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Common User Interface

Why should instrument operators be expected to be proficient in three or four software package to gain the information they need? It simply doesn't make sense. Since it's inception, SpatialAnalyzer has presented common user interfaces for each class of instrumentation. All Laser Trackers, as shown below, have identical user interfaces. In addition, even different types of instrumentation follow similar themes regarding their operation and the layout of their interfaces. We find that most operator can transition to a new instrument of the same type with only additional training required regarding instrument set-up. The operational software is identical. Further, operators can with minimal training transition to new types of instruments. Often in only a few hours. And most of this training focuses on procedural issues necessary for a different instrument.

Real-Time Graphical Environment

In 1996, New River Kinematics introduced the first graphical metrology software package. Still the leader in real-time information presentation New River Kinematics continues to refine and enhance it's base display technology. Our speed and display integrity is derived mainly from the fact that the SpatialAnalyzer is designed from the ground-up as a metrology tool. It is not an adapted CAD package. As an additional benefit of this design operators need only learn functions relevant to metrology. No advanced CAD background is required to operate the software.

Tightly Integrated Instrument Interfaces

SpatialAnalyzer communicates with all metrology hardware through specially developed instrument interfaces. These interfaces are developed with manufacturer cooperation to produce the best possible interface for our users. By using low-level communication protocols New River Kinematics can exert the same type of control over instrumentation that the instrument manufacturer themselves provide. We never rely upon slow one-way, file-based interfaces that provide sub-optimal performance.test 3

Cooperative Measurement Architecture

SpatialAnalyzer is the only software package that allows for completely cooperative measurements to take place. Operators can simultaneously acquire data from two or more instruments that either hosted on one or several networked computers. This capability opens many new opportunities for metrologists. For example, an operator could locate a portable CMM arm with a Laser Tracker. The arm operator could then begin measuring a detail not visible to the tracker, while the tracker either continues measuring other features or locates yet another arm.

Integral Building Operations

No need to go to yet another software package to build, it's an integral part of the SpatialAnalyzer.

Compare to Nominals

Read your CAD nominals into the SpatialAnalyzer in the form of points, curves, surfaces, etc. Then invoke a rich array of analysis features to produce reports that highlight out of tolerance conditions. This includes GD&T type comparisons. Reports may be generated in graphical or spreadsheet formats and may be exported to ASCII, Excel, or Html for your convenience. Many comparison types may be remembered for future use so that an operator could sample data and immediately be notified if any out of tolerance conditions exist. All of this takes place while the operator is still acquiring the data. No need to return to the job later to troubleshoot a prior set-up.

CAD Surfgaces and Advanced Surface Analysis

The surfacing and surface analysis routines within SpatialAnalyzer are the best in the business. We particularly pride ourselves on the SpatialAnalyzer's ability to handle complex heavily trimmed surfaces. Our surface analysis routines perform functions like point projection or fitting for example quickly and efficiently with an emphasis on being uncompromising in the area of accuracy. You'll never find an analysis projecting to a "phantom" surface for example.

Advanced Scripting Support

Measurement Planning (MP) and Templates form a powerful process control and programming environment for SpatialAnalyzer users. It allows administrators and users to program or script complex operations for production use.

By using SpatialAnalyzers Measurement Plans (MPs), operators can script repetitive or automated metrology tasks. These plans can vary from simple utilities constructed in just a few minutes to comprehensive inspection plans that provide go/nogo type automation and drive other machinery such as robots or CNC machines.

Distributed/Modular Architecture

SpatialAnalyzers unique architecture allows operators to decide just exactly how they want to configure a given measurement session. It is possible to run SpatialAnalyzer and several instrument interfaces on one computer. Alternatively these interfaces could be run on a local network linked to the main SpatialAnalyzer host. In doing this the operator of a specific piece of hardware may have a computer screen right at the instrument that they're operating. This further frees up the screen space on the host machine, so that an operator seated there may continue to perform analyses while the hardware operator continues to gather more data.

Integral Remote Monitoring with Complete Analysis

Using SpatialAnalyzer it is possible for a remote location to observe a measurement job while it is in process. The unique network architecture of SpatialAnalyzer allows this to happen effortlessly. One distinct advantage of this method of sharing information is that the remote site is not just viewing a bitmap of the process, they actually have a real copy of the job. They could therefore decide to perform some analysis and discuss the results with the other party. This method also ensures rapid transmission of the data. The remote location can specify any update frequency for the refresh of their copy of the job.

GD&T Comparisons to Design Data

Simply put, GD&T analysis is simply a comparison of nominal and actual data with reference to a specified set of datums. Our GD&T analysis operations allow you to select the comparison type and the associated datums. These comparisons may be remembered so that they can be continually evaluated while a measurement process is underway. If any objects move during an inspection process, these results are updated immediately.

SPC Analysis

SpatialAnalyzer allows operators to store several successive jobs in a remote database. The actual type of database is up to the user. Supported formats include Oracle, SQL Server, Access, or any other ODBC compliant datasource. After storing several jobs the operator may perform Statistical Process Control (SPC) queries to identify production anomalies or to verify production equipment operation over an extended period of time. Some sample SPC charts are presented below.

Archival Storage with Complete Job Re-Construction

The SpatialAnalyzer's graphical interface portrays all objects including instrumentation. As an integral benefit of this method, operators can now effortlessly re-construct jobs that were shot weeks, months or years before. Additionally, the SpatialAnalyzer stores all pertinent measurement information. A job surveyed with a laser tracker for example, will also have a time history of the temperature, and pressure during the survey. The SpatialAnalyzer also keeps track of the required operational checks for a given instrument. The operator can therefore verify that a particular check was performed within a specified period and may observe the results of this check.