### The Auto Feature Dialog Box

Auto features are created using an Auto Feature dialog box, accessible by selecting Insert | Feature | Auto Feature and then selecting an item from that menu.

The Auto Feature dialog box

Probe Deflection and CAD Click Behavior

If the Auto Feature dialog box is open and PC-DMIS detects a probe hit, it assumes you are trying to learn the currently selected auto feature type. It will then prompt you to measure the remaining hits (if any) to complete it.

Similarly, if you click on the CAD data while the Auto Feature dialog box is open, PC-DMIS will assume that the currently selected feature type is being learned and will populate the dialog box with the gathered information from the CAD model.

Probe Toolbox

Because the items in the Probe Toolbox are used frequently when creating Auto Features, the Probe Toolbox exists as an embedded portion of the Auto Feature dialog box.

Basic or Advanced Configurations

By default, PC-DMIS displays the Auto Feature dialog box in a basic configuration where advanced options are hidden from view:

Auto Feature dialog box in a Basic Configuration

You can click this button in the Feature Properties area to show this dialog box in an advanced configuration. If the Probe Toolbox is visible before accessing the Auto Feature dialog box, it will be visible, even with the basic configuration. In some configurations of PC-DMIS, such as Laser or Vision, the Probe Toolbox will also appear attached to the basic configuration.

Docking or Undocking the Auto Feature Dialog Box

The Auto Feature dialog box docks into the left and right sides of the screen by default. If desired, you can easily change its state to hover over the user interface instead. To do this,

1. Press the CTRL key, then drag the dialog box to a new location and release the mouse. The dialog box is now hovering over the interface.

2. Right-click on the title bar and from the resulting menu, choose Floating.

3. The next time you open the dialog box, it will remain in this floating mode.

4. To return the dialog box to a dockable mode, select Dockable from that menu instead.

Hint: You can also hold down the CTRL key while dragging the Auto Feature dialog box to prevent it temporarily from docking.

More:

Auto Feature Type list

ID box

Feature Properties area

Measurement Properties area

Advanced Measurement Options area

Auto Feature Command Buttons