AccuMark™ Advanced Edition .............................................................................3 What’s New 8.2.2..................................................................................................3 New Sentinel Driver ..............................................................................................3 CSV Reports .........................................................................................................3 What’s New 8.2.1..................................................................................................4 Piece Plot and Annotation Lines ...........................................................................4 AccuMark™ Advanced Edition .............................................................................6 What’s New 8.2.0..................................................................................................6 Updates to Install License.....................................................................................7 NESTERserver™ 6.1.2 Update ............................................................................8 Rule Table Notch attributes list ...........................................................................10 Explorer ..............................................................................................................10 Consistency in Plot and Cut Options...................................................................11 DXF Output .........................................................................................................12 Plot Output Quantity Change ..............................................................................13 Drag and Drop Between Plot Queues.................................................................14 New Plotters and Drivers ....................................................................................14 Opening Assyst Markers.....................................................................................15 Manual Bundle Labeling Option ..........................................................................17 Bundle Flip Changes...........................................................................................17 Saving Marker after using Bundle Flip ................................................................18 Marker Report – New User ID fields ...................................................................19 Cut Generation notch and internal identification .................................................19 Cut Sequencing by Category ..............................................................................20 Default labeler values .........................................................................................21 Pattern Conversion Wizard .................................................................................21 What’s New Pattern Design™ 8.2.2....................................................................23 Keep Position......................................................................................................23 Pattern Design™ 8.2.1........................................................................................25 MDL files Import..................................................................................................25 Copy Point Number.............................................................................................25 Pattern Design™ 8.2.0........................................................................................26 Pattern Wizard ....................................................................................................26 Pre-Defined Garment Scripts ..........................................................................26 Measurement Charts.......................................................................................27 Creating a new Script ......................................................................................29 Referencing Measurement Charts and Entering Equations ............................30 Running the Script...........................................................................................32 Editing a Script ................................................................................................32 Print.................................................................................................................34 Delete Script....................................................................................................34 Modifying Existing Patterns versus Creating New Patterns.............................35 Contents of the Script......................................................................................36 Functions Enabled with Scripts .......................................................................36 The XML File ...................................................................................................36 Page 1 of 49 1/29/2007 Error messages in the Formula Calculator ......................................................37 Error messages while Recording.....................................................................38 Hints and Tips .................................................................................................38 Changes for Lectra data .....................................................................................40 Investronica data with Annotation .......................................................................40 2 Point – Curve in Create Draft Piece .................................................................40 Opening Assyst and AAMA/ASTM data in Pattern Design .................................41 Assyst Data .....................................................................................................42 Setting options for AAMA/ASTM Data.............................................................43 Matching Lines for Styles converted to Models...................................................47 Multiple Sizes for Costing Markers......................................................................47 Create Piece Functions.......................................................................................47 Splitting Pieces with Annotation ..........................................................................48 Support for unclipped lines in Trace Piece, Swap and Replace Line ..................49 Piece Type added to Piece Properties................................................................49 Page 2 of 49 1/29/2007 AccuMark™ Advanced Edition What’s New 8.2.2 Changes since 8.2.1 New Sentinel Driver A new version of Sentinel is installed during the installation of 8.2.2 When an older version is detected, this version will replace it before continuing automatically with the installation of AccuMark software. The driver installation is required for this AccuMark software version. CSV Reports CSV Report for Models now includes the shrink/stretch amount by piece. Page 3 of 49 1/29/2007 AccuMark™ Advanced Edition What’s New 8.2.1 Changes since 8.2.0 Piece Plot and Annotation Lines A new feature was added to improve the position of annotation text from Investronica piece data. Use the Annotation Editor to position the lower left corner of the annotation for annotation lines (label A and B lines and forced annotation lines LBA and LBB) to be positioned at the start point of the annotation line. To position text on annotation lines to the start point of the line: Add $<$ at the beginning of the annotation string in the AccuMark Annotation Editor. Example: enter LABELA (in the Category field) and “$<$ This is a test.” in the Annotation field. Annotation Editor Page 4 of 49 1/29/2007 To override the AccuMark minimum character size (0.125 inches (0.318 cm)) for scaling annotation strings for A and B annotation lines. Create a new Environment Variable called PLOTMINSIZE and set it to 850. The PLOTMINSIZE units is specified in ten thousands of an inch. The new override minimum character size is 0.085 inches (0.216 cm). BEFORE AFTER Page 5 of 49 1/29/2007 AccuMark™ Advanced Edition What’s New 8.2.0 Changes since 8.1.2 Keep your AccuMark system performing at its optimum level by installing the latest AccuMark software from Gerber Technology, Inc. Each new software release includes important improvements and enhancements, many which were requested by valued customers, like you. Before installing any new software, please read the applicable release notes. In this document you will find the most recent changes that have been made for this release. The release notes are accessible from the Documentation tab in the Launchpad. These are some of the important highlights of the latest release on this CD. Pattern Wizard – save time by using scripts to generate new patterns from measurements or, to modify existing data. Support for Assyst data improves the collaboration among your manufacturing partners. Improve plot quality with the new Investronica P2000 plotter drivers. Generate DXF files in one step with the new DXF plot options. Greater flexibility with plot and cut applications improves consistency. Move plot jobs between queues using the new “drag and drop” feature. Control cutting paths with new cut sequencing features Safeguard your system with the new License file changes Considering a new upright plotter? The SP-120 replaces the SP150. Ability to detect low paper and ink levels on the new Infinity plotters. If you need assistance with installing the software, or have any questions, please contact your local Gerber Service representatives. They will be happy to help you in any way they can. Upgrading from V8.1 to 8.2 requires a new license file. Page 6 of 49 1/29/2007 Updates to Install License The Install License dialog has been updated to display the contents of your license file. This allows you to easily see the applications that are valid for this license and key. The Apply button has replaced the Validate button. When you select the Apply button the type of license (Advanced or Professional) and the license features contained in the license file are shown. Use the scroll bar to see all features. Once a license has been applied, opening Install License will auto-display the contents. The message is automatically displayed indicating if the license file and the key match. The OK button has been updated to close the dialog. Previously the OK button would only reapply the license file and you would have to use the Cancel button or X to exit. The application has also been updated to restore the previous license file if you were to apply an invalid license or a license file from another key, and display the following message in the dialog box: Page 7 of 49 1/29/2007 NESTERserver™ 6.1.2 Update NESTERserver users will need to update their program in order to operate it in the AccuMark V8.2 environment. An updated license file is required in order to use this program with V8.2. For detailed instructions, please refer to the Release Notes for NESTERserver Update for V8.2 found on the AccuNest installation page on the AccuMark V8.2 Family CD. A simple installation procedure installs the UltraQueue and NESTERserver update for AccuMark V8.2. The NESTERserver 6.1.2 update is installed from the AccuNest entry on the main installation page. Page 8 of 49 1/29/2007 Release Notes for this update are located on the AccuNest Installation page. Select “NESTER Update for AccuMark V8.2” when the option to select Nester or AccuNest Professional displays. A prior version of software will be found. Allow the uninstall to run, following the prompts. The option for AccuNest Professional Edition installs the latest nesting engine software from Gerber Technology. Please contact your sales representative to learn more about this new product. Page 9 of 49 1/29/2007 Rule Table Notch attributes list The rule table editor now allows 1-99 notch types in the attribute field. Previously, the rule editor look up for point attributes was limited to 5 notches. Now the PNotch Parameter table and the rule table editor are consistent with each another. Explorer Import plot and import digitize can now import multiple files at one time. Previously, only one plot file or digitize data item could be imported to AMExplorer each time. You can enter multiple names, use the Control + click, Shift + click, or draw a marquee around the files to be imported. Here is an example: Page 10 of 49 1/29/2007 Consistency in Plot and Cut Options The Plot and Cut file options have been enhanced to be more consistent throughout the system. Each application has its own set of options, which are stored separately. Default values will be assigned to the Options dialog boxes when first opened. Piece Plot Marker Plot Cut Plot Cut Generation Each option dialog box can be set up with the following choices: File Naming 8.3 file names Long file names Append a count to the name (suffix). Extension Specified name Use a count (001, 002, 003...) Use Last Dash as Separator No File Extension More flexibility beyond the limits of the original eight character file names. Page 11 of 49 1/29/2007 Long file names can be created with or without extensions. Naming options apply ONLY to Cut and Plot files stored to a file location. Cut and Plot files sent to a queue or saved to Storage Areas use the input name (Marker Name, Piece Name, Cut Name, etc.) and have NO filename extension. DXF Output DXF files can now be generated directly from AccuMark data. This includes pieces, models and markers files. The dxf data is generated from the Piece Plot, Marker Plot and PDS Plot applications. Set up the Piece Plot or Marker Plot options with the file type “DXF” and set up a plot destination directory. Markers and pieces will be created in standard DXF format to the designated directory. Page 12 of 49 1/29/2007 From PDS, set up Preferences to allow the arranged pieces in the work area to be generated as a dxf file. Be sure to set up the Piece Plot Preferences as well, so the files are generated to a designated directory as a DXF file type. Plot Output Quantity Change Added the ability to plot multiple jobs of varying quantities. Before this was only available for single jobs. Now multiple jobs of DIFFERENT QUANTITIES can be sent to the plotter from output File names. Page 13 of 49 1/29/2007 Drag and Drop Between Plot Queues A new plot queue feature has been added to enable users to drag and drop plot jobs from one plot queue to another plot queue. This feature is enabled from AccuMark Utilities - Plot Queue Configuration Dialog. By default, this feature is turned on. When this option is turned off, the ability to move plot jobs from one queue to another queue, or to reorder jobs within a queue, would not be available. In order to disable the drag and drop feature, go to AccuMark Utilities - Plot Queue Configuration dialog and uncheck this option. Only a user with Administrator privileges is permitted to change this option. An Administrator should uncheck this option on each workstation where they wish to restrict this ability. New Plotters and Drivers SP 120 Plotter A new plotter driver has been added to support the SP120 upright plotter. This plotter has replaced the SP150. Investronica P2000 Plotter New drivers have been created for the P2000 plotter, improving throughput and curve quality. Please refer to the AccuMark Configuration Notes for details. Note: These new drivers only support the Investronica P2000 plotter; not the Zund P2000. Page 14 of 49 1/29/2007 Infinity 45 and Infinity 85 Plotters • These new plotter drivers accommodate the new Infinity 45 and Infinity 85 plotters which have sensors and a user interface to detect “out of paper /end of roll” and “out of ink”. The Infinity 45 plotter uses HP® ink cartridges that are commercially available worldwide. The Infinity 85 uses a HP 350ml bulk ink system that saves you even more. HP print head technology can save you thousands of dollars yearly in print head maintenance costs, because every ink refill has a new print head. In addition, the Infinity allows users to modify ink usage based on their requirements for optimum efficiency and cost savings. • • • Opening Assyst Markers The ability to open Assyst markers has been added to File/Open in Marker Making. The Assyst pieces need to be opened and saved as AccuMark data before attempting to open the Assyst marker in Mark Making. Refer to the PDS section for converting Assyst piece data to AccuMark format. When opening Assyst data, it is expected that the data is in the following folder structure: • Models - model files (list of styles) • Styles - style files (list of pieces) • Design - design files containing pieces. • Graderules - grade rule tables referred to in Design files. • Markers - marker orders Before markers can be opened, some preparation must be done: • The pieces must be saved in the same AccuMark storage area. • A laylimit table named “L” and an annotation table named “A” must exist. Page 15 of 49 1/29/2007 • Open the marker in marker making, after setting the default location (where pieces already exist).The type of files should be set to "Assyst Data (*.*)" If a file cannot be successfully opened, use the Assyst data utility to detect the type of data and contents of the file to be used for the markers. This utility can be found in the following location: C:\Program Files\Gerber Technology\AccuMark V8\AccuMark\Assystdatadetector.exe Page 16 of 49 1/29/2007 Manual Bundle Labeling Option By default, a unique bundle code is assigned to all parts of a model in a given size. This may be too limiting for some customers. Some non-apparel users have requested that all instances of a given model have the same bundle code. This new feature provides the user with the option to allow the operator to assign the bundles during marker plot. The Annotation Table must have the bundle code set up for the default category. For example, “BD1-3” Without this setting the bundle prompt will not be applied. P-Marker Plot - Check box for manual bundle prompt Bundle Flip Changes This relates ONLY to the handling of "Bundle-Flip", not “Flip Piece”. Enhancements have been made to the Bundle Flip function in Marker making. Prior to Version 8.2.0 when the Bundle Flip function was used, if piece(s) of a bundle were returned to the matrix menu, the piece(s) would be reoriented to the original ordered position. If the piece was again selected from the menu and placed back in the marker, it would be in a different orientation than the other flipped pieces of that bundle. The Piece or Bundle menu function that is chosen determines the orientation of the piece that is returned to the menu. In version 8.2.0, the functions, Return Unplaced and Return One Piece maintain the orientation of the unplaced flipped pieces. Flipped pieces that are returned to the matrix menu using Return All, Return Bundle and Reset Orientation still reset the pieces to the original orientation when returned to the menu. Saving a marker will also maintain the flipped position of pieces from the bundle. Page 17 of 49 1/29/2007 Saving Marker after using Bundle Flip In Version 8.2.0 pieces in the matrix menu now maintain the flipped position when Bundle Flip is used and the marker is saved. Previously, flipped pieces in the menu would return to the ordered position when the marker was saved. Bundle Flip status is not reset when using: New Functionality Piece / Return Unplaced Store/ Retrieve marker. Bundle Flip status is reset on pieces returned to the menu when using: Existing functionality Piece/ Return All Piece / Return Bundle Bundle/Reset Orientation Bundle / Return Page 18 of 49 1/29/2007 Marker Report – New User ID fields The User ID can now be added to the marker header reports. Fields are available for: User Last Modified, User Prev. Modified, User Created The Created Time and Previous Modified Time columns are also available to be added to the Layout. Cut Generation notch and internal identification Notches and internals can now be shown in exported cut data. This data will be made available only to the C200MT cutter software. Page 19 of 49 1/29/2007 Cut Sequencing by Category Cutter parameter tables now have a section to define the cut sequencing by categories. Multiple categories can be listed on one line, separated by commas. The option Cut Small First must be checked to activate this section during cut generation. Pieces listed together on the same line separated by commas are cut at the same priority. In this example, cut all pockets and cuffs first and intermingled. Then, cut everything else except what is below this line. The front and backs would be cut last. Pieces listed on separate lines are cut in the specified order. Page 20 of 49 1/29/2007 In this example, cut all pockets, then cut all cuffs, and then cut everything else. System looks at all lines of categories and cuts according to the order of how they are typed in on the lines. An asterisk means "everything" It is also possible to reverse the sequencing by listing an asterisk first. This will cut everything except pockets and cuffs. Then, cut pockets and cuffs last. Example: * POCKET, CUFF “Cut everything except pockets and cuffs, then cut pockets and cuffs.” Default labeler values The labeler fields in the P-Cutter Parameter table now have default values for the width and height of the label. These values can be overwritten. Pattern Conversion Wizard Added ability to export and import the piece quantity in the model. The quantity of the pieces as listed in the model editor is now being exported and imported correctly. When exporting, the '--' column is the 'left' and all the flips are combined into the 'right' number. The format inside the DXF file is quantity = (right, left). When we import a model in we will put all the right pieces in the X-Flip column and the lefts will be put in the '--' column of the model editor. There is no mention of Y and XY flips in the ASTM standard so that is why all the flips are combined. Page 21 of 49 1/29/2007 Added the ability to choose conversion unit and scale. Import Style now has new units of measurement options. The dxf files must have been processed in this new unit initially to be effective. 1/10MM, Centimeter, Meter, 1/10Inch, 1/100 inch, Feet, Yards are the new units. If the file was created in Millimeters or Inches, the Imperial and Metric setting will work as it previously did. In fact, if metric or English/Imperial is defined within the dxf file, the PCW won't change the units - but will use millimeters for metric and inches for Imperial/English. If no unit was defined, Metric or Imperial could be used as before for the conversion factor. If any of the new options are chosen, however, they will override and force this unit during the conversion process. The Pattern Conversion Wizard will now display the Log file when an error occurs in a conversion. Added the support of additional characters when importing data. It is now possible to annotate pieces with ~, *, {, }, |, [, ] and \ in PDS. Previously, if these characters were added in PDS, exported to DXF, and then imported back to the AccuMark using PCW, these characters were lost. Page 22 of 49 1/29/2007 What’s New Pattern Design™ 8.2.2 Changes since 8.2.1 Keep Position A new function option has been added in the Reference Notch and Tangent Notch functions called "Keep Position”. This option controls the distance between the notch and reference point when shrinkage is applied. This option will flag the reference notch and maintain the reference notch distance in the Scale and Shrink/Stretch functions. Notch-Reference-Add and Notch-Tangent menu function options Page 23 of 49 1/29/2007 Existing notches can also be modified by adding or removing the “Keep Position” The View Notch menu function displays the notches that have the “Keep Position” function applied. Page 24 of 49 1/29/2007 What’s New Pattern Design™ 8.2.1 Changes since 8.2.0 MDL files Import When importing Lectra models the Lectra Piece Comment is now converted into the AccuMark Piece Description in PDS. Previously the AccuMark Piece Description was left blank. Lectra piece comments can be up to 32 characters. The AccuMark Piece Description allows 20 characters. Therefore, 12 characters may be truncated. For Asian languages (double byte) the description field is only 10 characters. Copy Point Number With the option “Individual” it is now possible to select points or notches. When selecting a Standard notch and there is an ID on the base point and an ID on the notch, the system will select the notch ID as source. It is possible to select every point or notch type as target. Selecting a Standard notch with no existing ID as target, the ID will go to the Notch. When there is already an ID on the base point and not an ID on the notch the newly copied ID will go to the base point. Page 25 of 49 1/29/2007 What’s New Pattern Design™ 8.2.0 Changes since 8.1.2 Pattern Wizard The Pattern Wizard provides the ability to create and run scripts for pattern creation and modification. Over forty PDS functions are enabled to work with scripts. The scripts can be used for a variety of purposes: • Graded patterns may be created from measurements. • Scripts for general garment types can be created and used for costing by varying the measurement specifications for the patterns created. • Basic patterns can be created in the system by the scripts and then further modified in PDS. • Repetitive or standardized procedures may be automated for existing patterns. An additional drop-down menu called Wizard is displayed to the right of Draft. The functions include Record, Play, Edit, Delete and Edit Measure Chart. Toolbar tools are also available for these functions. Pre-Defined Garment Scripts Several pre-defined scripts are provided with the software. The names for these scripts are currently displayed in the Script menu. These scripts should be located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Gerber Technology\Silhouette 2000\Scripts\Samples. They are displayed in the menu by providing the script names in the file MenuSetup.txt (displayed below). Selecting one of the menu options runs a pre-defined script. The system then displays a dialog box with the measurement chart name displayed. The measurement chart can be changed to specify a different size line, and the individual sizes or graded nest can be specified. Page 26 of 49 1/29/2007 Measurement Charts The measurement charts can be created in Excel, PDS or in another application. The file formats for the charts need to be Excel files (.xls) or .CSV files. If working with Microsoft Excel, a new PDS preference can be used to specify opening Excel rather than the PDS Measurement Chart editor. The Measure Charts can be edited and displayed in PDS using the Edit Measure Chart function. The illustration can also be associated with each Point of Measurement. The corresponding image will then display for the row of the cursor location. The image can be added by right clicking on a checkbox to display the selection dialog box. Page 27 of 49 1/29/2007 Note for Regional Settings: If editing a chart that was originally created with a period as the decimal place, a period should be used rather than a comma, or the changes will not be saved. Sizes and measurement locations can be added or removed. To delete a column, highlight the column first, and then click the toolbar button to delete. Multiple columns can also be deleted at once. To delete a row, highlight a row, press delete button on the keyboard. Add Measurement To add a new measurement item, select the Add Measurement menu option, tool or select F1. A new line is added below the last measurement in the chart. A drop down menu is available to select from the list of pre-defined items. Delete Measurement To delete a new measurement item, select the row above the row to be deleted, then select the Delete Measurement menu option, tool or select F2. The line is deleted. Pre-defined list of measurement points The pre-defined list of measurement locations can be created in a text file and saved in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Gerber Technology\Silhouette 2000\Scripts. Select the text file to use in Measure Chart/Edit/Preferences. Add Size To add a new size, select the Add Size menu option, tool or select F3. A new column is added to the right of the last size. Delete Size Highlight the column of the size to be deleted. Select the Add Size menu option, tool or select F4. The highlighted column is removed. Change Base Size Select the Change Base Size menu option, tool or select F5. The ‘Change Base Size’ dialog displays. Select the correct size and then select OK. Page 28 of 49 1/29/2007 If created in Microsoft Excel, the files should follow the format below. In the top row, the first cell has a 1 or a 2. A 1 indicates that the POMs (point of measurement locations) are along the top row. A 2 indicates the POMs are down the first column. Cell 1B contains the base size and cell 1C contains the size step. Creating a new Script Using the PDS functions while in a recording mode creates scripts. 1. Select Script/Record. The ‘Recording new script’ dialog displays in the work area. This form can be re-sized. 2. Select a measurement chart. A description is optional. The View Information and View Steps buttons can be used to reduce the size of the dialog while recording. Page 29 of 49 1/29/2007 3. Select the first function and begin the process. The dialog remains displayed while recording. 4. Perform the steps of the script. When making a new piece, before creating the first line, select ‘Create As New Piece’ from the right mouse button menu. After the first line is created, the system prompts for a piece name. 5. Occasionally the recording should be stopped in order to save the work performed. Select the Record tool (red dot) to stop recording. Select File/Save or Save As. The default location for saving is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Gerber Technology\Silhouette 2000\Scripts\CISMA, however the data can be saved to any folder or drive. The xml file and csv file must be saved in the same location. Referencing Measurement Charts and Entering Equations A Value in the Measurement Chart can be referenced when positioning any point. When selecting the location to reference a measurement, the system should be in Value mode, or changed to Value mode when the location is being selected. 1. Select the Calculator button when the text cursor is in one of the fields (Beg, End, X, Y, Dist or Angle). The Formula Calculator dialog displays in the work area. 2. The currently selected field, Beg, End, X, Y, Dist or Angle, is displayed about the data entry field. Enter the equation in the Data Entry field of the Formula Calculator dialog. If a measurement is selected from the Chart Measurement list, it is placed in the Data Entry field. The Enter key on the keypad displays the solution to the equation to the right of the equal (=) sign. 3. Select Apply in the Formula Calculator dialog to return to the Value Input box and enter a value for another field. Select OK in the Formula Calculator dialog to execute the function. Page 30 of 49 1/29/2007 Entering a number into the Data Entry field and then selecting the square root button, “sqrt”, will derive the square root of a number. The equation displays as “sqrt(x)”. Measurements can be taken on pieces from the work area and included in equations. When a measurement is taken from a piece, it displays in the Data Entry line as “Length(Line(‘piece name’,’L06’)). The “Length” indicates that the Measure Line function was used. The line selected was L06 on piece P1. Page 31 of 49 1/29/2007 Running the Script 1. Select Script/Play. The File Open dialog displays in the work area. 2. Select the name of the script to run. 3. Select Open. • If creating graded sizes, specify size(s) or select Graded Nest from the drop down Sizes field if a size(s) other than the base is desired. If individual sizes are selected, a separate piece is created for each size when drafting. If Graded Nest is selected, a single, graded piece is created. • If a different measurement chart is used, it must have the same point of measurements. The measurement chart can also be displayed and edited prior to running the script. After selecting the chart and size(s) to create, select OK to run the script. • If modifying existing data, a measurement chart and sizes do not need to be specified. In this case the piece names of the pieces originally used to create the script can be replaced with the names of the pieces that the script should be applied to using the Replace and With fields. 4. The system will prompt for a location in the work area to be selected. Click in the work area. The script executes. If an error is encountered, the Edit dialog displays in the work area. Editing a Script Steps can be inserted into, and deleted from and existing script. 1. Select Script/Edit. The File Open dialog displays in the work area. 2. Select the name of the script to edit. Page 32 of 49 1/29/2007 3. Select Open. The steps of the script display in the ‘Edit Script’ dialog. The steps are displayed in tree form and the steps can be expanded by selecting the ‘+’ sign. 4. Select a specific step in the Script, the line with highlight. The first 8 options in the toolbar can be used for editing. The 8 options are Step, Step Back, Go to Step, Run, Record, Delete, Undo and Redo. The next 4 are used to format the display of the window; Show Information, Show Steps, and Expand Steps. The last 2 are for adding and editing comments. Step The Step function moves forward through the script, one step at a time. The steps that have been performed are displayed in BOLD type. Step Back The Step Back function moves backwards through the script, one step at a time. Go to Step The Go to Step function runs the script through until the function before the selected step. Page 33 of 49 1/29/2007 Run The Run function performs the script to the end. Record can then be used to append additional steps at the end of the script. Record The Record function is used to insert steps at the location of the current step (represented by a horizontal line). Step or Go to Step can be used to get to the desired location in the script. Delete The Delete function is used to delete steps from a script. The function after the horizontal line is deleted. Undo and Redo The Undo and Redo functions within Edit Script are different from the standard PDS Undo and Redo functions. For example, using Undo after Go to Step will undo all of the functions applied in Go to Step. Show/Hide Information and Steps The Show/Hide Information and Steps buttons are used to make the window small while working in the work area, or display the details of the script. Expand Steps Expand Steps is used to show all of the information in each step. Comment Comments can be added prior to each step in the script. The comment can be used to describe what is being created or modified by the step. Print The Print option in the File menu can be used to print the script. Delete Script A script can be deleted using the Delete Script function. The file selection dialog is displayed and the location and file name can be selected. Page 34 of 49 1/29/2007 Modifying Existing Patterns versus Creating New Patterns Preparation for creating scripts to draft new patterns is different from creating scripts to modify existing data. When modifying existing data, the script uses line names and point numbers to identify what points and lines will be changed by the functions. The functions Edit Line Name and Edit Point Info are used to apply line names and point numbers. Copy Point Numbers and Copy Line Names can be used to prepare pieces before they are used in a script. Use scripts between different styles. Although you can use scripts on nonidentical sets of data, there needs to be certain similarities in order for the script to be successfully applied. Lines & Points Only the line names and point numbers which are referenced in the script must be the same between the styles. For example, a simple script used to lengthen skirt hems by moving the hem lines, only the hem line needs a name. Style Details Style details of a pattern piece need to be similar if the change in the script affects that particular area of the pattern. For example, if you have a script which deepens the armhole of a suit jacket, that script could be applied to jackets with or without vents, with two or three buttons, or single/double-breasted. The script would not apply between a two and three piece body or a one and a two piece sleeve. Page 35 of 49 1/29/2007 Line Lengths Line lengths do not have to be the same on different styles, but the measurement indicated in the script file must exist on the substitute piece. For example, if the script specifies that a notch be added 20 cm from the beginning of a line, and the substitute line is only 18 cm long, the script will fail. Contents of the Script The information in the script describes what functions are used, what data is selected, created, and what measurements are used. Each step is preceded by a + and the icon for the function. The function name, piece name and Function Option settings are also displayed on the first line. When the + is selected to expand the step, additional information is displayed. Functions Enabled with Scripts File/open Save/Save As Create Model/Add Pieces Costing Marker Stack On/Off Add Point Mark X Point Delete Point Align 2 Points Move Single Point Move Point Move Point Line Move Point Horizontal Move Point Vertical Move Smooth Move Smooth Line Move Smooth Horizontal Move Smooth Vertical Add Notch Digitize Line 2 Point Line 2 Point Curve Copy Offset Offset Uneven Copy Line Mirror Line Perp On Line Perp Off Line Perp 2 Points Curved Intersection Delete Line Move Range Modify Length Split Line Clip Line Create Rectangle Create Trace Add Dart Define Seam Swap Sew/Cut Perpendicular Step Corner Bisect Step Corner Delete Piece from Work area *View functions are also available The XML File Page 36 of 49 1/29/2007 The steps of the script are saved in an .xml file. The file can be edited as text, as long as the format is preserved. This file can also be printed from a Browser. When viewing the xml file in a browser, the file is formatted fully expanded with each step indicated by a dash, “-“. Edits cannot be made in a viewer however. The files can be edited in Microsoft Word 2003, and there are a variety of free xml editors available that can be downloaded from the Internet. Microsoft’s XML Notepad is available at various freeware download sites. The different xml editors display the files in different formats. A file is displayed in Microsoft’s XML Notepad below. Error messages in the Formula Calculator Not enough arguments Page 37 of 49 1/29/2007 This error will display if an incomplete formula is entered, for example, 4*. There need to be 2 numbers to multiply. Must be 1 operand, operand count after parsing: 2 in the formula This error will display if two point of measurements are in a row, for example “<front><back>” with no *, /, + or- separating them. Unexpected operator “x” in the formula This error will display if too many operations are in the example, for example, a multiplication symbol followed by a division symbol, 4*/2. Unexpected ( in formula This error will display is an open parentheses is in the formula with no close parentheses. Error messages while Recording “Point needs to have an ID” When creating a script, each point or line selected must have a point number or line name. If points are selected using a marquis (box) the error, “Point needs to have an ID” is given. Select each point individually. Hints and Tips Creating a good script can take a number of tries Creating a successful script usually takes more than one try. This is especially true for ore complicated garments. Even though grading is created, verification is still necessary The script creates the graded sizes from the measurement chart, however the pieces should be checked to verify that they will sew together. Requires an experienced PDS user Creating the scripts is fairly easy, however the user does need to know how to operate the PDS functions. Scripts may help to close skill gap Scripts can be created by experienced pattern makers and used by less skilled users. Scripts can be created for a base pattern that already exists Creating the reference lines around the existing perimeter can create a script for existing patterns. Page 38 of 49 1/29/2007 Save script after creating a group of steps To ensure that the script is being created correctly, it should be saved every 5-10 steps. Create reference lines big enough to not cause an error If creating reference lines by specifying a number for the length, for example 10 cm, they need to be long enough to not cause an error when the script is run. For example, if a hip line is created and a point on the out seam line is positioned on the hip line, the hip line needs to be long enough to accommodate any possible hip measurement. In the piece below, if the hip line was 30 cm (1/4 of 120 cm) and a mark was being place by measuring along the hip line from the center front, any value greater than 30 cm for the Beg or End field would cause an error. Use values in the Measurement Chart to create the most flexibility When reference lines are created, they should be created using a graded value in the chart, rather than giving a number for the length (as described in the previous paragraph). The length can be edited in the chart after the script is created. Sometimes the measurements provided are not enough to draft The customer may provide fewer measurements then are necessary to draft a piece. In this case, more measurements need to be added to the specifications to create a good script. To keep a curve tangent to a line make 2 curves. When creating a curved line, if a reference line is used to position the middle of the curve, the line should be created in two segments. In the example Page 39 of 49 1/29/2007 below, a line is positioned at the chest width. The armhole curve should touch the chest width line on all sizes. If the entire armhole curve is created as one line, the curve will not be tangent to the chest width line on all sizes. If the curve is divided into 2 segments with one end of each segment on the chest width line, the curve will be tangent on all sizes. Armhole curve not tangent Armhole curve tangent All of the pieces in work area need unique names When recording a script, if more than one piece is in the work area or newly created, they need to have different piece names. If there is ore than one piece in the work area with the same name, the system will not know which piece to use when the script is run. Changes for Lectra data When opening Lectra MDL files, PDS can now read and maintain Reference Notches and Intersection Notches in addition to standard notches. Investronica data with Annotation Investronica pieces with the graded annotation line may now be opened in PDS. 2 Point – Curve in Create Draft Piece When using Digitize Line with the option Create Draft Piece to create a new piece, the option 2 Point – Curve is now available. Page 40 of 49 1/29/2007 Opening Assyst and AAMA/ASTM data in Pattern Design It is now possible to open Assyst and AAMA/ASTM data directly into Pattern Design through the File/Open dialog box. 1. From the Files of Type field, select “Assyst” or “AAMA/ASTM” and then select the data from the directory where the data resides; locally or from a network location. • For AAMA/ASTM, select the Options button to set up and control additional data import options. 2. In PDS View menu: Preferences/Options, select the Path Tab and set the default storage area where the pieces will reside once stored. 3. Once the pieces are retrieved into the menu, place all of them in the work area and select File/Save. Use Ctrl+A or marquis to select all the pieces at one time. Pieces will automatically be saved to the designated default storage area set in Preferences/Options. 4. Once saved, a model and corresponding pieces are created for AAMA/ASTM data. For Assyst data, pieces are stored to the storage area but models may need to be defined by the user depending on the format of the original data. Page 41 of 49 1/29/2007 Assyst Data There are 2 types of Assyst data that can be opened in File/Open in PDS. Design files and Style files. The Design file has one or many piece designs stored. Rule tables in the Graderules folder are referenced inside. The Style file is a collection of Pieces stored in design or pieces folder. All Assyst files should be contained in their corresponding folders. To open the Assyst piece data from PDS File Open, locate the directory and data. Select from the Design or Style folder and retrieve into PDS. Pieces will automatically be saved to the designated default storage area set in Preferences/Options. Assyst Data Utility There is no specific file name extension defined for the Assyst data types. A utility has been created to detect the file format and version of the Assyst data automatically. If a file is unknown, or it cannot be successfully opened, the utility can be used to determine the contents of the file. This utility can be found in the following location: C:\Program Files\Gerber Technology\AccuMark V8\AccuMark\Assystdatadetector.exe Page 42 of 49 1/29/2007 Setting options for AAMA/ASTM Data When Files of Type is set to AAMA/ASTM, press the options button to display the dialog below. Automatic Piece Numbering – Use this options automatically assign a number to pieces without piece names, beginning with the number specified in the ‘Piece Start Number’ field. The automatic numbering will use the number of digits specified in the ‘Number Digits’ field. If the starting number is less than this value, the system will add leading Zeros to the starting number. (Example: Starting number = 100, number of digits = 5. the numbering will be 00100, 00101, etc.) Piece Start Number – If ‘Automatic Piece Numbering’ has been selected, enter the first number in this field that the system should use for any unnamed pieces. If ‘Precede Piece Name with Style Name’ is also selected, the resulting name is the style name followed by the number from the number field. Number of Digits – Select the number of digits to be assigned to the Automatic Piece Number selected in Piece Start Number. Page 43 of 49 1/29/2007 Precede Piece Name with Style Name – Select this option to add the style name to the beginning of each piece name associated with the model. Piece names within the model editor that is created are updated as well. If this option is unchecked, no style name will be added to the piece name. Append Style Name to Piece Name – Select this option to add the style name after each piece name associated with the model. Piece names within the model editor that is created are updated as well. If this option is unchecked, no style name will be added to the piece name. Note: Either ‘Precede Piece Name with Style Name’ or ‘Append Style Name to Piece Name’ should be selected, not both. Import Rule Table – Select this option to import the Rule Table referenced in the DXF file. The rule file must be in the same directory as the dxf file. Note: If the dxf was created as a sample size then a rule table is referenced. Otherwise, the default PDS rule table will be used. Overwrite if Exists – select this option to overwrite duplicate Model and Rule Table information in the AccuMark storage area. If Unchecked, the Model and Rule Table information will not be overwritten. Units Select the unit of measurement to use. Units available are: 1/100 Inches, 1/10 Inches, Inches, Feet, Yards, 1/10 Millimeters, Millimeters, Centimeters, and Meters. Use the radio button on the main options page to control the system of measurement, Metric or Imperial, and press the ‘More’ button to control the increments. If a value other than Millimeters (metric) or Inches (Imperial) is chosen, the file will be converted during import. Page 44 of 49 1/29/2007 DXF Layer Names DXF layers are numbered to identify each layer, and to indicate what information is found on that layer in the data being converted, as defined by the AAMA/ASTM standards. Numbers are used rather than text, since many programs that support DXF are unable to generate or accept non-numeric layer generation. The information displayed is the default values and may not be changed for importing. Import will always use the default values displayed in this section. Errors A log window is opened for each import. The log contains a report of the imported item(s) and any parsing warnings or errors. Page 45 of 49 1/29/2007 Restrictions/AccuMark Conditions • • Drill holes: Import can recognize a mirrored (gets label D) or nonmirrored (gets a label E). After Import of pieces with seam lines, they will be labeled an S in AccuMark but they will not have the special properties of seam lines in PDS. They will have to be deleted and recreated if you need the lines to be treated as seams in PDS. Limitation: During import some of the notches may be dropped at this time if the notch does not have a base point. Limitation: grain lines cannot be graded while going through the import process, so any grade rules on a grain line will be dropped. Any invalid characters for AccuMark will be renamed with a ‘-‘ during the Import process. If a warning is received about turn or curve points missing – go ahead with the conversion and check the data afterwards. The turn and curve points in an ASTM conversion show up on several layers and the point is missing from one of the layers but the attribute for the point was present. The sending system is not sending the data correctly. U-notches will show as a Castle notch in the AccuMark system at this time. Graded Internal Lines – AccuMark will currently recognize a line that has only one grade point on one end, and will include the entire line with the grade. Pattern Conversion Wizard however, treats this condition differently. If an internal line has only one graded end, and the other end has no grade point, it is assumed to be a no-grade point. In AccuMark, users should add a grade point to both ends of an internal line to assure proper grading. Vendors should also be advised to use this method when sending data with graded internal lines to AccuMark – to avoid the assumption of no grade on one end. • • • • • • Page 46 of 49 1/29/2007 Matching Lines for Styles converted to Models When converting MicroMark styles to AccuMark models, the matching line label on the MicroMark style will be incremented by two when converted to an AccuMark model. This allows the type of matching, piece-to-piece or piece-tofabric, to be consistent between systems. Multiple Sizes for Costing Markers It is now possible to make costing markers containing multiple sizes. Simply enter the sizes separated by commas, such as 12,14,16 or S,M,L. Create Piece Functions A new option has been added to the Create Piece functions that let the user specify the origin of the piece category. The category can be copied from the original piece, or the category can be copied from the Piece Name. The ability to copy the category from the piece name is helpful in avoiding duplicated categories when drafting patterns using scripts. Page 47 of 49 1/29/2007 Splitting Pieces with Annotation When splitting pieces with Piece Annotation, the annotation is now assigned to the portion of the piece it was originally located in. This If the annotation is located outside of the piece, the annotation is assigned to the split piece that has the closest center. Page 48 of 49 1/29/2007 Support for unclipped lines in Trace Piece, Swap and Replace Line Additional support for unclipped lines has been added to the Create Piece/Trace, Swap Line and Replace Line functions. When using the Trace function, any internals selected to become perimeter lines on the new piece will be unclipped if there are any unclipped lines within the selection. For Swap Line and Replace Line, the internal selected for swapping or replacing will be set to unclipped if an unclipped perimeter line is selected. Replace Line will also set the internal selected to unclipped if the internal line intersects an unclipped perimeter line. Piece Type added to Piece Properties A new informational line has been added to Piece Properties which identifies the type of piece: Normal, Follow-On, Mirror, or Draft. Page 49 of 49 1/29/2007