Copyright: Copyright (c) 1995 by Science Accessories Corp.


 FreePt3D Help Index

How To ...

Setup FREEPOINT

Configure parameters

Set programs options

Digitize X,Y,Z locations

Get 6-degrees of freedom

Send data directly to another application

Send data to a formatted ASCII file

Set User Coordinate System (UCS)

Use Fiducials

Validate data

Use the Tag field

Use the  Control Bar interface

Maximize results

Reset system

Calibrate the Calibration Bar

Share the FreePt3D serial port

Troubleshoot problems

Change baud rate

Use the DDE server

Commands

File menu

Edit menu

View menu

Program

Settings

Digitize menu

Options menu

Help menu

Dialogs

List

About Box

Calibration (pilot) bar

Communications

Communications status

Control Variables (delay & volume)

Display

Utilities

Set Tag

Detector Array

Emitter Map

Error Report

Format

Mode

2-Emitter Probe

3-Emitter Probe

Options

Program Type

Pick box

Receiver Map

Slant Range

Validation


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

New cfg	Loads default parameters and calls new setup prompting.
Open cfg	Opens an existing configuration (cfg).
Save cfg	Saves an opened configuration using the same file name.
Save cfg As	Saves an opened configuration to a specified file name.
Print	Prints configuration parameters.
Print Preview	Displays the parameters on the screen as it would appear printed.
Print Setup	Selects a printer and printer connection.
Exit	Exits FreePt3D.


Edit menu commands

The Edit menu offers the following commands:

Undo	(reserved).
Cut	(reserved).
Copy	(reserved).
Paste	(reserved).


View menu commands

The View menu offers the following commands:

Toolbar	Shows or hides the toolbar.
Status Bar	Shows or hides the status bar.


Program type

There are 3 possible program types:

3 Degrees - 2 emt. probe

Provides 3 degrees of information using a 2-emitter probe. Additional information can be found under Digitizing X,Y,Z locations.

6 Degrees - 3 emt. probe

Provides 6 degrees of information using a 3-emitter probe. Additional information can be found under Getting 6-degrees of freedom.


The 3 degrees of freedom are X,Y,Z.


The 6 degrees of freedom are X,Y,Z, Roll, Pitch, & Yaw.


Settings menu

The Settings menu offers the following commands:

Display current...	Opens a dialog displaying all current parameter settings.
Communication...	Opens a dialog for selecting port 1 or 2.
Hardware cfg.>	Displays a menu of hardware parameters.
Software cfg.>	Displays a menu of software parameters.


Digitize menu

The Digitize menu offers the following commands:

Digitize	Establish connection with the FREEPOINT (if not already connected.) & call the Display dialog.
Reset	Resets the system in the event of a serious problem.
Suspend	Suspends the system temporarily to free up the comm. port.


Reset

This command is only available when a FREEPOINT 3D is connected to FreePt3D. Reset is selected from the digitize menu.

The reset command is provided as part of the FreePt3Ds trouble shooting facilities. It attempts to re-establish lost communications with the FREEPOINT 3D digitizer if a communications problem occurs. An example of this type of problem would be a momentary lost of power to the digitizer with an UPS backed PC. Under normal operation there should be no need for this command.

This command would also be needed if, for some reason, the user changes the communications port in the middle of a digitizing session.


Suspend

This command is only available when a FREEPOINT 3D is connected to FreePt3D. Suspend is selected from the Digitize menu.

The suspend command temporarily suspends (disconnects) the communications port connection between FreePt3D and the FREEPOINT 3D digitizer. This allows FreePt3D to share the very limited communications port resources with other applications (e.g. fax/modems, serial plotters, etc.).

For example, Say youre in the middle of digitizing an object and you remember an important fax that you have to send. But your fax/modem uses the same precious interrupt that FreePt3D is using. No problem, go to the FreePt3Ds digitize menu and click on Suspend (do NOT exit  [close] FreePt3D). Go to your fax application program and send your fax. When your fax is completed, exit that application (make sure it releases the communications port) and return to FreePt3D. Click on digitize (or the GO button) and resume digitizing. UCS, fiducials, and all other settings remain unchanged.

You can even use suspend to use your FREEPOINT 3D digitizer with another application and then return to FreePt3D and pick up where you left off.


Interrupts

Typically, all serial devices connected to a PC must share two interrupts. And only one device at a time may use the same interrupt (e.g. WINDOWS is multitasking, but the serial ports are not).


Options menu

The options menu selection  opens up a dialog providing a number of customizations that can be set for FreePt3D. Additional information can also be found under setting program options.


Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Index	Offers you an index to topics on which you can get help.
Using Help	Provides general instructions on using help.
About FreePt3D	Displays the version number of this copy of FreePt3D.


File New cfg
New cfg (File menu)

Use this command to load the default parameters. This will also bring up the setup prompt option which can step you through setting up the parameters for your requirements.

You can open an existing configuration with the Open cfg.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+N


File Open cfg
Open cfg (File menu)

Use this command to open an existing configuration file.

You can load default parameters with the New cfg.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+O


File Open dialog box

The following options allow you to specify which file to open:

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open.  This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

List Files of Type

Select the type of file you want to open:

Drives

Select the drive in which FreePt3D stores the file that you want to open.

Directories

Select the directory in which FreePt3D stores the file that you want to open.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.


File Save cfg command
Save cfg command (File menu)

Use this command to save the active configuration to its current name and directory.  When you save a document for the first time, FreePt3D displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your document.  If you want to change the name and directory of an existing document before you save it, choose the Save As command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+S


File Save cfg As command
Save cfg As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and name the active configuration.  FreePt3D displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your configuration.

To save a configuration with its existing name and directory, use the Save cfg command.


File Save As dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the name and location of the file you're about to save:

File Name

Type a new filename to save your configuration with a different name.  A filename can contain up to eight characters and an extension of up to three characters.  FreePt3D adds the extension you specify in the Save File As Type box.

Drives

Select the drive in which you want to store the configuration.

Directories

Select the directory in which you want to store the configuration.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.


File 1, 2, 3, 4 command
1, 2, 3, 4 command (File menu)

Use the numbers and filenames listed at the bottom of the File menu to open the last four configurations  you closed.  Choose the number that corresponds with the configuration  you want to open.


File Exit command
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to end your FreePt3D session.  You can also use the Close command on the application Control menu.  FreePt3D prompts you to save configurations with un-saved changes.

Shortcuts

Mouse:	Double-click the application's Control menu button.

Keys:	ALT+F4


Undo/Can't Undo command (Edit menu)

(reserved.)

Shortcuts

Keys:	CTRL+Z or

ALT-BACKSPACE


Cut command (Edit menu)

(reserved.)

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+X


Copy command (Edit menu)

(reserved.)

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+C


Paste command (Edit menu)

(reserved.)

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+V


View Toolbar command
Toolbar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Toolbar, which includes buttons for some of the most common commands in FreePt3D, such as File Open.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Toolbar is displayed.

See Toolbar for help on using the toolbar.


Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.  The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many tools used in FreePt3D.

To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).

Click	To

Open a new document.

Open an existing configuration.  FreePt3D displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired file.

Save the active configuration with its current name.  If you have not named the configuration, FreePt3D displays the Save As dialog box.

Print the current configuration.

(reserved).

(reserved).

(reserved).

Displays the version number of this copy of FreePt3D along with the amount of available free memory and disk space.

Activates the context help mode.

Brings up the current settings dialog.

Connects to the FREEPOINT (if not already connected) and brings up the display dialog (if enabled under options).


View Status Bar Command
Status Bar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button, and keyboard latch state. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.

See Status Bar for help on using the status bar.


Status Bar

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the FreePt3D window.  To display or hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.

The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the arrow keys to navigate through menus.  This area similarly shows messages that describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing them.  If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.

The left area is also used to display digitized data and error messages that are generated using the FREEPOINT 3D.

The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched down:

Indicator	Description

CAP	The Caps Lock key is latched down.

NUM	The Num Lock key is latched down.

SCRL	The Scroll Lock key is latched down.


Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using FreePt3D and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


About command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your copy of FreePt3D.  This dialog also displays some useful information about system resources such as available disk space and memory.


Help Using Help Command
Context Help command

Use the Context Help command to obtain help on some portion of FreePt3D.  When you choose the Toolbar's Context Help button, the mouse pointer will change to an arrow and question mark.  Then click somewhere in the FreePt3D window, such as another Toolbar button.  The Help topic will be shown for the item you clicked.

You can also obtain context help on most dialogs by clicking the thin bar across the bottom of the box.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+F1


Coordinate systems

FreePt3D uses a default coordinate system that provides many users with the view they expect to see on their CAD screen. For example: If you stand a vase in front of the detector array and digitize it into a CAD program displaying a standard paper space view, youll see a vase standing on your computer screen. This is not, however, the technically correct view. This is because the standard CAD paper space view is looking down  on your drawing. What you really should see is the top of the vase. And this is what would see if you were using the Standard coordinate system.

To send data in the standard coordinate system you must make a couple of changes to your format string. The difference between the coordinate systems is the placement and sign of the Y and Z axes. In the format string swap Y and Z and place a - (minus sign) in front of Z. So if your format string was X,Y,Z/0d it becomes X,-Z,Y/0d for the standard coordinate system.

(FreePt3D Default coordinate system).

(FreePt3D Standard coordinate system).


Format string

The format string defines exactly how your digitized data will be configured for sending to another application as keyboard messages or sending to an ASCII file. This is important because your data must be in the target applications expected format in order for the application to correctly read the data.

There are several things you need to know about your target application before you can define your format string:

Scale defines the scale of the X,Y,Z data used by the target application. All digitized coordinates have a common scale.

Precision defines how many characters to the right of the decimal point are included in the digitized data. If precision = 0, no decimal point will be included. All digitized data have a common precision.

Format defines exactly what information, in what order, with what delimiters, and with what termination, data is required by the target application. For example; a popular CAD program expects 3D coordinate data ordered as X followed by Y followed by Z with commas as delimiters (separators) and Enter (CR) as the terminator.  This is our default format string and it looks like:

 X,Y,Z/0d.

Format string: Except for the following special upper case letters, all text entered in the format string will be transfer to the target application or file exactly as entered. Non-printable characters can be entered as a / followed by their ASCII code in hex.

Upper case X,, Y, and Z are replaced by the x,y,z coordinate data for the current digitized tip location in the selected scale and precision.

Upper case T is replaced by the current tag value.

In 6-degrees of freedom only, upper case P, R, and W are replaced with the Pitch, Roll, and Yaw (respectively) data of the 3-emitter probe in radians or degrees.

The user specifies scale, precision, format, and angular units in the format dialog.


The target application is the host program which will receive the digitized information through keyboard messages, an ASCII file, or both.


Non-printable-codes
Non-printable codes

Here is a list a some non-printable codes you may find useful in setting up your format strings for keyboard emulation and sending to ASCII files:

SYMBOL	CODE	FUNCTION

NULL	/00	NULL (empty)

ACK	/06	Acknowledge

BEL	/07	Bell

BS	/08	Back Space

TAB	/09	Tab

LF	/0a	Line Feed

FF	/0c	Form Feed

CR	/0d	Carriage Return (Enter)

SPACE	/20

-	/2d	-

/	/2f	/

P	/50	P

R	/52	R

T	/54	T

W	/57	W

X	/58	X

Y	/59	Y

Z	/5a	Z

DEL	/7f	Delete

Most applications use Enter (CR) or some combination of LF & CR to terminate an input line:

(e.g. X,Y,Z/0d).

The upper case characters P,R,T,W,X,Y,Z are replaced by digitized data when entered in the format string, but they can be printed in your output by using the above codes:

(e.g. /58=X will print X=23.45 [assuming X is 23.45]).

The - is a special character when placed directly in front of X,Y,Z. The / is used as an escape character.


Configuration parameters

The FREEPOINT 3D digitizer offers an endless number of possible physical configurations to meet a wide variety of applications. Theres an almost equally large number of possible application specific parameters. FreePt3D handles this by defining these different possibilities as configuration parameters.


Hardware parameters

Hardware parameters define the physical coonstruction of your  FREEPOINT 3D system and defines how it is physically connected. This information is vital for any program controlling a FREEPOINT 3D.

These parameters must completely define the offset probe, the detector array and the calibration bar. If you have any custom hardware you may also have to change the emitter map or receiver map settings.


Software parameters

Software parameters define the non-physical configuration aspects of FreePt3D. These include the operating volume, the system delay, validation settings, the operating mode & averaging status, and the user defined format amd scale.


Setup prompts

When the user selects to load the default (new) configuration parameters they are asked if they would like to be prompted through setting up the configuration parameters. This option asks the user a series of questions and then configures as many of the parameters as possible. The user is then prompted through the remaining parameters. Finally, the user is prompted to save their settings.


Failed to conn

Failed to connect

FreePt3D was unable to find/autobaud with a FREEPOINT 3D on the specified communications port. Make sure the digitizers serial cable is pluged in on both ends, make sure the digitizer is turned on, and make sure the currect port is selected.

If everything else looks okay, try turning the digitizer off/on.


Offset Probe

FreePt3D supports two types of offset probes. 2-emitter and 3-emitter.


Title Bar

FREEPT3D - filename.

The title bar is located along the top of a window.  It contains the name of the application and the current configuration.

To move the window, drag the title bar.  Note: You can also move dialog boxes by dragging their title bars.

A title bar may contain the following elements:

Application Control-menu button

Document Control-menu button

Maximize button

Minimize button

Name of the application

Name of the document

Restore button


Scroll bars

Displayed at the right and bottom edges of certain windows.  The scroll boxes inside the scroll bars indicate your vertical and horizontal location in the window.  You can use the mouse to scroll to other parts of the window.


Size command (System menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can size the active window with the arrow keys.

After the pointer changes to the four-headed arrow:

1.	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (left, right, up, or down arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

2.	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

3.	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Drag the size bars at the corners or edges of the window.


Move command (Control menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active window or dialog box with the arrow keys.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F7


System Minimize Command
Minimize command (application Control menu)

Use this command to reduce the FreePt3D window to an icon.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the minimize icon [image] on the title bar.

Keys:	ALT+F9


Maximize command (System menu)

Use this command to enlarge the active window to fill the available space.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the maximize icon [image] on the title bar; or double-click the title bar.

Keys:	CTRL+F10 enlarges a document window.


Close command (Control menus)

Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.

Double-clicking a Control-menu box is the same as choosing the Close command.

Note:  If you have multiple windows open for a single document, the Close command on the document Control menu closes only one window at a time.  You can close all windows at once with the Close command on the File menu.

Shortcuts

Keys: 	CTRL+F4 closes a document window

ALT+F4 closes the FreePt3D window or dialog box


Restore command (Control menu)

Use this command to return the active window to its size and position before you chose the Maximize or Minimize command.


Switch to command (application Control menu)

Use this command to display a list of all open applications.  Use this "Task List" to switch to or close an application on the list.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+ESC

Dialog Box Options

When you choose the Switch To command, you will be presented with a dialog box with the following options:

Task List

Select the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To

Makes the selected application active.

End Task

Closes the selected application.

Cancel

Closes the Task List box.

Cascade

Arranges open applications so they overlap and you can see each title bar.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Tile

Arranges open applications into windows that do not overlap.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the bottom of the screen.


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.


No Help Available

No help is available for this item.


Defaults
Default parameters

The default (or new) configuration parameters are:

Communication port #:	1

Baud rate:	38400

Program type	3-degrees

Emitter 1 (a):	14.290 cm.

Emitter 2 (b):	32.070 cm.

Emitter 3 (c):	05.000 cm.

Emitter to Emitter dist.:	12.000 cm.

Data validation tolerance:	00.075 cm.

Data validation status:	Off

Fiducial validation tol.:	00.100 cm.

Fiducial validation status: 	Off

Dist. between receivers:	90.000 cm.

Pilot distance:	50.800 cm.

Pilot calibration status:	On

Detector type:	Triangle array

Active volume:	1.0 meters

Delay value:	15.0 ms.

Pilot receiver:	D

Point mode averaging:	3 points

Line mode averaging:	3 points

Averaging status:	On

Emitter 1 (a) connection:	1

Emitter 2 (a) connection:	0

Emitter 3 (a) connection:	2

Pilot emitter connection:	3

Receiver A connection:	0

Receiver B connection:	1

Receiver C connection:	2

Receiver D connection:	3

X tip offset:	00.000 cm.

Y tip offset:	00.000 cm.

Z tip offset:	00.000 cm.

Angle units:	Radians

Mode:	Point

Precision:	2 decimal digits

User defined scale:	1.00

User defined format:	X,Y,Z/0d


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.


File Print command
Print command (File menu)

Use this command to print a document.   This command presents a Print dialog box, where you may specify the range of pages to be printed, the number of copies, the destination printer, and other printer setup options.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Print dialog box

The following options allow you to specify how the document should be printed:

Printer

This is the active printer and printer connection.  Choose the Setup option to change the printer and printer connection.

Setup

Displays a Print Setup dialog box, so  you can select a printer and printer connection.

Print Range

Specify the pages you want to print:

All	Prints the entire document.
Selection	Prints the currently selected text.
Pages	Prints the range of pages you specify in the From and To boxes.
Copies

Specify the number of copies you want to print for the above page range.

Collate Copies

Prints copies in page number order, instead of separated multiple copies of each page.

Print Quality

Select the quality of the printing.  Generally, lower quality printing takes less time to produce.


Print Progress Dialog

The Printing dialog box is shown during the time that <<YourApp>> is sending output to the printer.  The page number indicates the progress of the printing.

To abort printing, choose Cancel.


File Print Preview command
Print Preview command (File menu)

Use this command to display the active document as it would appear when printed.  When you choose this command, the main window will be replaced with a print preview window in which one or two pages will be displayed in their printed format.  The print preview toolbar offers you options to view either one or two pages at a time; move back and forth through the document; zoom in and out of pages; and initiate a print job.


Print Preview toolbar

The print preview toolbar offers you the following options:

Print

Bring up the print dialog box, to start a print job.

Next Page

Preview the next printed page.

Prev Page

Preview the previous printed page.

One Page / Two Page

Preview one or two printed pages at a time.

Zoom In

Take a closer look at the printed page.

Zoom Out

Take a larger look at the printed page.

Close

Return from print preview to the editing window.


File Print Setup command
Print Setup command (File menu)

Use this command to select a printer and a printer connection.  This command presents a Print Setup dialog box, where you specify the printer and its connection.


Print Setup dialog box

The following options allow you to select the destination printer and its connection.

Printer

Select the printer you want to use.  Choose the Default Printer; or choose the Specific Printer option and select one of the current installed printers shown in the box.  You install printers and configure ports using the Windows Control Panel.

Orientation

Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Paper Size

Select the size of paper that the document is to be printed on.

Paper Source

Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper sources.  Specify the tray here.

Options

Displays a dialog box where you can make additional choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have selected.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.


File Page Setup Command
Page Setup command (File menu)

<< Write application-specific help here. >>


Setup

This procedure assumes you are setting up a standard FREEPOINT 3D digitizing system from Science Accessories on a personal computer.

This brief help screen is not a replacement for your FreePt3D (GP12) manual.

The offset probe plugs into the PROBE/EMITTERS connector on the rear panel of the FREEPOINT 3D.

The detector array plugs into the MICROPHONES connector on the rear panel of the FREEPOINT 3D.

The optional auxiliary switch (hand or foot) plugs into the AUX SWITCH connector on the rear panel of the FREEPOINT 3D

The serial port (RS-232C) of the host connects to the SERIAL connector on the rear panel of the FREEPOINT 3D. For your convenience a standard serial cable is provided with the FREEPOINT 3D. For more information on serial ports see sharing the FreePt3Ds serial port.

The AC line connects to the POWER connector on the rear panel of the FREEPOINT.

CAUTION: Make sure your AC outlet matches the power requirements listed on the bottom cover of your FREEPOINT 3D before plugging in the AC cord.

Changing the power requirements on your own may VOID your warrantee.

The calibration bar has two connectors. One of these connects to a mating connector on the detector array cable. The other calibration bar connector mates to the connector on the probe cable. These connectors are different and can not be reversed.

See configuring parameters for information on setting the program parameters.


Configure parameters

FreePt3D uses a number of parameters for defining the various different possible configurations.  These parameters can be read from and saved to a text file. These configuration (*.cfg) files are compatible with the current revision of the GP12 DOS programs. Although these text files can be edited using a text editor - it is strongly recommended that you do not do that.

FreePt3D provides easy to use dialogs for changing these parameters in a safe manner with a good deal of type & error checking. These dialogs can be accessed in two ways; through standard pull down menus and through an all inclusive master listing dialog.

Note: Parameter changes take affect only after selecting Digitize from the Digitize menu or clicking the GO button on the Tool bar.

Using the pull down menus:

Program\3 Degrees to select the standard 2-emitter probe/3 degrees of freedom operation.

Program\6 Degrees for the 3-emitter probe/ 6 degrees of freedom.

Settings\Display current brings up the master listing dialog.

Settings\Communications to selected which comm. port.

Settings\Hardware cfg\Offset Probe to configure the 2-emitter probe or the 3-emitter probe.

Settings\Hardware cfg\Detector array to configure the detector array.

Settings\Hardware cfg\Calibration bar to configure the calibration bar.

Settings\Hardware cfg\Emitter map for custom emitter mapping.

Settings\Hardware cfg\Receiver map for custom receiver mapping.

Settings\Software cfg\Control variables for setting volume & delay.

Settings\Software cfg\Format for setting format, scale, precision, and angle units.

Settings\Software cfg\Mode for setting mode & averaging.

Settings\Software cfg\Validation to set data and fiducial validation.


Set options

Set programs options

The options dialog allows the operator to customize several features of FreePt3D. To bring up this dialog simply click on the options menu.


Digitize XYZ

Digitize XYZ locations

The main function of Science Accessories FREEPOINT 3D three dimensional digitizing system is to return the Cartesian location of the probe tip in 3D space. This data is relative to the current coordinate system.

After setting up your system and configuring its parameters you are ready to begin digitizing. Click on the GO button to connect FreePt3D with your FREEPOINT 3D. After connection is established you are presented with the display dialog.

Place the offset probe within your FREEPOINT 3Ds active volume in front of the detector array (the size of the active volume depends on your configuration). The FREEPOINT 3D is a line-of-sight device. The probe emitters must be facing the detector array and must not be obstructed. You can trigger a digitizing in 3 different ways; 1) Click on the display dialogs Trigger button. 2) Close the trigger on the probe handle. 3) Press the optional hand/foot switch. Formatted and scaled digitized coordinates are displayed in a scrollable view box in the lower portion of the display dialog. Users with a 3-emitter probe can get the orientation of the probe in addition to its tip location.

Formatted and scaled digitized data can be sent to an ASCII file and/or another WINDOWS application.

The Utilities button on the display dialog brings up the utility dialog. This provides access to FreePt3Ds powerful set of advanced digitizing functions.


6-degrees

6-Degrees of freedom

Along with the X,Y,Z location of the probe tip (the 1st 3 degrees of freedom), it is possible to define the orientation of the 3-emitter offset probe in relation to the 3 coordinate axes. FreePt3D defines these additional degrees of freedom as:

Roll is the angle of rotation about the default Z axis relative to the detector array with a full 360 degrees of motion.

Pitch is the angle of rotation about the default X axis (up/down tilt) relative to the detector array with a plus/minus 90 degree range of motion (the probe emitters can not face away from the receivers).

Yaw is the angle of rotation about the default Y axis (left/right tilt) relative to the detector array with a plus/minus 90 degree range of motion (the probe emitters can not face away from the receivers).

These angles are always referenced to the default coordinate system.


Sending to app

Sending data to another WINDOWS application

The most power feature of FreePt3D is its ability to send digitized data from a FREEPOINT 3D digitizer directly to any WINDOWS application that accepts coordinate data from the keyboard without using extended/control/function key sequences.

First, find out exactly how your target application requires coordinates to be typed on the keyboard. For example; a popular WINDOWS CAD application requires information be entered as X,Y,Zcr. Where X represents the X coordinate, etc. Next, Enter this as your format string.

In the display dialog check the keyboard emulation check box. Launch your target application (note: you can leave the display dialog open or not and you can minimize FreePt3D or not, but do NOT close/exit FreePt3D). When your application wants you to enter coordinate data through the keyboard- just pick up the probe and digitize.


Sending to file

Sending data to an ASCII file

Along with sending data to another WINDOWS application, FreePt3D allows you send the scaled, formatted data string to an ASCII file. This can be done whether or not youre sending the formatted string to another application.

From the display dialog click on The Utilities button to bring up the utility dialog. Click The Open Data File button and select a previously used data file or enter a new name. The default extension is .OUT. If you select a previously opened file you are given the choice of opening the file for appending (adding to) data to the end of the existing file, or overwriting the existing data (in which case all data in the existing file will be lost.

To close the data file go back to the Utilities dialog and click Close Data File.


Calibrating

Calibrating the calibration bar

Science Accessories calibrates all calibration (pilot) bars at the factory prior to shipping. The factory calibration distance is listed on a tag attached to one of the calibration bars cables. This is the recommended calibration value. However, under certain conditions it may become desirable to re-calibrate the calibration bar on-sight. A calibration routine is provided in the utility dialog.

From the display dialog click on The Utilities button to bring up the utility dialog. Click The Calibrate Pilot button to start the calibration routine.

Youll be prompted to fix (place) the probe within the active volume. The probe should be standing upright and facing the detector array. The probe should NOT be hand held - a small vice is ideal for this procedure. Its recommended that calibration be performed at a minimum of 5 different locations within the active volume.


Setting UCS

Setting the UCS

The active volume of the FREEPOINT 3D system is always defined relative to the detector array. the default FreePt3Ds coordinate system is also relative to the detector array. But an advanced feature of FreePt3D allows users to set the coordinate system relative to their work space. This is called the User Coordinate System, or UCS. Setting a UCS clears any current UCS and (because fiducials are relative to the UCS) also clears any fiducials.

The UCS is defined by digitizing 3 points. The first point defines the intersection of the 3 coordinate axes (origin). The 2nd point defines a point on the positive X axis. The 3rd point defines the XZ (or Y = 0) plane.

UCS:

From the display dialog click on The Utilities button to bring up the utility dialog. Click The UCS Set button and digitize  the 3 UCS points as prompted. If the prompt does not continue onto the next point (e.g. there was a validation fault) re-digitize the current point until its accepted. If fiducial validation is on youll be prompted to re-digitize the 1st point after digitizing the 3rd point. The further apart the 3 defining points are from each other the better.

Note: Roll, Pitch, and Yaw are always relative to the detector array (UCS has no effect on them).


Using fiducials

Because the FREEPOINT 3D system is a line of sight device, one of the FreePt3Ds advanced features is fiducials. Fiducials allow the user to move an object being digitized without the target application being aware that the object has been moved. They also allow you to digitize an object larger than the FREEPOINT 3Ds active volume.

Fiducials are the most complicated feature of FreePt3D and it is strongly recommended that this help screen be supplemented with the FREEPOINT 3Ds manual. Each set of fiducials is defined by digitizing 3 points on the object. These 3 points are used to define the location and orientation of the object. After moving the object the 3 points are re-digitized in their original order. Therefore, the 3 points selected must have an unobstructed line of sight between the probe emitters and the detector array receivers before and after moving the object.

If a needed repositioning of the object will result in an occluded path for one or more of the 3 fiducial points, you can erase and replace the fiducial set, or you can go to another level of fiducials. Fiducials can be nested to 6 levels There is no limit to the number of times a given set (level) of fiducials can be reused. If the current set (level) of fiducials is erased the previous fiducial set (level) must be reestablished (re-digitized). Therefore the 1st - or top - set (level) of fiducials can not be erased unless you can place the object exactly back in its original position.

From the display dialog click on The Utilities button to bring up the utility dialog. Click The Fiducial Set button and digitize  the 3 fiducial set points as prompted. If the prompt does not continue onto the next point (e.g. there was a validation fault) re-digitize the current point until its accepted. If fiducial validation is on youll be prompted to re-digitize the 1st point after digitizing the 3rd point. The further apart the 3 defining points are from each other the better. Use the Fiducial Relocate button to re-establish the fiducial set after moving the object.

If you are digitizing into another WINDOWS application, youll have to toggle into FreePt3D to set fiducials.

Caution: Each level of fiducials used can cause a loss in overall precision.

Note: because fiducials are relative to the current coordinate system, UCS (if used) must be set before setting any fiducials.


Validation

FREEPOINT 3D uses a hand held probe and utilizes sonic ranging through air (not the most stable media) To help minimize the effect these have on digitizing, FreePt3D offers averaging and validation. There are two types of validation; data & fiducial. Both are controlled through parameters.

When Data validation is active it defines a tolerance limit between the known separation of the probe emitters and the digitized distance between these emitters, If the absolute value of the digitized distance minus the known separation is larger than the data tolerance, the point is rejected and a tolerance fault is reported.

If averaging is on, the data tolerance test is performed for each probe point in the average. If any individual point in the average fails the entire average if rejected.

If a tolerance fault occurs while digitizing one of the points defining the UCS or fiducial set a tolerance fault is displayed in the FreePt3Ds status bar and that point is rejected - in which case you must repeat that point until it is accepted before continuing to the next point.

When Fiducial validation is active you are prompted to re-digitize the 1st point after digitizing the 3rd point when defining a UCS or fiducial. The appropriate 3D transformation is applied to this point and it is tested for its expected value (based on the first time it was digitized). If the absolute value of the expected value minus the actual value is greater than the tolerance value then an warning is issued. Its up the user to repeat the action or not.


Maximizing

Maximizing results

FREEPOINT 3D uses a hand held probe and utilizes sonic ranging through air (not the most stable media) To help minimize these effects there are several common sense things the user can do:

1) Use data validation, averaging, and the calibration bar.

2) Place the calibration bar between the detector array and the object being digitized.

3) Always point the emitters toward the detector array.

4) Avoid placing the FREEPOINT 3Ds active volume under a heating/air conditioning vent or by an open window or other strong wind/heat source.

5) Avoid extreme angles and maximum digitizing distances as much as possible.

6) Limited the nesting of fiducials as much as possible.

7) Avoid placing the calibration bar flat on the floor (or flat across the ceiling). These locations tend to not be truely representative of the room temperature.

8) Avoid rooms with ultra-sonic sensors (e.g. alarms, door openers, automatic light switches, etc.)

9) If youre getting unstable data try increasing the delay value by 5ms.


Troubleshooting

There are several things a user can do to avoid problems when using a FREEPOINT 3D system. But problems do occasionally occur. More often than not these problems can be corrected through simple setup changes.

FreePt3D provides a lot of information about the digitizing process to help determine the cause of a problem. This information includes the location of each individual probe electrode, the digitized distance of the calibration (pilot) bar, and - in the slant range dialog - the linear distance of every emitter/receiver pair being used.

To call up the slant range dialog click the Slant Range Box button in the utility dialog.

The next buttons in the display dialog and slant range dialog cycle through the individual entries of an averaged point.

Note: FREEPOINT 3D performs a comprehensive self test of its electronics on every power up and reset command. If these tests fail the control box flashes it front panel power lamp. If this should occur it indicates something is broken. FreePt3D will not be able to communicate with such a device. Call Science Accessories service department for instructions.


Resetting

Resetting FREEPOINT 3D

If, for some reason, communications become lost (or you change the communications port for some reason) you can re-establish communications between FREEPOINT 3D and FreePt3D by selecting Reset from the Digitize menu.

Note: Reset does not affect current settings such as mode, UCS, fiducials, etc.


Tag field

An uppercase T in the format string is replaced by the current tag field value and the tag field is incremented. The main use of this field is to provide a line count for an ASCII output file. The tag value can be edited and reset through the utility dialog. Use the Set Tag button to enter a new value for the tag field. Use the Clear Tag button to (clear) set the tag field value to 0.


Changing baud

Changing baud rate

FreePt3D defaults to 38400 baud. This program has been carefully designed to work correctly at this baud rate even on slower 386 machines (the FreePt3D data rate is limited to the receiving applications ability to read keyboard messages). However, it is possible to override this baud rate.

Caution; This should only be done by experienced designers who have a reason for doing it.

Edit FreePt.Ini in the WINDOWS directory (note: NOT FreePt3D.Ini) to add the following:

[config]

baudrate=@

where @ = 9600, 19200, or 38400

Note: the overridden value will display in the listing dialog whenever a connection is made.


Sharing serial port

Sharing the FreePt3D serial port

Serial ports and (even more so) their interrupts are very limited resuorces on a PC. If youre like most FreePt3D users you have at minimum 3 serial devices (a fax/modem, a serial mouse, and the FreePt3D) and many of you also have serial plotters, scanners, etc. While your PC may have four or more communications ports, they are usually sharing TWO hardware interrupts assigned to serial communications.

Typically, ports 1 and 3 share one of these interrupts while ports 2 and 4 share the other (and to make things really confusing, these assignments can be changed and non-serial devices such as bus mice, CD drives, and sound cards may use (or try to) one of these interrupts.

How does all of this affect you? Each of these interrupts can only be used by one device at a time. If your mouse is on port #1 and you connect FREEPOINT 3D to port #3 theyll conflict with each other. We recommend one of the following setups depending on where your mouse is connected.

If your mose is connected to port #1:

connect your fax/modem to port #4 and,

connect  your FREEPOINT 3D to port #2.

If your mouse is connected to port #2:

connect your fax/modem to port #3 and,

connect your FREEPOINT 3D to port #1.

If you are unsure how to do this contact your computer dealer. Using one of these setups you will be able to use your mouse with both fax/modem and digitizer applications, but you can not use the fax/modem while youre using the digitizer. With FreePt3D however, you can suspend the digitizer, use your fax/modem (or other serial device) and then return to your digitizing.

If you need to modem the digitized data, use FreePt3D to send the data to an ASCII file and then use your modem software to send the file.


Control Bar

The Control Bar is a separate DDE client application which serves two functions. For most users it makes interfacing between FreePt3D and the users WINDOWS application easier. To use the Control Bar application (FRPTCTRL) FreePt3D must be running, connected to a FREEPOINT 3D, and have the display dialog open. The Control Bar is a top level menu which sits atop most WINDOWS applications and allows the user to control the digitizers operating mode (Point/Line), UCS, and fiducials without needing to switch back to the FreePt3D application.

For program developers FRPTCTRL also serves as an example of a DDE client communicating to the FreePt3D DDE server.

FRPTCTRL can be ran as a separate WINDOWS application (after starting FreePt3D), or it can be launched from the Dispaly dialog by checking launch Control Bar.

When using the FRPTCTRL application, the operator must manually switch between the FRPTCTRL  menu and their WINDOWS application.  In other words, each time the operator clicks on one of the FRPTCTRL  menus, FRPTCTRL  receives the system focus. When you are ready to return to your task (application) click on its title bar to return focus to it.

Before returning focus to your application, you can test the results of each FRPTCTRL  menu in the test area.


Using DDE

To aid program developers in applying the FREEPOINT 3D digitizer to their application, Freept3D is a DDE Server application (the Control Bar [FRPTCTRL] application is an example of a DDE client using the FreePt3D server).

It is beyond our scope to teach someone how to write a WINDOWS  DDE client interface. The following information is intended for experienced WINDOWS application developers.

Note: The FreePt3D server does not respond to XTYP_WILDCONNECT.

Service name:	"FreePt3D"

Topic name:	"IdInfo"	Digitizer ID information

Items:

    "model" 	Digitizer model (e.g. "GP12XL")

    "sn"	Digitizer serial number

    "ver"	Digitizer firmware version

"IdInfo" items return NULL if FreePt3D is not connected to a FREEPOINT3D digitizer.

Topic name:	"CurrentStat"   	Current status

Items:

   "type"	"0"=3 deg, "2"=5 deg, "1"=6 deg

   "mode"	"0"=point, "1"=line, "2"=prompt

   "size"	"1"=1.0M, "2"=2.4M

   "scale"	"xx.xxx" (units/CM)

   "avg"	"x" (points per location)

   "tag"	"xxx" (value of tag)

   "ucs"	"x" "0"=no UCS set, "1"= UCS set

   "fid"	"x" x=fiducial level, (max level= 6)

   "digErrorStat"	  	"xxx" (FreePt3D error code [below])

   "lastCmdstat"	"finished", "error", "processing"

(status of last DDE command)

A NULL response for any of the "CurrentStat" items is the same as "0".

Topic name:	"Data"	Digitizer data

Items:

   "digString"	(scaled & formated data string)

   "xyz"	"xxx.xx\nyyy.yy\nzzz.zz\n" (of tip in CM)

   "distFromLast"      	"xxx.xx" (dist. from last pt. in CM)

   "switchStat"	"up", "dn" (status of dig. switches)

A NULL response for any of the "Data" items is the same as "0".

Topic name:	"Commands"*&

Items:

   "trigger"	trigger digitizer

   "pointMode"	set point mode

   "lineMode"	set line mode

   "promptMode"  	set prompt mode

   "avgOn"	turn averaging on

   "avgOff"	turn averaging off

   "keybdEmuOn"	turn keybd. emulation on

   "keybdEmuOff"	turn keybd. emulation off

   "clrTag"	set tag value to 0

   "setUCS"	#	enter set UCS routine

   "clrUCS"	clear current UCS (& any fiducials)

   "setFid"	#	enter set fiducials routine

   "relocFid"	#	enter relocate fiducials routine

   "clrFid"	clear CURRENT fiducial set

   "show"	show the FreePt3D window

   "hide"	hide the FreePt3D window

* commands are actually requests returning "PASS" or "FAIL"  Where "PASS" indicates the command has been accepted, To find the success/fail status of the command execution, test "lastCmdstat"  under "CurrentStat".

& Because most commands are handled by the FreePt3D display dialog, this dialog MUST remain open to respond to these requests.

# When requesting the user set the UCS or define/relocate a set of fiducials, control of FreePt3D is transfer to the user digitized plane collection function (pick box). Control does not return to the FreePt3D's DDE driver until the user has completed defining these points. Therefore a dde client time-out WILL occur when requesting these commands. You can use an advise loop on "CurrentStat"/"lastCmdstat" to know when FreePt3D has finished processing these commands (see below).

Advise Loops are only supported on the "Data"/"digString",  "Data"/"xyz" , and "CurrentStat"/"lastCmdstat"  pairs.  Advise on  "CurrentStat"/"lastCmdstat" is only used to report when FreePt3D is finished processing a request for the user to set the UCS or define/relocate a set of fiducials (see above).

All responses to data are in CF_TEXT format.

Suggested usage:

If your application is user controlled, we suggest skipping the DDE and using the keyboard emulation.

If your application is application controlled, Use the DDE. Hide the FreePt3D window@ and turn off keyboard emulation Put the digitizer in prompt mode. Watch the switch status and send "trigger" commands to digitize.

@ The FreePt3D will temporarily reappear for setting UCS and fiducials. If the user digitizes a point and the FreePt3D is hidden and there is no DDE conversation established, the FreePt3D window will reappear.

Do NOT!  close your client application with FreePt3D hidden and in prompt mode - the user will not be able to close FreePt3D. FreePt3D does try to recover from this condition, but it is not a safe state to leave things in.

FreePt3D error codes (more than one error at a time is possible):

0x00 no error

0x01 probe out of range

0x02 pilot out of range

0x04 tolerance fault

0x08 (undefined)

0x10 undetermined error (catch all)

0x20 compensation error

0x40 math error

0x80 parsing error


Cartesian spatial coordinates are presented as X,Y,Z.


File open error

File Open failure

FreePt3D was unable to open the selected configuration file. Likely reasons for this serious error include:

The file has been deleted.

The file is not in the current path.

Your computer has a hardware failure.


File read error

File Read failure

FreePt3D was unable to read data from the selected configuration file. Likely reasons for this error include:

The file has been corrupted.

The file is not a FreePt3D (or GP12) configuration file.

The file was created by a newer version of FreePt3D/GP12.

Your computer has a hardware failure.


File write error

File Write failure

FreePt3D was unable to write (save) data to the selected configuration file. The Likely reason for this very serious error is a hardware failure in your computer.


Different port

Different port #

You have selected a communications port different from the one that FreePt3D is currently using to communicate with FREEPOINT 3D. This is most likely a mistake. If you really wish to use a different communications port youll have to plug the FREEPOINT 3Ds serial cable into the new port and reset the system using the Reset command in the Digitize menu.


Comm. error

Communications error

An error has occurred on the selected communications port. FreePt3D tests the status of the selected port each time a new configuration file is loaded and every time a port is selected. These errors are usually the result of another device already using the port in question (e.g. 2D digitizer, mouse, modem, plotter, etc.). Or your PC may not have this port.

Make sure all applications which may be using the communications port are closed. If the problem persist, WINDOWS may be installing a device driver on startup which is claiming ownership of the port. Consult  your PC dealer about this problem.

Check all connections if you received a failed to auto-detect message.


Fiducials full

Fiducial table full

Fiducials can only be nested to 6 levels and you have reached this limit.


Fiducial error

An unknown error has occurred while defining a fiducial set. Fiducials have been unchanged. This error probably indicates a serious problem.


UCS error

An unknown error has occurred while defining a UCS. The current coordinate status is unchanged. This error probably indicates a serious problem.


Clear field

Clear tag?

Selecting yes will clear the tag field.


Append

Append?

Appending data to a file adds new data after  any existing data.

Select Yes to append data (add to).

Select No to overwrite any existing data in the selected file (original data will be lost).

Select Cancel if you dont want to open this file.


UCS clear

Clearing (or setting) the UCS clears the current UCS and any fiducials that are set.

Select Yes to continue.


Clear all fid

Clear all fiducials

This message is displayed if there is more than one level of fiducials currently active.

Select Yes to clear all levels of fiducials.

Select No to clear only the current level.

Select Cancel to keep all fiducials.


Clear current fid

Clear  current fiducials

Clear the current level of fiducials?

Select Yes to clear this fiducial set.

Select No to keep it.


Reestablish fiducials

Re-establish previous fiducials

After clearing a fiducial set (level) the fiducial set that was active prior to the erased set must be re-digitized to allow FreePt3D to correctly report the object being digitized relative to its original position.


Fix probe

Fix_probe

Fix (place) the probe such that it is in the active volume and the probe electrodes are facing the detector array.

Select Cancel to exit calibration without changing  the calibration value.


Continue Cal

Continue calibration?

When calibrating the pilot (calibration) bar, it is recommended to perform the calibration with the probe located at a minimum of at least 5 different locations within the active volume.

Select Yes to continue onto another location.

Select No to finish the calibration process.

Select Cancel to exit calibration without changing the calibration value.


Offset error

FreePt3D was unable to calculate the local coordinate system for the 3-emitter probe. The 3-emitter probe parameters are probably wrong. This is a serious error in that FreePt3D can not continue until this problem is corrected.


Missing DLL

Emukey.DLL is missing from the current path. This file should be installed in the same directory as FreePt3D.EXE. This is a serious error in that FreePt3D can not send data to another WINDOWS application without this DLL.


Setup

Setup prompting

To assist new users in setting their FreePt3D configuration parameters, Every time the default parameters are loaded the operator is presented with the option of being prompted through the minimum configuration required to use their 3D digitizer. Unless youre an experienced FreePt3D user this option is strongly recommended.


Probe type

FreePt3D supports two types of probes; a two emitter, in-line probe. And a 3 emitter probe. Anything else is undefined.


Array type

FreePt3D supports three types of detector arrays; Triangle, Square (not offered by Science Accessories), and Diamond. Anything else is undefined.


Size

FreePt3D supports two sizes (volumes); 1 meter cube and 2.4 meter cube (the 2x2x4 diamond volume is a special; case of the 2.4 meter volume). Anything else is undefined.


Calibration bar

The calibration (pilot) bar is standard with all FREEPOINT 3D systems. It is optional, but strongly recommended, with FreePt3D.


Scale types

FreePt3D supports three basic scale types plus a choice of defining any scale you require. The scale selections are; CM, MM, Inches, and Other. Anything else is undefined.


Angle units

FreePt3D  offers two ways to display angles; Degrees and Radians. Anything else is undefined.


Comm. ports

FreePt3D supports communications ports 1 and 2. Anything else is undefined.


Custom mapping

The standard Science Accessories Receiver mapping is:

logical rec. A = channel 1

logical rec. B = channel 2

logical rec. C = channel 3

logical rec. D = channel 4

The standard Science Accessories Pilot mapping is:

emitter = 4, receiver = D

The standard Science Accessories 2-emitter probe mapping is:

(top view)

The standard Science Accessories 3-emitter probe mapping is:

(top view)

If you are using custom (non-standard) hardware you should consult with your supplier about any different mapping requirements.


Emulation

When Emulating the keyboard to send digitized data directly to another WINDOWS application, the FreePt3Ds output format must be compatible with how the other application is expecting data to be typed on the keyboard.


List Dialog

This dialog displays all of the configuration parameters used by FreePt3D. There are two ways to get to this dialog; select Display current... under the Settings menu. Or, the easiest way, click on the Set hot key button.

All of the parameters are displayed in buttons. To change any of the configuration parameters click on its button - the dialog for that parameter will open. Parameter Items that pertain only to the 3-emitter probe are grayed (unavailable) in the 2-emitter modes (program type). Offsets are displayed for reference only. These are calculated by FreePt3D and can not be directly changed by the user.


Offsets

To perform virtual offset digitizing (locating the probe target [tip] anywhere with respect to the probe emitters) with the 3-emitter probe, the probe emitter to tip and emitter spacing parameters are use to calculate the tip location relative to the probe emitters in a coordinate system local to the probe.


About Dialog

The about dialog displays the version number of FreePt3D as well as some system resource information (available disk & memory space & math Co-processor status).


Calibration Bar Dialog

This dialog configures the FREEPOINT 3Ds calibration (pilot) bar. If status is Off the calibration bar is not used and FreePt3D performs probe compensation. If you have a calibration bar (all standard FREEPOINT 3Ds do) it is strongly recommended that you use it - status = ON.

The logical receiver directs which receiver is used to receive the pilot calibration signal. Any available receiver can be used but the recommended factory calibration value (below) is given for the D receiver for triangle arrays and the A receiver for diamond arrays. To select/change the receiver click the radio button next to the desired choice.

The calibration edit box defines the pilot calibration value. This value should match the tag on the calibration bar cable. Its possible to re-calibrate this value, but the factory calibration is recommended.


Communications Dialog

This dialog selects whether the FREEPOINT 3D digitizer is connected to communications (serial) port one or two. Click the radio button for the port  you are using.

After clicking OK, FreePt3D checks the availability of the selected port. If the selection is okay FreePt3D continues. If the selected port is unavailable a warning is displayed. This will usually require you to close any other WINDOWS applications using the same serial port (although WINDOWS is multitasking, two or more applications cannot share the same communications port at the same time).


Communications Status Dialog

This dialog displays the results of FreePt3Ds attempt to connect to a FREEPOINT 3D digitizer. If successful the dialog displays the FREEPOINT 3Ds model, serial number and firmware version (this information is displayed for reference only and is not used by FreePt3D.

If communications fail make sure your FREEPOINT 3D is turned on and connected to the selected communication port. Try turning the FREEPOINT 3D off/on.

Do not ignore unavailable port  messages. They will not go away by themselves and FreePt3D can not connect to an unavailable port.


Control Variables Dialog

This dialog controls the volume and delay settings.

FreePt3D supports two volume settings; 1 meter and 2.4 meters. When using a triangle (or square) detector array the volume refers to all 3 axis. When using a diamond detector array the volume refers to the X and Z axes (the Y axis is doubled). To select/change the volume click the appropriate radio button.

Delay is just that. Its a fixed amount of delay in milliseconds (ms) thats inserted between each emitter event. This parameter is used to balance the FREEPOINT 3Ds collection (digitizing) rate with echo protection. Smaller values of delay increase both the digitizing rate and possibility of echo (reflection) interference. The FreePt3Ds default value of 15ms should be a good choice for most users. The delay value can be changed by clicking the delay edit box and typing the new delay value, or by clicking the up/down buttons. The single arrow buttons increase/decrease the delay value by 1ms while the double arrows buttons increase/decrease the delay value by 5ms.

Delay has a range limit of 0 to 50ms.


Utility Dialog

The utility dialog is reached by clicking the utilities button in the display dialog. The utility dialog provides access to FreePt3Ds real time digitizing options and advanced features.

The UCS Set button is used to enter the user coordinate system (UCS) definition procedure.

The UCS Clear button is used to clear the current UCS and return to FreePt3Ds default coordinate system. Because fiducials are built on top of the UCS (if set), clearing the UCS also clears any and all fiducials. The button is grayed (unavailable) if no UCS is currently set.

The Set Tag button is used to define the value of the tag field.

The Fiducial Set button is used to define a new (level) fiducial set

The Line/Point Mode button is used to toggle FreePt3D between Point and Line modes. The button displays the mode youre changing to. e.g. if the current mode is point the button displays Line Mode.

The Averaging On/Off button is used to toggle averaging on/off. The button displays the status youre changing to. e.g. if the current status of averaging is on the button displays Averaging Off. The use of averaging is strongly recommended.

The Calibrate Pilot button brings up the calibration (pilot) bar calibration routine. This button is grayed (unavailable) if pilot status is off. Use of the factory calibration is recommended.

The Fiducial Relocation button enters the fiducial relocation set routine to redefine the position of an object after moving it. . This button is grayed (unavailable) if no fiducials have been set.

The Open/Close Data File button is used to open or close a data file. When opening a data file FreePt3D brings up the file select dialog box. The button displays the status youre changing to. e.g. if a data file is currently opened the button displays Close Data File.

The Clear Tag button clears the tag field.

The Fiducial Clear button is used to clear the current or all (levels) of fiducials. If more than one level of fiducials are active the operator is asked whether they want to clear the current (top level) fiducial or all fiducial levels. . This button is grayed (unavailable) if no fiducials have been set.


Point mode returns a single probe tip location each time the probe switch is closed.


Line mode continues to return probe tip locations as long as the probe switch is closed.


Display Dialog

This dialog displays the formatted and scaled digitized data FreePt3D sends to other WINDOWS appellations and data files, provides access to the utilities dialog, toggles the keyboard emulation status, and displays troubleshooting information.

Formatted data displays the formatted and scaled digitized data. When the window becomes full, vertical scroll bars automatically appear to the right of the window. The most recently digitized point is always shown on the top of the display. Up to the previous 29 locations can be scrolled in this display.

Click TRIGGER to perform a single digitizing without closing the probe switch.

The UTILITIES button accesses the utility dialog. This dialog controls the advanced features of FreePt3D, such as UCS & fiducials. It also lets you switch between point & line modes and to open and close a data file.

When Keyboard emulation is checked (enabled) the formatted data string is sent to the active (top) WINDOWS application.

Data file status shows the current status of the data file option; open or closed. Data files can be opened from the utilities dialog.

The launch Control bar check box is used to hide FreePt3D and start the Control Bar interface.

Probe emitter locations display the position of each of the probe emitters. The value displayed is for the averaged position being displayed (see Next below).

The Next button is used to cycle through the individual data that goes into an averaged tip location. When averaging is on, FreePt3D calculates the probe tip location by performing up to 3 separate digitizings in rapid succession. The information in the formatted data is the result of averaging these separate digitizings. Only one of the averaged locations (along with its emitter location data) is shown in the data display at any given time. The number shown in the next button is the position in the average being displayed. Click the Next button to change the average position displayed.

The Probe tip location (displayed in centimeters and the user selected scale) is actually the tip location for the averaged position being displayed (see Next above)

Dist. from last point  (displayed in centimeters and the user selected scale) shows the distance between the current probe tip position and its previous position.

Pilot dist. displays the uncompensated value of the pilot (calibration) distance normalized to centimeters at 23C. The difference between the digitized pilot distance and the calibrated (parameter) pilot distance is used to correct every digitized point for the current speed of sound. This value will not be exactly the same as the pilot calibrated value.


Set Tag Dialog

This dialog allows the operator to set the value of the tag field. You can click on the edit box and edit/type the new tag value or click on the up/down buttons to increment/decrement the current tag field value by 1 per click.


Detector Array Dialog

This dialog defines the FREEPOINT 3Ds detector array.

FreePt3D supports 3 types of detector arrays:

Triangle

Diamond

Square

Click the radio button that corresponds to the type of array youre using.

In the edit box enter the receiver distance value thats listed on the tag attached to the end of the detector array cable.

Logical receivers A,B,C, & D are mapped to physical FREEPOINT 3D receiver channels through the receiver map dialog.


Emitter Map Dialog

FreePt3D uses up to four logical emitters; two on the 2-emitter probe (front & rear), three on the 3-emitter probe (A, B, & C), and one for the pilot (calibration bar). Each of these logical emitters is mapped to a physical emitter channel. The emitter mapping dialog does this mapping.

The mapping is done as a matrix with the logical emitters across the top and the physical channels along the side. There can only be one selection in each roll and column.

In standard FREEPOINT 3D systems from Science Accessories the Pilot emitter is mapped to channel 4 and the probe emitters are mapped as shown:

2-emitter probe (top view)

3-emitter probe (top view)

Emitter channels 5 - 8 are only available on Science Accessories 8-emitter FREEPOINT 3D system are reserved in FreePt3D (e.g. they are not active).


Error Report Dialog

This dialog reports on any warning and errors that occur while digitizing in the display dialog. When an error occurs this dialog is displayed for a duration defined under options. Digitizing is suspended while this dialog is displayed.

Range errors between the probe emitters and detector receivers are reported in a matrix. These errors are usually the result of an occluded path, facing the probe away from the detector array, or exceeding the active volume. Consistent range errors for a given emitter or receiver may indicate a physical failure of the part.

Pilot range errors are usually the result of an occluded pilot path. Consistent Pilot range errors may indicate a physical failure of the pilot emitter or receiver.

A tolerance fault occurs when the digitized distance between the probe emitters falls outside the allowed tolerance when data validation is active. A high frequency of these faults may indicate too tight of a tolerance setting.

If a reasonable speed of sound compensation correction can not be calculated a compensation error is reported. This error is most likely the result of an occluded path or some other error (e.g. an emitter/receiver channel failure).

Math errors are usually the result of incorrect parameter settings or ultrasonic interference from other sources (e.g. ultrasonic alarms, etc.). Check your parameters. If the settings look okay try (if possible) to test the system in another room/location.

A Parsing error is a serious communications error. Make sure the serial cable is secure on both ends.

Undetermined error is a catch-all which may or may not represent a serious error.

Too tight of a tolerance will result in repeated tolerance faults. Increase the tolerance value if this is a problem. If an error repeatedly occurs see your manual and troubleshooting.


Format Dialog

This dialog defines the format string used to send digitized data to another WINDOWS application and/or to an ASCII file.

Click on the Format edit box to edit the format string. Or you can click the Format Library button and select a format from a predefined list of formats (provided the format file [FreePt3D.FMT] is loaded into your FreePt3D directory). Precision defines the number of digits after the decimal point. You can use the edit box to key in the value or use the increment/decrement buttons on either side of the edit box to increase/decrease the number of decimal digits by 1.

There are four choices for scale. Click the proper radio button for IN, CM, MM, or Other. For other enter your custom scale factor in the other edit box. Custom scales are entered in units per centimeters. For example: for a scale of 2 per 1(e.g. 1 = 2) the scale factor would be 0.7874 (2/2.54 [one inch = 2.54CM]).

Angle Units are only meaningful with 6-degrees of freedom (3-emitter probe). This defines whether  angles are given in radians or degrees.


Format Library Dialog

This dialog provides users with a pre-compiled list of formats (provided the format list file [FreePt3D.FMT] is loaded into your FreePt3D directory). The list box automatically provides a scroll bar if there are more selections than will fit in the window.

Each selection displays a title followed by the format string. When selected, the format string is entered into the format string edit box in the Format Dialog There are two ways to make a selection:

1) Click on a selection to highlight it and click Select.

2) Double click a selection.


Mode Dialog

This dialog sets the operating mode to point or line (prompt mode is reserved).

When Averaging is on (recommended) the check box is checked. Each mode has its own averaging value (e.g. you can average a different number of tip locations in point and line modes. You can use the edit boxes to key in the averaging values or use the increment/decrement buttons on either side of the edit boxes to increase/decrease the average by 1.

Averaging can be 0,1,2, or 3. (0 is the same as 1).


2-Emitter Probe Dialog
2 Emitter Probe Dialog

Use this dialog to define the distances from each of the two probe emitters to the tip of the probe (in centimeters).

Enter the distances for the front and rear emitters to the probe tip (as found on the tag attached to the probe cable) in their respective edit boxes.

2-emitter probe (top view)

The logical emitters must be mapped to physical emitter channels in the emitter map dialog.


3-Emitter Probe Dialog

Use this dialog to define the distances from each of the three probe emitters to the tip of the probe (in centimeters).

Enter the distances for emitters A, B, & C to the probe tip (as found on the tag attached to the probe cable) in their respective edit boxes.

Enter the emitter to emitter distance (as found on the tag attached to the probe cable) in the distance between emitters dialog. This distance is for A to B and A to C (which must be the same).

3-emitter probe (top view)

The logical emitters must be mapped to physical emitter channels in the emitter map dialog.


Options Dialog

This dialog allows the operator to change the operation of FreePt3D.

The Display opening dialog check box defines whether the Science Accessories introductory dialog is displayed on startup. If the box is checked this dialog will be displayed each time FreePt3D is started.

There are three automatic options:

Check Connect to dig. to automatically connect to the digitizer and open the display dialog on starting FreePt3D. When selected, this option automatically clears the display opening dialog check box (above). Clearing (un-checking) this box automatically disables emulate keyboard and run from icon (below).

Check Emulate keyboard to automatically connect to the digitizer and enable keyboard emulation on starting FreePt3D. When selected, this option automatically clears the display opening dialog check box and checks the connect to dig. box (above). Clearing (un-checking) this box automatically disables run from icon (below).

Check Run from icon to automatically connect to the digitizer, enable keyboard emulation, and minimize (to an icon) on starting FreePt3D. When selected, this option automatically clears the display opening dialog check box , checks the connect to dig. and emulate keyboard boxes.

Note: On starting FreePt3D the most recently used configuration file (if available) is automatically loaded.

The Error box time-out edits boxes define the duration (in seconds) that the error box is displayed (over the display dialog) for validation faults and errors. Enter the time out in the respective edit boxes. The increment and decrement buttons on each side of the edit boxes can be used to increase/decrease the time out values by 1 second per click.

The AutoHide option tells FreePt3D to hide after connecting to a FREEPOINT 3D digitizer. This option is for use with OEM/VAR dde applications. This option should be turned on ONLY if it is expressly required by a given application.

The AutoHide w/CTRL bar instructs FreePt3D to launch its Control Bar application after connecting to a FREEPOINT 3D digitizer.


Program Type Dialog

The program type dialog uses radio buttons in place of the program menus check marks to select 3 degrees (2-emitter probe) or 6 degrees (3-emitter probe) operation.

To make a selection click the desired radio button


Pick Box

This dialog prompts for the current digitized point expected when defining a UCS or fiducials. Be careful to digitize the point being asked for and avoid racing ahead of the prompt.

When you are ready to digitize you can use the Trigger button or the probes switch.

The Cancel button exits the procedure being performed without changing the status of the UCS or fiducials.


Receiver Map Dialog

FreePt3D uses up to four logical receivers. Three on the triangle detector array, four on the diamond and square detector arrays, and one on the pilot calibration bar (with the triangle array). Each of these logical receivers is mapped to a physical receiver channel. The receiver mapping dialog does this mapping.

The mapping is done as a matrix with the logical receivers across the top and the physical channels along the side. There can only be one selection in each roll and column.

triangle detector array (top view)

diamond detector array (top view)

square detector array (top view)


Slant Range Dialog

This dialog is provided for troubleshooting. Slant ranges are the linear distances between an emitter and a receiver. This dialog displays (in cm) every emitter/receiver combination being used in a particular setup. The Slant range dialog is reached from the display dialogs utility dialog.

The Next and TRIGGER buttons perform the same functions they do in the display dialog.


Validation Dialog

This dialog allows you to define the FreePt3Ds Probe (data) and fiducial validations features.

Probe (data) validation is performed on each digitizing if the active box is checked. The value in the value edit box defines the probe tolerance. This is the maximum acceptable difference between the known and digitized distances between the probe emitters.

When checked, Fiducial validation defines the maximum acceptable difference between the expected and digitized results of the given function (UCS or Fiducial) as applied to a re-digitizing of the first point. Fiducial validation is provided as an aid and should not be viewed as a foolproof guarantee of a successful fiducial set.