Allows the user to perform a points-to-points best-fit alignment. Note: this also includes using point reducible features in the alignment (i.e. spheres and circles). Inputs: By selecting the icon shown above you can create the Best-Fit Alignment in the tree. It will also be visible in the measurement pane so that measurements can be taken directly into the alignment. Once selected you will be prompted to select either the reference then actual points. If you have one or the other, reference or actuals, you can select them when prompted. If you do not have either, you can hit enter twice to proceed past the prompt. In the properties panel you will have the ability to add the points to each later. A common need for performing a point to point best-fit is when trying to locate to a known coordinate system in which discrete points already exist. For instance, you have a network of control points (fiducials) from a previous station measurement and you’d like to relocate the instrument and remeasure these points to align back into the coordinate system. When performing this type of alignment, the group of points being aligned to are referred to as the reference group, and the points being moved are referred to as the corresponding group. They may also be referred to as the nominal group and measured group, respectively, although if the term nominal group is being used, it does not necessarily mean that the points are true nominal design points.
Create Cloud to Cad Alignment
Description:
This will best-fit a point cloud to a CAD model or surface. Inputs: A CAD model or Surface and a Point Cloud. If only one CAD model exists it will be chosen by default. This alignment will attempt to fit a point cloud to a surface using a best-fit. If the fit looks incorrect you can use the Guide Points option to pick corresponding points on the surface and the point cloud to help guide the alignment along. Selecting the icon above will prompt you to select the surface or CAD entity that will be used as the base of reference for the alignment. If the CAD does not exist in the file at that time enter can be used to bypass and continue. If you have one or the other, reference or actuals, you can select them when prompted.
Create Cloud to Cloud Alignment
Description:
This will align and merge two point clouds provided they have enough overlapping data. With necessary clouds measured, you will be prompted to select he fixed cloud (non-moving). This will work as the reference location for the moving cloud, which is the secondary selection in this command. Inputs: This requires 2 separate Point Clouds. The first one will stay fixed in the CAD space and the second will be moved into alignment. This will create a split screen where you can pick corresponding points on the first and second point cloud to give it a rough starting alignment 3 or more points are required. Once you have selected your corresponding point pairs, press enter.
Create Frame Alignment
Description:
Align your instrument based on Primary, Secondary and Tertiary features. Inputs: Features will be added to Primary, Secondary, and Origin/Tertiary inputs as either point reducible (need two to define direction), or directional. If a single point reducible object is selected for all three inputs, the assumption is made that the direction is defined from the origin to the Primary and Secondary features. i. Primary Feature(s): Sets your primary axis direction. The direction can be changed in the Axis Definitions under Details. ii. Secondary Feature(s): Sets the secondary axis direction. This direction can also be changed in the Axis Definitions. iii. Origin/Tertiary Feature: Sets the origin location.
Create RPS Alignment
Description:
Aligns your instrument to point reducible features, whether extracted from CAD or manually created. Inputs: Requires multiple points and/or point reducible features. If selected from CAD the nominal point or feature will be extracted. Uses point reducible features as well as points to achieve its alignment. When selected, hover over the CAD model to see either a bullseye for a point target or a point reducible feature visually extracted from the CAD. Notice after each selection the feature will appear in the tree as well as the properties panel. After all selections are complete hitting Enter will prompt the first feature to be measured. When all features have been measured also notice that you can check and uncheck the degrees of freedom so that the alignment is perfectly constrained. Each selection will recalculate the alignment.
Create Quick Alignment
Description:
Aligns your instrument to a CAD model based on selected hardpoint locations. Inputs: Requires the selection of multiple hard point locations to designate where you would like to take measurements on the part. The way the points are selected will define the alignment. Conceptually this is a 3-2-1 alignment, but can be utilized with as many points as necessary. Create
