# Sheet Metal Scanner - Quick Start Guide

## Trial Version

This copy includes 50 free scans (Process Image). Your remaining count is shown
in the app's status panel. Once used up, purchase a license at **www.60ticks.com**
and register it via **License → Enter License Key** in the app - no reinstall
needed.

## Installation

### Where to Put the Program
You can place `SheetMetalScanner.exe` anywhere you like:
- Your Desktop
- A dedicated folder (e.g., `C:\Program Files\SheetMetalScanner\`)
- A network drive
- Even a USB thumbdrive

**Your data files will NOT be stored with the exe!** All working files are automatically saved to:
```
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SheetMetalScanner\
```

### First Run
1. Double-click `SheetMetalScanner.exe`
2. The program will automatically create folders in your Documents:
   - `captured_images` - Your scanned images
   - `processed_images` - Processed/edge-detected images
   - `dxf_output` - Exported DXF files
   - `calibration_images` - Camera calibration images
   - `config` - Settings and calibration data

3. Your camera should start automatically
4. You're ready to scan!

---

## Quick Start - First Time Setup

### 1. Camera Calibration (Optional but Recommended)
For best accuracy, calibrate your camera once:

1. Print a checkerboard calibration pattern (9x6 squares)
2. Go to: **Calibration → Start Camera Calibration**
3. Capture 15-20 images of the checkerboard from different angles
4. Go to: **Calibration → Run Camera Calibration**
5. Wait for "Calibration Successful"

### 2. Set Scale (Required)
Tell the software how to convert pixels to inches:

1. Place a precisely measured object on your scanning bed
2. Measure a straight feature with calipers (write it down!)
3. Click **Capture Image**
4. Go to: **Calibration → Set Scale (Pixels to Inches)**
5. Enter your measurement in inches
6. **RIGHT-CLICK** the two endpoints of your measured feature
   - Use mouse wheel to ZOOM in for accuracy
   - Left-drag to PAN around the image
7. Click **Apply**

### 3. Scan Your First Part
1. Place your part on the backlit bed
2. Adjust **Focus** slider for a sharp image
3. Click **Capture Image**
4. Click **Process Image** 
5. Click **Export DXF**
6. Choose where to save (defaults to Documents/SheetMetalScanner/dxf_output)
7. Open in your CAD software!

---

## Daily Use

Once calibrated, scanning is fast:
1. **Capture** → **Process** → **Export DXF**
2. Done!

---

## Tips for Best Results

✓ Use a **backlight panel** for clear part silhouettes
✓ **Clean parts** before scanning (remove oil, debris)
✓ Keep the **camera position fixed** once calibrated
✓ Use **calipers** for scale measurements, not rulers
✓ **Zoom in** when placing calibration points (mouse wheel)
✓ For help, go to: **Help → Getting Started**

---

## Troubleshooting

**Camera not detected:**
- Check USB connection
- Try a different USB port
- Make sure no other program is using the camera

**Blurry image:**
- Adjust the Focus slider
- Clean the camera lens

**Dimensions are wrong:**
- Re-do scale calibration
- Or use: **Calibration → Adjust Scale from DXF**

**Part edges not detected:**
- Adjust **Processing Settings** sliders
- Increase Blur for noisy parts
- Adjust Threshold method

**For more help:**
- **Help → Getting Started**
- **Help → Troubleshooting**

---

## System Requirements

- **OS:** Windows 10 or 11
- **USB Camera:** Any USB webcam or machine vision camera
- **Storage:** 500MB free space minimum
- **Display:** 1280x768 or higher recommended

---

## File Locations

**Program:** Wherever you placed SheetMetalScanner.exe

**Your Files:**
- Captured images: `Documents\SheetMetalScanner\captured_images\`
- DXF exports: `Documents\SheetMetalScanner\dxf_output\`
- Settings: `Documents\SheetMetalScanner\config\`

**To backup your calibration:**
Copy the entire `Documents\SheetMetalScanner\` folder

---

## Version

**Sheet Metal Scanner v1.0**

Camera-based sheet metal scanning and DXF conversion software.

Built with Python, OpenCV, and Tkinter.

---

## Support

For questions or issues, refer to:
- **Help menu** in the application
- **Help → Licensing** for trial/registration questions
- **www.60ticks.com** to purchase a license or contact support

---

**Quick Tip:** Create a shortcut to `SheetMetalScanner.exe` on your desktop for easy access!