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AFI SCAN

Global rights to the AFI Scan Software have been transferred to FARO Technologies. more 

DPI’s AFI Scan software, which is shown below, is our flagship scanner control software. It is a Windows based application that takes a job-oriented approach to scanning. All parameters, images, and results for a job are stored in a single file. An AFI Scan job contains a series of tasks which perform functions such as:

  • Generate a point cloud
  • Give instructions to the operator using text, pictures, or drawings
  • Move a positioning device such as a stage
  • Acquire a variety of 2D images
  • Extract measurements from the data
  • Find photogrammetry targets or global position
  • Calibrate the system, external tracking system, or turntable
  • Monitor temperature and humidity and make necessary adjustments
  • Perform system checks
  • Interface to user devices
  • View the data/results in a variety of forms
  • Edit settings
  • Check ambient light
  • Automatically save parameters, data, and results 
  • Auto-detect key features in the camera view
  • Export data in a variety of formats
  • Perform 2-way communication with other software
  • Export and import information via plug-ins
  • Verify data quality
  • Manage the scanning workflow

 AFI Scan is designed to be easy-to-use, yet powerful, and flexible yet functional.  The software was designed with production, shop-floor use in mind, and the comments from customers have been very positive.  AFI Scan is a software package with the customer’s interests in mind.

WORKFLOW

Setting up a job is quick and easy in AFI Scan. No programming is necessary. Tasks are graphically dropped into place. The operator can then verify settings, manually (or automatically) run the task, and check the results. When finished, the operator can set the job to run from start to finish without intervention.

Individual views are typically aligned into a single composite point cloud. This process, often called registration, stitching, or bundling, can be handled in a number of ways. AFI Scan can align point clouds either through a positioning device such as a highly accurate rotary stage, through the use of targets, or global-registration systems such as laser trackers. Surface-based matching is supported through the use of third party point cloud analysis (PCA) packages such as Polyworks® or Geomagic®.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (SDK)

The Software Development Kit is useful for customers who want a custom-designed scanning interface.  DPI’s application level software is built upon two sets of libraries in the SDK. The lowest level, called the “Core SDK”, contains the code necessary to generate a point cloud from the AFI 5000 hardware. The second level, called the “Extended Core” (XCore) SDK, adds additional functionality such as filters, feature measurements (targets, spheres, and flats) and control for peripheral devices such as a rotary stage. The SDK is written in C++ and developed under Microsoft’s Visual Studio.

SOFTWARE ORGANIZATION

AFI Scan is DPI’s interface to the scanner.  However, in some cases, customers prefer to work with their own interface.  Our software development kits (SDKs) support this customization.  Our Core and XCore platforms provide companies with the opportunity to customize the software for their processes.  This is particularly common for production environments. 

For users who prefer to work directly within PolyWorks or Geomagic, plug-ins from DPI’s products allow for seamless software communication.

InnovMetric Polyworks

InnovMetric supports two packages used by DPI customers: PolyWorks/Inspector™ and PolyWorks/Modeler™.

PolyWorks/Inspector is a powerful software package that works with high-density point clouds produced by the AFI 5000P. PolyWorks/Inspector can control the quality of parts and tools at every phase of your manufacturing process.

PolyWorks/Modeler is a comprehensive software solution for creating accurate and smooth polygonal models and NURBS surfaces from high-density point clouds. PolyWorks/Modeler is capable of creating class A polygonal models for stringent polygonal manufacturing applications such as 3-axis & 5-axis milling, aerodynamic simulation and digital review.

Visit www.innovmetric.com/ for more information on InnovMetric products and services.

Geomagic

Several Geomagic products are relevant for DPI's customers:

Geomagic Studio automatically generates an accurate digital model from any physical part. Geomagic Studio is useful for mass production of customized devices, build-to-order manufacturing, and automatic re-creation of legacy parts.

Geomagic Qualify enables fast, easy-to-understand graphical comparisons between CAD models and as-built parts for first-article inspection, inline or shop-floor inspection, trend analysis, 2D and 3D geometric dimensioning, and automated reporting

Geomagic Blade is a software package used for evaluating, testing and qualifying turbine blades and components.

Geomagic Piano bridges the gap between the point domain of measurement and the shape domain of design with patented software that accurately reconstructs dental scan data into 3D models. Geomagic Piano provids seamless integration between an AFI scanner, rapid prototyping machines and milling systems.  

Visit www.geomagic.com/ for more information on Geomagic products and services.
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