Purpose of the point-to-line feature on the Mentor Visual iQ+ VideoProbe 

In this article:

• Explains what point‑to‑line measurement is on the Mentor Visual iQ+ VideoProbe and how it calculates true perpendicular distances using 3D data.
• Shows typical inspection applications—such as turbine blade edge damage, gap, groove, and weld width evaluation—to support accurate defect assessment.
• Shares best‑practice tips to improve 3D measurement accuracy, including cursor placement, point‑cloud checks, and when to use a measurement plane. 

What is the purpose of the point-to-line measurement feature on the Mentor Visual iQ+ VideoProbe?

Measures the perpendicular distance between a line (defined by two points), and a selected point.

Example Applications:

• Turbine blade edge damage
• Estimate missing corner area using multiple point-to-line measurements
• Gap or groove width
• Weld width

3D Surface Mask:

When enabled in Settings, a blue mask will highlight surface points where planes perpendicular to the straight 3D line between the third cursor point and the reference line intersect the viewed surface.

Best Practices to Improve Measurement Accuracy:

• Review the 3D point cloud to ensure your cursors are located correctly.
• Space the first two cursors far apart along the reference edge. If possible, place them on opposite sides of the indication being measured. Placing them close together can cause error by tilting the reference line in 3D space.
• Check the point cloud to verify that the reference line is not tilted with respect to the reference edge on the part. This is especially important when both reference line cursors are on the same side of and away from the third cursor.
• Also check the point cloud to be sure the measured distance is not at a diagonal, which can give a higher-than-actual result.
• Use a Measurement Plane when red areas prevent proper cursor placement or 3D noise may be affecting the result. See the Measurement Plane section for details.
• Use a Measurement Plane when measuring distance from a rounded edge to determine the perpendicular distance from the edge. Position the reference cursors such that the light blue 3D Surface Mask appears along the outer face of the rounded edge.