Inverse Vector Point Tool | Geomet CMM Software

Inverse Vector Point Tool


	7.01.144		Geomet 101+, 301, 501

Definition

The Inverse Vector Point Tool builds matching Vector Points based on the inverse of the IJK normal and targets the original position with a offset distance. Suited for measuring wall thickness between surfaces.

Activating the Inverse Vector Point Function

The Inverse Vector Point Tool is available when the current inspection report has vector Point features. Using the Geomet main drop-down menu select:

Measure→Macro Routines→Inverse Vector Point

Inverse Vector Point Tool

The Inverse Vector Point Tool is divided into three sections:

List of all existing Vector Points
Target of all Target Vector Points
Construct Parameters

Selecting Vector Points

There are two methods available to select a existing Vector Point. for inclusion in the Target Vector Point list.

Append Button: Left-click on the Vector Point in the list on the left and click the ,Append> button.

Keyboard: Left-click on the Vector Point in the list on the left and use your right arrow key. This has the advantage that quick selections can be made utilizing the Up/Down/Right arrow keys.

Reviewing the Parameters

Each Target Vector Point has three parameters that can be controlled prior to processing.

Wall Thickness
VP Standoff
Distance

Wall Thickness: This is the value entered that will separate the original Vector Point and the new Target Vector Point.

VP Standoff: The standoff is the approach distance along the IJK normal to the Target Vector Point. Each new Vector Point can have a unique standoff distance.

Distance: When set to 'Yes' calculates the distance between the original Vector Point and the new Target Vector Point and inserts a Distance feature into the inspection report.

Modifying a single Target Vector Point

In the illustration above, Target Vector Point #4 is highlighted and expanded. The default parameters are available for editing. Change the parameters required for Wall Thickness and Standoff distance.

NOTE: The Standoff Distance should be sufficient to allow the motion of the CMM to stabilize prior to contacting the surface.

If you require the distance between the matching Vector Points to be calculated, place a check next to "Calculate Distance".

The Processed check is normally handled by the Inverse Vector Point Tool and is set once the Target Vector Point has been created. This prevent duplicate features from being inserted into the inspection report.

When you have edited the parameters for the selected Target Vector Point, press the <Update> button.

When editing the parameters for a Target Vector Point, the changes are saved using either <Update> or <Global>. As the names suggest, <Update> is used to change the parameters only for the selected Target Vector Point where <Global> applies the parameters to all Target Vector Points in the list.

Global Settings

The Global Setting drop-down menu provides access to setting the default values for Wall Thickness and VP Approach Distance (VP Standoff). These are stored as Geomet defaults.

Apply Global Settings overwrites any existing values in the list of Target Vector Points in one operation.

Creating Target Vector Points

Once all Target Vector Points have been selected and parameters adjusted, press the <Create Features> button to process.

NOTE: Your inspection Report must be saved to proceed. The Create Feature function may prompt you to perform a save.

If you had Calculate Distance checked, a Target Vector Point is created followed by a Distance between the Target Vector Point and the original Vector Point.

This distance represents the direct line distance between these two surface Vector Points Conditions that can affect a reasonable distance is using a standoff distance that does not allow the CMM structure to stabilize prior to capturing the Target Vector Point or if the part being measured did not have a sound Part Coordinate System leaving the contact surface in a poor position relationship to the basic dimensions of the Vector Point.

Original VP Features

Processed Target VPs

With the 7.01.144 release this function is not available.