With the introduction of new versions of software, there will be leaders and there will be followers. The leaders take the reigns and forge ahead using the “beta” version of the software, wallowing in the fact that they have the new version and they are at the forefront of their profession....

The followers wait for the leaders’ feedback on what they have encountered with the new software; good or bad.
PC-DMIS is well known for releasing new and improved versions at least once per year. With the introduction of the newest version 4.0 and above, the group at WILCOX has changed the playing field once again. The reporting methodology has been overhauled, HYPER-REPORTS have been removed from the software, FORMS have been added as an option, and a multitude of vision and articulated arm algorithms have been added or improved. Future articles will be covering some of these topics and more.

Today’s topic will look at the usage of the FORM as an alternative to hyper-reports in a program. Specifically, the process for embedding a set up photo into a FORM and linking it in a program will be reviewed. Keep in mind that all the options that a FORM may be appropriate for will not be covered in this article.
When the FORM window is opened for the first time, one would think they are looking at the HYPER-REPORT window.

Very little has changed for the user. This window is viewed by clicking |View|Form Editor|. Once this window is opened it is simply a few mouse clicks to import a .bmp or .jpg file.

This icon is known as the “bitmap” icon. Once clicked the programmer needs to “box select” an open area on the canvas and can then choose a .bmp or .jpg file from his or her computer via the “Load” button.

Once the programmer has navigated to the .bmp or .jpg he or she would like to embed in the program, they just have to click on it to choose it. Note: The pull down menu, “Files of type” allows for a choice of bitmaps or Jpeg’s.
Once the object has been selected, the programmer is taken back to the Bitmap Dialog screen and can then choose whether or not they would like a parametric link to the object chosen. This link allows for the object to be altered and still remain in the FORM without having to re-link the newly adjusted object.

In the FORM editing window the object can be manipulated by making the object or canvas larger or smaller as desired. The creation of the FORM is completed by saving it a user specific spot on the computer. To do this, go to |File|Save as| and save to the desired area on the hard drive. It is recommended to create a folder that holds only FORMS with sub-folders for each customer and/or part or job number. This of course is dependant on the needs of each company.