are provided by
the sensor via GenICam are available.
Fig. 3.13: "Advanced Sensor settings" dialog box
You enter the following settings:
-Filter: Use this input field in order to seek for specific parameters in the parameter tree. All parame-
ter which do not contain the entered pattern will be hidden.
-User: Define the user level. All parameters which have a higher user level will be hidden. The fol-
lowing user levels are available:
oBeginner
oExpert
oGuru
-Expand elements: Use this button in order to expand the complete parameter tree.
-Collapse elements: Use this button in order to collapse the complete parameter tree.
-Parameter tree: The parameter tree contains all parameters which are provided by the sensor.
3.5 Offline Mode
3DInspect enables you to load previously saved point clouds, to compute the corresponding measured
values and to visualize the point cloud and the measured values. In offline mode the "Sensor settings"
box is replaced by the "File settings" box.
In order to load and display a point cloud from a file offline, either select the "File Open 3D file"
menu item or press the corresponding button (see Fig. 3.14) in the toolbar.
Fig. 3.14: "Open 3D file" button
A standard Windows dialog is displayed where you select the path and file name. The point cloud is
loaded after confirmation of the dialog. The loaded point cloud is shown in the preview window, the 2D-
View and the 3D-View.