Using Data Types to Find a Report Expression

When using expressions, you usually use expressions that pull data from PC-DMIS. You need to make sure that the command or feature you associate with the label template to do this has the data you are trying to display. Data Types can help you find the correct expression to use.

For example, suppose you create a label template that has a GridControlObject, and in one of the cells you type this expression to display a feature's measured X data:

=MEAS_X

Now, if you create a report template, add a TextReportObject, and use the Rule Tree Editor to associate your label template with PREHIT commands, in the Report window the cell will not display anything. Why? Because the PREHIT command does not have a measured X field. To use the correct expression, you can view data types for different fields in the Edit window's command mode.

This procedure explains how to turn on and view data types:

  1. Access the Edit window.

  2. Place the Edit window into Command mode.

  3. Right-click on the Edit window. A shortcut menu appears.

  4. Select Change Popup Display | Data Type Information.

  5. Hover your mouse pointer over a field in a command, and PC-DMIS will display a small, yellow popup that shows that field's data type. The first part of the value in parentheses is the data type and an equivalent expression exists in the list of expressions.

Consider this example:

A Data Type Popup

This data type popup shows that THEO_X is a valid expression for this command. If you typed "=THEO_X" into an appropriate location, PC-DMIS would display this feature's theoretical X value.

Using data types you can ensure that your report and label templates are using expressions supported by that command.

More:

A List of Available Data Types

Using a Type Index to Display Specific Data

Using a Prefix Number to Determine a Reference Feature

Predefined Constants