### About Features/Dimensions and Feature Variables/Dimension Variables

Each part consists of a number of feature and feature variables. Features are the elements that make up the part. Every time the part is measured, a data value is stored for each feature variable and a name is assigned to each set of stored data values. A feature variable is a quality characteristic with a definite value. A feature variable's name is usually set in the measurement program.

For Coordinate Measuring Machines, the feature variable's name consists of a feature name and an axis. For instance, the feature CIRCLE11 represents the eleventh circle measured. If that circle has an X position, a Y position, and a diameter then three variables will be stored in the database: CIRCLE11.X, CIRCLE11.Y and CIRCLE11.D, where X, Y, and D are the axes. Feature variables have a number of values associated with them. All variables have a nominal and an upper and lower tolerance. These values are also set in the measurement software, but can be edited using the Data Editor tab.

You can choose to display the feature list, the feature variable list, the dimension list, or the dimension variable list (assuming dimensional data is present in the database) when you double-click on a part to access its statistical data. By default, the feature variable list appears. To switch between the feature list and the feature variable list, click on the drop down list at the top of the window. Either list contains a series of entries with a small colored icon displaying its feature type along with a check box allowing you to select desired items and apply them to the main view. The colored icon corresponds to the dimension and feature toolbar icons used in PC-DMIS.

Feature and Dimension Toolbars Used in PC-DMIS

You can view the stored statistical data by selecting entire features or dimensions; or by selecting individual feature variables or dimension variables from the side bar for more specific reports, and then applying the selected information to the main view.

Feature Variable list | Feature list

Note: While this topic only lists diagrams of the Feature Variable and Feature lists, the Dimension Variable and Dimension lists are laid our similarly to the above diagrams.

1. Select All. This icon marks all of the check boxes in the current list.

2. Drop-down List. This switches between Feature_Variable, Feature, Dimension, and Dimension_Variable.

3. X of Y. This lists the number of selected items (X) out of the total number of items (Y).

4. Graphic Window. This icon lets you apply display settings to any CAD views using the Graphic Window. See "Using the Graphic Window".

5. List box. This lists the color-coded feature variables (Feature Variable list) for each or a simple list of features (Feature list).

6. Variable Sets list. Beneath the Feature Variable list you will find the Variable Sets list. You can use variable sets to store saved searches and sub-selections of the entire Feature Variable list to further limit or filter what is displayed there.
   The Variable Sets icon lets you create a variable set. You can choose a predefined variable set, selecting it from the filter drop-down list. In addition, you can type a temporary filter on the fly directly into the box; you can use the asterisk (*) wild characters to represent one or more characters. For example, if you wanted all the items with the number 4 in their names, you could type *4*.
   The software automatically filters the list as you type.

See "Understanding Feature Colors" for information on the colors used in the Feature Variable list and elsewhere in the application.

See "Selecting and Applying Features or Feature Variables" for information on sending feature data to the tabbed main view.

See "Data Editor Tab" for information on creating and editing feature variables.