Typically, in order to measure an angle with the image processing sensor, the user has to simply roughly position to the two edges concerned and click the “Measure” button each time. Both edges automatically appear as straight lines in the measured result. The geometric features thus measured are graphically displayed on the user interface. The angle can then be determined by clicking both lines with the mouse. If you then click the “Measure” button with the mouse, the software recognizes your input as an angle measurement and displays the result. The software also features other functions which can be used to determine distances, curve radii, circular shapes and corner points. When performing an angle measurement, all you have to do is position the visual field of the image processing sensor several times and click the “Measure” button in each case.

If a measuring job is too complex for the procedure described above, the operator can carry out parts of what are actually automatic processes (for example, window setting or feature selection) in order to familiarize himself with the control of measuring operations step by step. In this way, any prescribed measurements can be saved and called up as automatic measuring routines whenever they have to be repeated. Moreover, the machine can also be used by operators who are not familiar with the details of the measurement procedure. The software thus offers less experienced users the possibility of simply selecting the appropriate part numbers and then starting the corresponding automatic program run. Alternatively, this can also be done by automatically scanning a bar code printed on the production order.