Acquiring point data using probing or scanning devices

You can use the Acquire Points toolbar to acquire point data from laser scanners and arm probes directly into PowerShape.

To use a laser scanner or arm probe to acquire scan data:

1. Click Wizard tab > Devices panel > Scanner/Probe to display the Acquire Points toolbar.
Tip: If the toolbar is not displayed, close PowerShape, and restart using the Run as administrator option on the PowerShape context menu. This loads the required drivers.
2. Click the Select driver button to open the CMM Driver Configuration dialog and select a connection protocol.
3. Click the Connect button to connect to the selected device. Status information is updated to .
4. Click to configure the device settings using manufacturer specific dialogs.
5. Start scanning your object, or probing points to define the object.

   If you are using a laser, the status changes to when you are acquiring points.

   If you are using a probe, a small, pink icon indicates the probe position in the graphical window.

Use the following buttons on the toolbar as required:

• Click the Delete button to delete the most recent sweep. This button is unavailable until you have performed at least one sweep.
• Click the Information button to open or close the Sweep Information dialog.
• Use the following buttons to specify how the clouds are displayed:
  • Colour clouds — Select this button to give each sweep a unique colour. You can choose the default setting for this option using the File > Options > Application Options > General > Arm dialog.
  • Lock View — Select the button to lock the view in the current position. You can choose the default setting for this option using the File > Options > Application Options > General > Arm dialog.
Tip: When using a probe, select the Lock View option to prevent the view being changed by movement of the arm.

Use the following buttons on the toolbar if you are using a device which includes a probe:

• Probe compensation — Click this button to toggle probe compensation. If selected, the probed point is offset in the direction of the probe, and the magnitude of the offset is determined by the radius of the probe. The probe should be normal to the surface being probed.
• Primitives from points — Click this button to display the Primitives from Points dialog.

  For further information on using a probe, see Creating objects using a probe.