Sample Constructed Feature in Command Mode

Sample Constructed Feature in Command Mode

## Specifying Feature Theoreticals

PC-DMIS Version 4.2 and above provides the ability to specify theoretical information for most of the constructed feature types in PC-DMIS. Traditionally, PC-DMIS has used the theoretical values from the input features to calculate a theoretical value for the constructed feature. In some circumstances, however, you may not want this result. To make constructed features more flexible, you can override the traditional behavior and specify your own theoretical values for the feature.

At the bottom the constructed features dialog box you will see the new Feature Theoreticals area. This area remains unavailable for selection until you select the Specify Theos check box. This enables the other items in the area, allowing you to override the calculated theoretical values from the input features with specified theoretical values.

Feature Theoreticals area

The items that appear in the Feature Theoreticals area change depending on the feature you are constructing. Each feature will display at least the X, Y, and Z boxes (the location) and the I, J, and K boxes (the orientation). For features with characteristic sizes, such as circles, slots, cones, and so forth, additional items will appear in this area.

To Override Feature Theoreticals

To change an existing feature from the traditional method, to the new theoretical override:

1. Open the feature by pressing F9. The dialog box for that constructed will appear.

2. Select the Specify Theos check box. The Feature Theoretical area becomes enabled for edit.

3. Change the theoretical values by editing the available items.

4. Click the Create button when finished.

Alternately, you can edit the feature from the Edit window by changing the appropriate field.

- In Command Mode
  you would set the last field on the first line of the feature to YES and then manually type the values in the THEO line.

- In Summary Mode
  you would set the User Specified Theos value to YES and then modify the Theoreticals group.

To have PC-DMIS automatically calculate the feature information based on the input features (the traditional method), simply clear the Specify Theos check box in the dialog box or change the appropriate value in the Edit window. The features will update accordingly.

Because you are editing your feature theoretical values, PC-DMIS will ask if you want to update your measured values and the theoretical values of any associated dimensions. This is standard PC-DMIS behavior.

All constructed features have this capability except for:

- Curve

- Surface

- Filter

- Set

- Adjust Filter