Setup Options: ID Setup tab

Be sure to keep track of IDs already set when changing an identification. It is possible to have ID duplication through multiple changes to this option.

The ID Setup tab allows you to alter the format used to identify alignments, dimensions, features, comments, labels, variables, and other items.

The default Labeling method is Generic. As you create each feature, PC-DMIS assigns it an ID beginning with the letter F, followed by a number (incrementally set from the starting number of one). Type a new value in the appropriate box on this tab to override this setting.

Feature ID Rules

When modifying IDs, follow these rules:

Do not use space characters (use an underscore instead).
Do not duplicate feature names for different features.
Do not use names that are identical to PC-DMIS keywords or commands (ALIGN, PROBE, OFFSET, and many more).
Do not share names between ID types. For example, an alignment ID should not have the same ID as a feature ID or a label ID.
All IDs should be alphanumeric. You may use an underscore.
IDs should start with a letter.
Avoid using these miscellaneous characters: @ # $ % & * ( ) + - = / \ [ ] { }

While PC-DMIS does not prevent you from changing a feature ID to anything you want, ignoring these rules may cause problems with expressions, reporting, or how that ID functions with routines that use other products (like DataPage+, Microsoft Excel, and so on).

Labels for - The Labels for drop-down list is used to select the identification used for these items: (See "Labeling Method".)

Dimensions
You can identify Dimensions with either the Generic or By Type method. If you use the By Type method, identifications can be similar to each dimension type, or different based on individual need.

If you select the By Type method, you can also change the color used to display the feature ID.

If you select the Show All ID check box and you click Apply, PC-DMIS displays all feature ID labels in the Graphic Display window for all features from the current cursor location to the end of the measurement routine. Newly created features also show their ID. If this check box is deselected and you click Apply, all features IDs from current cursor location to the end of the measurement routine are hidden. Newly created features still get created in the Edit window, but the ID label doesn't appear in the Graphic Display window.

If the Color option is selected (marked), all features created after the Apply button is pressed will be affected. (Features created prior to the color change will not be replaced.)

Call Subs
Generic is the only method available for identifying Called Subroutines.

Spc Queries
You can identify Spc queries with either the Generic or By Type method.

Feature Control Frames
You can identify Feature Control Frames with either the Generic or By Type method.

Pointcloud Operators
You can identify Pointcloud Operators with either the Generic or By Type method. If you use the By Type method, identifications can be similar to each operator type, or different based on individual need.

Labeling Method - You can use this drop-down window to select between By Type and Generic identification methods.

By Type
By Type lets you set the identification for each element type (for example: circle, cone, cylinder, line, plane, point, and sphere).

Generic
Generic will apply the same identification system regardless of feature (dimension) type.

PC-DMIS has no inherent limit on the number of letters used for identifications. However, the Graphic Display area and Edit window have limits on the ID length. Even if the Edit window does not show the complete ID, PC-DMIS internally keeps track of the complete identification.

Starting Letters - This box determines the first letter or letters used in the identification process. PC-DMIS always displays the ID using capital letters.

In various dialog boxes where the ID is displayed, if you modify the ID there, PC-DMIS displays a prompt asking you if you would like to change the default ID for that item type.

Starting Number - The Starting Number box determines the first number used in the identification process. Any number between 1 and 9999 can be entered.

In various dialog boxes where the ID is displayed, if you modify only the number portion of an ID, the counter may be reset to a desired count.

Label length - The Label length check box determines the length of the identification. Selecting it displays a small edit box, into which you can type a number value. The check box must be selected in order for this option to be active. If this length is set, PC-DMIS appends zeros to the ID letters to make up the necessary length.

ID Length = 10, ID Letters = CIRCLE.

PC-DMIS will generate an ID = CIRCLE0001, etc. This is done only if the Length is set.

Display brackets for feature arrays - The Display brackets for feature arrays check box determines whether array brackets are displayed with IDs for commands executed more than once. When selected, the inspection report displays which instance of the command's execution is being referenced.

F1[3]=POINT MEASURED FROM 1 HIT

Shows that the feature, F1, is measured here for the third (designated by the number three in brackets) time.

You can control the format of the bracketed expression with the array_indices object. See "Array Indices Object" in the "Using Expressions and Variables" chapter.

Apply - The Apply button applies the changes described in "Labeling Method" to any feature identifications. These changes apply only to feature IDs. If the Apply button is not pressed, PC-DMIS will continue to assign feature identifications using the previous method listed.

If duplicate IDs are assigned, PC-DMIS notifies you that you must have a unique ID for any feature, dimension etc.

Default - The Default button allows you to update the default settings to all of the ID Setup parameters. When a new measurement routine is created, it will reflect any changes made to the parameters, only if the Default button is clicked. For additional information on Default buttons, see the "Default" topic in the "Navigating the User Interface" chapter

Always press the Apply button after you make a change (before you press the OK or Default buttons).