EZ Launch—Polling Service
 
       
7.01.183  Geomet 101+, 301, 501 
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  EZ Launch Menu—Polling Service 
  A very powerful feature of the EZ Launch Menu System is the ability to accept program instructions from an outside source. One example is the loading and unloading of production parts into the cradles by a robot. Interacting with the PLC, Geomet will receive the inspection requirements through the use of a I/O instruction set.

Another method utilizes a script file to pass the inspection instructions to the EZ Launch Menu System. This allows the operator to manually load the production parts into the cradles, then create a predefined script file that instructs The EZ Launch Menu System to queue several inspection programs for continuous, and unattended, inspections.
   Setting Up The Polling Service
   To activate the EZ Launch with active Polling Services there are several steps required. These are:
  Summary—How the Polling Service Works with Script Files
  The EZ Launch Menu System will monitor a specified folder locally or through the network, for a script file. The script file is placed there by a operator, or generated from a customer designed front end. How the file gets there is unlimited, Geomet only looks for the presence.

When the file appears, Geomet opens the file and reads in all data. The script file is an ASCII text file that contains three columns of data. Each column is separated by a comma. This is referred to as Comma Delimited.

  • Column 1 contains the Cradle ID where the part has been placed. Example, your fixture may have the layout of 4 columns and 4 rows making a layout of 16 cradles. Each cradle will have an assigned number 1 through 16.
  • Column 2 contains a serial number that will be inserted into the Program Header. The serial number is also used in the SPC data export file if that is being used.
  • Column 3 contains the index number that identifies the inspection program to run. This is a mapping number to the File Index Mapping Service that contains a index number and a path/file to the inspection file.

Only column 2 can be omitted. Columns 1 and 3 must be present for operations to proceed. If the serial number is to be omitted, then the actual data text line would look like:

1, , 3

The example above would be read as having a part locate in Cradle #1 and the inspection program has an file mapping index of 3. You must include the trailing comma after the serial number column even if there is no serial number is use.

The script file can contain unlimited lines of instructions. One very powerful feature is the ability to stack inspection programs on the same part. For example; Cradle #1 contains a production part that has all machining operations through OP30 completed. The inspection requires that Op10, OP20 and OP30 be completed for the full inspection. The script file for the single part would look like:

1, 0012a-RH, 1
1, 0012a-RH, 2
1, 0012a-RH, 3

Where the File Index Mapping Service (column 3) maps 1 to OP10, 2 to OP20 and 3 to OP30.

When all inspection programs in the queue have been completed, Geomet will delete the script file which indicates all inspections have been completed.
  Temporary Suspending the Polling Service
  There are two methods to suspend the polling service. One method is automatic when you switch to another Fixture Definition, either by left-clicking on another description or using the <Up>, <Down> arrows, the polling service will be suspended until returning to Fixture Definition #1.

While the Polling Service is active, all buttons on the menu are disabled. Should you want to perform a manual inspection, or use one of the User Defined buttons, Press the button labeled <Polling System Active – Manual Override>.

This will suspend the polling service and the button will be change its label to <Polling Service Suspended - Restart>. At any time you can resume the Polling Service by pressing this button.