Abstract: A method and system are provided for quickly locating dissimilar parts within the same viewing plane (or range) of a machine vision system, which automatically eliminates variation in distance between the viewed part and the viewing camera. This system eliminates the need to either recalibrate the software used in gauging, or to reposition the camera in order to duplicate a distance standard. A system and user interface are also described to properly locate dissimilar parts to be inspected, or gauged, on the viewing plane.