Active Area

Active area refers to the region within the sensor's maximum field of view that is used for data acquisition.

By default, the active area covers the sensor's entire field of view. By reducing the active area, the sensor can operate at higher speeds. You can also reduce the active area to exclude areas that are affected by ambient light.

Active area is specified in sensor coordinates, rather than in system coordinates. As a result, if the sensor is already alignment calibrated, press the Acquire button to display uncalibrated data before configuring the active area.See Coordinate Systems for more information on sensor and system coordinates.

Active area is set in the Active Area tab on the Sensor panel.

To set the active area:

1. Go to the Scan page.
2. Choose a mode other than Video mode.
3. Expand the Sensor panel by clicking on the panel header or the button.
4. Click the button corresponding to the sensor you want to configure.

The button is labeled Top, Bottom, Top-Left, or Top-Right, depending on the system.

Active area is specified separately for each sensor.

5. Click on the Active Area tab.
6. Click Select.
7. Click Acquire to see a scan while setting the active area.

Acquiring a scan while setting the active area can help you determine where to size and place the active area.
8. Set the active area.

Adjust the active area graphically in the data viewer or enter the values manually in the fields.

The 2D view lets you adjust the size and position of the active area on the X and Z axis. The 3D view lets you adjust the size and position in the X, Y, and Z axis. For more information, see Regions.
9. Click the Save button in the Sensor panel.

Click the Cancel button to cancel setting the active area.
10. Save the job in the Toolbar by clicking the Save button .

Scanning devices are usually more accurate at the near end of their measurement range. If your application requires a measurement range that is small compared to the maximum measurement range of the sensor, mount the sensor so that the active area can be defined at the near end of the measurement range.