Single-Point Selection
Before modifying any NC point, it’s essential to understand how selection works. Because selecting a point activates the editing tools, the manipulator, and live visual feedback, it is crucial to understand this process. Selection drives the entire editing workflow, whether you’re adjusting a single coordinate or transforming an entire toolpath block.
📘 How the Single Point Selection works
Selection in Shopfloor Assistant is fully bi**-**directional between the NC Editor and the 3D Viewer. The behavior of the machine and the manipulator (when available) depends on both the source of selection (NC Editor or 3D Viewer) and the type of element selected.
You can work from whichever interface fits your workflow best:
- Step 1: Select a point from the NC Editor
Clicking a motion line in the NC Editor automatically highlights the corresponding point(s) in the 3D Viewer, positions the machine accordingly, and activates the TCP (Tool Center Point) manipulator (if enabled).
You can select:
- A linear motion line (G01) – selecting this line highlights the corresponding point in the 3D Viewer.
This selection positions the machine and the manipulator directly at the point’s coordinates.
- A circular motion block (G104) – selecting this line automatically activates both the via/mid**-**point and the end point that define the circular motion. In the 3D Viewer, these points are highlighted together to show the full arc segment.
This selection positions the machine and the manipulator at the end point of the arc.
- A regshape block (hole, slot, rectangle, keyhole, hexagon) – selecting the regshape line automatically activates the selection of the block that belongs to the regshape (approach and retract).
Selecting a regshape line moves the machine to the start point of the regshape and the manipulator to the center of the regshape*, and all regshape points (including approach/retract) become highlighted as a grouped structure**.*
- Step 2: Select a point from the 3D Viewer
Clicking any toolpath point in the 3D Viewer highlights the associated NC motion line, updates the machine position, and the manipulator will appear at that location (when TCP reference is used).
You may select:
- A linear motion point (G01) - Clicking on a point directly in the 3D Viewer highlights and selects the corresponding NC line
Selecting the point instantly moves the machine to that position and aligns the manipulator onto the selected point, providing a precise visual reference for further adjustments.
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A circular point (G104) - from the 3D Viewer, you can individually select either of the two points that define arc points:
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the endpoint of the arc
- the via/mid**-**point of the arc
Selecting either point highlights and selects the associated G104 NC line**.**
Each selection positions the machine and the manipulator on the chosen point, giving precise control when refining circular trajectories.
- Individual points inside a regshape block – each point belonging to a regshape (hole, slot, rectangle, keyhole, hexagon) can be selected independently.
Each time you select a point belonging to a regshape, the machine moves to the selected point, while the manipulator snaps to the center of the regshape. This is because the entire regshape is treated as a grouped feature, with a single central pivot.
- Step 3: What happens after selection
After selecting a point—either from the NC Editor or directly from the 3D Viewer—the system automatically synchronizes both interfaces:
- The corresponding NC line is highlighted in the NC Editor.
- The machine positions itself at the selected point in the 3D Viewer.
- The TCP manipulator appears at that location (when the TCP reference system is active).
🎯 Operator insights
- Selection is fully bi**-**directional — choosing a point in the NC Editor or directly in the 3D Viewer will always keep both interfaces synchronized.
- The machine positions itself at the selected point in the 3D Viewer.
- The TCP manipulator appears automatically on the first selection (when TCP is the active reference system), providing an immediate visual anchor for editing.