Buffer / Line Tool (Vision)

The Buffer Tool detects edge points along a single edge in the image in the Vision Image Window. The Buffer Tool is one of six Image Tools that use a similar red rectangular indicator to define the work area. The other Rectangular Tools are:

• Average Tool

• Nearest Tool

• Farthest Tool

• Line Width Tool

• Projection Tool

Shape and Function

The Buffer Tool is rectangular, and has the following components:

Edge detection takes place inside the Buffer Tool boundary:

Scan Direction

Edge detection proceeds in the direction of the indicator:

If you want to scan in the other direction, simply rotate the tool or change the Scan Direction.

Moving the Buffer Tool

The Buffer Tool can be positioned anywhere within the Vision Image Window. Use the Tool Lock feature to constrain the tool's movement horizontally and vertically, if desired. The Reset Tool command will restore the tool's position to CMM-Manager's default.

Step	Action
1	Place the mouse cursor anywhere inside the Buffer Tool. The cursor changes to a pointing finger
2	Drag the Buffer Tool to its new position. The tool should pass over the edge to be scanned. Here's an example: Note that the Buffer Tool completely crosses the edge to be scanned.
3	Release the mouse button.

Resizing the Buffer Tool

Resize the Buffer Tool to span the edges you are scanning.

Step	Action
1	Place the mouse cursor on top of a Buffer Tool resize handle (the small solid red dots in the middle of each side). The cursor changes to resize arrows .
2	Drag the handle to its new position. The Buffer Tool remains a rectangle; the edge containing the dragged handle follows the mouse cursor. The edge opposite the dragged handle moves an equal amount in the opposite direction.
3	Release the mouse button.

Rotating the Buffer Tool

Rotate the Buffer Tool to scan edges at any orientation.

Step	Action
1	Place the mouse cursor on top of the Buffer Tool rotate handle (the small hollow red square). The cursor changes to a rotate cursor
2	Drag the handle in a circular motion to its new position. The Buffer Tool rotates as it follows the mouse cursor.
3	Release the mouse button.

Using the Buffer Tool

Step	Action
1	Select the Buffer Tool by selecting Vision Tab Tool Group Buffer Tool in the Ribbon Bar. The Buffer Tool indicator appears in the Vision image window. CMM-Manager enables the Switch Rectangle Tool button.
2	Position, rotate, and resize the Buffer Tool so that it crosses the edge to be scanned. Here's an example: See Moving the Buffer Tool, Rotating the Buffer Tool, and Resizing the Buffer Tool for more information. Rotate the Buffer Tool so that the scan direction arrow points in the appropriate direction for the current Edge Detection Polarity setting.
3	Optional: Verify that your tool settings are correct for good edge detection by right-clicking inside the Buffer Tool. CMM-Manager performs a test edge detection. Any edge points found are colored pink in the display. If no points are found, a fly-by box appears stating "No points detected."
4	Use the Measure Feature tool to collect the edge points and create respective feature.