SYMPTOM

My parts are inspected on a Micro-Vu Inspec system and I followed your instructions for sending non-measurement data (Trace Fields). My part program asks the machine operator for his name and the lot number of the part and sends this information to QC-CALC. This all works fine but when I added multiple parts on the stage and translated the part program it stops and asks the user for his name and the lot number after every part. Suddenly, this is not an unmanned operation since he has to keep coming back and answering his name and lot on every part. Is there a solution for inspection equipment that has this issue?


CAUSE

Some equipment cannot hold onto previously entered values to reuse them for future parts. Usually, these machines are more complicated to program but they are more flexible.


RESOLUTION

There is a feature called Persistent Factors that solves this exact issue. The InSpec function of translating the part program can be used to inspect multiple parts on the stage. This means you write a program for one part and then (with Part Separators) copy the part program many times and provide an offset in the X and Y direction telling Inspec where to find the additional parts. A problem can occur when using the Prompt command to acquire the users name or other Factor information. If you prompt the user for his name and then translate the part program 10 times, InSpec will ask the operator for his name at the beginning of each part inspection.

Prolink developed a solution where the user’s answer can be used many times without having to re-enter it at the beginning of each part. We call this feature Persistent Factors, indicating that QC-CALC will re-use the last known value on all future parts received. However, you must signal to QC-CALC that you want to use this special feature.

Adding a ++ as the first two characters of a Prompt Feature Export label in InSpec “tells” QC-CALC to hold onto the label and its value. When QC-CALC receives any Factor label starting with ++, it assumes you want the LABEL and its VALUE to be persistent. This means when QC-CALC receives this special label it will retain the information (in memory) and use it for all future parts until a new value is received, the part program is changed, or QC-CALC Real-Time is stopped and restarted. Note: the ++ is stripped from the label and stored with just the label text.


MORE INFORMATION

Please download the latest QC-CALC manual for Micro-Vu InSpec and review the Persistent Factors (Trace Fields or non-measurement values) section.