Difference between revisions of "VTube-STEP v1.90"

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(25px NEW: QuickLoad for STEP and IGES Files)
(25px Other Changes)
 
(41 intermediate revisions by one user not shown)
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===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Alpine Bender Output for Roll Benders===
+
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] ENHANCED: Improved Math Loop Label ===
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
* The math activity loop label now turns yellow when it is active.<br><br>
 +
* The label also shows the current straight number currently being calculated.<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-mathloop-closeup.png|400px]]
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=500>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-mathloop.png|500px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: AUTOMATIC Adjusting Projection Tolerances===
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
To calculate centerlines, VTube projects surface vectors (see the blue lines in the image).<br><br>
 +
When surface projections intersect, then VTube knows it has found the centerline of any straight.  The projection tolerance in the collection grid helps VTube know how close the intersections must be in order to flag when the intersection occurs.<br><br>
 +
In some imported STEP or IGES tube models, the projections are not as accurate as our standard setup (which is 0.00001", or 0.000254mm).<br><br>
 +
When the math engine could not find the intersection of surface projections, previous versions would generate an error and stop the calculation.  You would then have to manually adjust the projection tolerance and try to calculate again.<br><br>
 +
<h3><b>As of this version, when an intersection is not found, VTube will automatically double the projection tolerance and try again.</b></h3>  The maximum automatic adjustment value is 1mm (0.039").<br><br>
 +
If you are working with very crude cylinders, and need more than 1mm of projection tolerance, then manually set the projection tolerance higher, then calculate again.
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-automatic_adjusting_projection_tolerances.png|500px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Viewport Popup Menu Items Added===
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
New features are added to the VTube-STEP pop up menu:<br><br>
 +
* Close all control windows
 +
* Delete the Imported Models
 +
* Generate Tube Model from Collected
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=300>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-viewport-popup.png|300px]]
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Alpine Bender Output for Roll Bending===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
 
[[image:alpinebender.png|300px]]<br>
 
[[image:alpinebender.png|300px]]<br>
VTube-STEP can now output roll bending data files for Alpine controls.
+
VTube-STEP can now output roll bending data files for Alpine controls.<br><br>
 +
This feature includes the new extended YBC values window in the Alpine export menu shown at the right.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-alpine-ybc-edit.png|500px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] ENHANCED: Export/Import Project Configurations and Persistent Configurations===
+
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] ENHANCED: Export/Import PERSISTENT Configurations With PROJECT DEFAULT SETUP Configurations===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
 
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration_buttons.png|300px]]<br><br>
 
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration_buttons.png|300px]]<br><br>
The export and import feature now automatically includes two configuration files - both the default project setup file and the persistent configuration file.  The persistent setup represent values that will continue even if new project files are loaded.  
+
The export and import feature now automatically includes two configuration files - both the default project setup file and the persistent configuration file.  The persistent setup represent values that will continue even if new project files are loaded. <br><br>
 +
With the persistent configuration included, the COMPLETE setup of VTube for any system can be easily saved and transferred to any other system.
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration.png|300px]]<br>
+
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration.png|500px]]<br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
Line 52: Line 101:
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
 
* The QuickLoad window now allows for multiple filename extension types - like STEP and STP.<br><br>
 
* The QuickLoad window now allows for multiple filename extension types - like STEP and STP.<br><br>
* The QuickLoad window has a new tree menu on the left that includes the Desktop and Documents folders.  This makes browsing more flexible than in the first QuickLoad menu.
+
* The QuickLoad window has a new tree menu on the left that includes the Desktop and Documents folders.  This makes browsing more flexible than in the original QuickLoad menu.
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 
[[image:vtube-laser-1.90-quickload_tree.png|300px]]<br><br>
 
[[image:vtube-laser-1.90-quickload_tree.png|300px]]<br><br>
Line 62: Line 111:
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Spinner Wheel for Collection Type Selection===
+
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] ENHANCED: System Options - Keep or Delete Imported Model During Project Save ===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
 
+
You can now choose whether or not to save the imported model into the VTube project file for recall later in VTube-STEP.
The new spinner wheel is much easier to use than the previous drop-down menu in the Collection control window.<br><br>
+
It responds to mouse wheel motion and clicking and dragging.
+
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
[[image:vts-1.89-spinner_upclose.png]]
+
This is a new persistent configuration feature.  When this option is disabled, then any imported model already in VTube-STEP will be saved as part of the VTube project file.<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-keepcollection.png|300px]]
 
</td>
 
</td>
<td width=300>
+
<td width=500>
[[image:vtube-step-1.89_spinner_collect.png|200px]]
+
[[image:vtube-step-1.90-delete-imported-model-before-save-project.png|500px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
<br><br>
 
  
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Excel Report Export Window with Path Set ===
+
 
 +
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Project Batch Report Output ===
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
Excel reports are now controlled with a new export window that will save the last use Excel path in VTube.<br><br>
+
Some of our customers are building huge databases of VTube project files.  In order to help manage the data, VTube can now output a comma-delimited batch report of the data in all project files in any folder.<br><br>
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-ExcelReportExcelPath_Dialog.png|400px]]
+
[[image:vtube-1.90-project_batch_report_output.png|500px]]<br><br>
 +
 
 
</td>
 
</td>
<td width=300>
+
<td width=500>
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-ExcelReportExcelPath.png|300px]]
+
<br><br>
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
  
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] NEW: Export and Import Project Configurations in System Options===
+
 
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<table cellpadding=10>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<tr valign=top>
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration_buttons.png|300px]]<br><br>
+
Load the batch reporter in the Report menu of either STEP mode of LASER mode:<br><br>
It is now easy to export and import VTube configurations between different computers with VTube.  The new feature is in the System Options, Project Setup tab.
+
[[image:vtube-1.90-project_batch_report_button.png|500px]]<br><br>
 
</td>
 
</td>
<td width=300>
+
<td width=500>
[[image:vtube-laser-1.89-importexport_configuration.png|400px]]<br>
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
</tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 +
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
 +
This is a sample report file:<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-1.90-project_batch_report_file1.png|500px]]<br><br>
 +
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=500>
 +
If the batch reporter finds files with 0 or negative length straights, then it will issue a WARNING at the end of the report log and create a second report file containing a list of all the project files with these lengths:<br><br>
 +
[[image:vtube-1.90-project_batch_report_file2.png|500px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 +
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] ENHANCED: Collected Data Now Saved In Project Files ===
 +
<table cellpadding=10>
 +
<tr valign=top>
 +
<td width=400>
 +
The collected objects are now saved and recalled to and from VTube project files.  (In previous versions, they were automatically erased.)<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
<td width=500>
 +
[[image:vtube-laser-1.90-collectedalone.png|500px]]<br><br>
 +
</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
  
 
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] Other Changes===
 
===[[image:Check.jpg|25px]] Other Changes===
Line 111: Line 185:
 
<td width=400>
 
<td width=400>
  
* It is no longer necessary to exit certain selection modes before pressing the Calculate button.  VTube will now automatically exit.<br><br>
+
* Fixed a bug where the XYZ would be deleted if the Collection process was still active just before the centerline calculation was started.<br><br>
* The Guide Box can be large or small based on a checkbox in the System Options User Interface menu.<br><br>
+
 
* The "Current Project Filename"  value at the top of the VTube windows is now always the same as the project file saved to the disk - not the Drawing Number in Part Setup.  <br><br>
+
* A file list refresh issue was fixed in QuickLoad.<br><br>
+
* The search box now always clears and receives focus when QuickLoad loads.<br><br>
+
 
</td>
 
</td>
 
<td width=300>
 
<td width=300>

Latest revision as of 03:03, 1 May 2014

Vtube-step logo.jpg

Revision 1.90

Vtube-step-1.89 screenimage.png




Check.jpg ENHANCED: Improved Math Loop Label

  • The math activity loop label now turns yellow when it is active.

  • The label also shows the current straight number currently being calculated.

Vtube-step-1.90-mathloop-closeup.png

Vtube-step-1.90-mathloop.png

Check.jpg NEW: AUTOMATIC Adjusting Projection Tolerances

To calculate centerlines, VTube projects surface vectors (see the blue lines in the image).

When surface projections intersect, then VTube knows it has found the centerline of any straight. The projection tolerance in the collection grid helps VTube know how close the intersections must be in order to flag when the intersection occurs.

In some imported STEP or IGES tube models, the projections are not as accurate as our standard setup (which is 0.00001", or 0.000254mm).

When the math engine could not find the intersection of surface projections, previous versions would generate an error and stop the calculation. You would then have to manually adjust the projection tolerance and try to calculate again.

As of this version, when an intersection is not found, VTube will automatically double the projection tolerance and try again.

The maximum automatic adjustment value is 1mm (0.039").

If you are working with very crude cylinders, and need more than 1mm of projection tolerance, then manually set the projection tolerance higher, then calculate again.

Vtube-step-1.90-automatic adjusting projection tolerances.png

Check.jpg NEW: Viewport Popup Menu Items Added

New features are added to the VTube-STEP pop up menu:

  • Close all control windows
  • Delete the Imported Models
  • Generate Tube Model from Collected

Vtube-step-1.90-viewport-popup.png

Check.jpg NEW: Alpine Bender Output for Roll Bending

Alpinebender.png
VTube-STEP can now output roll bending data files for Alpine controls.

This feature includes the new extended YBC values window in the Alpine export menu shown at the right.

Vtube-step-1.90-alpine-ybc-edit.png

Check.jpg ENHANCED: Export/Import PERSISTENT Configurations With PROJECT DEFAULT SETUP Configurations

Vtube-laser-1.89-importexport configuration buttons.png

The export and import feature now automatically includes two configuration files - both the default project setup file and the persistent configuration file. The persistent setup represent values that will continue even if new project files are loaded.

With the persistent configuration included, the COMPLETE setup of VTube for any system can be easily saved and transferred to any other system.

Vtube-laser-1.89-importexport configuration.png

Check.jpg ENHANCED: QuickLoad Improved With Better Exploring

  • The QuickLoad window now allows for multiple filename extension types - like STEP and STP.

  • The QuickLoad window has a new tree menu on the left that includes the Desktop and Documents folders. This makes browsing more flexible than in the original QuickLoad menu.



Vtube-laser-1.90-quickload tree.png

Vtube-laser-1.90-quickload STEP.png

Check.jpg ENHANCED: System Options - Keep or Delete Imported Model During Project Save

You can now choose whether or not to save the imported model into the VTube project file for recall later in VTube-STEP.

This is a new persistent configuration feature. When this option is disabled, then any imported model already in VTube-STEP will be saved as part of the VTube project file.

Vtube-step-1.90-keepcollection.png

Vtube-step-1.90-delete-imported-model-before-save-project.png


Check.jpg NEW: Project Batch Report Output

Some of our customers are building huge databases of VTube project files. In order to help manage the data, VTube can now output a comma-delimited batch report of the data in all project files in any folder.

Vtube-1.90-project batch report output.png


Load the batch reporter in the Report menu of either STEP mode of LASER mode:

Vtube-1.90-project batch report button.png

This is a sample report file:

Vtube-1.90-project batch report file1.png

If the batch reporter finds files with 0 or negative length straights, then it will issue a WARNING at the end of the report log and create a second report file containing a list of all the project files with these lengths:

Vtube-1.90-project batch report file2.png

Check.jpg ENHANCED: Collected Data Now Saved In Project Files

The collected objects are now saved and recalled to and from VTube project files. (In previous versions, they were automatically erased.)

Vtube-laser-1.90-collectedalone.png


Check.jpg Other Changes

  • Fixed a bug where the XYZ would be deleted if the Collection process was still active just before the centerline calculation was started.



Other