Current Help System: PC-DMIS Laser (View Core Help)

### Defining a Laser Auto Feature by Clicking on a Pointcloud

Often, users will define Auto Features by clicking on the CAD. In the case where no CAD exists, you can perform a scan of the part, and then click on the individual point cloud points to define your Auto Feature.

To define an Auto Feature from Pointcloud points:

1. Scan the surface of the part in which the needed Auto Feature exists.

2. Click the needed Auto Feature from the Auto Feature toolbar or the Insert | Feature | Auto sub-menu. This opens the Auto Feature dialog box.

3. Select measured points from the Pointcloud that best define the feature's nominal position. PC-DMIS will define the Auto Feature from the selected Pointcloud points.

The following table shows the number of points that are needed to define an Auto Feature's location.

Selecting Points to Define Auto Features
Surface Point | Select one point at the needed location within the measured surface area.
Edge Point | Select one point at the needed location along the measured edge.
Plane | Select at least three points that best define the needed plane's nominal position.
Circle | Select at least three points around the perimeter of the measured circle.
Round Slot | Select three points along one of the slot's arcs then select another three points along the other arc.
Square Slot | Type the slot's nominal Width in the Auto Feature dialog box. Select two points along a long side of the slot. Select one point on a short side of the slot. Select one point on the other long side of the slot. Finally, select one point on the other short side of the slot.
Flush and Gap | Select a point on each side of the gap.
Cylinder | Select three points for each of two circles that define the extents of the cylinder's form and length.
Sphere | Select at least five points around the surface of the measured sphere.