PC-DMIS Vision - bringing CAD to vision inspection 

PC-DMIS Vision reduces the time spent developing inspection programs by up to 75%.  PC-DMIS was the first CMM software to integrate CAD into the measurement process.  It has a sophisticated set of tools crafted to ease the job of developing, debugging and executing measurement program. Wilcox Associates has adapted these capabilities and added powerful new ones to meet the unique requirements of vision metrology.  CMM users typically report reductions of between 50% and 75% in the time spent generating measurement routines.  Now, users of vision machines can expect the same.

PC-DMIS Vision links 3D CAD to specific vision metrology systems.  Vision Metrologists work directly with CAD models, including solids, in developing, debugging and editing vision programs.  During program execution, the software compares the measured data to the CAD nominals.  Because it works with true 3D models, PC-DMIS Vision allows users to measure 3D features on vision systems.

Interoperability - PC-DMIS Vision is part of the PC-DMIS EMS Suite of software products.  Because of this, it shares a common user interface and a common software architecture with the other EMS measurement software.  No matter what the measurement machine or the sensor, operators and programmers are always working in the same software environments.  This eliminates the need for expensive and wasteful cross training.

CAD based - PC-DMIS Vision seamlessly integrates CAD into vision measurement.  Vision metrologists work directly with CAD models in developing, debugging and editing vision programs.  PC-DMIS Vision supports a wide range of standard CAD formats and standards including IGES, STEP, DMIS and more.  It also provides links to a range of proprietarily CAD systems like CATIA and UG using either Direct CAD Translators (DCTs), which provide for a direct translation from native CAD format into PC-DMIS format or Direct CAD Interfaces (Dices), which make it possible to work directly on the CAD model.  In all cases, the software compares the measured data to the CAD nominals during program execution.  Because it works with true 3D models, PC-DMIS Vision allows users to measure 3D features on vision systems.

Off-line Programming - PC-DMIS Vision makes off-line programming a reality.  Users can develop and prove their inspection programs off-line while leaving their measurement machine free for inspection.  Users select geometry and define program parameters by pointing and clicking on a CAD model.  There’s no need to do a lot of typing and, because PC-DMIS Vision automatically extracts information from the model, it eliminates a major source of programming errors.

Camera Simulation - PC-DMIS Vision’s CAD Camera allows users to accurately simulate part execution on a CAD model.  It accurately simulates selected measurement options including, camera views, lighting and probe selection. It works either on-line or off-line and has the unique capability to reproduce precisely what the camera will see as it measures a part.  When simulating program execution, programmers can switch between a CAD view and a virtual camera view, which changes in step with the inspection program. 
Part Transferability - PC-DMIS Vision’s AutoTune feature makes it easy to transfer parts between machines of the same type.  With AutoTune an operator can quickly modify the illumination and magnification settings of a program taken from another machine by stepping through it and making any changes as needed.  The software automatically records them, and, at the end of the cycle, the program is ready to go on the new machine.  This unique functionality is a direct result of the methods PC-DMIS Vision uses for calibration and for storing calibration data.

Feature-based Measurement – PC-DMIS Vision automatically adjusts measurement processes according to what’s being measured.  During measurement it uses feature size not pixel

Streamlined Program Editing - PC-DMIS Vision makes editing inspection programs easy.   Historically, editing vision programs has been a chore.  Just making simple changes was cumbersome at best.  If anything significant had to be done, it was easier just to rewrite the program.  Neither alternative was acceptable.  PC-DMIS Vision changes all that.  It has a sophisticated set of editing tools developed in response to the needs of our users.  With them, it's a simple matter to modify inspection routines.

Enhanced Edge Detection – PC-DMIS Vision offers a set of user-selectable alorithms that make it easy to setup edge detection for each feature in an inspection program.  Instead of having to manually set up filters using trial and error, operators simply input the sort of edge they are looking for.  Based on this, the software applies the most suitable algorithm for the measurement in question.  Importantly these routines significantly improve the accuracy and repeatability of measurements taken on weak edges.

Operator Assistance – PC-DMIS Vision has a range of features that make the programmer’s and operator’s jobs easier.  It includes a virtual compass for making quick on-machine checks, and it also includes powerful functions that streamline the measurement process. Two of these deserve particular attention are AutoShutter and Multi-Capture.  AutoShutter greatly increases the throughput on manual machines by automatically measuring all features within a field of view rather than forcing the operator position the camera on each one.  Multi-Capture does even more.   With it, PC-DMIS Vision automatically captures and processes all programmed features within the field of view.  It works effectively on both manual and DCC machines.

Multi-Sensor Capable – PC-DMIS Vision supports a wide range of multi-sensor configurations seamlessly.  Users can quickly and easily cross calibrate sensors and then use them interchangeably within their measurement programs as needed.  PC-DMIS Vision includes support for a variety of sensors including cameras, tactile, laser and white light.

PC-DMIS Vision makes off-line programming a reality.  Users can develop and prove their inspection programs off-line while leaving their measurement machine free for inspection.  Users select geometry and define program parameters by pointing and clicking on a CAD model.  There’s no need to do a lot of typing and, because PC-DMIS Vision automatically extracts information from the model, it eliminates a major source of programming errors. 

PC-DMIS Vision is available both as original equipment and as a retrofit for a wide range of Mycrona measurement systems.  To learn more Click Here.

PC-DMIS Vision is now available as plug & play retrofit package for all standard, PC-based OGP Measurement Systems.  To learn more, click here.