Edge Tracing
Overview
Edge tracing continuously collects edge points along a workpiece contour and automatically generates measurement elements from the collected points. It is suitable for measuring lines, circles, arcs, and other continuous contours.
Operation
- Click the Edge Tracing button in the Measurement Bar
- Click the left mouse button in the Vision Area along the contour to be measured, building the edge collection range through multiple anchor points
- The software will automatically search for and collect qualifying edge points within the defined range
- After setting the collection range, click the right mouse button — the software will automatically fit and generate the corresponding measurement element
Note
The closer the anchor points are to the contour being measured, the more accurate the collection range. For contours with significant shape variations, add more anchor points so the collection range fits the workpiece edge more closely.
Edge Scanning Parameters
To change the edge search method, right-click the Edge Tracing button in the Measurement Bar and select the appropriate parameters based on the actual image.
Edge Scanning Modes
Standard
Detects the workpiece contour using a preset edge threshold.
Suitable for scenarios with clear edges, stable illumination, and strong contrast between the workpiece and background. Standard mode is fast and is generally recommended as the default choice for routine measurements.
Flexible
The software automatically adapts to weaker image edges within the collection range and adjusts detection conditions based on the actual edge situation.
Suitable for scenarios with low edge contrast, uneven brightness, weak local contours, or where standard mode cannot reliably find edges. Flexible mode is more adaptable but may take slightly longer than standard mode.
Edge Selection
Auto Edge
When multiple candidate edges exist along the scan direction, the software automatically selects the valid edge with the most noticeable brightness change.
Suitable for most routine measurement scenarios. Use this as the preferred option.
First Edge
Scans along the edge direction and selects the first detected valid edge.
Suitable for measuring contours near the starting position of the collection range, or when you need to specify the outermost first edge.
Second Edge
Scans along the edge direction, skips the first valid edge, and selects the second valid edge.
Suitable for scenarios with chamfers, reflective bands, double contours, or inner and outer edge layers in the image.
Brightness Direction
Both Directions
Detects both light-to-dark and dark-to-light edges simultaneously.
Suitable when the brightness relationship between the workpiece and background is not fixed, or when different parts of the contour have different brightness change directions.
White to Black
Detects only edges transitioning from a bright area to a dark area along the scan direction.
By restricting the brightness change direction, interference from edges in the opposite direction can be excluded, improving edge scanning stability.
Black to White
Detects only edges transitioning from a dark area to a bright area along the scan direction.
Suitable for dark workpieces against a bright background, or scenarios where light-to-dark edges need to be excluded.
Sub-Pixel Edge Scanning
When sub-pixel edge scanning is enabled, the software further refines edge coordinates beyond pixel-level edge positions.
Sub-pixel scanning improves the positional accuracy of edge points and enhances the precision and repeatability of measurement results. It is recommended to enable this when the image is clear and illumination is stable.
Notes
- The number and placement of anchor points directly affect the collection range and quality — set them appropriately
- Different edge scanning parameters can be combined for optimal edge detection results
- Parameter settings should be adjusted flexibly based on the actual workpiece material, surface condition, and lighting environment