Fixture Coordinate System Mgr.

shift + L	PCS→FCS Manager
Keyboard	Main Menu	Toolbar

A Fixture Coordinate System (FCS) is a previously defined coordinate system saved in a separate database available to all inspection programs for inclusion as a PCS. The use of a FCS allows a repeatable location in the CMM measuring cube where inspections take place. An example would be a cradle fixture that holds a production part in one orientation and fixed location.

The use of a FCS requires that the CMM have a known home position, which is common on all DCC CMMs and on few manual CMMs.

The process of creating a FCS entails establishing a PCS on the fixture and then activating the FCS Manager to append to the database the specific geometry that defines the FCS. Using a FCS requires recalling the FCS by the assigned number through the Coordinate System Manager.
The FCS Manager also provides tools to create a program step within an inspection program where the verification and update of existing FCSs can be done programmatically. This provides the operator a means to rebuild existing FCSs through the execution of a part program.

With the release of Geomet version 6.66 in December 2005, Geomet no longer utilizes the Windows Registry to save the data for Fixture Coordinate Systems. Geomet now utilizes a separate data file with a default name of “Geomet.gcs” which is located in the Geomet program folder where “Geomet.exe” has been installed.

This change was made to allow greater flexibility for the future development and to overcome limitation with multi-user operating systems such as Windows XP. In a multi-user system, each operator has his or her own Windows Registry. In the case of FCSs, if Operator-A created a FCS, it was not available to Operator-B.

To overcome this, Geomet provides an automatic one-time Import and Convert process to extract all FCS data from the Windows Registry and build the new FCS database file. This process activates when one of the following actions occur:

• Activating the Fixture Coordinate Manager.
• Editing the FCS to PCS Inspection Step.
• Using the PCS Recall Manager.
• Running an Inspection Program with a FCS Inspection step.

It is recommended that when you run Geomet version 6.66 for the first time, launch the FCS Manager and the Import and Convert function will process your FCSs into the new database. This will occur only once.

Upon launching the FCS Manager, Geomet will test the Windows Registry if there are any FCS definition data. Should FCS data be found, you will be prompted to import the data.

figure 1, Import Message

The recommended response is <Yes>. Upon selecting <Yes> Geomet will import all FCS data into the database and delete all entries in the Windows Registry. The FCS Manager will be launched and your FCS data will be displayed.

FCSs found in the Windows Registry that have been previously tagged as “Deleted” have the description:

“--- Not Assigned ---“

The Import and Convert tool will locate these records and create an entry in the database and set a new delete control flag. You will find these records in the FCS Manager with a description of “--- Not Assigned ---“ and <Deleted> in the note column. See descriptions of Control Flags later in this section.

Geomet will prompt you one more time to confirm your selection.

figure 2, Warning Message

CAUTION: All your inspection programs that have references to FCSs will now look into the new FCS database. If you do not allow the Import and Convert function to proceed, all your inspection files will NOT run.

Selecting <Yes> or <No> to the Import and Convert function, will result in deleting all entries in the Windows Registry.
 

The FCS Manager is your access to maintaining the Fixture Coordinate Systems required for your inspection process.

figure 1, FCS Manager

To add a new FCS definition to the database, the Append button is the required command. Start by building a Part Coordinate System on the fixture installed on your CMM. Upon completion of the PCS, activate the FCS Manager.

When the FCS Manager is activated, the current PCS number will be displayed in the edit control labeled "PCS Number->". Should this be the PCS you want saved as a FCS, move to the description field and enter a brief note describing this FCS.

figure 2, FCS Manager Append

Once the description has been completed, add the data to the FCS database by pressing the <Append> button. If there are no deleted FCSs, the append function will add the new FCS to the bottom of the database. Should a deleted FCS exist, the FCS Manager will prompt you whether to add the new FCS to the bottom of the database or insert the FCS where the first deleted FCS has been found.

Choose <Yes> to use the first available spot, which is the first Deleted entry in the database, or choose <No> to append the record to the database.

CAUTION: FCSs that have been “Deleted” which still have Inspection Programs referencing that FCS number may have undesirable behavior when changing the FCS definitions.

Selecting a FCS Record in the FCS Manager requires a single left-click with your mouse. Locate the desired record, and click on it, which will highlight that record and activate record specific operations.

figure 3, Selecting an FCS

As shown in figure 3, FCS #7 has been selected. By doing this, the functions <Attach Step>, <Update>, <(Un)Delete>, <Lock Record> and <Details> activate.

The ability to update existing FCS definitions under part program control can be handled by <Attach Step>. To utilize this feature, build a part program that establishes a PCS on the fixture. Activate the FCS Manager and highlight the FCS you want to update. Enter the PCS in the edit control "PCS Number->". Then press the <Attach Step> button and an entry will be made in your part program that states:

"Updating FCS2 (description) with PCS 1"

Save your part program under a unique name. You will now have a part program that will rebuild your FCS during a part program. To see an example part program file, download the example FCS inspection program, FCS Update.zip.

The Update command allows you to change the definitions stored in the FCS database for a previously established FCS. For example, should you be required to update the definitions assigned to FCS#3, start by building a new PCS on the fixture.

When the PCS is completed, activate the FCS Manager and highlight fixture #3. In the PCS Number control, enter the PCS number you just created and select <Update>. FCS #3 will be updated with the latest coordinate system data from the PCS.

To delete a FCS from being available in the database, highlight the FCS and click on <(Un) Delete>. The FCS number will remain in the list and control flag will be set to Delete. Under the Note column, the FCS Manager will display <Deleted>. All part programs that reference this FCS will prompt with a warning about a missing FCS when it is opened.
The Delete command does not remove the FCS definitions from the database only makes them unavailable. The Delete command can also remove the delete flag making it available again.

If a FCS has been “Locked”, the Delete command will not be allowed.

The ability to Lock a FCS is new to Geomet version 6.66. Locking a record prevents changes from being made. These include Deleting and Updating. To attach a Lock, locate the FCS in the FCS Manager and select it. Press the <Lock Record> button and the record will be locked. Under the Note column, you will see the entry <Locked>.

NOTE: You can not apply a Lock to a record that has been deleted.

To view the definitions of a selected FCS, highlight the FCS in the list and select <Details>. The data shown is the XYZ axis vectors followed by the MCS origin. The information provided by Details can be helpful in locating the origin and the directional vectors for each FCS axis. You should have a complete knowledge of coordinate system components in order to fully understand the values shown.

The <Delete All> button clears out the entire FCS database.