Difference between revisions of "VTube-LASER v2.9.17"

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(25pxFIX - Split Bend Corrections in Bend Setup (Important fix for 180-degree bend correction))
(25pxOther Changes)
 
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==Revision 2.9.17==
+
==Version 2.9.17==
Release Date: Unreleased<br>
+
Release Date: January 17, 2019<br>
Current Build: 5
+
Current Build: 42
  
 
* Back to [[VTube-LASER]]
 
* Back to [[VTube-LASER]]
Line 24: Line 24:
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
  
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Scan and Measure Point Clouds ==
+
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Floating Measure Guide Window==
  
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
Line 30: Line 30:
  
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
 +
 +
The new Measure Guide window draws a small model of the part with the current section highlighted with a color band.<br><br>
 +
 +
This will help you visually identify which part of the tube to measure next.<br><br>
 +
 +
This feature has an on/off switch in Measure Setup / Other.  Also, you can view the window at any time from inside Measure Process Measure a tube.
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
===In MultiScan Mode===
 +
The feature works for either UniScan and MultiScan. For UniScan, the entire straight is banded.  For MultiScan, the tangents of the straights are banded.</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow_MultiScan.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 +
===Resizable Window===
 +
 +
The window is resizable.<br><br>
 +
 +
VTube-LASER will always remember the last position and size for this window.  (This setting is remembered globally across all projects.)</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow_Resize.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 +
===Multi-monitor Support===
 +
 +
The Measure Guide window can be moved to other monitors.<br><br>
 +
 +
VTube-LASER always remembers the last monitor this window displays on.  (This setting is remembered globally across all projects.)</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow_MonitorTracking.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 +
===Measure Guide Window Setup===
 +
Setup the window in the Measure Process / Measure Tube option.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow_Setup.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 +
==="Automatic Display of MASTER" Option===
 +
In the Measure Setup - "Other"  menu, use this option to indicate that VTube-LASER should automatically display the Measure Guide window when you are measuring tube shapes.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MeasureGuideWindow_AutomaticDisplayOfMaster.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Super fast AUTOBUILD PARAMETRIC Import of Solid Models ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
[[image:Vts_v2.9.17_autobuildparametrics_icon.png|300px]]<br><br>
 +
The new Autobuild Parametrics feature speeds up importing and calculating centerline and bender data parametrics by 5 times or more by automating the calculation process with a single button press.<br><br>
 +
The new Autobuild Parametrics button is in the Parametric Tube Data menu.<br><br>
 +
Autobuild will automatically attempt to calculate the centerline from the imported STEP or IGES model.  For Autobuild to work, it needs to follow these rules about the incoming model.
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_v2.9.17_autobuildparametrics.png|400px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
===The Rules for Autobuild===
 +
 +
* The model should be a single clean tube.<br><br>
 +
* The model should formed as a segmented tube shape made up of cylinders and truncated-tori.<br><br>
 +
* Remove all other geometry first.<br><br>
 +
* The following are either handled or ignored:<br><br>
 +
 +
# Inner walls are used to determine the wall thickness<br><br>
 +
# End wall rings are ignored<br><br>
 +
# Non-surface data, like lines and points are ignored<br><br>
 +
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_v2.9.17_Autobuild Parametric Screen Capture With Arrow.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
===Video===
 +
 +
Click on the video image to see a video of the Autobuild Parametrics feature working.
 +
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_v2.9.17_Autobuild Parametric Video.png|600px|link=https://www.advancedtubular.com/vtube-step/vts_v2.9.17_autobuild_parametrics_quick.mp4]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Scan Point Clouds into SOLIDWORKS==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 
VTube-LASER now handles point clouds in storage we call "buckets."  This allows you to scan anything into VTube-LASER - not just tubes.<br><br>
 
VTube-LASER now handles point clouds in storage we call "buckets."  This allows you to scan anything into VTube-LASER - not just tubes.<br><br>
  
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* Point clouds are stored and recalled to/from the VTube-LASER project file.
 
* Point clouds are stored and recalled to/from the VTube-LASER project file.
 
* Point cloud changes are stored in the UNDO memory. If you delete the wrong set of points - just press UNDO.
 
* Point cloud changes are stored in the UNDO memory. If you delete the wrong set of points - just press UNDO.
* Set the color of each bucket of point clouds.
+
* Set the color of each bucket of point clouds.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_bucketlist.png|300px]]
 +
 
 +
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
 
<td>
 
<td>
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_PointCloudDimension.png|800px]]
+
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_Point_CloudScanning_Logo.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_PointCloudScanToSOLIDWORKS.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_PointCloudDimension.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
</tr>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 
 +
<td width=300>
 +
===Scanning Test: Malibu Control Arm===
 +
This is a Malibu Control Arm that we scanned in VTube-LASER.<br><br>
 +
The scan has a total of 19259 points in eight different buckets. Each bucket can be turned off and on.<br><br>
 +
The color of several of the buckets of points have been changed so that you can identify different regions of points by color.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MalibuControlArm_scanningVideo.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MalibuControlArm.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
</tr>
 +
 
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 
 +
<td width=300>
 +
 
 +
===Send to SOLIDWORKS===
 +
Press one button to transfer the scanned point cloud to SOLIDWORKS. The transfer takes about 5 seconds.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MalibuControlArm_SWpointcloud.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
</tr>
 +
 
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 
 +
<td width=300>
 +
===Convert to SOLIDWORKS Mesh===
 +
Use the SOLIDWORKS features to turn the point cloud into a mesh and surface. (This requires a Professional or Premium license of SW.)<br><br>
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
 
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_MalibuControlArm_SWmesh.png|600px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - VTube-LASER Now Automatically Resets Straight Count at Measure ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
VTube-LASER users are used to editing from a "0" for starting straight count to some positive value.<br><br>'''You won't have to do that any more in this new version''' - because now VTube will just fill in the correct straight count for you.<br><br>You can still change it manually at any time.</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_SetupMeasureResetStraightCount.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<br><br>
  
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Automatic Reset Straight Count at Measure ==
+
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Change Cylinder Fit Tolerances from a List of Setups ==
  
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
Line 62: Line 293:
  
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
If VTube-LASER starts a measure setup with ZERO straights, then it automatically resets to the MASTER straight count.<br><br>
+
The new Cylinder Fit Tolerances Named Setup feature allows you to switch between stored cylinder fit tolerances for measuring cylinders.<br><br>Each setup is stored in a list of named setups that can be used at any time in any tube measure.
 +
<br><br>
 +
For example you could store a unique setup for measuring tubes with armor (like on brake lines) and another default one for regular tubes.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_Measure1NamedSetups_Close.png|300px]]
 +
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
 
<td>
 
<td>
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_SetupMeasureResetStraightCount.png|800px]]
+
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_Measure1NamedSetups.png|600px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
Line 74: Line 310:
  
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 
  
 
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - MAX Points for Cylinder Stripes Is Now 50 ==
 
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - MAX Points for Cylinder Stripes Is Now 50 ==
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<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
Through some experimentation, any point count above 50 per stripe is not helpful in VTube-LASER. For example, as you approach 1000 points per stripe, it slows the math engine significantly and actually causes more Cylinder Fit problems than it solves.<br><br>
+
After extensive testing, we've concluded that any point count above 50 per stripe is never helpful in VTube-LASER. For example, as you approach 1000 points per stripe, it slows the math engine significantly and actually causes more Cylinder Fit problems than it solves.<br><br>
 
VTube-LASER will now allow up to 50 points per stripe for measuring cylinders - never more.
 
VTube-LASER will now allow up to 50 points per stripe for measuring cylinders - never more.
 
</td>
 
</td>
Line 96: Line 331:
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]FIX - 180-degree Bend Correction Feature ==
  
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
'''This is important to you if you correct benders with 180-degree bends using Bender Setup communications.'''<br><br>
 +
The Split Bend corrections (for a 180-degree bend) were being applied in Bender Setup in the uncompressed mode - which means that only half the correction was being applied to 180-degree bends.<br><br>Also, the wrong number of rows was sent to Bender Setup - which meant that correction data was not properly aligned with the data at the bender.  For example, for a single 180-degree bend part, there should only be two correction rows.  However, VTube was sending three rows of data for two 90-degree bends.<br><br>
 +
This has been fixed in this version.<br><br>
 +
See the resulting correction data grid in the Bender Setup screen below the image.
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_180degreeSplitBend_BenderSetupCorrectionFix.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<br><br>
  
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]FIX - Split Bend Corrections in Bend Setup (Important fix for 180-degree bend correction) ==
+
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW- Auto Display of DRO (Digital Readout) When Moving from VTube-STEP to VTube-LASER ==
  
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
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<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
The Split Bend corrections (for a 180-degree bend) were being applied in Bender Setup in the uncompressed mode - which means that only half the correction was being applied to the 180-degree bend.<br><br>Also, the wrong number of rows was sent to Bender Setup.  For a single 180-degree bend part, there should only be two correction rows.  VTube was sending three rows of data for two 90-degree bends.<br><br>
+
When the arm is connected to VTube, and the user changes from VTube-STEP to VTube-LASER, VTube now automatically displays the DRO window (Digital Readout).
This is because VTube-LASER was not compressing the data properly when Split Bend measure was on. <br><br>
+
This has been fixed in this version.
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
 
<td>
 
<td>
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_180degreeSplitBend_BenderSetupCorrectionFix.png|700px]]
+
[[image:vtl_v2.9.17_DRO.png|600px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
  
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</table>
 
</table>
  
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]ENHANCED - PATH MANAGER - Clear Paths That No Longer Exist in the Path Manager ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1400>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
The new command allows you to clear paths that no longer exist in the list of Path Manager.
 +
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_2.9.17_pathmanager_new.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]ENHANCED - Configure the PATH MANAGER ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1400>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
Now you can configure the Path Manager without importing or loading any files.<br><br>
 +
Load the Path Manager by pressing the "Configure the Path Manager" button in the System Options / File Setup menu.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_2.9.17_pathmanager_setup.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Radius 2 and Radius 3 after the Default Radius field in Part Setup ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1400>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
VTube has an added Radius 2 and Radius 3 fields in Part Setup and Bender Setup to allow for easier conversion to benders that require radius values assigned to levels (like Eaton Leonard and YSE)<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_2.9.17_rad2_rad3_setup.png|600px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Collected Features Menu Fine-tuned with New Buttons (STEP Mode) ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1400>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
We found that users intuitively seek to use the Collected Features menu on the left of the screen to start the collection process.<br><br>
 +
Since that is intuitive to users, and is consistent with our menu design, we placed buttons in that menu that allow users to show the Collect Features control window.
 +
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_2.9.17_collectfeaturesmenu_new.png|400px]]<br><br>
 +
[[image:vts_2.9.17_collectfeaturesmenu_whoscreen_compare.png|600px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - BLM VGP-3D Bender Data Reports ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1400>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
This version now has a BLM VGP-3D bender data report with CW positive rotations.
 +
<br><br>
 +
Download the [https://www.advancedtubular.com/vtube-laser/VTUBE%20BLM%20VGP-3D%20Report.pdf PDF Report]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:blm-vgp3d-report1.png|400px]]
 +
[[image:blm-vgp3d-report2.png|400px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Collect Control Changes (STEP Mode) ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
1) "Keep adding more surfaces" is now true by default.<br><br>
 +
2) End Trim from Surface now uses the middle radio button choice by default: Trim to Surface Furthest Point from Centerline Midpoint.<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vts_v2.9.18_CollectControl_Changes.png|500px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]NEW - Popup Menu for Setting Precision Weights ==
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10 width=1200>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
 +
<td width=300>
 +
We added this new popup menu to make setting the Precision Weight values quicker. </td>
 +
 +
<td>
 +
[[image:vtl_v2.9.18_PrecisionWeightControlPopup.png|400px]]
 +
</td>
 +
 +
</tr>
 +
 +
</table>
 +
 +
<br><br>
 +
 +
==[[image:Check.jpg|25px]]Other Changes==
 +
 +
* For HTML reports, the screen-image bmp file is now only copied to the html export folder when it is present in the html report.
 +
* In VTube-STEP, the export html report feature would display an error and would not save he html reports. This has been fixed.
 +
* Auto disconnect without critical error or crash when FARO driver stops answering VTube-LASER's requests for information.
 +
* A change allows for hardware keys (dongles) with serial numbers greater than 2.147 billion. Older revisions may not read new hardware key serial numbers properly if they exceed that value. This version addresses that issue.
 +
* The Language Editor reloads from the main user interface much faster than previous versions. (Build 32)
 +
* Optimized the STEP mode and LASER mode default settings to make VTube faster in its default state. (Build 33)
 +
* Fixed show unbend only in STEP mode (Build 39)
 +
* Measure guide viewport window does not display when the MASTER tube point count is 0.
 +
* Fixed connection to the FARO driver for older Edge arms
 +
* Added DOCS file import file checks
 +
* This version was modified to run with FARO driver version 6.2.1.9
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  

Latest revision as of 20:38, 24 July 2019

Vtube-laser logo 1.96.png


Version 2.9.17

Release Date: January 17, 2019
Current Build: 42


Vtube-laser v2.7 screenshot.png

Contents


Check.jpgNEW - Floating Measure Guide Window

The new Measure Guide window draws a small model of the part with the current section highlighted with a color band.

This will help you visually identify which part of the tube to measure next.

This feature has an on/off switch in Measure Setup / Other. Also, you can view the window at any time from inside Measure Process Measure a tube.

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow.png

In MultiScan Mode

The feature works for either UniScan and MultiScan. For UniScan, the entire straight is banded. For MultiScan, the tangents of the straights are banded.

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow MultiScan.png

Resizable Window

The window is resizable.

VTube-LASER will always remember the last position and size for this window. (This setting is remembered globally across all projects.)

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow Resize.png

Multi-monitor Support

The Measure Guide window can be moved to other monitors.

VTube-LASER always remembers the last monitor this window displays on. (This setting is remembered globally across all projects.)

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow MonitorTracking.png

Measure Guide Window Setup

Setup the window in the Measure Process / Measure Tube option.

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow Setup.png

"Automatic Display of MASTER" Option

In the Measure Setup - "Other" menu, use this option to indicate that VTube-LASER should automatically display the Measure Guide window when you are measuring tube shapes.

Vtl v2.9.17 MeasureGuideWindow AutomaticDisplayOfMaster.png



Check.jpgNEW - Super fast AUTOBUILD PARAMETRIC Import of Solid Models

Vts v2.9.17 autobuildparametrics icon.png

The new Autobuild Parametrics feature speeds up importing and calculating centerline and bender data parametrics by 5 times or more by automating the calculation process with a single button press.

The new Autobuild Parametrics button is in the Parametric Tube Data menu.

Autobuild will automatically attempt to calculate the centerline from the imported STEP or IGES model. For Autobuild to work, it needs to follow these rules about the incoming model.

Vts v2.9.17 autobuildparametrics.png

The Rules for Autobuild

  • The model should be a single clean tube.

  • The model should formed as a segmented tube shape made up of cylinders and truncated-tori.

  • Remove all other geometry first.

  • The following are either handled or ignored:

  1. Inner walls are used to determine the wall thickness

  2. End wall rings are ignored

  3. Non-surface data, like lines and points are ignored

Vts v2.9.17 Autobuild Parametric Screen Capture With Arrow.png

Video

Click on the video image to see a video of the Autobuild Parametrics feature working.

Vts v2.9.17 Autobuild Parametric Video.png




Check.jpgNEW - Scan Point Clouds into SOLIDWORKS

VTube-LASER now handles point clouds in storage we call "buckets." This allows you to scan anything into VTube-LASER - not just tubes.

With this feature:

  • Scan point clouds into list of point cloud buckets using the LASER scanner.
  • Turn buckets of points on our off.
  • Select points on the screen then press DELETE to delete them from the buckets.
  • Measure the distance between any two points.
  • Transfer the point clouds into SOLIDWORKS.
  • Transfer the point clouds into an ASCII file for use in any other program.
  • Point clouds are stored and recalled to/from the VTube-LASER project file.
  • Point cloud changes are stored in the UNDO memory. If you delete the wrong set of points - just press UNDO.
  • Set the color of each bucket of point clouds.

Vtl v2.9.17 bucketlist.png


Vtl v2.9.17 Point CloudScanning Logo.png

Vtl v2.9.17 PointCloudScanToSOLIDWORKS.png

Vtl v2.9.17 PointCloudDimension.png

Scanning Test: Malibu Control Arm

This is a Malibu Control Arm that we scanned in VTube-LASER.

The scan has a total of 19259 points in eight different buckets. Each bucket can be turned off and on.

The color of several of the buckets of points have been changed so that you can identify different regions of points by color.


Vtl v2.9.17 MalibuControlArm scanningVideo.png

Vtl v2.9.17 MalibuControlArm.png

Send to SOLIDWORKS

Press one button to transfer the scanned point cloud to SOLIDWORKS. The transfer takes about 5 seconds.

Vtl v2.9.17 MalibuControlArm SWpointcloud.png

Convert to SOLIDWORKS Mesh

Use the SOLIDWORKS features to turn the point cloud into a mesh and surface. (This requires a Professional or Premium license of SW.)

Vtl v2.9.17 MalibuControlArm SWmesh.png



Check.jpgNEW - VTube-LASER Now Automatically Resets Straight Count at Measure

VTube-LASER users are used to editing from a "0" for starting straight count to some positive value.

You won't have to do that any more in this new version - because now VTube will just fill in the correct straight count for you.

You can still change it manually at any time.

Vtl v2.9.17 SetupMeasureResetStraightCount.png



Check.jpgNEW - Change Cylinder Fit Tolerances from a List of Setups

The new Cylinder Fit Tolerances Named Setup feature allows you to switch between stored cylinder fit tolerances for measuring cylinders.

Each setup is stored in a list of named setups that can be used at any time in any tube measure.

For example you could store a unique setup for measuring tubes with armor (like on brake lines) and another default one for regular tubes.

Vtl v2.9.17 Measure1NamedSetups Close.png

Vtl v2.9.17 Measure1NamedSetups.png



Check.jpgNEW - MAX Points for Cylinder Stripes Is Now 50

After extensive testing, we've concluded that any point count above 50 per stripe is never helpful in VTube-LASER. For example, as you approach 1000 points per stripe, it slows the math engine significantly and actually causes more Cylinder Fit problems than it solves.

VTube-LASER will now allow up to 50 points per stripe for measuring cylinders - never more.

Vtl v2.9.17 Max50PointsPerStripeForCylinders.png



Check.jpgFIX - 180-degree Bend Correction Feature

This is important to you if you correct benders with 180-degree bends using Bender Setup communications.

The Split Bend corrections (for a 180-degree bend) were being applied in Bender Setup in the uncompressed mode - which means that only half the correction was being applied to 180-degree bends.

Also, the wrong number of rows was sent to Bender Setup - which meant that correction data was not properly aligned with the data at the bender. For example, for a single 180-degree bend part, there should only be two correction rows. However, VTube was sending three rows of data for two 90-degree bends.

This has been fixed in this version.

See the resulting correction data grid in the Bender Setup screen below the image.

Vtl v2.9.17 180degreeSplitBend BenderSetupCorrectionFix.png



Check.jpgNEW- Auto Display of DRO (Digital Readout) When Moving from VTube-STEP to VTube-LASER

When the arm is connected to VTube, and the user changes from VTube-STEP to VTube-LASER, VTube now automatically displays the DRO window (Digital Readout).

Vtl v2.9.17 DRO.png



Check.jpgENHANCED - PATH MANAGER - Clear Paths That No Longer Exist in the Path Manager

The new command allows you to clear paths that no longer exist in the list of Path Manager.

Vts 2.9.17 pathmanager new.png



Check.jpgENHANCED - Configure the PATH MANAGER

Now you can configure the Path Manager without importing or loading any files.

Load the Path Manager by pressing the "Configure the Path Manager" button in the System Options / File Setup menu.

Vts 2.9.17 pathmanager setup.png



Check.jpgNEW - Radius 2 and Radius 3 after the Default Radius field in Part Setup

VTube has an added Radius 2 and Radius 3 fields in Part Setup and Bender Setup to allow for easier conversion to benders that require radius values assigned to levels (like Eaton Leonard and YSE)

Vts 2.9.17 rad2 rad3 setup.png




Check.jpgNEW - Collected Features Menu Fine-tuned with New Buttons (STEP Mode)

We found that users intuitively seek to use the Collected Features menu on the left of the screen to start the collection process.

Since that is intuitive to users, and is consistent with our menu design, we placed buttons in that menu that allow users to show the Collect Features control window.

Vts 2.9.17 collectfeaturesmenu new.png

Vts 2.9.17 collectfeaturesmenu whoscreen compare.png




Check.jpgNEW - BLM VGP-3D Bender Data Reports

This version now has a BLM VGP-3D bender data report with CW positive rotations.

Download the PDF Report

Blm-vgp3d-report1.png Blm-vgp3d-report2.png




Check.jpgNEW - Collect Control Changes (STEP Mode)

1) "Keep adding more surfaces" is now true by default.

2) End Trim from Surface now uses the middle radio button choice by default: Trim to Surface Furthest Point from Centerline Midpoint.

Vts v2.9.18 CollectControl Changes.png





Check.jpgNEW - Popup Menu for Setting Precision Weights

We added this new popup menu to make setting the Precision Weight values quicker.

Vtl v2.9.18 PrecisionWeightControlPopup.png



Check.jpgOther Changes

  • For HTML reports, the screen-image bmp file is now only copied to the html export folder when it is present in the html report.
  • In VTube-STEP, the export html report feature would display an error and would not save he html reports. This has been fixed.
  • Auto disconnect without critical error or crash when FARO driver stops answering VTube-LASER's requests for information.
  • A change allows for hardware keys (dongles) with serial numbers greater than 2.147 billion. Older revisions may not read new hardware key serial numbers properly if they exceed that value. This version addresses that issue.
  • The Language Editor reloads from the main user interface much faster than previous versions. (Build 32)
  • Optimized the STEP mode and LASER mode default settings to make VTube faster in its default state. (Build 33)
  • Fixed show unbend only in STEP mode (Build 39)
  • Measure guide viewport window does not display when the MASTER tube point count is 0.
  • Fixed connection to the FARO driver for older Edge arms
  • Added DOCS file import file checks
  • This version was modified to run with FARO driver version 6.2.1.9



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