A method for programming a three-dimensional (3D) workpiece scan path for a metrology system comprising a 3D motion control system, a first type of Z-height sensing system, and a second type of Z-height sensing system that provides less precise surface Z-height measurements over a broader Z-height measuring range. The method comprises: placing a representative workpiece on a stage of the metrology system, defining at least a first workpiece scan path segment for the representative workpiece, determining preliminary actual surface Z-height measurements along the first workpiece scan path segment, and determining a precise 3D scan path for moving the first type of Z-height sensing system to perform precise surface Z-height measurements. The precise 3D scan path is based on the determined preliminary actual surface Z-height measurements. The precise 3D scan path may be used for performing precise surface Z-height measurements or stored to be used in an inspection program.

Embodiments of the invention include a system and method capable of generating an operations management interface enabling monitoring of distributed components of a process control application. The operations management interface can include a customizable display enabling operators to prepare decisions based on a context-based three-dimensional representation of the distributed components. The operations management interface display includes controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components, and an interface for exchanging requests and data through data links to one or more distributed data-linked components. Some selectable displayed information in the operations management interface window can include locations, interconnection layout and hierarchy, and specifications, and datasheets of distributed components.

Embodiments of the invention include a system and method capable of generating an operations management interface enabling monitoring of distributed components of a process control application. The operations management interface can include a customizable display enabling operators to prepare decisions based on a context-based three-dimensional representation of the distributed components. The operations management interface display includes controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components, and an interface for exchanging requests and data through data links to one or more distributed data-linked components. Some selectable displayed information in the operations management interface window can include locations, interconnection layout and hierarchy, and specifications, and datasheets of distributed components.

Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a method for identifying at least one place of interest on a physical object within a physical environment using augmented reality and a 3D model of the physical object. The method may include: aligning, in an augmented reality view, the 3D model with the physical object within the physical environment; determining motion data by tracking at least one gesture of a user related to the physical object; and identifying the at least one place of interest by determining at least one intersection point of said at least one gesture and the physical object. The at least one intersection point is determined by using at least one virtual proximity sensor comprised by the 3D model in relation to the motion data.