OptiSCOUT Production
OptiSCOUT Production
Table of Contents
EUROSYSTEMS License Agreement................................................................................1
Copyright...........................................................................................................................11
OptiScout uses the OpenCV.........................................................................................11
OptiScout uses NLog....................................................................................................12
Restriction of Guarantee..................................................................................................13
Trademark.....................................................................................................................13
1 Preface............................................................................................................................17
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
Table of Contents
3 How to work with OptiScout
3.3.2 Driver Diversity................................................................................................53
3.3.3 Job Preparation...............................................................................................53
3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer.............................................................................64
3.3.5 The Output......................................................................................................70
3.4 The OptiScout Layer dialog.....................................................................................72
3.5 Import......................................................................................................................73
3.5.1 Preprocessing of import data..........................................................................74
3.5.2 Import Presettings...........................................................................................76
3.5.3 PDF Import......................................................................................................78
3.6 Export......................................................................................................................80
3.6.1 PDF Export.....................................................................................................82
3.7 Typical Applications.................................................................................................84
3.7.1 Contour vs Outline vs Contour Line................................................................84
3.7.2 Welding of Vector Objects..............................................................................88
3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor.........................................91
3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing ….........................................................97
3.7.5 Printing..........................................................................................................115
3.7.6 Edge Detection.............................................................................................125
3.7.7 Corner Detection...........................................................................................129
3.8 Output of The OptiScout Example File.................................................................133
3.8.1 Output of the contours..................................................................................136
3.8.2 OptiScout Camera Module............................................................................137
3.9 The OptiScout Output Dialog................................................................................137
3.9.1 Number of copies..........................................................................................138
3.9.2 Production mode...........................................................................................138
3.9.3 Status reports................................................................................................138
3.9.4 Marker settings.............................................................................................140
3.9.5 Copy options.................................................................................................141
3.9.6 Park position.................................................................................................142
3.10 How to recognize video markers?.......................................................................142
3.10.1 Manual recognition......................................................................................143
3.10.2 Automatic recognition.................................................................................143
3.10.3 Automatic recognition via Adobe Illustrator or PDF file-layer......................143
3.10.4 Change / delete object property video marker............................................143
3.10.5 Types of markers recognized by OptiScout................................................144
3.11 Treatment of roll goods.......................................................................................144
3.11.1 Case 1: without segmentation.....................................................................145
3.11.2 Case 2: with segmentation..........................................................................145
4 Reference Part.............................................................................................................147
4.1 The File Menu.......................................................................................................147
4.1.1 The New… Command..................................................................................147
4.1.2 The New from Template Command..............................................................147
4.1.3 The Open… Command.................................................................................147
4.1.4 The Save Command ....................................................................................147
4.1.5 The Save as… Command.............................................................................147
4.1.6 The Send by Email… Command..................................................................148
4.1.7 The Import… Command...............................................................................148
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
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4 Reference Part
4.1.8 The Barcode Import… Command.................................................................148
4.1.9 The Export… Command...............................................................................148
4.1.10 The Send to RIP… Command....................................................................148
4.1.11 The Print… Command................................................................................148
4.1.12 The Output… Command.............................................................................148
4.1.13 The Quit Command.....................................................................................149
4.1.14 The Job History...........................................................................................149
4.2 The Edit Menu.......................................................................................................150
4.2.1 The Undo Command.....................................................................................150
4.2.2 The Undo Stack… Command.......................................................................150
4.2.3 The Redo Command.....................................................................................150
4.2.4 The Redo Stack… Command.......................................................................150
4.2.5 The Cut Command........................................................................................150
4.2.6 The Copy Command.....................................................................................151
4.2.7 The Paste Command....................................................................................151
4.2.8 The Paste Special... Command....................................................................151
4.2.9 The Select All Command..............................................................................151
4.2.10 The Reverse Selection Command.............................................................151
4.2.11 The Job Info… Command...........................................................................151
4.2.12 The Color Layer… Command.....................................................................151
4.2.13 The Prepare to Cut… Command................................................................152
4.2.14 The Multi Copy… Command.......................................................................152
4.3 The Design Menu..................................................................................................153
4.3.1 The Rotate Axis Command...........................................................................153
4.3.2 The Rotate Axis With Page Command.........................................................153
4.3.3 The Horizontal Mirror Command...................................................................153
4.3.4 The Vertical Mirror Command.......................................................................153
4.3.5 The Delete Command...................................................................................153
4.3.6 The Mirror on the X Axis Command..............................................................153
4.3.7 The Mirror on the Y Axis Command..............................................................153
4.3.8 The Duplicate Command..............................................................................153
4.3.9 The Clone Command....................................................................................154
4.3.10 The Group Command.................................................................................154
4.3.11 The Break Group Command.......................................................................154
4.3.12 The Combine Command.............................................................................154
4.3.13 The Break Combination Command.............................................................155
4.3.14 The Fill Function.........................................................................................155
4.3.15 The Contour Function.................................................................................155
4.3.16 The Draw Command...................................................................................156
4.3.17 The Align… Command................................................................................156
4.3.18 The Sort With Simulation… Command.......................................................157
4.3.19 The Sort Manually… Command..................................................................157
4.3.20 The Clockwise Command...........................................................................157
4.3.21 The Counterclockwise Command...............................................................157
4.3.22 The Close Contour Command....................................................................157
4.3.23 The Open Contour Command.....................................................................157
4.3.24 The Round Corners… Command...............................................................158
4.3.25 The Reduce Nodes Command...................................................................158
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
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4 Reference Part
4.3.26 The Weeding Border Command.................................................................158
4.4 The View Menu.....................................................................................................159
4.4.1 The Zoom In Command................................................................................159
4.4.2 The Zoom Out Command ............................................................................159
4.4.3 The Full Page Command..............................................................................159
4.4.4 The Show All Command...............................................................................159
4.4.5 The Show Selected Objects Command........................................................159
4.4.6 The To Front Command................................................................................159
4.4.7 The To Back Command................................................................................160
4.4.8 The Forward One Command........................................................................160
4.4.9 The Back One Command.............................................................................160
4.4.10 The Reverse Order Command....................................................................160
4.4.11 The Change Order Command....................................................................160
4.4.12 The Contour View Command......................................................................160
4.4.13 The Enhanced View Command..................................................................160
4.4.14 The Always on top Command.....................................................................160
4.4.15 The Refresh Screen Command..................................................................161
4.5 The Tools Menu....................................................................................................162
4.5.1 The Contour Line… Function........................................................................162
4.5.2 The PhotoCut… Function.............................................................................162
4.5.3 The Insert Program… Command..................................................................162
4.5.4 The Edit Program List… Command..............................................................162
4.5.5 The Set Jog Marks Command......................................................................163
4.5.6 The Search / Replace Video Marks Command.............................................163
4.5.7 The Search / Replace Video Marks With Sel. Size Command.....................163
4.5.8 The Measure Command...............................................................................163
4.5.9 The Optimize Material… Function................................................................164
4.5.10 The Nesting… Function..............................................................................164
4.5.11 The Start Tool Path… Command................................................................164
4.5.12 The Milling / Hatching… Command............................................................164
4.5.13 The Outline… Function...............................................................................164
4.5.14 The Welding Command..............................................................................165
4.6 The Plug-Ins Menu................................................................................................166
4.6.1 The Object Select Command........................................................................166
4.6.2 The Object Replacer Command...................................................................166
4.6.3 The Contour Length Plug-in..........................................................................166
4.6.4 The Orientation Command............................................................................166
4.7 The Settings Menu................................................................................................167
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu........................................................................167
4.7.2 The Color Palette Command........................................................................180
4.7.3 The Working Area… Command....................................................................181
4.7.4 The Rulers… Function..................................................................................182
4.7.5 The Unit of Measurement Function...............................................................183
4.7.6 The Grid… Function......................................................................................183
4.7.7 The Undo / Redo Command.........................................................................183
4.7.8 The Cross-Hair Command............................................................................183
4.7.9 The Guidelines… Function...........................................................................183
4.7.10 The Snap Mode Function............................................................................184
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
Table of Contents
4 Reference Part
4.7.11 The Lock Guidelines Command..................................................................184
4.7.12 The Guidelines Visible Command...............................................................184
4.7.13 The Choose Language… Command..........................................................184
4.8 The Window Menu................................................................................................185
4.8.1 The New Window Command........................................................................185
4.8.2 The Tile Horizontally Command....................................................................185
4.8.3 The Tile Vertically Command........................................................................185
4.8.4 The Cascade Command...............................................................................185
4.8.5 The Close Command....................................................................................185
4.8.6 The Close All Command...............................................................................185
4.8.7 The Standard Command...............................................................................185
4.8.8 The Sidebar Command.................................................................................185
4.8.9 The Setup Command....................................................................................186
4.8.10 The Common Tools Command...................................................................186
4.8.11 The Object Tools Command.......................................................................186
4.8.12 The Object Parameters Command.............................................................186
4.8.13 The Status Bar Object Info Command........................................................186
4.8.14 The Status Bar Element Info Command.....................................................186
4.8.15 The Active Windows List.............................................................................186
4.8.16 The Further Windows… Command............................................................186
4.9 The Help Menu......................................................................................................187
4.9.1 The About … Command...............................................................................187
4.9.2 The Help… Command..................................................................................187
4.9.3 The Object Info… Command........................................................................187
4.9.4 The Install Autoimport Plug-Ins… Command................................................187
4.9.5 The Online Support Command.....................................................................187
4.9.6 The Remote Support… Command...............................................................188
4.10 Context Menu Left Mouse Button........................................................................189
4.10.1 Context Menu Ruler....................................................................................189
4.11 Context Menus Right Mouse Button....................................................................192
4.11.1 Context Menu on Empty Working Area.......................................................192
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing......................................................................192
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
Table of Contents
5 Reference Part Output Preview
5.3 The View Menu.....................................................................................................201
5.3.1 The Material Width Command......................................................................201
5.3.2 The All Objects Command............................................................................201
5.3.3 The Selected Objects Command..................................................................201
5.3.4 The Total Area Command.............................................................................201
5.4 The Window Menu................................................................................................202
5.4.1 The New Window Command........................................................................202
5.4.2 The Tile Horizontally Command....................................................................202
5.4.3 The Tile Vertically Command........................................................................202
5.4.4 The Cascade Command...............................................................................202
5.4.5 The Close Command....................................................................................202
5.4.6 The Close All Command...............................................................................202
5.4.7 The Common Tools Command.....................................................................202
5.4.8 The Object Parameters Command...............................................................202
5.4.9 The Status Bar Object Info Command..........................................................203
5.4.10 The Status Bar Element Info Command.....................................................203
5.4.11 The Active Windows List.............................................................................203
5.4.12 The Further Windows… Command............................................................203
5.5 The Help Menu......................................................................................................203
5.5.1 The About … Command...............................................................................203
5.5.2 The Help… Command..................................................................................203
5.5.3 The Install Autoimport Plug-Ins… Command................................................204
5.5.4 The Online Support Command.....................................................................204
5.5.5 The Remote Support… Command...............................................................204
5.6 Context Menu of The Right Mouse Button............................................................204
5.6.1 Context Menu Output Preview......................................................................204
6 Toolbars........................................................................................................................205
6.1 The Standard Toolbar...........................................................................................205
6.2 The Setup Toolbar.................................................................................................205
6.3 The Node Toolbar.................................................................................................206
6.3.1 Direct Input of Coordinates of Node Positions..............................................210
6.4 The Object Tools Toolbar......................................................................................212
6.5 The Object Parameter Toolbar..............................................................................213
6.5.1 The Multi Copy Command............................................................................213
6.6 The Status Line Object Info...................................................................................215
6.7 The Status Line Element Info................................................................................215
6.8 The Preview Tools Toolbar...................................................................................215
6.9 The Preview Object Parameters Toolbar..............................................................217
7 Tools.............................................................................................................................219
7.1 The Desktop..........................................................................................................219
7.1.1 Cursor forms on the working area and their meaning...................................220
7.2 Video Marks..........................................................................................................220
7.2.1 Set Mark Form And Size...............................................................................221
7.2.2 Insert Jog Marks...........................................................................................221
7.2.3 Basic Settings Filter......................................................................................221
7.3 The Outline Function.............................................................................................224
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OptiScout Production 7 Manual
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7 Tools
7.4 The Milling / Hatch Fill… Function.........................................................................226
7.4.1 The Island Fill and Hatch Fill Dialog.............................................................226
7.4.2 Mill with or without frame..............................................................................229
7.4.3 Setting of the milling parameters..................................................................230
7.5 The Start Tool Paths.............................................................................................231
7.5.1 Corners.........................................................................................................232
7.5.2 Tangential Start Tool Paths..........................................................................232
7.6 The Undo Redo Stack...........................................................................................234
7.7 The Alignment Function........................................................................................236
7.8 The Sort With Simulation… Tool...........................................................................237
7.8.1 Simulation.....................................................................................................237
7.9 The Pen Attributes Tool.........................................................................................240
7.10 The Welding Tool................................................................................................244
7.10.1 Mask...........................................................................................................246
7.10.2 Seams.........................................................................................................247
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool.........................................................................................248
7.12 The Measure / Measurement Tool......................................................................255
7.13 The Contour (Line) Function...............................................................................257
7.14 The Job Info........................................................................................................260
7.15 The Plot Manager................................................................................................263
7.15.1 Creation And Modification of Device Configurations...................................263
7.15.2 Monitoring the Output Processes of the Jobs.............................................263
7.15.3 Output of Data to Local Ports......................................................................263
7.15.4 Administration of Hotfolders........................................................................263
7.15.5 Plot Server Function...................................................................................263
7.15.6 Devices Folder............................................................................................264
7.15.7 Settings of the Plot Manager.......................................................................268
7.16 The PhotoCUT Function......................................................................................272
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog.................................................................................272
8 The Sidebar..................................................................................................................279
8.1 Term Definition Sidebar.........................................................................................279
8.2 The Anchorage Control.........................................................................................279
8.3 The Layer Tab.......................................................................................................281
8.3.1 A) The Layer Area.........................................................................................281
8.3.2 B) The Layer Options....................................................................................281
8.3.3 C) The Palettes Options................................................................................282
8.3.4 Status Indicator Layer...................................................................................284
8.3.5 I. Layer SettingsOutput Setup.......................................................................286
8.3.6 II. Layer Settings Color Setup.......................................................................287
8.3.7 Hotkeys in the layer processing....................................................................289
8.4 The Cliparts Tab....................................................................................................290
8.4.1 Clipart Management......................................................................................290
8.4.2 The Context Menus.......................................................................................297
8.5 The Objects Tab....................................................................................................299
8.5.1 The Objects Tab (Object Manager)..............................................................299
8.5.2 The Attributes Tab........................................................................................302
8.5.3 The Object Types Tab..................................................................................305
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8 The Sidebar
8.5.4 The Object Names Tab.................................................................................306
8.6 The Files Tab........................................................................................................307
8.6.1 Toolbar in the Files Tab................................................................................307
8.6.2 Search Paths................................................................................................311
8.6.3 Hotfolder - Folder Monitoring........................................................................314
8.6.4 Search Field and File Preview......................................................................316
8.7 The Macros Tab....................................................................................................320
8.7.1 The Macro List..............................................................................................320
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area.........................................................................................320
8.7.3 The Macro Player..........................................................................................330
8.7.4 The OptiScout Macros..................................................................................332
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager................................................................336
Annex...............................................................................................................................351
A Nesting (Option).......................................................................................................351
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing...................................................351
B Timer (Option)..........................................................................................................358
B.1 The Prediction Module OptiScout Timer..........................................................358
C Dictionary of Technical Terms.................................................................................363
D Glossary...................................................................................................................372
E Imprint......................................................................................................................377
Index................................................................................................................................379
viii
EUROSYSTEMS License Agreement
Below you will find set out the conditions of the agreement for the use of EUROSYSTEMS
by you, the end-user (hereinafter also called the Licensee). This legal document is an
agreement between you, the end-user, and EUROSYSTEMS S.à.r.l. By opening the
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terms of this agreement, do not open the disk package, promptly return the unopened disk
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to the place where you obtained them.
2. Granting of License
Single-User/Main License
EUROSYSTEMS grants you the right to use the enclosed copy of the EUROSYSTEMS
Software on only one terminal connected to a single computer (i.e. with only one CPU).
You may not use the Software in a network or on more than one computer or computer
terminal in any way or at any time whatsoever.
Exception: When the Licensee possesses a so called Second-User License.
Second-User License
A Second-User License as well is only valid in connection with a Single-User or Main
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The demo license authorizes the Licensee to test all the Software functions, especially to
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School License
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EUROSYSTEMS License Agreement
3. Copyright
The Software is the property of EUROSYSTEMS and is protected against copying by laws
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or for your records or copy it to a single hard disk as long as the original copy is to be
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EUROSYSTEMS especially reserves the rights for the publication, duplication, edition and
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EUROSYSTEMS License Agreement
*2. If the data carrier or the hardware supplied with it is faulty, the purchaser can demand
a replacement during the warranty period of six months after delivery. He must return any
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*4. For the reason mentioned in 1, EUROSYSTEMS does not guarantee the freedom of
errors for the Software. Especially, EUROSYSTEMS does not guarantee that the
Software meets the Licensee"s requirements and purposes or works together with other
programs selected by him. The Licensee bears all responsibility for the correct choice and
the consequences of using the Software and for the results intended or actually achieved.
The same applies to the written material accompanying the Software. If the Software is not
usable in accordance with 1., the Licensee has the right to terminate the contract.
EUROSYSTEMS has the same right when it is not possible to manufacture usable
Software at reasonable cost in accordance with 1.
*5. EUROSYSTEMS is not liable for damage unless the damage was caused deliberately
or through gross negligence on the part of EUROSYSTEMS. Any liability for gross
negligence towards dealers is excluded. Liability due to properties maybe warranted by
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that is not included in the warranty is excluded.
10. Traders
If the Licensee is a trader, this agreement shall be subject to the law of Luxembourg and
the jurisdiction of national and federal courts located in Luxembourg.
LIMITED WARRANTY
This guarantee is given by EUROSYSTEMS in its capacity of producer; it does not replace
or restrict any possible legal claims regarding warranty or liability which may be made on
the distributor from whom you purchased your copy of the Software.
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EUROSYSTEMS License Agreement
* Customer"s Rights - EUROSYSTEMS" entire liability and your sole right consists in a
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the terms of EUROSYSTEMS" limited warranty and which has been returned to
EUROSYSTEMS together with a copy of the invoice. This limited warranty does not apply
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* No Further Guarantee - EUROSYSTEMS does not assume any other responsibility for
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Should you have any queries about this agreement, please contact
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© EUROSYSTEMS S.à.r.l. 2016
4
Important Information for OptiScout Clients
Please check the merchandise after the reception upon completeness and announce
possible absence of single parts immediately to your trader.
OptiScout is available in two different versions: OptiScout Production and OptiScout
Production & Design
- Program CD
- Hardware copy protection (USB dongle)
- Manual
Code number
Please check:
1. Beside your program CD it is most important to check the existence of the copy
protection (dongle) as this is at the same time your license.
2. The number on your copy protection must correspond to the 1. block of the serial
number (000123-OSP2-...).
Underneath the product description is your personal code number serial number
(e.g. 000123-OSP2-123973-00089754). This code will be inquired after the successful
installation of the software - at the first start - as initialization. Another start of the program
is only possible after the verification of the code.
5
Hardware requirements
Hardware requirements
• Minimum requirement: Pentium 1.5 GHz with 512 MB RAM
• Recommended: Pentium 4 or newer with 1 GB RAM
• Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, Windows 7 / 8 / 10 (32 or 64 bit)
• Minimum graphic resolution: 1024 x 768 pixel
• CCD camera with PAL/NTSC system – 24 BIT RGB
connected via a USB Grabber e.g.: Pinnacle / Dazzle DVC 90
Grabber card: required picture signal via VFW (Video for Windows) or WDM
driver
Recommended for:
• All operations that shall cut, perforate, laser or mill printed materials exactly to
the contours
• Zünd and Wild flatbed tables with/without milling option and multi-functional
flatbed tables with variable tool heads as for example Indimco and many other
more
• All HPGL and G-Code compatible machines (instruction set with read out order
required)
6
Second User License
Requirement for its use is a registered main license.
With the OptiScout second user license you purchase an adequate further program
package with dongle that can be used specially separated from your main system. The
second user license is especially suitable for branches or for the mobile application. Order
congestions or plant extensions can thus be handled flexibly. The installation of the
second user license is identical with the installation of the main version. All second-user
licenses get the same dongle number as the main license.
For EUROSYSTEMS software products, which are protected via hardware copy
protection (dongle), with each second user license another dongle is provided. For
EUROSYSTEMS software products, which are protected via software copy protection
(code number), with each second user license another full license code is provided.
7
Second User License
8
Support And Sales Information
Dear user,
in order to guarantee the direct communication with your competent contact person in
case of problems and questions and in order to avoid or shorten waiting times on the
phone we offer the service of the technical hotline.
Further helpful information as well as tips and tricks are on our website:
www.eurosystems.lu
Our support staff members only give information to registered users. Therefore, please
give following information upon each call:
Thank you for your understanding that inquiries by phone can only be handled by using
this phone number. Other direct dialing numbers that may be known to you are reserved
for purchase and sales department.
In order to guarantee a smooth and competent support for yourself and others, we kindly
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registration per fax or online, you will be added to our user-database.
EUROSYSTEMS
Soft- & Hardware S.à.r.l.
P.S.: For written inquiries or the fast registration per fax or online, please use the following
number or address:
Fax: 00352-267-456-05
9
Support And Sales Information
10
Copyright
Copyright © 2016 by Euro-Systems S.à.r.l.. All rights reserved.
Any duplication of this manual as well as the computer software OptiScout for Windows
will be prosecuted.
Manual text/-set/-layout:
Peter Bettendorf, Frank Thömmes
RCS Systemsteuerungen GmbH, Longuich
The legitimate acquisition of the CD-ROM allows the use of the program, analogously to
the use of a book.
According to the impossibility that a book is read at the same time in different places by
several persons the software program OptiScout may not be used at the same time from
different persons in different places and on different devices.
CD copies may be created only for the purpose of the data backup.
By downloading, copying, installing or using the software you agree to this license. If you
do not agree to this license, do not download, install, copy or use the software.
Third party copyrights are property of their respective owners. Redistribution and use in
source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the
following conditions are met:
* Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer.
* Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution.
11
OptiScout uses the OpenCV
* The name of Intel Corporation may not be used to endorse or promote products derived
from this software without specific prior written permission.
This software is provided by the copyright holders and contributors 'as is' and any express
or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed.
In no event shall the Intel Corporation or contributors be liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to,
procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business
interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict
liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this
software, even if advised of the possibility of such damage.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are
permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
* Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer.
* Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of
conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials
provided with the distribution.
* Neither the name of Jaroslaw Kowalski nor the names of its contributors may be used to
endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written
permission.
12
Restriction of Guarantee
We have given the greatest effort with the illustrations and while writing the texts.
Nevertheless, mistakes for this manual and the corresponding programs can not be
entirely excluded. No guarantee is taken for the correctness of the content of this manual,
its translation, its completeness and exactness.
We expel the liability for all losses which appear by the use of the OptiScout or its
documentation. The content of this manual can be changed without announcement and is
not to be considered as an obligation of EUROSYSTEMS S.à.r.l.
The authors cannot take over any responsibility or liability for incorrect information and
their consequences.
Trademark
Possibly found trademarks are used without their usability can be guaranteed.
The following programs were applied among other things: CorelDRAW, Postscript,
Microsoft, Windows, Illustrator, InDesign, Freehand and AutoCAD. These trademarks are
owned by the respective producer.
13
Trademark
14
About This Manual
With this manual you receive OptiScout. This manual is divided in 8 chapters.
In the first chapter „Quickstart and installation“ the installation of OptiScout on your
Windows computer will be explained. Please follow the installation instruction carefully as
the correct installation is the basic for the smooth usage of OptiScout.
The second chapter „How to work with OptiScout?“ is an introduction in handling, tools
and functions. The functional principle will be concretized by means of practical examples.
In chapter „Reference part“ all menus and their menu items in their chronological order
are explained. This chapter is thought of as reference book and should be used in case of
doubts about the exact functioning of a command.
In chapter „Reference part display preview” all menus and their menu items in the
display preview in their chronological order are explained. As chapter "Reference part" it is
thought of as reference book and should be used in case of doubts about the exact
functioning of a command.
In next chapter „Toolbars” are described. Toolbars contain important tools that are
placed in a freely movable toolbar.
In the chapter „The Sidebar” the side toolbar with tabs (similar to the so-called dockers in
CorelDRAW) is described in detail in its functioning. Summarized are layer editing, cliparts,
object manager and file management. The selection of the various functional areas is
implemented via so-called tabs.
In the following chapter „Add Ons” are described in detail. Add Ons are programs or
program parts that are separated from the main program. Usually, they are made available
by a user-defined installation.
In chapter „Tips and Tricks - Trouble Shooting“ we have explained a selection of daily
problems from our hotline and support experience and give you information for dealing
with technical problems.
15
Typographical Orientation Guides
Bold Headlines
KEY1,KEY2 A comma (,) between the key names means that you press the keys one
after the other and let them go.
Shortcuts and hotkeys
… Three dots after menu entries and commands always mean that, when
activating, a dialog window will be opened.
16
1 Preface
OptiScout is a modular optical recognition system for multi functional flat bed tables for the
usage in the industry for the digital exactly contour cutting and milling.
Before doing the operation OptiScout locates the position of the OptiScout-video marks
that have been printed on strategic favorable positions on the part to be worked on via the
camera that is mounted on the milling respective tool head.
The OptiScout correction algorithm compares the current positions of the adjusting marks
to the original position in the primary job.
By means of this data inaccuracy that occurred during the printing process can be
compensated.
17
1 Preface
18
2 Quickstart and Installation
2.1 Quickstart
Mount the camera on the tool head of the machine. This mounting instruction is for Zünd
machines and can differ on other machines. The machine must be switched off while
doing this. Depending on the respective head configuration, both lower 3 mm hex socket
head cap screws or the upper 5 mm screw with the fixing pin are used. Connect the
provided adapter cable with the connection on the cutter. Those are e.g. with Zünd
machines at the left side of the tool head. Remove the lens protection of the camera and
switch on the machine. The functioning of the camera will now be shown by a red LED on
the upper side of the camera.
Insert the OptiScout installation CD. With the Autorun function switched on following
dialog opens.
If the Autorun function is deactivated, open the Windows Explorer and start the file
install.exe in the main directory of the CD. Select the respective software package and
the driver for your USB grabber from the list and confirm your selection with the Install
button.
Follow the instructions on the screen for the installation of the software.
19
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
In the dialog above you have to enter your personal user information in the respective
fields. Those are on the associated invoice or in your manual.
After the installation the computer should be shut down. Deactivate the option Start
OptiScout Production 7. Now connect the provided dongle and the USB grabber (for
video capturing) with the PC and start the computer. The new hardware should be
recognized automatically after the new start. Now connect the video cable with the
Video OUT output of the machine. The needed video cable is included in the delivery of
the machine. The connection is underneath the right side case of the machine (Zünd).
20
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Fig. 2.1-4: USB grabber with S-Video and Composite Video interface
Connect the camera cable of the machine with the Video IN interface (yellow) of the USB
grabber. Check the functioning of the camera and the USB grabber with the auxiliary
program AMCAP.EXE in the Tools directory of the OptiScout CD. To do so, select the
menu item Preview under Options. The camera image should now be visible.
If the picture is defective or distorted the video format has to be changed from NTSC to
PAL_B in the menu Options / Video Capture Filter....
Maybe the camera objective has to be set anew in order to adjust the sharpness. If the
camera image is visible now, close the AMCAP software.
Start the OptiScout software and open the dialog Settings – Standard Settings – Output
Devices. In the field that is named Driver you can select the driver for your machine. On
the left side next to it you can manually enter a name for this device. The given name
should correspond to the name of the machine in order to facilitate the differentiation of the
devices if several output devices exist.
21
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Under Device Types you can define how the output device shall be accessed. If as local
interface a COM connection is selected the Settings button has to be pressed.
In the first field the baud rate is defined. The baud rate indicates the amount of the
transmitted data per second. A higher transmission rate leads to an
22
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Indication: If the output device is accessed serially under flow control Hardware should
be entered.
All set parameters must correspond to the settings of the output device, otherwise there
will be no communication. Confirm the settings by pressing OK.
In this dialog all default values for the output dialog can be set.
Confirm the settings with the Apply button and then leave the dialog with the OK button.
Now open the driver editor by pressing the key combination CTRL+SHIFT+P.
After the driver editor has been opened the value of the Frame size (length) must be
adjusted to the output device. Double click with the left mouse button on the field in the
right window and change the value from 79 to the actual length of the table in cm (e.g. 250
23
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Indication: This setting is important for the service of an automatic feed option and when
working with copies.
Save the changes in the driver via the function File - > Save.
Now open the example file that has been prepared for you by selecting in the File menu
the item Open or by using the key combination CTRL+L on your keyboard.
24
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
After having opened the job, output it on the connected printer by selecting via the File
menu the item Print or with the key combination CTRL+P. The print should be unscaled
(100 %) on a DIN A4 page.
Place the printout on the cutter and fix the print with the vacuum of the machine. Switch
the machine to the online mode. Now open the Output dialog by pressing the S-key on
25
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
your keyboard or by selecting the menu item Output in the File menu. By pressing
the Read material button the material width and length of the connected machine should
be shown.
Indication: If the machine does not answer, check the status of the machine and the
settings of the used interface.
Now check the resolution of the camera picture. It should be 320 x 240. For checking
press the right mouse button. For this, the mouse must be in the left camera window.
26
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
In the now visible menu select the function Default Settings -> Video Settings -> Video
Format. If necessary, change the setting and leave the menu. Now move the tool head
with the arrow keys on your keyboard until a video mark is visible in the camera picture.
Simultaneously pressing the CTRL key increases the speed by the factor 10.
Simultaneously pressing the SHIFT key increases the speed by the factor 100.
If a video mark is visible in the left camera window, press the right mouse button. In the
now visible menu select the function Default Settings / Mark Recognition.
27
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
The function can only be opened if the mouse cursor is in the left camera window.
28
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Press the Measure button. Now, an orange circle (marker recognition) with a rectangle
(range of recognition) should be shown. Click on the Move to mark button and then again
on the Measure button. The video mark should now have a green frame and be
congruent with the orange circle lying in the center of the camera picture. The marker size
to be recognized is now defined. This setting guarantees the recognition of video marks
with the size predefined in the basic settings.
Note: The with a square displayed detection area defines the area in which a mark
for measuring must be located. Is the square set very big, the mark is not moved to
the center of the camera image before the measurement . The advantage is a faster
mark measurement. The disadvantage is a measuring inaccuracy due to the
curvature of the camera image. With a small square the mark is measured only in
the center of the image, which results in a higher accuracy. The measurement
process takes a little longer because a repositioning may be necessary.
This setting is for the exactness of the later output. The camera offset is the distance
between the output tool and the center of the camera. Now place a sheet of cutter foil
(black) sized min. 30 x 30 cm on the machine and set the cutting parameters and depth of
knife so that the foil but not the material will be cut. The aim is to get a test object (circle)
with contrast values as high as possible.
29
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Press the right mouse button. In the menu now visible select the function
Default Settings -> Set Camera Offset.
Indication: The function can only be opened if the mouse cursor is in the left camera
window.
Now move the tool head with the arrow keys on your keyboard until the tool head is above
a free spot on the foil.
30
2.1.1 OptiScout Instructions for The Installation
Simultaneously pressing the CTRL key increases the speed by the factor 10.
Simultaneously pressing the SHIFT key increases the speed by the factor 100.
Indication: Weed the cut test circle without moving the foil on the table.
Now move the camera with the arrow keys until the cut test circle appears in the camera
picture and is framed in red.
Now press the Measure button. The offset between camera and tool head will now be
determined automatically. To check the measurement another circle can be output with
the Check button. The circle that served for the measurement should now be in the center
of the second control circle. If this is not the case, repeat the measurement. Press now the
Save button to confirm the measured offset value. Installation and basic settings of the
camera and software are now finished.
Regard: This settings must be repeated if the output occurs with a constant offset in
comparison to the original object. This can happen for example after changing the
camera to another tool head.
31
2.2 Basic Settings in The Camera Dialog
32
2.2.2 Marker Recognition
This error is not linear and therefore cannot be compensated without special measures
(please refer to attachment camera calibration). With the recognition frame the range is
defined from which on the error cannot be tolerated anymore and the camera shall be
centered automatically on the marker (correction tour).
After the correction tour the distance can be measured directly. With the parameters
correction factor x respectively y the length of the correction tour can be set.
33
2.2.5 Correction Tour
34
2.2.5 Correction Tour
If no marker was recognized the size must first be roughly estimated by means of the
picture.
Example above
320 pixels, marker takes less than 1/3 space, estimation -> 80, set, marker is recognized
-> then set exactly.
A correction tour is carried out which means that the camera is centered on the
marker. For this positioning, the previously set parameters are used. The size of the frame
should be set as follows: set the frame about the size of the marker and then check if the
exactness is sufficient.
35
2.2.5 Correction Tour
To do this you can access the vertices with the camera and press the button access
marker. The correction tour should now meet the center of the marker from all
directions. If this is the case the frame can be enlarged and be checked again. Aim is
to find out the size of the range in which the picture is (almost) undistorted.
Indication: The correction tour should meet the center exactly if the marker is within the
range of recognition!
36
2.3 Autoexport - Scripts
Note: The Corun Installer is required if the host application was installed BEFORE
the EUROSYSTEMS program or if plugins must be re-installed.
37
2.3.1 Corun Installer
Fig. 2.3-1: Corun Installer dialog window with detected host programs and path indicators.
Indication: CorelDRAW must be installed with the option “Visual Basic for
Application”.
38
2.3.2 Insert OptiScout Icon in CorelDRAW Toolbar
Insert CorelDRAW 10/11/12/X3/X4/X5/X6/X7 medium into the drive / start setup / select
type of installation „Custom setup”. If already a CorelDRAW-version is installed on your
computer, first select „user defined setup” and then „Custom setup”.
In the dialog that opens now, double click on main applications or one click on the
Plus-field. Here, double click on productivity support and activate the option „Visual
Basic for Application”. After the installation of OptiScout you have to link the OptiScout
Script with the toolbar.
2.3.2.2 CorelDRAW 9
2.3.2.3 CorelDRAW 8
2.3.2.4 CorelDRAW 7
39
2.3.2 Insert OptiScout Icon in CorelDRAW Toolbar
2.3.2.5 CorelDRAW 6
If you now mark one or several objects and click on the thus created icon, the objects are
passed on to OptiScout and can be plotted.
How does the transfer of data from Illustrator 8, 9, 10, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6,
CC to OptiScout take place?
Start OptiScout from the file menu. If the objects are marked, only the marked objects are
passed on to OptiScout. If also texts are passed on they will automatically be converted to
curves.
40
2.3.6 OptiScout Script in Macromedia Freehand
OptiScout is in the Xtras menu underneath the menu item Animate and in the window
menu / menu item Xtras under functions.
How does the transfer of data from Freehand 8, 9, 10, MX to OptiScout take place?
Start the OptiScout via the Xtras menu. If the objects are marked, only the marked objects
are passed on to OptiScout.
All objects
Start the OptiScout via the Xtras menu. If no objects are marked, all objects on the
desktop are passed on to OptiScout.
Indication: Process color fills and lens effects are not passed on.
Solution: Switch off the function in the file menu / menu item settings / tab color
41
2.3.7 OptiScout Script in AutoCAD
In the menu is now OptiScout entry and in the toolbars OptiScout toolbar was added.
Important: Be careful that at the first output the checkbox "plot to file" is activated.
With this procedure, all graph elements are passed on. The change-pen commands
are interpreted from the PLT file so that the 8 layers are separable. AutoCAD does
not plot with Arcs, which means that all elements are resolved in lines and dots are
interpreted as bores.
Indication: If DXF is used, you have to press twice the ENTER button after the
selection of the object as the execution of the macro menu is aborted by the object
selection. At the passing on via DXF the dimensions and texts are not passed on
but it is possible to select and output them. The curves are not converted to lines
but the Splines or Arcs in the DXF file are converted to Bezier curves. The layer
amount is not limited to 8.
In the startup group of Windows a link to the program autoimp.exe is installed during the
installation with which the passing on of files to OptiScout is realized. If autoimp.exe is
started an icon is shown in the system tray (lower right corner of the screen). Double
clicking on the icon ends the program.
Attention: If the icon is switched off the transfer to OptiScout does not work anymore!
Via Start / All Programs / Startup / Auto Import for OptiScout it can be started again.
Indication: During the installation you have to pay attention that OptiScout is always
installed for the last used AutoCAD version if several AutoCAD versions are
installed on your computer.
42
2.4 Selection of The Device Driver
Tip: If the driver you search for is not in the list you can try another driver from the
same manufacturer.
Detailed information for the setting of the local interface is here: please refer to 3.7.4:
Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Without dongle and license input OptiScout is not ready for use.
Insert the copy protection (dongle) before the installation of the software on your computer
with a USB interface of the computer.
Note: The dongle "glows" (diode) if interface and dongle are all right.
43
2.5 Dongle and Licence
or
If OptiScout prompts you to enter the license information, then you can find the necessary
information on the license sticker.
Important! The serial number has always to be entered completely - with minus
sign.
As an alternative to manually enter the license data licensing can also be performed using
a license file. A double click on the *.ECF file performs the licensing fully automatic. The
license file is copied and activated in the program folder of OptiScout Production 7.
Important note: If the ECF file is linked to an application other than OptiScout
Production 7, then the ECF file must be manually copied into the program folder and
activated by a double click.
44
3 How to work with OptiScout
3.1.1 I. Desktop
The so-called Desktop means the whole visible program window including Toolbars,
Working Sheet and Desktop background.
Note: On the background can be placed any desired number of objects. The size of
the background is limited only by the resources of your computer. Thus the layout
can be done basically in 1:1 scale.
Fig. 3.1-1: Desktop with working sheet (here: gray), Background (here: white), Toolbars,
Sidebar, Rulers, Statusbar
45
3.1.2 II. Working Area
Note: The working area is used primarily for guidance. The format of the working
area has no influence on the output on a connected device. The output preview
window displays what is given out.
please refer to 3.7.4: Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
3.1.2.1 Format
Name
In this field the name of the new format is entered resp. that of the selected format
Width
46
3.1.2 II. Working Area
Height
This option fits the working sheet to the objects which are located on the desktop
background.
A connected device can - if the read out command can be processed by the devices'
controller - define the size of the working sheet.
3.1.2.2 Margins
In this 4 field the distance from the margins to the sheet edge is defined.
This option shows margins as dotted aid lines above the working sheet.
3.1.2.3 Alignment
Portrait
Landscape
This option defines, if the objects which are located on the working sheet or desktop
background, are also rotated when the alignment is changed.
3.1.2.4 Preview
In this area Working Sheet, Background Color, Background Image, Proportion and
Alignment of the working sheet is displayed.
47
3.1.2 II. Working Area
3.1.2.5 Color
Working Sheet
Background
This option scales, decreases or increases - all objects on the desktop background
proportional to the values of the changed format of the working sheet.
Standard* Button
The Standard button marks the selected format in the list of formats and saves the
selection. With each new job this format is preselected.
Image Option
Button
The button opens a window, in order to search or insert the desired image.
48
3.2.1 Desktop Configuration with Profiles
Fig. 3.2-1: Clean, clearly arranged, easy to use - individual configured user interface
All menus and toolbars, that are not required, should be deacitvated via mouse click. Then
export the profile and save it for a later usage. A click on the Reset button restores the
initial state.
Note: The profile can be exported and at the same time saved. On-demand it can be
loaded or copied onto another computer, in order to create uniform environments.
49
3.2.1 Desktop Configuration with Profiles
Note: The administrator or user can reload the deleted macros at any time from the
Marcros / DefaultMacros folder.
50
3.3 Functional Principle of The OptiScout Software
Fig. 3.2-2: Convertible and powerful - complete functionality for the demanding
and experienced user
A fully upgraded user interface offers the administrator and experienced user a powerful
tool, which can fulfill complex and challenging needs, quite so as you would expect from a
professional finishing solution.
An automatic data transfer with OXF, OXX or PDF file format into OptiScout containing cut
contour, register marks and barcode is integrated into these RIP software packages:
51
3.3.1 Workflow Ability
The OptiScout solution guides users step by step through the pre-press, printing and
finishing stages, regardless of the job, printer or RIP. OptiScout has unique features to
streamline the workflow. OptiScout software lets users follow the same workflow from
pre-press to finishing - cue: macros. The operator can continue using the RIP the way he
did before having a finishing device (flatbed cutter). Creating and preparing the cut data
will always be performed in the same way, fostering a consistent workflow that is familiar
to all staff and easy to train on.
Cut data creation is accomplished either in the design software (Illustrator, CorelDRAW,
OptiScout Design) or in the RIP Software. In the design software the operator designs or
imports the artwork. The operator generates a cut-contour around the artwork in his design
application. This artwork file with the cut contour is send to the RIP. In the RIP software
the operator prepares the print file for the belonging printer and generates regmarks and a
barcode around the artwork. An extracted separate file with cut-contour, marks and
barcode only is sent as e.g. an OXF or PDF file to the OptiScout software.
When the generated print file is processed through the RIP software, it is sent to a printer.
The cut-contour will not be printed. The registration marks and the barcode will be printed
together with the artwork onto the substrate. The completed print is ready for cutting. In
the OptiScout software the operator takes the OXF file with the cut-contour and the
regmarks and sets up the cut file for the output to the cutting table. The tools are assigned.
52
3.3.2 Driver Diversity
The device must be equipped. At cutting time, the operator simply places the print on the
cutting table and scans the printed barcode. OptiScout automatically detects the correct
cut data. By reading the regmarks with the camera mounted on the head of the
cutter, OptiScout compares the position of the registration marks in the data to those on
the printed job. Once the system has analyzed the exact image position, it starts cutting.
Sophisticated optical registration capabilities ensure perfect accuracy for any size or
shape.
The finished, cut pieces are ready for delivery with minimal operator intervention, 100%
accuracy and reduced rejects and turnaround time.
Note: The OptiScout Custom Driver Service can develop custom-made device
drivers on basis of a functional specification for the control of HPGL-, GPGL-,
DMPL- or G Code devices.
3.3.3.1.1 For What Are They Needed? How Does One Generate It?
Video marks are marks, which are necessary for the output process, in order to make
adjustments at the output job. The video marks are read out using a camera, which is fixed
on the tool head of the cutter. Subsequently, OptiScout rotates and scales the output
objects - if necessary. With it, deviations that arise during the preparation process - usually
the printing - can be corrected.
The generation of the output job is done usually in AutoCAD, CorelDRAW or in Illustrator.
With the generation of the job at least 3 marks (video objects) should be present.
53
3.3.3 Job Preparation
Fig. 3.3-1: Working area with video marks and output data
1. The size of the video marks (vector circles) in the import file must comply with the
predefined mark size.
Method:
Activate the Get jog marks from layer / Regmark option in the setup import dialog. This
means that when you import all the objects, which are located in the layer with the
keyword "Regmark" automatically are converted into video marks - regardless of size. The
basic settings will be ignored. The keyword can be changed at any time. The layer names
54
3.3.3 Job Preparation
Note: It is important to ensure that there are only circles in the "Regmark" layer,
which are needed for later conversion and detection.
This method is not only the fastest, but it offers the additional advantage that the layer
name can contain information about the tool that should be taken for the output.
Important: It is to be made certain that the marks lie in the attainable range of the
camera, and/or the tool head. Marks, which are too near at the edge of a vinyl roll or
a sheet, cannot be detected otherwise by the camera lens.
55
3.3.3 Job Preparation
Many finishing processes require a precise cutting in relation to printed video marks or
other material references (corners or edges). EUROSYSTEMS offers intelligent software
solutions that realize, in conjunction with a CCD camera and sophisticated analysis
algorithms, perfect cuts.
Note: As an alternative to that of OptiScout used term Video Marks, the following
terms are also used: register marks, jog marks, detection marks.
Note: The following comments are also valid for milling machines or lasers.
The CCD camera is mounted directly on the tool head of the output device. At the
beginning of the finishing process, our predefined video marks are searched on the
material. The definition and positioning of the video marks is done in the job preparation,
RIP, or CAD software.
Basically, the following 5 criteria in defining and positioning of video marks are to observe:
The mounted camera, always perceives only a certain section of the table as sharp.
Therefore video marks may not be less than a certain size. The minimum size a mark
depends on the machine and the mounting height, as well as on the optics employed. As a
guideline a mark size diameter of 5 mm should apply.
The most significant characteristic of a video mark is its shape. With OptiScout, also
woven and embroidered marks can be used in addition to circles, squares, angles and
other geometric shapes.
When generating the token must be ensured that a sufficiently large contrast between the
marks and the material (background) exists. Ideal would be a black and white contrast.
This is rarely possible in practice. In any case, the contrast must be as high as possible. If
the contrast is too low, then the evaluation algorithm is no longer capable of distinguishing
the mark from the material. This will delay or prevent the mark detection.
Note: In a few cases, the recognition rate can be improved using an additional
illumination. In any case, attention should be paid to a uniform illumination of the
production environment.
An error-free detection can only be expected when all video marks are uniformly designed.
Inconsistent marks differ in the read by camera offset values. Compared to uniform marks
the reading time is considerably longer and the production time increases.
56
3.3.3 Job Preparation
The number of video marks has an influence on the cutting accuracy! The more video
marks are used per object, the more accurate is - usually - the result. For an accurate
cutting result as possible, we recommend 3 marks in the corners of each cuttable object.
Note: The number of marks to be used also depends on the distortions and
displacements of the material during the printing process itself. In general it can be
said that the more compensation performance of the recognition algorithms is
required, the more video marks should be positioned. Ideally, only 3 marks are
sufficient on print sheets.
For the compensation and adjustment of printed objects at least 3 video marks are
required.
Indication: The recommended diameter is: 5 mm / 0.197 inch or 6,35 mm / 0.25 inch.
The distribution of the marks is crucial for the later attainable accuracy of the
output.
Placement:
The placement of the video marks should result in a very big triangle in the ideal case
which covers the object to be compensated with its surface as much as possible.
57
3.3.3 Job Preparation
Covering:
Fig. 3.3-6: Good covering of the Fig. 3.3-7: Bad covering of the
area to be calculated area to be calculated
Covering Variants:
In the left example each object is surrounded by 3 video marks. Therefore, the
compensation takes place in the area relevant to the respective object. This way, a
different scaling of the objects due to printing can be compensated. However, the
production time is raised clearly, because all marks must be detected by the camera.
In the right example the sheet possesses only 3 (1 triangle) or 4 marks (2 triangles). Here,
all objects are compensated via these 3 resp. 4 marks. But different distortions in the
single objects cannot be compensated accurately. However, the production time is shorter
than in the left example, because here only 3 resp. 4 video marks must be read.
It must be decided, how high is the required accuracy. Result is the minimum
allowed number of video marks.
58
3.3.3 Job Preparation
3.3.3.3.1 How to set up your Print & Cut file in Illustrator or CorelDRAW!
Preliminaries
First create a new document in Illustrator or CorelDraw. Make sure the document size is
large enough to fit the graphic plus registration marks around the image. Next create three
layers in the new document. One layer for the regmarks (register marks resp. video
marks), at least one for the cut contour (Kiss Cut, Through Cut, Creasing, Routing,…) and
one for the artwork. Each layer should be named appropriately. OptiScout is able to read
the layer names during the import of a file. This layer technology will speed up the job
preparation process. The operator on the machine can easily identify the correct layers to
assign the different output tools.
Step 1:
Import or draw the artwork to be printed and place it in a separate layer. The name of this
layer can be Artwork or Print. This name is not important for the further steps as this layer
will not be used by OptiScout.
Step 2:
Draw the circles, which represent the video marks, and place them into the regmark layer.
The recommendation for the size of the regmarks is 5 mm / 0.197 inch or 6.35 mm / 0.25
inch.
Note: Circles should be black without stroke when printing on white substrate. The
regmarks can have a different color when printing on colored substrate in order to
give a better contrast.
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3.3.3 Job Preparation
Step 3:
Generate the cut lines around the artwork and place it into a separate layer. The name of
this layer will be shown in OptiScout after the import of the generated cut file.
Note: It is possible to set up various layers with different cut lines. This technology
is very useful when doing jobs with multiple tools, like creasing and cutting.
Step 4:
Lock or hide the artwork layer to make sure, that only the regmark and the cut layers are
exported in the next step. Select all parts and export the file as a PDF or AI file. This file
should not contain the artwork.
Step 5:
Unlock the artwork layer and lock or hide the cut line layers. Select all parts, artwork and
regmarks and export the design to a second PDF file for printing.
Note: This PDF file should only contain the regmarks and the artwork; the cut lines
will not be printed!
Step 6:
Open the PDF print file in the RIP software and print the file.
Important: Make sure that the dimensions of the file will not be changed in the RIP.
Step 7:
Import the PDF cut file in OptiScout. The figure below shows the result after the import.
The file contains the layers from the design software, the regmarks are indicated with a
crosshair. Now the operator has to set the output tools to the corresponding layers and
start the output procedure to the cutter.
60
3.3.3 Job Preparation
61
3.3.3 Job Preparation
With the interactive, dynamic radius compensation to the OptiScout user has a powerful
tool that can significantly simplify and accelerate the milling workflow. Any change is
immediately displayed on the work area and any resizing will be recalculated immediately.
Any change in tool diameter and orientation is performed immediately and displayed on
the working area. Each reselection of the output profile is applied to the selected objects.
If the data are prepared in such a way that the color of the corresponding Quick Layer
corresponds, then immediately after the import an output-capable job is created! Tool, tool
diameter and material are predefined in the output profile.
The milling functions are embedded in the OptiScout Quick Layer material selection. On
the working area the milling objects are displayed with transparency and full-color path
adjustment. If the contour mode is enabled, then in addition the object orientation is
indicated.
The Quick Layer here with the output mode: Thru-cut, Tool: URT and Output profile:
Plexi 10 mm / 4 mm Milling Tool.
62
3.3.3 Job Preparation
The settings relating to the tool diameter and the object orientation are done in the Layer
Settings dialog.
This button provides the generation and naming of a new output profile for the active
Quick Layer. After you click the following dialog appears.
63
3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
Here the name can be specified for a new output profile. In the output parameter range
(see above), the matching parameters are defined. After saving in the active Quick Layer a
new output profile is selectable.
Note: Radius correction can alternatively be done via the tools menu,
menu item Milling / Hatching….
With the Mode / Tool option the tool is selected and assigned to the active layer. The
assignment covers all objects, that lie in this layer. The tool assignment is indicated by a
red check mark.
Additionally each tool and mode an identifier can be given using the information field.
This identifier is displayed in the color bar, in order to facilitate the prior checking. Also a
material can be allocated.
Note: The Mode / Tool field lists all tools that are available in the device driver. In
this dialog any number of tools and modes can be assigned.
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3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
A new layer can be added by primarily defining a color and then activating the layer
button.
With the Insert option a new layer is added at the end of the layer list.
65
3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
A new material can be defined using the button. Activating the Add option allows the
creation of a new output profile.
66
3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
Subsequently the changes are saved pushing the OK button or using the Save profile
option.
The sequence of the tools is variable. It can be changed using the Layer Order option at
any time.
The layer you want to move is marked and positioned with the Move Layer buttons to the
desired location.
67
3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
You can assign another tool to selected objects at any time. For it, the Macros tab must
be activated and then another tool can be assigned using the Tool Selection field.
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3.3.4 Tool Assignment Via Layer
69
3.3.5 The Output
Fig. 3.3-12: Left side camera picture - Right side preview with magenta colored first video
mark
Marks that have been read correctly after having pressed the start-button are
bordered in green and marked with a red hook. After the correct reading of the video mark
the area is marked in gray and the button becomes active. If the option
was chosen the objects intended for the output are shown once again
taking into account the corrections, when pressing the button. The chosen the
objects intended for the output are shown once again taking into account the corrections,
when pressing the button the data output is started.
3.3.5.2 Output
Before the output of the job can now be started, at least the following preparatory
measures are to be carried out by yourself at the cutter!
1. Placing the material correctly. Correctly means that the orientation must be thus
in the X Y direction in the way as it is indicated in the preview.
2. The cutter is to be set online.
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3.3.5 The Output
3. The basic tools setup must be done, meaning if e.g., the knife"s depth is correct.
If it is ensured that the cutter is ready for use, the output can be started.
Now the output can be started. Please click the plotter icon in OptiScout.
In this dialog can be defined all global output options. This can be for example the desired
number of copies, the park position with terminating the output or the marker form which
should be recognized.
Fig. 3.3-13: Output dialog with device parameter list and control options
The Number of outputs repeats the last output without! reading the video marks with
identical output parameters such as scaling, etc. Only layers with an assigned tool are
given out. This variant protects against the fact that layers without tool assignment are
given out.
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3.3.5 The Output
As a check, whether the interface connection Computer / Cutter functions, you should use
the button before the button.
By pressing the button, then still a visual output job inspection can be made
before the real job output on the cutter.
With the direct output the preview window is suppressed. After pressing the
button the cutter instructions with the job data are transferred to the cutter.
Important: The camera is to position with the arrows on the PC keyboard over the
first video mark. The mark no. 1 is always those, which is at the next to the origin of
the cutter.
Under Information a name for the layer can be entered. This name is shown later in all
dialogs in which the colors of the objects are needed.
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3.4 The OptiScout Layer dialog
In the field Modus / tool the output tool can be selected from a list. The tools shown here
depend on the used output driver.
In the field Material already saved material-configuration can be called up. The
material-configuration can be created, saved or deleted with the …-button beside the
selection box. Special values can be saved al mode resp. material defaults.
Indication: By clicking with the left mouse button on another color the settings are
saved and the values of another layer can be edited.
3.5 Import
With this command the graphics that have not been saved in the OptiScout-job-format are
transferred to the working surface.
The functionality of this dialog box corresponds to the open file command. Differences are
only due to the possibility to change the size of the data to be imported by means of the
parameter X- and Y-factor. The desired file is chosen respectively specified via the name
of file, type of file and directories (search in).
With the preview window in the import dialog all following formats can be displayed:
*.ai/eps, *.pcx, *.jtp, *.tif, *.bmp, *.wmf, *.emf, *.dxf, *.gif, *.hpgl, *.gtp, *.ik, *.cmx
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3.5 Import
Indication: With text files (*.txt) the preview window is switched off.
Look in
In the row Search in the path can be set that shall be searched.
File name
Type of file
Here, you have to choose the format of the file to be imported in order to activate the
corresponding import filter
Preview
The activation of this option draws a preview of the file content to the left preview window
This option inserts the objects at the 0 (zero) position of the OptiScout-working surface.
X-factor, Y-factor
With these two factors the data can be scaled (increased or decreased) during the import.
The scale can be proportional or unproportional.
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3.5.1 Preprocessing of import data
This option performs the new file command automatically before the import of the data.
If this sub option is activated as well, the active window (Job) will be closed.
Note: This option prevents any myriad of open files, which can affect the stability of
the computer.
All objects to be imported are rotated at the angle that is entered in the ° (degree) field.
This facilitates the handling of data as the objects are rotated in the way they are needed
for the output.
Load palette …
Activating the …-button enables the search of a specific layer-palette on any data carrier.
Next to the color information also the tool pre-settings are taken over.
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3.5.2 Import Presettings
With this option the objects in the specified layer are automatically replaced by
OptiScout-video marks.
Here, all objects are united to a group. The features of the objects do not change, they are
only combined temporarily.
If this option is enabled, the import file name is proposed as job name and not "untitled".
76
3.5.2 Import Presettings
77
3.5.3 PDF Import
Enabling the Extract ... button ensures, that the import function loads the integrated job
file on the desktop, while extracting the PDF file.
Note: A prerequisite for this is that the appropriate option in the preferences (see
above) was made.
Raster Options
If the Import as Bitmap option is enabled, then all vectors will be rastered into a bitmap
before the import.
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3.5.3 PDF Import
Resolution
Element Selection
Page Selection
In the input field the page number can be entered, which should be imported.
If the All Pages option is enabled, then all pages of the document will be imported.
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3.6 Export
3.6 Export
If you want to use a job-file also in other programs the data must be made available in
another format than the OptiScout-job-format. This process is called „export”
Indication: Exporting is done with the highest quality and lowest compression.
Save
With the icons next to the Save-field you choose the path in which the export-file shall be
saved.
File name
Type of file
Here, you select in which other format the data on the desktop is to be written.
Following export-filters are available in OptiScout: *.eps (opi), *.cmx (Corel6-X6), *.plt
(HPGL), *: jpg, .pcx, *.tif, *.bmp.
Indication: If objects are selected only those are exported, otherwise all of them.
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3.6 Export
Selected objects
If this option is activated only the marked objects are written in the export-file.
All objects
Maintain worksheet
With this option the contour of the worksheet is written as object in the export-file.
Bitmap-Export
Shade
The number in front of „Bit per pixel” indicates the exponent of the shade.
Resolution
This value defines the amount of pixels per inch. The higher the value the finer becomes
the resolution. The value dpi 300 for example is sufficient for the offset printing.
Indication: Higher values are often not suggestive as the size of the file increases
with higher dpi.
Antialias
The export of a bitmap can also be done with antialiasing short: Antialias, which is a
jaggies smoothing or edge smoothing.
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3.6.1 PDF Export
Password
In the input field any password for the document can be filed.
Note: Please make sure that a secure password is used. It should be at least 8
characters long and made of numbers, letters, capital letters and special characters.
Enabling Set Access Rights option allows you to enter an individual password.
Password
In the input field any password for the following access rights of the document can be
filed.
Note: Please make sure that a secure password is used. It should be at least 8
characters long and made of numbers, letters, capital letters and special characters.
PS: The OptiScout PDF export includes a double-stage password protection. The
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3.6.1 PDF Export
first stage refers to the entire document and the second stage to a specific access
rights of the document.
When this option is enabled, printing of the document - without knowing the password -
is not possible.
When this option is enabled, extracting of contents - without knowing the password - is
not possible.
When this option is enabled, editing of contents - without knowing the password - is not
possible.
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3.7 Typical Applications
In the following the terms are examined for their similarities and differences.
3.7.1.1 1. Contour
Definition:
Attention: A contour is not! given out on a cutter, unless the "Convert contours"
function was executed before data transfer to the output module.
84
3.7.1 Contour vs Outline vs Contour Line
If the option Convert contours is enabled, a vector combination in the thickness of the
contour is generated. This combination is put in a layer with the same color.
Additionally the following dialog appears with a pre-selection of the correct welding method
(here: Weld by Color).
Tip: For testing can be switched into the contour mode in order to control which
objects will be given out.
3.7.1.2 2. Outline
Definition
Outline is a vector contour around another vector object oder a type face. In differenc to
the term contour the generated contour is a real vector which can be outputted. Another
85
3.7.1 Contour vs Outline vs Contour Line
difference is, that interior parts are contoured as well with a so-called Inline. Example:
Letters like a, e where the interior parts are also contoured (see fig. below)
Note: The Outline function is linked with the welding function, so that if contours
are overlapping each other, an error-free output to vinyl gets possible.
Definition
By a contour line is often referred in connection with the term: "print & cut". In "Print & Cut"
bitmaps mostly logos - graphics without vectors - are contoured with a vector line, in order
to produce decals, label, sticker on a cutter with OPOS sensor. The contour line is the line
that is cut around each sticker. It is like the pen contour an outline around the entire object.
86
3.7.1 Contour vs Outline vs Contour Line
Conclusion: The above examples should made clear that it is important to keep apart the
notions. Although, there cannot be seen any difference on the scree when in the full
surface mode, different tools and functions are involved. This example also shows how
flexible the tools of OptiScout Production 7 are.
87
3.7.2 Welding of Vector Objects
The welding function merges two or more vector objects together to a combination.
Depending on number and shape of the selected objects, you can select between the
following options: Manually, Automatically, Trim (which cuts objects with lines or
curves), Open trimming, Fill, By color, Full surface or Screen printing.
3.7.2.1.1 Automatically
Automatically calculates the common areas of the objects. All overlapping pieces are
merged with each other; transparent interiors are taken into account.
The option Automatically is especially appropriate for the welding of serifs of scripts. The
serif of the preceding letter often overlaps with the following letter itself or its serif. Without
welding the material would be cut at this intersections. The automatic welding eleminates
this overlap and serves to a cuttable transient of the serifs.
Note: Please note that by this option objects with different color are welded to one!
combination object. Should the object colors taken into account, then choose either
one of the options: By color, full surface, or screen printing.
Tip: If after the automatic welding some parts are missing, then you should reduce
the character spacing in your text editor by 100% to 99%. As a result, identically on
top of each other lying node points get moved in a way, that they can recognized as
separate nodes and then the welding function runs correctly.
3.7.2.1.2 By Color
By color removes all areas, which are masked from overlying colors. It does not matter,
how much objects or colors you select. If open objects are also selected, they can be
closed or be provided with a line width.
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3.7.2 Welding of Vector Objects
The option Full Surface underfills objects in one color, whose areas cover the areas of
another. The partially covered objects are handled in a way, that the overlying ones cover
the underlapped totally.
Tip: The most common application is the window lettering. Here, the option 'by
Color' is often too difficult to handle. At 2 or 3 foil colors, you should take the full
surface option, in which the individual foil colors are glued one above the other.
The welding option screen printing is particulary powerful tool for screen printers. First of
all it eleminates overlaps of the color layers. Afterwards the colors are stacked in the color
sequence. Finally, a bridge (an outflow wedge) gets inserted as an overlap.
Changing the color stack: In screen printing the sequence of printing colors is from light
to dark. Lighter colors are printed before darker colors. With a mouse click a color layer
can be picked up and moved to the desired position. The color stack shows the location of
the individual layers above the medium. The output sequence takes, the changings of the
color stack, into account.
3.7.2.1.6 Trim
Trim means, that you can cut closed objects with lines or curve objects and the resulting
subobjects are then closed again automatically. Depending on the request, you can put
one or more objects - like a "knife" - on the objects which should be dissipated. If you use
more "knives", this objects must lie in the same layer or must be combined. With the help
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3.7.2 Welding of Vector Objects
of the trim function the underlying objects are dissected along the "knives". Also, a
dissection in multiple tiles is easily achievable, because the knives may overlap. The
resulting subpieces are then sorted according to their location and condensed to
particulary groups.
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3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
The job is prepared with OptiScout Production 7. All tools which are needed for the
production of labels are included. With the CoRUN export function out of host programs
like CorelDRAW, Freehand, AutoCAD or Illustrator external data can be imported and
processed in OptiScout.
Using the special functions 1. Contour Line, 2. Clones, 3. Multi Copies, and 4. Set Jog
Marks a job is prepared for printing. Printing can be done directly using OptiScout
Production 7, if for example PjanntoRIP or EuroVPM as a print program is installed as
well. If another RIP than those specified is in use, you must use the EPS (OPI) export in
order to prepare the job data for printing.
Tip: For the generation of identical copies, the clone tools should be used. This
ensures a small amount of data and a high processing speed.
Thus the cutter can provide the print job with cut outline, manufacturer-specific jog marks
can be used and printed additionally! Setting of the jog marks can be done with the
Settings / Common Settings / Register Marks menu in OptiScout.
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3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
Limits: OptiScout Production 7 has no resp. only rudimentary image processing tools. The
image processing must be done in a host program such as Photoshop. Afterwards, the
image data are imported into OptiScout and processed.
Wherever printed materials must be cut or milled with contours, the usage of jog
marks is indispensable, in order to produce with the required accuracy. Beyond
that, inaccuracies which occur during the print process, must be
compensated. Preset ist done in the Settings / Common Settings / Register Marks
menu. The jog marks are set using the tools menu with the Set Jog Marks
submenu item.
Note: The jog marks function can be used with all cutters with optical sensors or
with flatbed cutters or milling machines equipped with camera systems for mark
recognition like OptiScout.
3.7.3.2.2 Definition
Jog marks and video marks are used synonymously for marks related to optical detection
of marks. Register marks describe a tool, that is used for the assembly of colored signs.
Print and cut marks describe marks, that are used commonly in printing and desktop
publishing.
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3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
Note: Jog marks are usually associated with an optical sensor; video marks with
camera usage.
Type
In the type list field is selected for which cutter producer resp. for which device jog marks
should be generated.
Important note: Only the options are active, that are supported by the selected
device!
Align at Selection
If the align at selection option is enabled, then the jog marks will be aligned relatively to
the selected objects.
If the align at sheet margins otpion is enabled, then the jog marks will be aligned
relatively to the leaf margin (work sheet).
Size
Distance to Object
The distance to object object defines, how near the job marks should be positioned at
the objects.
Line Thickness
The line thickness option defines, how thick the lines of the jog marks should be.
Note: The maximal and minimal line thickness which could be recognized depends
on the used cutting system.
max. X-Distance
The max. X-distance option defines, how far the maximum distance of the jog marks to
the objects may be in X-axis direction.
max. Y-Distance
The max. Y-distance option defines, how far the maximum distance of the jog marks to
the objects may be in Y-axis direction.
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3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
The external lying corners option defines, when external corners are taken into account
for the calculation of the distance - viewed from the object.
The output marks as well option defines, if the jog marks are taken into account while
output i. e. printed, cut, or milled.
Target Layer
The target layer defines in which layer the jog marks are put.
Note: Therewith also indirectly is assigned with which tool the jog marks are
processed, if the tool assigment was done via the layer.
Every cutter producer uses unique mark shapes and numbers for the jog marks which can
be detected from their optical sensor.
After preselecting the producer-specific jog marks, this jog marks can be set around the
job, so that in the 2nd step they will be part of the printing job. Hotkey for this function in
OptiScout is SHIFT+J.
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3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
Print processing is either done in screen print or digital inkjet print with solvent ink. The
RIP does the rastering, the linearization and the density correction. Additionally control
parameter like heater temperature, resolution, etc. are managed. Modern solvent printer
print on un-coated materials which often do not have to be laminated. All users which do
not have an own printer, can delegate the print process to an external provider.
Currently, all premium cutter have an optical sensor, so that with this devices a serial
production of label, stickers, or decals is possible. The cutter processes in doing so the
contour line - not to be confused with Outline - which was generated in the job prepartion
around all copies. Fig. 3.7-19 shows the magenta contour lines which will be cut.
The cutter described above are able to process sheets or rolls. OptiScout's plotter driver
support both functions. Fig. 3.7-17 and Fig. 3.7-18 show the driver parameter for the
cutting with sensor for the processing of identical job copies using rolls or sheets (Fig.
3.7-18).
Fig. 3.7-17: Parameter setting OPOS=ON using the example of Summa S-Class
Note: The parameter "OPOS" is set automatically on "ON" if the appropriate marks
95
3.7.3 Label Production with Cutters with Optical Sensor
are used. When processing identical copies of jobs on a roll using jog marks, the
mode "OPOS cutting with copies" must be used (Fig. 3.7-18). Then additionally the
number of copies in X direction can be set and as well as the mark distance
between the copies in mm.
Fig. 3.7-18: Parameter setting with identical Job copies from roll (also possible with
sheets, if the parameter "Sheet=On" was set)
Fig. 3.7-19: Cut contours in the cut preview (the gray contour below left, is required
for "Flex-Cut")
The result of this process are readymade labels in individual number and size. To get the
labels carwashresistant, they must be treated with a liquid lacquer.
96
3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
With this command you activate the module for cutting, milling, creasing and drawing of
your data.
You activate this function via the button in the tools toolbar or via the file S
menu, menu entry output…
When first opening this dialog another dialog will be opened before in which the driver of
the device as well as the connection has to be defined.
General
Under the part of the dialog named General you select the driver of the device.
In the right list all device drivers are listed that are available in OptiScout. In the left list an
individual name for the driver can be distributed. This name will be used in the output
dialogs of OptiScout.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Enable as server
If the option enable as server is activated the output device will be marked as plot server
and can be used by another Plot Manager for the output.
The characteristic features of an output device are that a driver for the processing of the
data has to be distributed to this output device. On the computer on which the Plot
Manager is running the job data for the output are transformed into device data by means
of a driver. The output of the device data can be done in several ways:
Types of connection
Local interfaces
Local interfaces are the interfaces (COM1, COM2, ..., LPT1, LPT2, ...) that are directly on
your computer.
The activation of the settings button opens a dialog for the configuration of the
interface. These settings that are done here apply for the whole system.
Indication: When steering serially you have to pay attention that all settings on the
side of the computer as well as on the side of the output device correspond.
Otherwise there is no or faulty communication between them.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
TCP / IP
Here, you have to enter the TCP / IP address and the port number to which shall be
output.
Spooler
When opening the output dialog again it will be opened directly with the previously set
device driver.
When selecting the menu item create network device … following dialog will be opened:
A network device enables the output of OptiScout jobs on a Plot Manager that runs on
another computer. Contrary to a "normal device" the data are not locally transformed into
device data but transferred unchanged to the plot server for the further processing.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Device name
Server selection
In the area named server selection enter the TCP/IP address if you use a TCP / IP
connection or the name of the computer that is used.
Network
If a connection shall be done via a network the configuration file of the plot server,
the plotman.ini, must be selected.
If the actualize button is pressed the devices of the server are read.
Indication: The device of the server can only be read if the server was selected as
only then, the devices of the server are available.
Driver
In the field driver the device driver is entered that the server uses for this device.
Indication: This driver must also be created locally, which means as local device.
If an OptiScout job contains objects with the attributes contour/line weight or color gradient
the previous dialog appears. Here, the object attributes can be transformed into vectors so
that they are taken into consideration at the output. After clicking on the OK button the
object attributes are transformed into curves.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Output
In the area named output of the output dialog are all selection fields or parameters that
are directly in contact with the output device.
Device
Mode
Output Profile
In the field Output Profile the required profile with individual values is selected.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Add
Activating the Add menu item writes a new data record into the profile database.
Save profile
Selecting the menu item Save profile the prior to this edited and changed values are
written into the profile database.
Profile defaults
Activating the menu item Profile defaults resets all Values to the default value. The
profile values are reread.
Activating the menu item Mode / Tool defaults resets all Parameters to the internal
driver values.
The area General settings allows the access to the parameters of the device and
driver. The area is divided in parameter and value. The width of the display can be
changed by moving the vertical line between the areas with the mouse. Whenever value is
written under „edit” a double-click opens the corresponding window for the setup of the
group parameter.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Number of outputs
The value in the field number of outputs indicates how often the repetition of the
job-output with all set device-parameters shall be carried out.
Number of copies
In the field number of copies you define how often the selected objects shall be cut. After
the cutting this value is automatically set back to 1.
Stack spacing
The value in the field stack spacing defines if the copies shall be stacked vertically and
which space has to be kept between the copies. Pre-condition for the activation of this
option is that the selected object can be cut more than one time on top of each other!
Indication: In the stacking preview the first object is shown „normally“. Each further
object of the stack is shown dashed in blue.
Weeding border
With the option weeding border it is defined if and with which space a rectangle is cut
around the plot that facilitates the weeding of the foil. In the output preview the frame - if
activated - is shown dashed in blue.
Copies spacing
The value in the field copies spacing defines the space between the copies that were
entered in the field number of copies.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Segment spacing
The segment spacing defines the horizontal space between the single segments.
Segments always occur if the job has to be sectioned which means divided.
By activating this option only objects from a layer with an assigned tool are transferred to
the Plot-Manager.
If the option sort before output is activated all objects in the working surface are sorted 1.
in head-direction and 2. in transport direction. If the command sort with simulation…-is
used, its last sort-setting is used.
Sectioning / Segmentation: If a job is too big for the output OptiScout segments the job
automatically in so many parts (segments) that are necessary for the complete output of
the job.
If the option wait after segment is active the output is interrupted after each segment and
the material can be newly adjusted if necessary.
Via the option keep reference point the zero point (0/0) of the cutter can be moved. If this
option is not active OptiScout selects automatically the physical zero point as starting point
for the cutting.
If the option keep reference point is active the physical zero point is moved about the
offset coordinate of the reference point. The coordinates of the reference point correspond
to the position of the down left corner of the object to be cut on the OptiScout working
surface.
Plot to file
If the option plot to file is active all output data are directed to a file you have to define
and written on the hard drive.
If this option is enabled, explanatory texts regarding parameters, values or options are
displayed, if the mouse cursor is located directly above.
By activating the save settings button all values that have previously been entered in the
output dialog are taken over and assigned to the currently active output device.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Feed/origin
Depending on the selected driver the name of the field is either feed or origin.
With origin the options are new origin or don't set. If the option new origin is selected
the device goes into X-direction at a fix set value behind the last cut object and this
position is then the new origin. If don't set is activated the physical zero point is the new
origin after the output.
Flatbed cutter
With feed the options are feed or no feed. If the option feed is activated the material feed
is carried out with the sectioning and with the output from the roll if the flatbed cutter has
an automatic material feed.
Accuracy
The field accuracy offers the following parameters: very low, low, normal, high and very
high. As default, the value normal is pre-defined.
The accuracy defines of how many vector parts an object should consist. This is only
relevant with objects whose size range in the 10th millimeter. Other object sizes are
calculated automatically by OptiScout and the optimum of nodal points for the later output
defined.
Note: This option is dependent on the driver. It does not appear with each device.
Objects
The field objects allows the selection of the objects to be output. Besides the modes all
objects and selected objects OptiScout also allows the cutting of color sequences or of
single color layers. The two last named are explained more in detail in the chapter „color
separation when cutting".
Info Line
In the Info Line information relating to the output process is displayed additionally, e. g.
"Job will be sectioned".
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Preview
Output
The output button transfers the data directly to the Plot Manager and to the connected
device.
Read material
The read material button delivers back to all connected devices the height of the area to
be plotted if an accordant command is intended in the firmware for the device. Devices
that do not offer this option no value respective zero is delivered back.
Each layer color used in the draft appears again in the objects list with the number that
clearly defines each layer color. In addition, in this list field two horizontal color bars
appear. After having transferred the data of a color layer, in the info area of the Windows
status bar the Plot Manager icon ( ) appears.
Double clicking on this icon activates the Plot Manager job control. If the mouse cursor is
positioned on the icon and the right mouse button is pressed, a pop up menu appears in
which the Plot Manager can be closed or the program version can be shown. In the layer
selection the color layers that have not been processed yet occur in the order in which
they had been selected. The order in the stack can be changed at any time.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Fig. 3.7-28: Definition of the order in which the single layers shall be processed by up /
down buttons
The order is defined via the up / down buttons. Layer colors that are not necessary are
deleted from the list with the button.
Tip: For the color separated cutting use the register marks from the draw tool. Register
marks are cut at the same place on the foil independent from the color used.
The output preview is automatically started if you press the preview button in the output
dialog.
Closing the output preview and returning to the working surface of ESC
OptiScout
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Fig. 3.7-29: Output preview with toolbars, status line and output objects
In the status line of the cutting preview the following information is shown: contour, filling,
width and height, group or combination, the max. foil consumption in square meters
and running meter (rnm) as well as selected object features. If the output menu is
activated the data are transferred to the output device.
Indication: If the job to be cut is left, underneath or above the material- or table
preview and the output -menu is activated you will automatically be reminded that
the objects to be cut are out of range of the output.
Detailed description:
please refer to 6.8: The Preview Tools Toolbar
please refer to 6.9: The Preview Object Parameters Toolbar
Foil optimization
The material consumption can be reduced by using the module foil optimization.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
The foil optimization takes care that all objects are arranged in a way that they take the
least space on the material.
In this field the desired distance between the optimization objects, the so called weed
border distance can be set.
Rotate as needed
During the optimization all objects are rotated so that they can be arranged saving the
most space.
Include bitmaps
If this option is activated, bitmaps and groups that contain bitmaps are also optimized.
Only the selected objects are considered. With this option you can for example optimize
according to layers (colors).
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Maximum optimization
If this option is activated two more fields are shown in the foil optimization dialog. The
option maximum optimization calculates all possible combinations the can arise from the
fields end optimization up to maximum ... objects and permutation depth. The
calculation can take much time depending on the size of the here set values as all
possible combinations that arise from the two values are calculated and compared.
Therefore, you should usually not set more than 20-30 objects with a permutation depth of
max. 5.
Weeding lines serve for the better procession of large jobs. Material length or width of
several meters are difficult to handle, therefore, you can insert weeding lines during the foil
cutting that divide the job into smaller parts that are more easy to handle.
Fig. 3.7-31: Output job with weeding frame (dashed in blue) without weeding lines
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Fig. 3.7-32: Example with 3 horizontal and 3 vertical weeding lines (dashed in red)
Fig. 3.7-33: Result of the output with weeding lines - objects not! cut
In the output preview there are 3 possibilities to insert horizontal and vertical weeding
lines.
Indication: Weeding lines can only be inserted if the option weeding frame has been
activated in the output dialog.
1. Manually
Position the mouse cursor on the weeding frame dashed in blue around the objects. The
mouse cursor changes into a double-headed arrow. Now draw a horizontal or vertical
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
weeding line to the position where it should be segmented. Repeat the process until all
necessary weeding lines are inserted.
Open the menu options and activate the menu item horizontal weeding line or vertical
weeding line.
The first weeding line is inserted in the middle of the objects to be cut. The second call up
of the function bisects the two halves in two more halves and so on.
An „h” or „v” directly entered via the keyboard generates the respective weeding lines - as
described in 2.
Tip: Single objects can be provided additionally with a separate weeding frame via
the right mouse menu.
Sectioning is the division of a job in so many parts (sections) that are necessary for the
complete output of the job.
If the job to be output is bigger than the set or the available output width (output dialog,
field width of material) of the output device in the information area of the output dialog
the indication „job will be sectioned“ is shown.
The activation of the output menu then opens the following dialog before the transfer to
the device:
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Only active with flatbed cutters. If the last segment was also cut as last the plate could not
be processed until the end. Therefore, the remainder is cut as first so that the plate lies on
the table until the end.
If the option segment optimization is activated always segments of the same size are
created.
This option is activated as default with OptiScout if video markers exist in the Job. The
above dialog is skipped and the preview of the dynamic segments is shown. The reason of
this optimization is that always at least 3 video markers are necessary. Depending on the
location of the video markers OptiScout "searches" up to 30% next to the segment line if
there is a video marker. If yes, the respective segment is adjusted dynamically.
Preset segmentation
The last used setting is automatically saved. When loading the job again this sectioning
can be accessed.
Reverse cutting
The option reverse cutting indicates that the objects are cut as „negative“ for example for
the use as template for the screen printing.
Segmentation with overlapping - In the fields X- and Y-Overlap you can define how much
the segments shall overlap. The vectors are enlarged accordingly at the cutting points.
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3.7.4 Cutting - Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
Fig. 3.7-35: Foil optimization in the sectioning preview with 8 segments and information on
segment sizes
Selection and deselection of the segments is done by clicking into the segment. The red
checkmark indicates which segment is active and being output.
You can change the sectioning by clicking on the blue section lines and move them to the
desired position with the mouse. If necessary OptiScout inserts automatically new
sections.
In the status line of the segmentation preview the size of the job to be cut in X- and
Y-direction and the number of segments are shown.
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3.7.5 Printing
3.7.5 Printing
The following chapters explain in detail the single functions of the OptiScout print dialog.
Open the OptiScout print… dialog by selecting the menu item print in the file menu, via
the keyboard hotkey CTRL+P or by pressing the button in the toolbox.
In the down right part of the dialog you find the option tile and the adapt button and the
1:1 button under output. Depending on which option you have activated the appearance of
the preview of the print -dialog changes.
Indication: If the print -dialog is opened the adapt button is automatically active
because we do not assume formats that exceed the maximum output-size of the
device to be accessed as standard for the printing of objects or graphics.
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3.7.5 Printing
The adapt-mode corresponds to the printable area. The values for the printable area are
shown in the field print area which is in the upper right part of the print dialog.
The preview window offers the possibility to check your job before printing. The edges of
the window are magnetic which means that if an object is approaching the edge of the
sheet the object stays at the edge of the window. Thus, a faster positioning of the objects
in the corners or at the edges of the sheets is obtained.
Tip: If the magnetization of the edges shall be switched off, keep the SHIFT button
pressed while positioning your objects.
The x- and y-coordinates that are shown underneath the preview window express the
location of the left upper edge of the object on the working surface.
Clicking once with the right mouse button or activating the preview button increases the
preview window to the maximum size of display.
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3.7.5 Printing
Indication: The size of display depends on the set screen resolution (800*600,
1024*768, ...). Clicking again with the right mouse button resets the original status.
Indication: If the left mouse button is pressed and kept pressed, a dashed black
frame appears around the objects to be printed. This frame covers all objects that
are on the working surface and corresponds to the printing area.
Printable area and object
The fields Printable area and object are in the upper right part of the print dialog.
Printable area
In this field, the specified printing area with height and width values is shown.
Object
In this field the object/s to be printed with height and width values is/are are shown.
Indication: The fields for the percental enlargement of the objects are not active in
the adapt-mode.
One field below on the right side of the print dialog is the field printer.
If you open the list you will get a list of all printers that are installed on your system. Select
the printer that you want to use. In order to do more settings for the printing activate the
setup button. The dialog that now opens corresponds to the menu item properties of the
respective printer file menu.
Indication: The print dialog that is opened by pressing the setup button depends on
the loaded printer driver and is therefore not further explained.
Right next to the setup-button the orientation of the sheet (portrait / landscape) can be set.
What is printed?
In the area named print mode are two combo-boxes in which you can define what shall be
printed. In the first list you can choose between the options objects, objects with
worksheet, job-info and job-calculation.
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3.7.5 Printing
Objects
All objects and the worksheet (black frame) are printed. Underneath the black frame the
company´s name, the dimensions of the working surface and the proportion in which it
shell be output are also automatically printed.
Job-info
If this option is activated all information that have been entered in the job-info are output
as well as all objects in the below right area of the sheet are printed downsized.
Job-calculation
If this option is activated the information that have been entered in the job-calculation are
output.
The following setting- possibilities are available in the second list: all objects, selected
objects, color separated printing (printing in the order of the layer), printing of single
layer (colors).
All objects
Selected objects
Only objects are printed that have been marked on the working surface.
All objects of one color are printed in the order previously set. The color bar (layer-order)
in the second list contains all colors (layers) that have been used on the working surface
and corresponds to the later printing order.
All colors listed in the second list correspond to those that have been used for the objects
on the working surface. If there is for example only one black and one red object only two
color bars (layers) are offered as selection.
Ratio
Here, you have the possibility to enter the printing proportion as numeric or percentage
values.
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3.7.5 Printing
Indication: Both fields are coequal which means that if a numeric value is entered
the corresponding percentage value is entered automatically in the dedicated field
and vice versa.
Centered
If this option is activated all objects on the working surface are centered.
Tiling
If this option is chosen the print -dialog appears in the tile mode.
Number of copies
In this field the number (max. 9999) of the exemplars to be printed can be defined. The
buttons adapt and tile enable switching between the two modi with the same name.
1:1
If this button is activated all objects on the working surface are displayed in their original
size in the preview window and output.
Adapt
If this button is activated all objects on the working surface are downsized so that they can
be shown completely in the preview window.
Options
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3.7.5 Printing
Contour mode
With this option activated all objects are printed like shown in contour mode - without
filling.
When selecting this option the background color defined for the working surface is also
printed.
If the job to be printed contains subsidiary lines they are also printed.
This option becomes automatically active if in the first list all objects and in the second list
color separated printing (after the layer order) or print single colors (after single layers)
was selected.
Indication: If you want to print the objects on the working surface in color the option
always print black must be deactivated.
Register-/ Jog-Marks
This option becomes automatically active if in the first list all objects and in the second list
color separated printing (after layer order) or print single colors (after single layers)
was selected.
Indication: If you do not want to also print register and jog marks this option must
be deactivated.
If you switch from the adapt mode to the tile mode the preview window appears as
follows:
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3.7.5 Printing
In the tile mode all tiles are shown. A tile is that part of the object that can be output on the
device to be accessed.
The option pause after indicates after which tile (enter amount of tile) the output shall be
interrupted. The fields overlapping (mm) serve for the entry of the desired horizontal and
vertical overlapping of the objects to be printed.
When printing to roll (option Roll), whole lanes can be printed without having spaces
between the single tiles.
Indication: Only the print of a whole lane can be interrupted and not the printing of a
single tile. The entry of an overlapping in feed direction (print direction) has no
influence on the roll which can also be seen at the display of the size of the tile.
After the tiling the dialog is not closed automatically as it is an advantage to directly
compare the print and the preview. In addition, thus you can directly repeat the print of a
specific tile.
One click with the right mouse button on the tile preview increases the tile display. This
can also be done by clicking on the -button in the upper left area of the window. Clicking
once again with the right mouse button resets the original status.
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3.7.5 Printing
If you double click with the left mouse button on a tile this one will be deactivated which
means it will not be printed.
Double clicking with the left mouse button while pressing the SHIFT button leads to the
inversion of the tiles which means that the tiles that have been deactivated before become
now active (printed) and the tiles that have been active become deactivated (not printed).
The objects within the preview window can be shifted by means of the mouse. The window
edges are magnetic which means that when the object is approaching the edge of the
sheet the object remains clinged. When pressing the SHIFT button the magnetization is
released.
The following example explains the single functions, shortcuts,... in the tile mode in detail.
The tile mode offers the possibility to print in any size which means each graphic,
independent of the size can be printed on the connected output device. For the print of
your graphic you do not need a printer with which DIN A2-, A1-, A0- or even large size can
be output.
How?
The graphic to be printed is divided in so many segments (tiles) that are necessary to be
able to output the graphic on the connected output device. The amount of necessary tiles
depends on the size of the graphic to be output and the pre-defined output format (DIN A3,
A2, ...). The setting of the output format is done via the set button OptiScout print dialog
and depends on the connected output device.
Load any graphic in OptiScout and open the print dialog, either via the file menu by
selecting the menu item print..., via the keyboard with the key combination CTRL+P or via
the button in the standard toolbar.
The OptiScout print dialog is opened in the adapt mode. Activate the tile mode by
activating the thus named button.
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3.7.5 Printing
In the upper right corner of the dialog you find the two fields tile and object.
The field tile corresponds to the field print area in the adapt mode. The other fields in the
right part of the print dialog are the same as in the adapt mode.
An active tile is a tile that is not marked with a red „X”. Deactivated tiles on the other hand
are marked with a red „X”.
123
3.7.5 Printing
The deactivation or activation of a tile is done by double clicking with the left mouse
button which means when double clicking on an active tile it becomes deactivated.
Another double click on the same tile activates it again.
In the previous figure you can see that the lower row of tiles is marked with a red „X”.
These tiles were deactivated and will not be printed.
In the tile mode you do not only have the possibility to activate / deactivate single tiles.
Tip: Keep the CTRL button pressed while double clicking with the left mouse button
on the desired tile and all tiles where the mouse cursor is are deactivated.
124
3.7.6 Edge Detection
This type of recognition is required if material is handled, where the attachment of the
visible video marks is not allowed or wanted, such as Plexiglas or cardboard.
Open the “Settings – Standard settings – Register / Jog Marks” dialog and set the
“Align to working area” option active. Make sure the “Max. X distance” is higher than
the maximum table size of the cutter in X axis, e.g. 5000 mm. Press “OK” to exit the
setup.
Import the cutfile and set the size of the working area to the size of the printed board.
Press the right mouse button and select “Working Area" from the context menu.
125
3.7.6 Edge Detection
Exit the work area setup and move the objects on the work area to the position where you
want to output them on the board (e. g. center of the board). Select all objects and choose
the option “Set Jog Marks” from the “Tools” menu in OptiScout OptiScout. The result
should be one regmark at placed on each corner of the board. Make sure that the file
contains no more regmarks than the 4 at the corners.
Assign the output tools and set the tool parameters for the layers. Prepare the file for the
output sequence.
Start the output for the cut file. Click “Edit” to open the setup interface for the edge
126
3.7.6 Edge Detection
detector.
Steps in x and y means the number of points along the edge to be measured. This value
should be higher than “1” for X and Y to get a good accuracy.
We recommend using a value between 3 and 5.
The step size parameter defines the distance between the measured positions along the
edge in X and Y axis.
We recommend using a value between 30 and 100 mm.
The corner offset defines the first point to be measured after placing the camera to the
lower left corner of the board. This value is used to start the recognition in an area of the
board where the edge is not damaged. Sometimes the corners of boards a not in good
127
3.7.6 Edge Detection
Click “Edit” to enter the mark settings dialog and select Mark type "Edges" from the list.
Click “OK” to confirm and exit the dialog.
All the setup can be saved in an output profile in the output window. Press the Manage
profiles button and select the “Add” function. Enter the name for this setup and press
OK.The output profile list should now contain minimum 2 entries.
Now press “Output” button to continue. The recognition window of the camera should
now open. Move the head in x direction approx. 10 mm X away from the corner of the
board and start the recognition if the green or red arrow indicates the edge of the board.
The edge detector will now detect the defined amount of points along the x axis.
128
3.7.7 Corner Detection
After reading the x axis the camera will change the orientation and start looking for the
edge in Y axis. The defined amount of points will be measured as well. If every edge has
been detected the “Run” button will become active to output the file. By pressing the “N”
key on your keyboard you can check the recognition before you run the file. The camera
will move the cross hair to the lower left edge of the board.
The approach is similar to the edge detection. Video marks are used to detect the corners
of the material. In difference to the edge detection the compensation is active; the cut
contours are scaled accordingly to the compensation factor.
129
3.7.7 Corner Detection
Import the cut file and set the working area to the size of the sheet that should be
detected. Select the cut contours and choose the Set Jog Marks function from the tools
menu. This function will now place one regmark on each corner.
130
3.7.7 Corner Detection
A click on the Edit… field of the Mark settings parameter opens the dialog for the setting
of the mark type.
131
3.7.7 Corner Detection
When you start the output the OptiScout recognition window will appear. Move the
camera on top of the magenta indicated corner and press the button.
After all marks have been approached and recognized, the result can be confirmed by
clicking on the Run button.
132
3.8 Output of The OptiScout Example File
Open the dialog layer settings with a right click on the color red in the
OptiScout-layer-toolbar. The dialogue layer- settings opens. In this dialog the output
parameters for the objects of the red layer are defined.
133
3.8 Output of The OptiScout Example File
Select in the menu mode / tool the output tool to be used and enter the values necessary
for the output into the upper list.
Confirm the assignation with the OK-button. The layer assignation is shown with a red
134
3.8 Output of The OptiScout Example File
Now open the output dialog by pressing the S key on your keyboard or by selecting the
menu item Output in the File menu. Now check if the device is online.
A correct connection between the PC and device can be checked by pressing the Read
Material -button. If the values for the material width adjust to the values of the possible
output size of the cutter the connection is ok.
If, however, the waiting for answer dialog appears the interface parameters have to be
checked. If the parameters correspond with the size of the output device press the Output
button.
Indication: The camera offset is subtracted from the maximum working space.
135
3.8.1 Output of the contours
Position the camera with the arrow keys of the keyboard above the start marker. It will be
shown in magenta and usually is the marker that lies the most convenient to the device
origin.
Arrow key left -> negative in x-direction - arrow key right -> positive in x-direction - arrow
key up -> positive in y-direction - arrow key down -> negative in y-direction
Pressing simultaneously the CTRL key increases the speed with the factor 10. Pressing
simultaneously the SHIFT key increases the speed with the factor 100. If a marker is
framed in red in the camera picture it means that it was recognized.
The measurement can be started by pressing the ENTER key or with the button .
The markers should now be read automatically.
Indication: Mearurement of the video marks can proofed by pressing 'N' key. The
measured position will be approached und the cross-hair should be in the center of
the mark. If this is not the case, you can press 'M' key to make a new measurement.
The deviation can be proofed with the X- and Y-coordinate in the area Position.
When pressing the take over-button all positions of the objects are calculated and the
output is started.
136
3.8.2 OptiScout Camera Module
If you select a field a tool-tip and/or a graphic is shown that explains the parameter more
closely.
As the single fields and functions depend on the device, here, only the general parameters
are described. Special functions are explained in the tooltips/-info-graphics.
137
3.9.1 Number of copies
First output is done in the manual mode, then it is switched to production. This setting
implicates that with the first copy of a series the display position is detected and all further
copies are executed automatically.
Vacuum switch-over: Optional the vacuum when changing the sheets can be switched
from suction to puffing.
Vacuum offset (mm): Additional range of vacuum for the vacuum width.
Depending on the application it can be necessary to install besides the sheets of the
graphics additional mounting aids and stencils that facilitate the loading of the table or to
increase the holding force at the vamp edges.
As these additional parts usually also have to be ingested the range of vacuum has to be
increased.
Here, you can define in which form a status report shall be generated. Status reports are
received during reading errors.
Markers were not recognized and the output process is thus configurated that it waits for a
user"s reaction. Possible reasons why markers have not been recognized during the
process are for example:
138
3.9.3 Status reports
On demand, a system for the continuous status tracking can be activated. Only then you
can detect for example a power failure promptly as here, the status report does not appear
when finishing.
Status report on
Status mail (User): Here, you can enter the email-address that is used when
selecting user.
Indication: Many email-providers offer a (usually with costs) service with which you
can receive emails as SMS. This way, you can also check the output process when
you are en-route or the device shall produce time-critically over night.
139
3.9.4 Marker settings
If this option is activated a notification is done with every output not done due to a reading
error. Depending on the setting in the status reports the message appears in the log file or
as email.
140
3.9.5 Copy options
The message contains the position of the sheet in the pile. A very helpful function in order
to mark the waste with serial output.
Here, the amount of output in X-direction resp. Y-direction and the distance of the outputs
in X-direction resp. Y-direction can be set.
141
3.9.6 Park position
Park positions
142
3.10.1 Manual recognition
Import the prepared output file. Select all objects and press the key combination CTRL+B
in order to break the group. Select one of the existing circles and press the right mouse
button. Use the function search / replace video markers with sel. size. All circles with
the same diameter are converted to video markers. The number of the recognized
markers is shown in the status line below.
143
3.10.4 Change / delete object property video marker
Remove the checkbox in the option video marker in order to deactivate this property of
the object. The video marker becomes again a circle and is not considered during the
recognition.
Fig. 3.10-2: Video markers with different forms and colors and with different backgrounds
Per object the number of adjust markers is unlimited. OptiScout allows autonomously the
optimal marker combination before the output. This procedure optimizes the accuracy.
144
3.11.1 Case 1: without segmentation
Here, the same objects are processed consecutively for example 10 times. The distance
between the copies is detected autonomously by accessing the next copy.
Here, several "sheets" with identical or not identical use exist parallelly or consecutively.
1.2.1: Identical use: The rotation angle is the same for all sheets so that a global rotation
can be done. The copy-distances are detected autonomously as in case 1.1.
1.2.2: Not identical use: The rotation angle is not the same so that the markers for each
sheet must be read anew.
or
1. the video markers must lie wisely which means they should result in "good" triangles.
2. they should be printed in a sufficient amount and
3. possible object-related (for any use) assigned
4. the objects should lie as close as possible to the origin of the device (recommendation)
145
3.11.2 Case 2: with segmentation
146
4 Reference Part
The menu items in chronological order:
The command save as... is also to be selected if you want to save the
current job onto another data carrier. To do so, select the appropriate disk
147
4.1.5 The Save as… Command
drive.
148
4.1.13 The Quit Command
149
4.2 The Edit Menu
Indication: This setting can only be changed with a new file (file menu,
menu item new)!
Indication: For the transport of your data you can also use the export
command. This is always necessary if your data shall be transferred to
another computer.
150
4.2.6 The Copy Command
Now point the tip of the right angle to the point on your working surface
where the graphic or the object shall be inserted.
151
4.2.13 The Prepare to Cut… Command
Contour
The line weight defined before is contoured.
Color graduation
The color graduation defined before is divided into the defined number of
steps and each step is provided with an outline.
Both
The defined line weight and the defined color gradient (number of steps) are
outlined.
152
4.3 The Design Menu
153
4.3.8 The Duplicate Command
The positioning is done according to the values that you have entered in the
settings menu, menu item standard settings / miscellaneous.
Indication: You can also duplicate an object by first marking it, moving
it with the left mouse button kept pressed and then press the right
mouse button once at the position where the duplicate shall be
created. The displacing values are entered automatically with this
procedure.
In order to make this possible again the grouping must be broken with the
break group command.
You have created two squares with different sizes, the smaller one lying
completely within the bigger one. In order to obtain that in the
154
4.3.12 The Combine Command
None
All fillings respective filling bitmaps of the marked object are removed. Only
the contour of the objects remains in the previously defined layer color.
155
4.3.15 The Contour Function
With this option you can place register marks as administer help in your
graphic. This function enables the accurate mounting of the color separated
cutting job. To do so, activate this command and click the register marks to
the desired positions. Register marks are cut along layer neutral (color
neutral).
If open objects where drawn, they can be closed via right mouse button with
menu item Close.
156
4.3.18 The Sort With Simulation… Command
157
4.3.24 The Round Corners… Command
Indication: This function can also be used for the rounding of font
characters.
158
4.4 The View Menu
Indication: If you keep pressed the SHIFT key while doing this
command only the marked objects are zoomed to maximum.
159
4.4.7 The To Back Command
160
4.4.15 The Refresh Screen Command
Indication: Use this command if objects on the screen are visible that
cannot be accessed by the arrow tool or if display errors of another
kind occur.
161
4.5 The Tools Menu
162
4.5.5 The Set Jog Marks Command
Note: This option can also be set as a standard via the Settings /
Standard Settings / Filter menu entry.
4.5.7 The Search / Replace Video Marks With Sel. Size Command
This command searchs all circles in the selected size and replaces them
through video marks.
Note: This command is useful if the video marks were not created
manually in OptiScout, but a file is imported from a third-party
programs including video marks. The size of the marks often deviates
from the optimum size.
163
4.5.9 The Optimize Material… Function
Note: All actions take place at the origin point of an object, when no node is
selected. Where the tool path is placed at the object depends on the object's
orientation. Object without inner parts or which are lying one inside the other (no
combination!) the orientation determines the location where the tool path is placed.
164
4.5.13 The Outline… Function
vector object.
165
4.6 The Plug-Ins Menu
With this tool objects with specific properties can be selected. For example via the circle
recognition all circular objects of a specific size can be selected.
All marked objects on the working surface are replaced by the selected type of object.
This function determines the orientation of the object vectors. This is especially important
when milling in order to determine the handling of inner parts of objects.
166
4.7 The Settings Menu
X offset
Indicates the value that remains between the original and the duplicate (in
X-orientation) after the creation of a duplicate.
Y offset
Indicates the value that remains between the original and the duplicate (in
Y-orientation) after the creation of a duplicate.
4.7.1.1.0.2 Dimensioning
Font height
In the Font height field the default font height of the dimensioning text can
be pre-set.
Alignment to object
With this option the placement of the dimensioning line plus text can be
defined: left, top or bottom or right, top or bottom.
X increment
Indicates the value how much the marked objects are moved or displaced
when pressing the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Y increment
Indicates the value in Y-orientation how much the marked objects are moved
or displaced when pressing the arrow keys on the keyboard.
167
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Indication: If you keep pressed the SHIFT key during the movement,
the value of the displacement is reduced to a tenth part. If you keep
pressed the SHIFT + CTRL key the displacement is a hundredth of the
set step size.
4.7.1.1.0.4 Job
Autosave interval
The autosave interval indicates the duration when your job data are
automatically saved on the hard drive. This backup file is always in the
OptiScout main directory. Its name is always autosave.job.
The value indicates how many last opened jobs are listed at the end of the
file menu.
This option suppresses the save prompt, when the program is closed.
This option takes care that it is checked before saving if the current file shall
be overwritten.
This option switches on or off the query that checks before the transfer to
the Plot Manager if the line weight and/or color gradient shall be changed.
This option generates a minimized job content thumabnail in front of the file
name. This facilitates the file search.
For bitmaps that are bigger than the value set in this field the
undo/redo-function is automatically switched off which means that the
operations on this bitmap cannot be made undone.
168
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
The delete undos before printing option deletes all undos done so far.
In this dialog, optional to the fields that are available for the user in the job
info, further user-defined fields can be created that are shown in the
dialog-boxes for loading and deleting files as long as they contain
information.
The request job info automatically button indicates if, when saving a new
job, the job info form is called-up automatically.
Here, you can define the assignment of the right mouse button. To do this,
open the selection list and select the command that shall be carried out
when clicking once with the right mouse button.
This option increases the marksmanship when selecting objects. The default
value is 100; the unit is millisecond. The higher this selected value the
longer it takes until the object follows the mouse cursor. An accidental
displacement of the objects is thus decreased.
Note: Users that are not so sure with the handling of the mouse should
increase this value.
Mouse Wheel
These options ease the navigation on the OptiScout desktop with computer
mice, which a equipped with a mid-wheel button.
Zoom
This option - starting from the cursor position - increases or decreases the
working area when turning the mouse wheel: according to the direction of
rotation.
169
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Scroll vert.(ical)
This option - starting from the cursor position - moves the working area
horizontally (Wheel + CTRL key) or vertically when turning the mouse wheel.
According to the direction of rotation the movement is done to the left, top or
bottom or to the right, top or bottom.
Note: The SHIFT key toggles between Zoom and Scroll mode!
This option is switched on by default and takes care that whenever an object
is moved above the edge of the working surface with the mouse, the working
surface automatically is moved, scrolled.
Here, the momentarily connected output devices are listed, the driver name
and the connection -interface as well as the mode and the material from the
material database are shown.
The … button enables the new creation, modification and deletion of the
respective pre-setting.
Port
Default Settings
This option takes care that no new origin is set after the output of a job. The
successional output is done at the same coordinates as the previous.
Stack processing
Waiting after segment indicates if the cutter shall remain at this position after
the output of a cut segment. This option is typically needed with flatbed
170
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
After the segment the foil is forwarded by hand to the correct position.
Sort means that all inner objects are processed before the outer objects and
that a sortation is done in x-axis-orientation. This switch takes care that the
foil is moved as little as possible in order to maintain the repeat accuracy as
high as possible. This option is especially necessary with cutters with friction
roll drive or when milling.
The output speed is slightly reduced with this setting.
Plot to file
This option does not lead the output of the data to the connected device but
opens a dialog in which the path and the name of an output file can be given
that will be saved to the hard disk.
This option can be activated if a device is connected and "online" and a read
out command for this device exists in the driver.
This option takes care that only objects are output where a tool assignment
to a layer was done.
Weeding border
This option defines if and with which distance a weeding frame is cut around
the output objects. This option facilitates the weeding of foil.
Overlap
It defines the overlapping of two segments. This value takes for example
care of the compensation for the shrinking that occurs with foils.
Copy spacing
Segment spacing
171
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Stack spacing
No tooltips
This option takes care that no tooltips that were entered in the device driver
are shown in the output dialog.
The following dialog is, regarding the settings, identically with the window in: detailed
description please refer to 3.3.5.3: Start Output. With the difference that only the
saving of settings is possible. Pre-selects and stored here are settings of device, mode,
profile, parameters and values, thus all settings that affect the output on the device.
Note: The settings must be done here, if the output is done directly, without output
window.
172
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Via this menu item the size, the position with regard to the selected object
and the kind of register / jog and video marks can be determined.
When inserting a bridge via the context menu of the right mouse button the
object is ripped up at the point of the mouse click with the set bridge length.
173
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
This setup allows to define the search paths for the import as well as to
select the file name for the automatic import of files (F12) and if the file is to
be deleted after the import.
If OptiScout is loaded and an EPS file is saved in one of the given search
paths under the defined name (for example OptiScout), then it activates
automatically OptiScout and this file will then be loaded directly to the
working surface.
Here, the size that the bitmap-files (TIF, JPG, BMP, PCX, …) and/or EPS
files may have so that they are shown in the import-preview can be defined.
Close objects
If activated, the vector objects whose distance from start and end point are
within the closing tolerance are closed respective connected automatically
when importing.
Close tolerance
In an entry field the value for the maximum distance from the start and
endpoint up to where the objects are closed respective connected is to be
entered.
All layers
If this option is activated all closed objects in the same layer are combined
during the DXF-/HPGL-import.
174
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
After import
If this option is activated the working area is adjusted to the imported objects
when importing.
When working with OptiScout all distances between copies are calculated by
means of the paper size.
If this option is activated all imported objects are provided with the object
attribute "fixed object size". Thus the size modification is deactivated.
If this option is activated all imported objects are provided with the object
attribute "fixed object size for output". If this option is active no size
compensation takes place during the output. The objects are only positioned
and rotated after the reading of the marks.
If this option is activated, for each color that has a not yet existing layer
name a new layer is created. Thereby, same layer names are put in one
layer.
At PDF Export
If this option is activated, the job file from the current window is embedded
into the PDF file while PDF export.
If this option is activated, the page selection when importing a PDF file is
suppressed - the page selection dialog will be skipped.
175
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
4.7.1.8.1 OptiScout…-Button
If this sub option is activated as well, the active window (Job) will be closed.
Note: This option prevents any myriad of open files, which can
affect the stability of the computer.
If this option is activated the imported objects are rotated at the entered
angle value.
Load palette
Here, you enter the palette with the whole path that shall be loaded when
importing a file. You can also search for and enter it via the adjoining button.
Enter here the name of the layer in which the video marks for an imported
file are lying. All circles in this layer will then be converted to video marks at
the import.
If this option is activated all objects of the same layer are combined to
"combinations" after the import.
If this option is activated all objects are combined to a "group" after the
import.
If this option is activated the file name of the import file is suggested and not
"untitled".
Note: The name of the import file is also proposed for export and save.
176
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Standard RIP
EuroVPM Option
This option must be enabled from the EuroVPM licensee. Using the ...
button, goes to the folder containing the EuroVPM.exe file.
This option must be enabled from the Pjannto RIP licensee. In OptiScout no
more settings have to be done.
The Profile... setup serves the customization of the desktop. The user or administrator
can adapt the OptiScout interface to fit his needs or restrict it to its necessary amount. The
so defined user profile can be exported or be transferred - provided with a password
protection - onto other licensed client computers.
177
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
4.7.1.10.1 Presentation
The following options are possible: Original, XP, Icy, Office (colored). Changes
are executed directly.
4.7.1.10.2 Color
The following options are possible: Blue, Siver, Olive, and Red. Changes are executed
directly.
Possible sizes are: Small, Medium and Large. A preview in the left hand area of the
dialog shows, what effect the changes have.
Possible sizes are: Small, Medium and Large. A preview in the left hand area of the
dialog shows, what effect the changes have.
If here a password is assigned, this password is queried while the activation of the Profile
Menu Item. Changing the view is only possible with the known password.
178
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
Enabling of the Export Profile button allows saving of customize OptiScout profiles. The
used file extension is *.EC7. As default *.EC7 files are saved in the folder, where the
program data are located.
Note: If all menus or the settings menu were accidentally disabled, then access on
the profile resp. profile file is possible using the sytem menu. The system menu is
enabled with a click on the program logo, which you'll find left from the program
name in the program bar.
179
4.7.1 The Standard Settings Menu
In the status area messages and infos are displayed that explain the program's operation.
Layer Numbers
Layer Info…
Opens the dialog for the setup of the layer toolbar. Here, you can define
which information is shown if the mouse cursor is positioned above a layer
color.
Layer Order…
This option opens a dialog for the modification of the layer order respective
the output order.
If this option is activated only the objects lying in the selected layer are
shown on the working surface.
This option removes all unused layers, all layers without objects and without
device connection.
New Palette
All color layers that have layer numbers bigger than 6 are removed. You use
this command if you want to define a new color palette individually. The
selection of the layer color is done by just selecting the desired color with
your mouse cursor and then activating the OK button.
180
4.7.2 The Color Palette Command
Load Palette…
Save Palette
With this command you save a newly defined or a modified standard palette
on your hard disk. If this new or modified palette is saved as default palette it
will be used at every new start of OptiScout.
Default
This command loads the color palette that is delivered as standard with
OptiScout. It is a Mactac foil color chart that was defined as default palette
by means of the color fan.
Palette History
This function facilitates the loading of the last 4 color palettes without the
detour via the file directory tree. At the end of the menu list of the color
palette menu the names of the last 4 edited color palettes appear. Click with
the mouse cursor on the desired palette name and thus open the selected
palette.
181
4.7.3 The Working Area… Command
Here, you can newly define the size and color of your working area. The
working area is displayed as a paper frame with a gray shade on the right
and bottom next to the frame (see figure above). The color of the working
area is freely definable; this guarantees an optimal layout control on the
screen.
Pre-defined are for example DIN-A-sizes. Besides the fix defined measures
you can define any number of user-defined working area. One can be
defined as standard. It will then be pre-set at every "file new".
This option is a very helpful function for everybody who has e. g. a milling or
an engraving machine as the new entry in each case of the usable area can
be omitted.
Indication: A double click on the shade right next and below the
working area also opens this dialog.
182
4.7.5 The Unit of Measurement Function
Indication: The metric can also be changed directly via a button that is
in the angle of both rulers.
With big or many objects the node processing is faster. The testing phase
(initial state -> edition -> temporary final state) with several processing
steps can be made undone as follows:
1. Switch off undo/redo, 2. edit objects and 3. switch on undo / redo
The selection of the undo function in the edit menu reestablishes the state
before point 1.
183
4.7.9 The Guidelines… Function
184
4.8 The Window Menu
185
4.8.9 The Setup Command
186
4.9 The Help Menu
187
4.9.6 The Remote Support… Command
188
4.10 Context Menu Left Mouse Button
A click on the Unit button activates one of the following context menus:
Note: Which of the two is enabled, depends on whether objects are selected on the
working area and what zero point setting is active.
or
4.10.1.1.1 Origin…
This command opens the following dialog, with which the coordinates of the zero point can
be set manually:
189
4.10.1 Context Menu Ruler
In the X field, the absolute coordinate of the zero point on the X-axis can be specified.
In the Y field, the absolute coordinate of the zero point on the Y-axis can be specified.
Display as Cross-Option
If this option is activated, the origin point is represented by a dashed coordinate cross.
Bottom Left
If this option is activated, the origin point is positioned on the sheet's bottom left corner.
Bottom Right
If this option is activated, the origin point is positioned on the sheet's bottom right corner.
This command serves to move the ruler origin to any position on the desktop.
This command serves to move the origin point into the lower left corner of the working
area.
This command serves to move the origin point to the center of the working area ( center of
page).
Note: This command is only visible if one or more objects are selected on the
working area.
190
4.10.1 Context Menu Ruler
This command serves to release the fixation of the ruler origin in order to move it with the
mouse.
This command serves to anchor the ruler zero point at a definite point.
191
4.11 Context Menus Right Mouse Button
Text components
Refresh screen
Import…
This menu entry opens the import dialog for the import of external file formats.
Insert
This menu entry inserts contents from the Windows clipboard to the OptiScout working
area.
Working area
This menu entry opens the dialog for the pre-setting of the parameters of the working area.
If no locked objects are selected: - insert (if node selected), - delete (if node selected) -
break (if 1 node selected and another one is behind), - join (if 2 nodes selected (start/start
or start/end or end/end)) - line (if curves-node selected),- curve (if line-node selected), -
new starting point (if 1 node selected and object closed)
If more than 1 node was selected: - sharpen edges, - round edges, - join with line, -
join with curve
If 2 nodes within an object or a combination are selected: - hor. object alignment, - vert.
object alignment, - reduce nodes
If less than 2 nodes are selected: - reduce nodes, - round..., set origin to sel. node
192
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
A start tool path is used in the milling, graving and laser processing. The immersion point
of the tool is moved from the original starting point from inwards or outwards. The
advantage is that at the later output object no "immersion traces" are visible. Depending
on the turning direction and arrangement of the object the start tool path is set inwards or
outwards. The parameters for the start tool paths are set in the tools-menu.
This option takes care that a regmark is created at the selected node.
193
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
This function combines two nodes with two „smooth“ lines. Nodes that lie between the two
marked nodes are deleted!
Fig. 4.11-4: Example for sharpen edge - filled with black the marked nodes
Indication: If one of the selected nodes lies at an edge the original angle is kept.
Fig. 4.11-5: Example for round edge - filled in black the marked nodes
In the above illustration you can see that the „G” in the outer left area must be revised. To
do this, the nodes above and below the "error" are marked. If now the round
edge-function is activated the nodes that lie between the marked nodes are deleted and
the two dots are connected with a curve.
194
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
The two selected nodes are connected with a line. Nodes that lie between the marked
nodes are deleted.
The two selected nodes are connected with a curve. Nodes that lie between the marked
nodes are deleted.
The object in which the nodes are selected are aligned at the horizontal respective
vertical.
Fig. 4.11-8: Example for aligning object horizontally relative to the selected (filled with
black) nodes
195
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
Fig. 4.11-9: Example for aligning object vertically relative to the selected (filled with black)
nodes
Reduce nodes … R
The parameter reduce nodes dialog appears in which following settings can be done:
Fig. 4.11-10: Dialog for the settings of the accuracy of the node reduction
Precision
This value influences the conversion of lines to Bezier-curves. The higher the discrepancy
the less curve instructions are needed in order to clone the initial line of curves.
If at a node the angle of the lines is smaller than this limiting value the line of curves is
interrupted at this node.
If a curve is created who"s bending lies within the tolerance value it is converted to a line.
196
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
Node selection
If you click with the mouse on a line of curves with the CTRL-button pressed on one, the
node will be inserted at this position. This node serves for marking the rounding position. If
the second node is selected you can sharpen, round or any other node edition function
can be carried out.
197
4.11.2 Context Menus Node Editing
198
5 Reference Part Output Preview
199
5.2.5 The Optimization… Command
This command switches back from the output preview to the output dialog.
The horizontal weeding lines are set with the hotkey "h" or drawn with the
arrow from the weeding frame dashed in blue.
200
5.2.10 The Vertical Weeding Lines Command
The vertical weeding lines are set with the hot key "v" or drawn with the
arrow from the weeding frame dashed in blue.
Compare test drive button in the output dialog please refer to 3.7.4: Cutting -
Milling - Creasing - Drawing …
If, while activating this command the SHIFT key is pressed, only the marked
objects are zoomed to maximum.
201
5.3.4 The Total Area Command
If in the cutting dialog a driver for a flatbed cutter was selected, the
maximum width of the flatbed cutter is shown as material length.
202
5.4.9 The Status Bar Object Info Command
203
5.5.3 The Install Autoimport Plug-Ins… Command
Fig. 5.6-1: Context menu of the output preview with weeding frame function
Weed border
This function creates a weeding frame around the selected objects in the output preview
unlike the weed border option.
All other menu entries can be activated via the main menu.
204
6 Toolbars
BUTTONS FROM 1 TO 15
BUTTONS FROM 1 TO 5
1. Cross-hair on / off
2. Rulers on / off
3. Contour view on / off
4. Grid on / off
5. Setup working area
Indication: Alternatively the working area also can be defined by double clicking on
shades of the working area!
205
6.3 The Node Toolbar
Fig. 6.3-1: Freely placeable node toolbar - collection of node editing tools
Indication: The object parameters toolbar (shown below) is switched over to the
node toolbar while activating node mode. This happens either by double clicking a
node or by clicking node editing button in the common tools toolbar.
Tip: The functions of the node edition that are used the most can be called up via
the right mouse button. The allocation of the right mouse button changes,
depending if one or several nodes are marked. In detail: please refer to 4.11.2:
Context Menus Node Editing
Indication: You select several nodes by keeping pressed the SHIFT key and by
clicking with the left mouse button on the nodes that you want to mark one after
another.
Round button U
Rounding Inside
If this button is activated only the selected nodes or the whole object are rounded inside
at the given radius depending on the option selected in the dialog.
206
6.3 The Node Toolbar
Rounding Outside
If this button is activated only the selected nodes or the whole object are rounded
outside at the given radius depending on the option selected in the dialog.
Reduce nodes
If this button is activated in the node edition all redundant nodes are removed which
means the object is reduced of those nodes whose removal does not influence the course
of the curve.
With the instruction symmetric node the tangents are created symmetrically which means
that both tangents form a line and the check points on both ends have the same distance
to the node dot.
With the instruction sharp node the symmetry and smoothing of a node is removed again.
After that, each tangent can be modified. The display of the curve does not change at first.
With this option the tangents of a curve are modified in that way that they form a line.
Always the minimum possible modification of the tangents is selected for this. At the
position where a line passes into a curve this instruction adapts the tangent exactly to the
line.
207
6.3 The Node Toolbar
The advantage of the smooth curve instruction is that the transition from curves to lines
and the course of the curve is done smoothly. When cutting later unaesthetic offsets are
thus avoided.
Indication: If on both sides of the dot to be edited there are lines this instruction is
not available. When moving tangents both tangents of a curve node loose their
symmetric alignment to one another. With the smooth curve-instruction they are
turned into a line again.
If you want to mill it is important for you to know where the milling cutter starts respectively
where the tool first dips into the material to be edited. The origin nodes are marked by a
square with an additional contour. This option moves the origin to the previously
marked node dot.
This option creates open objects. Mark the node dot to be separated and then activate the
open node button.
With this function you can combine open objects with each other. Click with the node
cursor on the first node dot. Press the SHIFT keyand mark now the second node dot.
Marked node dots are / will be filled with black and the status row indicates how many
objects are marked respective selected. At the end, activate the join nodes button and the
object will be closed.
Tip: A second possibility for marking node dots is using the marking function. For
marking, draw a frame around the wanted dots with the left mouse button pressed.
Indication: The connection is only possible if two nodes are marked that are both
end points of an open object.
This option deletes the node dot that was previously marked.
If it is an end point of an open object the two adjoining node dots are connected with a line
if on one or both sides of the deleted node dots were curves. The node dots are connected
to a line if on both sides of the deleted node were lines.
Indication: You delete a marked node dot the fastest with the DEL key on your
keyboard.
To insert node dots you move the node cursor to the spot on the wire frame of the object
where the new node shall be inserted. Then you activate the insert node button.
208
6.3 The Node Toolbar
This option inserts a so called start tool path inside at the selected node. (Special
function for routers and lasers).
This option inserts a so called start tool path outside at the selected node. (Special
function for routers and lasers).
This option aligns the selected nodes in the horizontal. With a doubleclick on a node - gets
red - can be determined by which node is to be aligned.
This option aligns the selected nodes in the vertikal. With a doubleclick on a node - gets
red - can be determined by which node is to be aligned.
Alignment buttons
Mark at least two node dots that shall be aligned accurately and double click on the
reference dot. The reference dot is the dot to which shall be aligned.
H
Arrange horizontally button
V
Arrange vertically button
209
6.3.1 Direct Input of Coordinates of Node Positions
E
Orthogonalize button
A further possibility to align nodes is to align corners. This function balances nodes that
are almost vertical or horizontal to their predecessor or successor nodes. Orthogonalize
is a combination of align horizontally and vertically. This way, right angles can be fast
created.
The previous illustration shows the method of operation of the ortthogonalization. In the
left illustration you can see the square in the original state. The down left corner is
selected, the node toolbar is opened by a double click on this corner. The marked node
will be aligned horizontally and vertically to its adjoining nodes. This way, a right angle is
created. The result can be seen in the right illustration.
In the node toolbar section position node dots can be positioned through the input of their
X or Y-coordinates. With this positioning you differentiate between absolute and relative
values.
Absolute values
With the input of absolute values the entered values are allocated to the selected node.
With the input of relative values the selected node is moved at the given coordinate value
in horizontal and vertical direction relative to the selected node which means the entered
and original coordinates are added.
Method of operation:
You first enter the wanted coordinates and keep pressed the SHIFT key while activating
the move button.
With the CTRL key pressed lines can be restricted vertically or horizontally which means
that the movement of the line is only possible in one direction.
210
6.3.1 Direct Input of Coordinates of Node Positions
When drawing curves the curve is deformed. The deformation depends on the selected
contact point as you can see in the following illustration.
Indication: The node attribute smooth is automatically saved if the selected and
following nodes are a curve.
Tip: The zoom functions are also active in the node editing mode.
Radius
In the window right next to the buttons mentioned above the radius with which the node or
nodes shall be rounded can be set.
Narrow objects
If the option use smaller radius is selected OptiScout calculates the radius that still is
applicable for the rounding of this narrow object.
When selecting the do not round -option it is not rounded with narrow objects.
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6.4 The Object Tools Toolbar
Note: This is the section which in former OptiScout versions (right mouse click for
icon assignment) was the variable section of the object toolbar.
BUTTONS FROM 1 TO 21
212
6.5 The Object Parameter Toolbar
6.5.1.2 Copies X:
213
6.5.1 The Multi Copy Command
6.5.1.3 Copies Y:
Using the und -button the number of duplicates can be increased or decreased in
increments of one. The alignment is done in the Main Direction. Alternatively, any integer
value may be entered in the field.
6.5.1.4 Offset X:
This value determines the distance between the duplicates in X-Axis direction.
6.5.1.5 Offset Y:
This value determines the distance between the duplicates in Y-Axis direction.
If this option is enabled, then the working sheet only and not the desktop is filled with
duplicates.
Note: Enabling this option, de-activates the Copies X and Copies Y fields.
If this option is enabled, then the selected object is uses as control object for cloning. All
duplicates are generated as clone objects.
If this option is enabled, duplicates are generated in meanders. This reduces the head
movement of the output device and shortens the output process.
Note: The main direction option defines additionally, if meandering is done in X-Axis
or Y-Axis direction.
The button sorts the duplicates in Y-Axis direction - "column by column". The
-button sorts the duplicates in Y-Axis direction - "line by line".
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6.6 The Status Line Object Info
Fig. 6.6-1: Status line for the display of object properties, color spaces , etc. - free floating
Fig. 6.6-2: Status line for the display of object properties, color spaces, etc. - fixed
Fig. 6.7-1: Status line element with subsidiary texts and element information, here
coordinates
This mode allows you to mark, move, group temporarily (marking function)
and modify the size of objects in the output preview.
The Sheet B
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6.8 The Preview Tools Toolbar
The button with the symbolic sheet of paper shows the material area
increased to the maximum
The Screen F4
The button that symbolizes a screen displays all objects on the material area
as big as possible. The section is thus selected that is it the biggest possible
display with all objects visible.
This tool serves for the determination and the percental modification of
object dimensions.
The activation of this button gives the data to the Plot-Manager for the
output to the connected device.
216
6.9 The Preview Object Parameters Toolbar
Indication: It is identical with not variable part of the object parameters toolbar in
previous OptiScout versions.
Fig. 6.9-1: Object parameter toolbar with position, size, angle, multi copy, …
Note: The display of the object parameters toolbar varies depending on how the
object properties are set!
217
6.9 The Preview Object Parameters Toolbar
218
7 Tools
Fig. 7.1-1: OptiScout Desktop with working area and shown tool-toolbar, rulers, Object
Manager and status lines
The working area is marked by a black frame that has on the right and below a gray
shade. The working area serves for the orientation and dimensioning.
The rulers can be freely positioned or completely switched off. The layer toolbar is
integrated into the Sidebar. The metric (cm, mm, inch) can be directly changed via a
button that is within the angle of the two rulers. Also ruler's origin can be changed.
Following options are available: Set Origin to Absolute Coordinates, Move Origin, Reset
Origin, Set Origin to Center of Page, Show Origin and Release Origin.
In the status line you find much information about the objects on the working area. For
example the wire frame, filling, object dimensions, -number, combination or grouping
are displayed.
219
7.1.1 Cursor forms on the working area and their meaning
Indication: You mark objects by positioning the mouse cursor above the object and
pressing the left mouse button.
Indication: This cursor is only active if the cursor is within the range of the inner
part of the object or in the range between the 8 black squares on the wire frame
line. The object must be marked.
Indication: The cursors for the modification of the object size are only active if the
cursor is within the range of the 8 black squares on the wire frame line of the
object. You switch to the skewing-/rotation-mode by clicking with the left mouse
button with active cross cursor (see above move objects).
220
7.2.1 Set Mark Form And Size
If the option output marks is active, also the video marks are considered at the output.
The position of the marks can be modified arbitrarily. The marks do not have to lie
necessarily outside of the objects.
Adjust size of sheet to objects: If OptiScout works with several copies the distances
between the single copies are calculated via the size of sheet.
221
7.2.3 Basic Settings Filter
The set size of sheet should always correspond to the actual printed size of sheet.
Allocate fix size of object: if this setting is active the size of the objects on the working
area cannot be modified any more.
The call is in the context menu (right mouse button on the working area with selected
object) of a selected object.
Fixed size at output: This setting prevents a modification of size at the output with
OptiScout. At the output in this case, only the rotation and the position of the objects are
calculated and adjusted.
Separate layer according to names: If this function is active, the distribution of the
objects to the single layers is done at the import of a file only via the respective layer name
and not via the layer color. This way, for files without layer color allocation a separation of
objects and video marks is guaranteed.
222
7.2.3 Basic Settings Filter
Create new job: At the import a new window is opened for each file.
After Drag'n Drop rotate objects using an angle of: all objects are rotated at the set
angle while importing.
Load palette: Here, a layer palette can be deposited, that shall be loaded automatically at
each import. If this option is not active OptiScout always opens the default palette.
Search / replace jog marks: If this option is active, all circles with a particular diameter
are converted to video marks at the import. The basic settings for the mark diameter is in
the dialog registration / print / jog marks
Get jog marks from layer: Some file formats can contain layer names. If at the import a
layer with the name set here is found, all objects independent of their size are converted to
video marks.
Combine objects in the same layer: With this function the combination of objects at the
import is activated or deactivated. If the objects are combined after the import, the
combination must be removed manually for the edition of single vectors.
Group all objects: If this option is active all objects are combined to a group after the
import. Moving or deleting single objects is thus only possible after breaking the grouping.
223
7.3 The Outline Function
The outline function creates contours in a freely definable distance around graphical and
text objects.
Offset
The value for the distance of the inline and outline from the original object are entered in
the field offset.
Copies
The option copies indicates how many in- or outlines shall be created simultaneously at a
function call.
Automatic welding
Automatic welding means that all overlappings of in- or outlines shall be removed so that
a closed contour is created.
Delete original
If the button delete original is activated the original object is deleted after the creation of
the contour.
The option do not modify corners creates the mathematical accurate dot on the outline
to each corner dot. This leads to the fact that in pointed corners the outline is extended
224
7.3 The Outline Function
endlessly which often leads to unaesthetic results. Therefore the option cut corners is
pre-defined as default. This option shortens the extension to the value that is entered in
the field tolerance.
Round corners
Round corners transfers the corner dot in a rounded curve. The field tolerance indicates
in which offset from the corner dot is cut respectively rounded.
Delete objects smaller than defines the size of a filter that deletes automatically small
and smallest "rejects" that might occur at the creation of an outline. The cumbersome
welding of smallest parts thus can be omitted.
225
7.4 The Milling / Hatch Fill… Function
Hatch fill
If the option hatch fill is activated the area to be hatch filled is provided with a hatch. The
area is hatch filled along this hatch.
The hatch angle can be set in the so named field.
The point of start of the hatch is up left and the end point is down right.
226
7.4.1 The Island Fill and Hatch Fill Dialog
Island fill
When selecting this option the area to be hatch filled is provided with inlines. Along these
inlines the area is hatch filled from outside to inside.
The black areas that lie in-between the inlines are called „islands“.
If this option is activated, the selected objects are provided with an inline (tool diameter).
If this option is activated, the selected objects are provided with an outline (tool diameter).
Tool diameter
Here, you set the tool diameter. When the milling diameter is 3 mm you have to enter the
value 3.
Hatch / Multi-Inline
Target layer
Here, you define in which color layer the hatch shall appear. This serves on the one hand
to separate the original object optically stronger from the hatch and on the other hand to
influence the priority in which the single layers shall be milled.
The objects are milled in the reversed sequence in which the color layer was selected. At
first, all objects to be milled are sorted in that way that the interior elements are considered
before the outer elements. Then, the single color layers are processed in descending
sequence: for example red (2) before black (1), green (3) before red (2) and blue (4)
before green (3).
Indication: The color layers are used to determine the milling depth of the single
layers. More detailed information about the connection between color layer and
milling depth is in the chapter setting of the milling depth.
Hatch angle
With the hatch angle you determine in which angle shall be hatch filled or in other words,
in what angle the traverse path of the miller is to the material.
227
7.4.1 The Island Fill and Hatch Fill Dialog
Delete original
If the option delete original is set, the original outline is deleted after the hatch fill process.
Pocket connection
The option pocket connection determines if the single hatch fill lines shall be connected
with each other or not.
Optimize
If the option optimize is active, the hatch fill lines are still connected if with activated
pocket connection-option there are gaps on the shorter side.
Indication: The milling duration shortens. Sometimes this leads also to an unwanted
derogation of the hatch picture.
Overlap
With the overlap it is determined how big the distance between the single hatch fill lines
shall be. With overlap it is avoided that single bridges remain.
In % or absolute
Example:
Result: 2 mm - 30 % = 1.4 mm
30 % corresponds to absolute 1.4 mm. If the option absolute is active you can enter
here the value (here: 1.4) also directly.
Path adjustment
The path adjustment determines if for the outline the milling strength shall be considered
or not. If the option path adjustment is activated the outline is moved for the half milling
strength inwards which means that from the original outline of the object an inline with half
the value of the milling strength is calculated. This option effects that the outer edge of the
original outline is accessed accurately by the milling tool. The original measurements
remain.
Adjustment layer
Selection field for the layer in which the created path adjustment is stored.
Layer info
Serves for the display or modification of the layer-info. (Refer to layer settings dialog /
field information)
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7.4.2 Mill with or without frame
None
If the option none is set the outline of the milling object remains in the original status.
Indication: As result the milled object is strengthened for the half milling strength
because the milling tool accessed the original outline centered.
Adj. Value
With the option adj. Value the traverse path can be moved inwards at any value. The
result of this option is that the original measurements of the milling object are decreased
inwards for the set value plus half of the milling strength.
Adjustment
If this option is activated an adjustment value for the path adjustment can be entered in
mm.
Orientation
Clockwise
Counterclockwise
Fix size
OptiScout sets attribute to fix size which means that the adjustment object cannot be
scaled any more.
The adjustment object is not scaled with video marks at the output.
229
7.4.3 Setting of the milling parameters
In the area output parameters all driver parameters can be set that are important for the
mode milling.
With a small „trick” two different results can be obtained at the hatch fill. When milling with
frame the objects remains embossed. When milling without frame the milling object itself is
milled deepened out of the material.
Depending on which of the two effects you want to have you have to draw a frame
(rectangle) around the objects to be milled with the drawing tool rectangle. If the frame
around the milling objects is drawn the milling / hatch fill -function recognizes this and
omits the milling objects before the hatch fill.
Example:
230
7.5 The Start Tool Paths
231
7.5.1 Corners
7.5.1 Corners
7.5.1.1 Distance
The value in the Distance field defines the line lenghts of the tool path - starting from the
selected node.
This option generate circle segments (quarter or half circles) at the selected node in case
of curves or circles
Diameter
Angle
A circle is divided into 360 horizontal segments. Depending on the angle the number of
circle segments is generated.
Length (L)
232
7.5.2 Tangential Start Tool Paths
This option generates on oval (ellipse) as alternative to a circle tool path. The value in the
lenght field defines the width of the oval.
The Length value defines the curve length of the start tool path. At the selected nodes the
tool paths are placed - depending on conditions - outside or inside the objects.
Depending on the oprientation of the objects a start tool path is place inside or outside at
the object.
Enabling this option causes, that the generated code segment, the tool path, is not shut.
If this option is enabled, there is only one start tool path generated and no exit tool path.
If this option is enabled, only lines no circles as exit tool path are placed at the object.
Enabling the Save button saves the above mentioned settings. This parameters are used,
when the Start Tool Path command is executed.
Enabling the Execute button performs the action for all selected objects.
233
7.6 The Undo Redo Stack
Indication: actions that refer for example to the working area, the desktop or the
layer-toolbar are not taken into the stack.
The Undo Redo stack related settings as for example the number of stack actions are
carried out in the following setup dialog.
Indication: The maximum number of the undo steps can only be modified with no
objects on the working area.
Fig. 7.6-1: The parameter of the undo stack (here: marked in red)
234
7.6 The Undo Redo Stack
The area undo function comprises the settings that effect the undo stack.
Fig. 7.6-2: Undo stack with preview window and working area
In the left stack the action can be selected up to which you want to go back. The preview
window shows the status of the working area and of the objects on the working area at the
moment of the action.
235
7.7 The Alignment Function
This function aligns two or more marked objects to each other or to the working area.
Indication: The last marked or drawn object serves for alignment as reference
object, that means that all others are aligned in the same way. If alignment is not
'Align to Page', then alignment will refer to the last selection.
236
7.8 The Sort With Simulation… Tool
7.8.1 Simulation
The operation of the simulator is similar to a DVD-player.
237
7.8.1 Simulation
Fig. 7.8-2: Option show traverse path (lines dashed in blue) activated
Color bar
A click on the wanted color bar selects the respective color layer.
Select all
Deselect all
Toggle rotation
This option modifies the orientation from clockwise (right) to counterclockwise (left) and
vice versa.
View selection
Single selection
In the list only one object can be selected; the multi-selection (standard) is deactivated.
A line dashed in blue shows the track that the tool head covers.
238
7.8.1 Simulation
All layers
This option comprises all layers to the sortation if sort layer by layer was activated.
Indication: This option is, depending on the driver setting, deactivated in the output
preview
Selected layer
This option comprises only to the selected layer to the sortation if sort layer by layer was
activated.
Max. deviation in … mm
In the input field the value for the maximum deviation of the thought vertical respective
horizontal line that an object may have in order to be sorted can be entered.
Main direction
16 methods can be activated as main direction for the sortation. The icon shows with a red
arrow where sortation beginns.
Sort
Only the sort button activates the object sortation. Then you can check in the simulation if
the sortation meets the demands.
Reset
239
7.9 The Pen Attributes Tool
Fig. 7.9-1: Pen attributes tool with sub functions and description
Create hairline
Indication: The thickness of this hairline is not variable and is 0,01 mm.
The activation of the remove pen attributes button removes all pen attributes.
Via the pen attributes dialog the wire frame pen of curves, combinations or text objects
can be designed. Wire frame pens are used among other things for drawing the object
outlines in the full surface mode or preview mode and for printing.
Indication: The pen attributes have no influence on the display of the objects in the
wire frame mode (F9). Here, the outlines of the objects are drawn with a simple wire
frame line in the layer color.
240
7.9 The Pen Attributes Tool
No wireframe
If you select the option no wireframe the object will not have a wire frame. In the full
surface and preview mode closed curves are drawn as area without outline with this
setting. Open curves are, as in the wire frame mode, drawn as outline in the color of the
layer.
Hairline
If the option hairline is activated the object is encircled with a very thin pen of constant
thickness.
Color
In the field color you can determine the color of the wire frame.
Indication: This can be different from the layer color. Thus it is possible to highlight
the outline of the objects from the filling also in the full surface mode.
Line thickness
Select the option line thickness to determine an arbitrary pen thickness in the input field.
Scale with object means that the line thickness is adjusted proportionally when distorting
respective scaling the object. If this field is not activated the wire frame pen keeps the set
thickness.
241
7.9 The Pen Attributes Tool
With the option wireframe behind fill you can prevent that the pen "runs" into the filling of
the object. The outline is then drawn by the filling so that only the part of the outline lying
outside of the filling is visible.
Corners
You have also the possibility to determine the appearance of the corners. You can select
between cut, rounded and sharp corners. The appearance of the respective corner form is
given to the icons and also displayed in the preview field.
Ends
Also you can select the form of the ends of open objects. Ends can appear cut, rounded
or extended.
Color field
The current color of the pen is shown in the color field left of the palette and in the
preview field.
1. To mix the pen color anew you double click on the color field left of the palette. Then
following color selection dialog appears with the currently set values of the pen color:
After you have determined the pen color, it appears in the pen attribute dialog in the
color field left of the color palette. The pen color is also shown in the preview field.
2. In the palette you can freely choose the color values. These are selected by simply
clicking with the mouse on the wanted color field. With the scroll bar on the right edge of
the color palette you set the color intensity.
242
7.9 The Pen Attributes Tool
The activation of this button allocates the layer color to the contour of a marked object.
243
7.10 The Welding Tool
This function welds two or more vector objects with each other to a combination.
Depending on the number and the form of the selected objects you can choose between
the following options: manually, automatically, trim (cuts objects with lines or curves),
open trimming, fill, by color, full area or screen printing.
Dialog…
Manually
Manually separates all intersections that occur because of the overlapping of outlines and
creates object parts. With the arrow-function you mark the object parts that you want to
remove. With the DEL-button the selected object parts are deleted. Overlapping-free
244
7.10 The Welding Tool
object parts are kept and can later be further edited. The original color of the object parts
are kept with the manual welding.
Automatically
Automatically calculates the common areas of the objects. All overlapping parts are
combined, transparent interior elements are considered.
Indication: With this option, objects of different colors are welded to a combination
object.
If the object colors shall be considered please select the options by color, full area or
screen printing.
The option automatically is especially suitable for the welding of serifs with scripts. The
serif of the previous letter overlaps often with the successive character. The material
would be slit at these positions without welding. The automatic welding eliminates this
overlapping and takes care of a cuttable transition in the serifs.
Tip: If single parts are missing after the automatic welding, then reduce the
character spacing in the text editor from 100% to 99%. This causes that identical
node dots that lie on top of each other are misplaced so that they are recognized
also as single nodes and the welding routine is carried out properly.
Trimming
Trimming means that you cut through closed objects with lines or curve objects and that
the object parts that are thus being created are automatically closed afterwards.
Depending on your request you can lay one or more objects over the objects to be slit like
a "knife". If you want to work with several "knives" these objects must be allocated to the
same layer or be combined. Then, by means of the trimming-option, the objects lying
underneath are cut alongside the "knifes". Also cutting in several "tilings" is possible
without problems as the knifes can overlap at discretion. The parts having thus being
created are then sorted according to their position and combined to single groups.
Open trimming
The open trimming works like the trimming with the difference that cut-off points of the
cut objects are not closed automatically but kept as open objects.
Fill
Fill provides objects that consist of arbitrary many other objects with a fill consisting of the
other objects. Depending on your choice, the topmost object or objects of a layer are filled
with the ones underneath.
Indication: Please pay attention that the objects to be filled must be closed. Only
this way you limit an area that can be filled.
245
7.10.1 Mask
By color
By color removes all areas that are hidden by colors lying above. It does not matter how
many objects and colors you select. If open objects are also selected they can be closed
or provided with a line weight.
Full area
The option full area underfills objects of one color whose areas hide those of another. To
do this, the partially hidden objects are modified so that they underlay completely the ones
lying above. Here, you can also proceed with the open objects as described under
automatically.
Tip: The mostly used field of application is the showcase labeling where the by
color-option is often too laborious to be pasted over. With 2 maximum 3 foil colors
you take the full surface option where the single foil colors are pasted above the
other.
Screen printing
The welding option screen printing is an especially efficient tool for the screen printer. At
first, the overlappings of the single coatings are removed. Then, the colors are layered
according to the sequence in the field color sequence. At the end, a small bar is inserted
at the seams between the single color layers as overlapping.
Modification of the color stack: With the screen printing, the printing sequence is from
bright to dark. Brighter colors are printed before the darker colors. By mouse click a
coating is grabbed and drawn to the wanted position. The color stack reflects the position
of the layers above the medium. The output sequence considers the modifications of the
color stack.
Delete original
With the checkbox delete original you set if the initial objects shall be deleted after the
welding process or not.
7.10.1 Mask
Topmost object
If this option is activated the topmost object can be defined as welding object with the
welding functions trim, open trim and fill.
Topmost color
If this option is activated all objects of the above lying color can be defined as welding
object with the welding functions trim, open trim and fill.
246
7.10.2 Seams
If open objects are amongst the selected you can indicate with the option provide open
objects with contour … which thickness the created closed object shall have.
With this option combinations are treated that they are welded as displayed in the full
surface mode. Overlays in combinations remain transparent.
It can happen that the same color reappears in different group- or combination objects.
Then, select the option join same colors so that those merge to one color layer.
With this option all vectors that are identical are removed but one.
7.10.2 Seams
Underlap - Offset
These options can only be activated with by color. In the field overlay you can enter the
value for the underlap or the offset.
Overlay … mm
If the option screen printing is activated you can enter here the value for the overlay of
the colors in mm.
Here, you can additionally enter the limit up to which width it shall be completely overlaid.
247
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
Pressing this button opens the color graduation dialog in which the appearance of the
gradient fill of closed curves, text objects or combinations is determined.
In the field type select the type of color graduation. You can choose between linear,
radial, conical and square. In the preview window up right in the dialog the appearance
of the respective type is displayed.
248
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
Options
In the field steps screen you determine the number of color graduation streaks at the
display on the screen.
With the fields hor.(izontal) center and vert.(ical) center you determine the center point
of the color graduation.
Indication: These two fields are not active with the type linear.
With the input of 0% the center point is above the filled object. It can be moved in relation
to it at 100% of the object width to the left or right respective at 100% of the object height
up or down. As well, the origin can be determined with the mouse. To do this, move the
mouse cursor in the preview window and click with the left mouse button on the spot
where you want to have the origin.
The field angle describes the position of the color graduation streak with linear, conical
and square filling.
If linear is set you can set the angle of the graduation also by means of the preview field.
To do this, click on any spot of the field. Keep the mouse button pressed and move the
mouse. A line, that is tied to the origin appears and follows the movements of the mouse.
After letting go the left mouse button the angle that was determined with the line is taken
over for the graduation.
The set value that lies herewith between 0% and 45% indicates the position of the first and
last color relative to the center of the graduation.
Indication: The distance from the margin can only be modified with linear and
quadratic filling.
Under graduation the start and end color as well as the position and color of possible
intermediate steps is selected. The bar between the two triangles, the color graduation bar
indicates the course of the colors.
Click into the left triangle to determine the original color. For the modification of the color
value you have two possibilities. A double click into the field color left of the color palette
opens the color selection dialog.
In order to set the target color of the graduation you first activate the triangle at the right
margin of the color graduation bar. Further color stations can be inserted with a double
click on the bar above the graduation bar. A small triangle that indicates the position of
the color in the graduation is shown at the selected position. The exact position is entered
as percent value in the field position. The position can be modified by moving the triangle
249
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
or through input of the wanted value in the field position. In order to select the color at the
wanted position you first select the triangle that points to the position. Then you can
determine a new color in the ways described above. To remove a graduation step click on
the triangle that has its position. Then press the DEL key. The triangle disappears from the
bar and the color is not considered anymore at the graduation.
Here you can modify the current original color. A click into the left color field selects a
color, the vertical ruler determines the intensity and the preview-field shows the selected
color.
Color
The color value can also be defined numerically. The following color models are available:
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), RGB (red, green, blue) and HSB (hue, saturation,
brightness).
Pressing this button opens the bitmap fill dialog via which you can fill the vector objects
with bitmaps.
250
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
You first have to determine with which bitmap the selected object shall be filled. You have
three possibilities:
Scan your template that you want to use as fill bitmap via the OptiScout Twain Interface
(file menu, menu item scan). Open the fill bitmap dialog. The selected bitmap is now
shown in the preview and also appears in the field named available bitmaps. Now do
your settings and confirm the dialog with OK. If the result does not correspond with your
demands you have the possibility to "loosen" the bitmap again which means that you can
restore the original status of your scanned bitmap. To do this, select the option remove
mask in the context menu.
Click on import fill bitmap in order to select a new bitmap as fill. A file selection dialog
appears. There, you can search for and select the wanted bitmap.
The selected bitmap is then shown in the preview and also appears in the bar with the
available bitmaps down left in the dialog.
251
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
Fig. 7.11-7: The file selection dialog for the bitmap import
Available import formats are: jpg, pcd, pcx, tif and bmp.
If you want to use an already used fill bitmap, select it from the bar with the available
bitmaps. Via mouse click one of the bitmaps shown there is selected. To search for
bitmaps not shown, please use the scroll bar.
Fill mode
In the field fill mode you select the mode of the fill bitmap. Possible modi are a) tile, b)
seamless tiling, c) fit and d) object size.
a) Tile
Tile fills the object with tiles drawn side by side and below each other from the select fill
bitmap. The width and height of a single tile are determined in the fields with the same
name in the group measurements. Tick the field proportional to guarantee that in case
of a modification of height or width the other corresponding value is adapted proportionally
and the bitmap is not distorted.
If you activate the option scale with object the measurements of the tiling in case of
distortion of the object are automatically adjusted. As default the first tile is placed in the
upper left corner of the object outline. By means of the fields X-center and Y-center you
have the possibility the freely select the starting position. Enter here a negative value
252
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
between 0% and -100% to move the tile to the left respective upwards. With positive
values between 0% and 100% the center point of the first tile is moved accordingly to the
right respective downwards.
By selecting the option move you can create an offset within the tiling rows. With to X
resp. to Y you determine if the offset shall be done in horizontal or vertical orientation. The
% field on the right serves for the input of the size of the offset of the tiling width respective
the tiling height in percent.
b) Seamless tiling
Seamless tiling corresponds mainly to the option tiling. The difference is in the display of
the tiling. With seamless tiling all rectangles with exactly the same measurements are
drawn. This way, especially with patterns, a smoother picture is created.
Indication: The disadvantage of this method is that the position of the single tilings
can vary depending on the size of the view.
c) Fit
In the mode fit the bitmap is only drawn once into the object. The preview shows the exact
proportions of bitmap and object. With the input fields width and height you determine
how big the bitmap to be filled shall be.
The positions of the bitmap within the object can be modified in two ways.
1. In the fields X-center and Y-center the deviation of the center point of the bitmap to the
center point of the object can be given in percent.
2. But you also can determine the position by means of the preview field. Click on the
bitmap in the preview field and keep the mouse button pressed.
Now, the picture can be positioned by moving the mouse. A cross hair is shown for the
exact positioning. After letting go the mouse button the wanted position is taken over.
d) Object size
The last mode object size fits the bitmap optimal in the object. Its width and height are
calculated so that the whole area of the object is completely filled.
No filling
If this button is pressed, fillings and fill bitmaps of all marked objects are removed. Only
the outline of the objects remains in the previously allocated layer color.
253
7.11 The Color Bucket Tool
If this button is activated the marked layer color is allocated as filling if the object has a
color graduation or a fill bitmap.
Adjust transparency
If this button is activated, transparency of a color filling can be adjusted linearly from 0 to
100 %.
254
7.12 The Measure / Measurement Tool
Activate the measure button in the toolbox with the mouse pointer. Return to the working
area; the mouse pointer appears as circular sight. Move the center point of the sight to the
starting point of the track to be measured. Keep pressed the left mouse button while
moving to the end point of the track and let go the mouse button when you have reached
the end point. A subsidiary line marks the measured track.
Indication: Keep pressed the SHIFT key during the measurement. Then the
measurement is limited horizontally or vertically. This facilitates the exact
measurement of straight lines.
In the text field name length the result of your measurement appears. In order to modify
this value, first mark the text field and then enter the new value. In the text field
underneath you can percental increase or decrease the objects.
In addition, you get information about the angle of the measure lines, the width of the
measured object at the starting point of the measurement and the difference in height
between the starting and the end point that is resulted from the measure angle.
Measurement
The measure lines button changes to the measurement tool (see illustration). This tool is
attached to the mouse cursor and can be moved to the wanted position. After letting go
the mouse button the detected track is entered above the measurement track.
255
7.12 The Measure / Measurement Tool
Indication: The default size of the dimension text can be set via the settings /
standard settings / miscellaneous... menu.
256
7.13 The Contour (Line) Function
Then the wire frame of the object is calculated in the wanted distance with the tool
described here. The contour line thus created can be used later for cutting out the printed
label.
First select the objects that you want to contour / outline. Then select contour… in the
tool menu.
Find contour
With the fields in the dialog group find contour you can influence the calculation of the
wire frame line. Generally, all objects that are not white are considered with the contour
finding. Ideally, the background of the graphic to be contoured should therefore be white.
But especially bitmaps contain often light gray spots that can occur when scanning.
With the option maximum gray scale you can determine that gray spots above the
selected intensity are not contoured. You can enter values between 50 and 99% or set
them with the roll bar. 50% correspond to a relatively dark gray and 99% to an almost
white color.
257
7.13 The Contour (Line) Function
Accuracy
In the field accuracy you can select between three options. The low accuracy works the
fastest. If the result is not satisfying with this setting, select the middle or a higher
accuracy. The calculation of the contour line then takes a little bit longer.
Indication: The field accuracy is not activated if only a single bitmap was selected.
If the option keep interior elements is activated, possibly created interior elements are
not deleted. This way you have the possibility to cut out parts of the graphic by applying a
brighter "plaster".
On the left side you see the two initial objects. A smaller white circle is put onto the black
circle. On the right, the calculated contour line is displayed. The option keep interior
elements was active, also the inner circle was considered at the contour finding. With the
dialog field switched off, only the outer contour would have been created.
In the second dialog group distance and line guidance you can influence the
appearance of the contour line.
Contour offset
With contour offset you determine how far away the wire frame line shall be from the
graphic. If you enter here the value "0" a contour line is created that directly is attached to
the edge of the selected objects. With values smaller than 0 the contour line goes into the
contoured objects.
Corner shape
The option corner shape determines how the contour line acts at salient corners.
Normal creates the mathematical exact dot on the contour to every corner dot. The
contour line can thus be extended very long at sharp corners which often leads to
unaesthetic results. The options cut off and round lead to more satisfying results in such
cases.
258
7.13 The Contour (Line) Function
Cut off
Cut off shortens the contour at the indicated distance and cuts off the corner by a section.
Round
Color
On the right side of the dialog you can see a color selection field. A click on the change
button opens the color selection dialog. With this dialog you can allocate colors to
contours.
Destination Layer
This Field determines in which color layer - in doing so indirectly, with which tool - the
contour line is processed.
Note: The contour line color can be different in the full surface mode (print) and the
contour mode (output).
259
7.14 The Job Info
With the job info you have the possibility to save additional information to each job. This
information can be printed and used for the invoicing or as accompanying ticket to jobs. If
the job info is printed, also the complete path in which the job was saved is printed.
Besides information as for example order number and company address the job info
gives information about the used materials, duration of the production, number of cut /
printed jobs as well as the intended or calculated price. In the memo field keyword
comments can be saved.
In the settings menu / menu item standard settings / menu item job info… the job info
can be extended by arbitrary many fields.
Indication: The information under the field media are only inserted automatically, if
you have given these information to the respective color layer in the layer settings
dialog and selected the adequate palettes at the design. Further information about
260
7.14 The Job Info
this can be found here: please refer to 8.3.6: II. Layer Settings Color Setup
Tip: The switch between the single fields is done the fastest way with the
TABULATOR key.
No output
No export
This job cannot be exported and thus cannot be converted to another format.
No printing
No saving
Password protection
In addition to the restrictions described above, a password can be given to each OptiScout
job. This way, the unauthorized access to these job data is not possible.
261
7.14 The Job Info
262
7.15 The Plot Manager
In OptiScout, these devices then can be used for the output of the graphics. It is possible,
to output simultaneously at several devices.
Important note:You start the Plot Manager with a double click on the icon that is
down right of the screen in the task bar.
263
7.15.5 Plot Server Function
Fig. 7.15-1: Plot Manager main window with job preview down left
Indication: with jobs, also those output actions are meant that are carried out by
Hotfolders or on local ports.
Devices Folder 1
Active Jobs
All jobs that shall be output as soon as the device is ready are collected in this folder. If a
job has been output completely, the next job is output. If the option „show message
window before output of a job” is active, a notification dialog is shown before each output.
Devices Folder 2
Passive Jobs
If the output device is broken, all jobs to be output are moved to this folder.
Devices Folder 3
Saved Jobs
Here, all jobs that have been output are saved. The number of the saved jobs can be
indicated in the options dialog of the device. If the number of the saved jobs is reached the
264
7.15.6 Devices Folder
Job Functions
The functions differ according to device folder, device type and job status.
Active Jobs
If the job is being output:
Pause
The output of the data is paused. The job is marked with the symbol.
Paused Jobs
Continue
The output is continued.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Passive Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the passive jobs and added to the folder of the active
jobs.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
User message: to this job, a notification text can be entered. This information is shown if
the job shall be output respective if it is selected.
Saved Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the output jobs and added to the folders of the passive
or active jobs depending on the setup device.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Plot to File
Here you can determine if the job shall be output to a file.
265
7.15.6 Devices Folder
Save as
Save job data into file before cut data processing.
Active Jobs
No functions
Passive Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the passive jobs and added to the folder of the active
jobs.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
User message: to this job, a notification text can be entered. This information is shown if
the job shall be output respective if it is selected.
Saved Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the output jobs and added to the folder of the passive or
active jobs depending to the setup device.
Delete job
The job is deleted.
Save as
Save job data into file before cut data processing.
Active Jobs
No functions
Passive Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the passive jobs and added to the folder of the active
jobs.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
User message: To this job, a notification text can be entered. This information is shown if
the job shall be output respective if it is selected.
266
7.15.6 Devices Folder
Saved Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the output jobs and added to the folder of the passive or
active jobs depending to the setup device.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Save as
Save job data into file before cut data processing.
Active Jobs
If the job is being output:
Pause
The output of the data is broken. The job is marked with the symbol.
Paused Jobs
Continue
The output is continued.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Passive Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the passive jobs and added to the folder of the active
jobs.
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Notification: To this job, a notification text can be entered. This information is shown if the
job shall be output respective if it is selected.
Saved Jobs
Activate Job
The job is removed from the list of the output jobs and added to the folder of the passive or
active jobs depending to the setup device.
267
7.15.7 Settings of the Plot Manager
Delete Job
The job is deleted.
Plot to File
Here you can determine if the job shall be output to a file.
Save as
Save job data into file before cut data processing.
If the option is activated Plot Manager always on top, the Plot Manager window remains
always in the foreground.
If the option tooltips is activated, a short description to a dialog element is shown if the
mouse pointer remains above the dialog element.
If the option view job preview is activated a preview of the output data is shown.
If the Plot-Manager is started without parameters it checks all devices if there are jobs for
processing.
If a job was found it is carried out. It stops if no jobs were found or if all jobs have been
processed.
If, when calling up the parameter !SPOOL! is given, the Plot Manager remains active. It
then has to be terminated manually with a right mouse click onto the symbol in the
taskbar.
Hotfolder
268
7.15.7 Settings of the Plot Manager
Settings
Hotfolder name: here you have to enter the name of the Hotfolder
File mask: here, the file name ending are given, that shall be considered, for example *.plt.
Hotfolder directory: here, it is determined which directory the Hotfolder shall monitor.
Output
USB: the file is output to a USB device. A USB device is only shown if it is connected with
the computer.
TCP/IP: the file is send to a TCP/IP address. With some addresses, you additionally have
to enter the right port number.
File: the file is copied to the output directory. An existing file with the same name is
overwritten.
269
7.15.7 Settings of the Plot Manager
After having carried out the action, the input file is deleted.
Indication: if "file" is set as output, the application is started after the copy. In all other
cases, the application is started before the output.
Extended Settings
RIP: only necessary if Pjannto RIP uses this Hotfolder as RIP Hotfolder.
Mask: formatting of the output file name: %File file name; date/time: %Y -
%d_%H-%M-%S year/month/day: hour/second/minute
Change defaults: prevents that the user modifies the output parameters accidentally.
In the Device Options window you can set - for each device which is listed in the Plot
Manager - the following device options.
Note: This window will be enabled by clicking with the right mouse button on a
device item and selecting the Options menu item.
The registered value of this option limits the number of saved output jobs for this device in
the history of stored files.
The registered value of this option defines how often active Jobs will be given out.
270
7.15.7 Settings of the Plot Manager
If this option is enabled, then a message window will be shown, before the outputting of
each Job. This gives the user the opportunity to prepare the machine before the data
output.
Plot to File
If this option is enabled, then the output is redirected to a file. Before writing the file to the
Job Save As dialog is enabled.
If this option is enabled, then an individual sound signal will be given out before each
output of a Job, in order to draw attention to the user.
A sound file in the WAV file format can be selected using the button.
This feature tracks the distance (tool motion), from every tool of the activated output
device in meters. In addition to the distance, date and time of each output are given.
271
7.16 The PhotoCUT Function
General settings
Pixel in X-direction
In this field, enter the number of pixel that shall be combined to a logical pixel in
X-direction. The smaller the value in this field, the better the output quality of the "picture".
272
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Pixel in Y-direction
In this field, enter the number of pixel that shall be combined to a logical pixel in
Y-orientation. The smaller the value in this field, the better the output quality of the
"picture".
Remaining width
This value determines the remaining width of a strip (only with strips) in mm of the line
respective column size.
Because of the division of the bitmaps into logical pixel the line respective column size is
determined. The width of a strip depends on the set gray value and the contrast. The
maximum width is line respective column size minus the value of the remaining width.
Corresponding to the contrast value the width of the strip is identified by the average
shade of gray. The contrast is the proportion between white and black in %, which means
with 100% contrast the 100% black is mapped on the maximum and 100% white on the
minimum width of the stripe. If the contrast is reduced, the 100% black is only calculated
with for example 50% of the maximum width of the stripe.
The Minimum gray value is a limit for the shade of gray. You can for example remove a
constant gray bitmap background.
Indication: This value is only relevant if a graphic is darker than its background.
For all examples the following picture serves as template: (Standard path: C:\Program
Files\EUROSYSTEMS\OptiScout Production 7\Bitmaps\photo.bmp)
273
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Negative
The range of value of the shades of gray is reversed which means that 100% black
become 0% white and vice versa.
Positive Negative
274
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Cut out
Horizontal or vertical
With the options horizontal or vertical the direction of the stripe is determined.
Bitmap
In the area named bitmap the file data of the template (of the picture) are shown. In the
upper area the width and height of the picture in pixel are indicated and the resolution in
dpi. Underneath, the width and height of the picture are shown in millimeters.
Depending on the functions in the area general settings different effects are created.
Example 1
Pixel in X-direction = 1
Pixel in Y-direction = 10
Remaining width = 0
Contrast = 80
Minimum gray value = 0
Orientation = horizontal
275
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Result
Example 2
Pixel in X-direction = 3
Pixel in Y-direction = 15
Remaining width = 5
Contrast = 60
Minimum gray value = 0
Orientation = horizontal
Negative = not active
Reverse direction = not active
Double = not active
276
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Result
With the 2 examples you can see that already small modifications of the values lead to big
discrepancies with the result.
Weeding aid
The stripes at the ends are automatically thickened so that the result can be wed faster.
In this field the number of stripes that shall contain a strap can be set.
Width of strap
For information, underneath these fields the estimated number of objects is shown. This
is important to decide beforehand if the expenditure of time for the weeding is in a
responsible relation to the complexity.
277
7.16.1 The PhotoCUT Dialog
Fig. 7.16-8: Example for stripes per strap, width of strap and stripes
In the PhotoCUT dialog you can select between following modi: stripes, rhombuses,
circles, rectangles, single rhombuses, single circles, single rectangles.
With which mode you obtain the best and most attractive result depends strongly of the
used template. Templates rich in contrast are usually better suited for optically interesting
results.
Tip: The screen does not always show a view that enables a reliable evaluation of
the results. Therefore, print the result on your printer. Now you can judge the result
of the procedure relatively exactly and do not risk to waste expensive material!
278
8 The Sidebar
The Sidebar is switched on or off via the Window menu.
CTRL+2
The Sidebar summarizes different tools. Previously distributed toolbars such as Layerbar,
Clipart Manager were combined in a compact tab structure. The sidebar serves as a
central element of the object management.
Fig. 8.2-1: Anchorage control with arrow and dotted line for moving and placing
Note: Only in the docked state, the Anchorage control is activated and visible.
The Collapse Button
Pressing the Collapse button folds in the sidebar so that only the tab bar and the Unfold
button stay visible on the right side.
Enabling the Unfold button folds out the sidebar to the previous set size.
Pressing the Close button removes the sidebar from the program user interface.
The Dotted Line is used to move the entire sidebar. While the left mouse button is hold
down, the sidebar can be moved to any place. Double-clicking on the dotted line looses
the sidebar as well. Double-clicking on the head or moving the mouse towards the right
edge of the bar anchors the sidebar.
279
8.2 The Anchorage Control
Note: The bar may include, depending on the program version more, less or other
than those shown tabs.
280
8.3 The Layer Tab
The Layer area serves for the coloring of objects, the definition of foil colors, the selection
of objects that have a layer color, the locking and the hiding of color layers as well as the
allocation of output tools.
281
8.3.3 C) The Palettes Options
Layer numbers
The activation of this option switches on or off the numbering next to to the color bar.
282
8.3.3 C) The Palettes Options
In addition, the used part of color bar to this info %, number of visible layers can be
defined and the window width of the layer toolbar can be changed interactively.
The sequence of the layers can be changed arbitrarily. To do so, please use the up,
down, to top, to bottom button.
Note: This option can only be activated if no objects lie in this layer, if the layer is
unused.
All layers that do not contain any objects (unused) are deleted.
283
8.3.3 C) The Palettes Options
8.3.3.6 New
Note: 6 base layers will always be created. Order and color can be changed anytime.
8.3.3.7 Load
8.3.3.8 Save
With this instruction a newly defined or mdoified palette is saved on your harddisk.
Note: If a new or changed palette is named 'Default', this palette is used at every
restart of OptiScout.
8.3.3.9 Save as
This instruction allows the renaming of a palette name and save the palette using the new
name.
This instruction loads the color palette that is delivered as standard with OptiScout. It is a
Mactac foil table.
History
This function facilitates the loading of the last color palettes. At the end of the menu list the
names of the last edited color palettes appear.
Is a layer marked with this symbol, it means that objects are in this color or layer
assignment exists. The selection is easiest using the button.
284
8.3.4 Status Indicator Layer
Is a layer marked with this symbol, it means that objects in this color or layer assignments
are not visible at present. They exist an can be switched visible if needed. In general
layers are set to invisible, if they are obstructive while designing.
Locked layer
Is a layer marked with this symbol, it means that objects in this color or layer assignments
are locked, thus can not be edited, moved or scaled.
Is a layer marked with a frame, it means that no objects are available in this color or layer
assignment, but the layer is active. Now, for example, objects can be filled with that color
or contour and layer assignments can be done. The number indicates the layer number
and the depth of arrangement.
Note: The term depth of arrangement means that objects with a lower number are
drawn before those with higher numbers. The layer order also has an influence on
the drawing sequence.
Is a layer marked with a frame and this symbol, it means that the layer is active and there
are objects in that color (or layer assignments) on the desktop. The number indicates the
layer number and the depth of arrangement.
Note: The term depth of arrangement means that objects with a lower number are
drawn before those with higher numbers. The layer order also has an influence on
the drawing sequence.
285
8.3.5 I. Layer SettingsOutput Setup
Fig. 8.3-6: Layer Settings dialog with toll / mode list - Output setup
286
8.3.6 II. Layer Settings Color Setup
Fig. 8.3-7: Layer - color, material name, color number and define properties - color setup
In the layer settings dialog the following three color models are available.
Layer button
Save
Insert
287
8.3.6 II. Layer Settings Color Setup
Delete
Save palette
This option saves all modifications in the corresponding palette file into the pal subfolder.
Properties
Locked
Locked means that objects which are in this color layer can not be marked or selected. In
front of the locked layer appears symbolic a U-lock.
Not visible
Not visible lets disappear all objects from the desktop which are assigned to this layer. In
front of the not visible layer appears symbolic a stroked eye.
Note: Both functions can be undone at any time by activating the layer settings
dialog using the right mouse button in the color bar. Now the resetting of properties
is possible.
Color
Material name
In the field Material name you can assign to a color layer an individual name.
Color number
In the field color number you can enter the name associated with this type of material or
color number.
Note: The advantage of the allocation of foil name and color number is that you can
assign all materials to color layers - tailored to your stock. In designing these
materials can be taken into account so that the assignment is visible during output.
For each choice of films or types of materials a palette that is used in the design can
be stored.
Output button
Important note: This dialog is only enabled when this option was set in the driver!
Only then the output button appears.
288
8.3.7 Hotkeys in the layer processing
Spot color
The color name that is entered in this field is written into the output file if an EPS export is
done.
Note: Often, this option is used for the definition of cutting paths, or the spot color
is treated as a special channel in Photoshop.
Palette history
This function facilitates the loading of the last color palettes. At the end of the menu list the
names of the last edited color palettes appear.
Sel button
If the sel button is pressed all objects which lie in the selected layer are marked.
289
8.4 The Cliparts Tab
You can take these so-called cliparts from the wnate clipart group via drag &
drop to the OptiScout working sheet and edit them further.
What is a Clipart? Cliparts are objects, parts of jobs or whole jobs that have been added
to the cliparts tab. Cliparts serve primarily to direct and quick access to design elements.
As clip art is therefore virtually everything that is needed for quick or frequent job
generating, for example sign plates of different sizes, logos, design templates, and much
more.
Cliparts can be added via drag & drop or right mouse button context menu activation
submenu "Add Cliparts".
Cliparts can be deleted from the group using the DEL key.
Folder is the structural generic term. In a Clipart Folder, several Clipart Groups can be
included.
Group is the structural generic sub term. Individual cliparts are collected in Clipart
Groups.
290
8.4.1 Clipart Management
The Clipart info window is displayed if the mouse cursor whiles a short period of time
above the desired thumbnail.
291
8.4.1 Clipart Management
Folder Field
The selected folder in the Folder field is added to the list of clip art management.
With this option, the directory monitoring is turned on, ie, whenever a new file is stored in
this folder, a thumbnail is created.
All subfolders are included in the monitoring if this option is also enabled.
292
8.4.1 Clipart Management
Using the Macro Assignments tab events (e. g. double-click or enter key) can be
assigned to specific functions. The possible function assignments are listed in the
Available functions area.
Additionally functions can be added to the context menu via drag & drop. After this
procedure they are listed in the Current Functions area.
293
8.4.1 Clipart Management
Clicking on the ... button allows the selection of the clipart folder that should be renamed.
Folder Field
With this option the folder monitoring is turned on that is, every time when a new file is
stored in this directory a thumbnail is created.
All subfolders are included in the monitoring if this option is also enabled.
By means of this function elder CLA files can be read. All previous versions of OptiScout
used the cla file format when saving cliparts. This function converts them into the new
format.
294
8.4.1 Clipart Management
Shortens the visible path by one folder level. This provides clarity in a complex and
widespread clipart folder structure.
Thumbnails Tab
295
8.4.1 Clipart Management
Compression
This option determines which compression rate will be used when generating preview
images (Thumbnails).
Priority
This option adjusts, how the thumbnail creation behaves in relation to the main
application. The higher the priority, the more CPU time the process gets assigned.
Other Settings
Enabling this option displays the thumbnails in contour mode i. e. without color fill -
analogous to the contour mode.
8.4.1.19 Slider
The slider serves to determine the number of thumbnails that can be displayed in a line.
This is based on the current width of the sidebar. Here there are 6 thumbnails that are
displayed per line.
This option shows in the activated state the name of the clipart file in addition to the
thumnbnail.
296
8.4.1 Clipart Management
By default, is searched in the order of the letters, how they are entered.
Example:
B??ling - searches for all filenames that start with B, then have 2 characters in between
and end up with ling, such as Billing
Description of menu items: please refer to 8.4.1.6: Add Clipart Folder… Button ff
Description of menu items: please refer to 8.4.1.6: Add Clipart Folder… Button ff
297
8.4.2 The Context Menus
298
8.5 The Objects Tab
Tasks
- Object preview
- Navigation on the desktop and on the working sheet
- Zoom in and zoom out of the desktop and the working sheet
299
8.5.1 The Objects Tab (Object Manager)
Fig. 8.5-1: Navigator with zoom slider, controls, vavigation area and to move rectangle
(red)
The Zoom Slider serves to diminish or enlarge the desktop's view. Every click to the left
or right of the slider button enlarges or shrinks the view. The button can also be slided
using the mouse cursor. When the 100% view is exceeded a red rectangle appears
additionally in the preview window. This rectangle can be moved using the mouse cursor.
Invert Selection
Reverts the selection in the objects list, i. e. what was previously selected is deselected.
Show Attributes
Displays all of the selected options of the Options tab in the status bar.
300
8.5.1 The Objects Tab (Object Manager)
Options…
Fig. 8.5-2: Restriktions for the object list in the Objekt Manager
1. Unfold branches
2. Collapse branches
301
8.5.1 The Objects Tab (Object Manager)
A click on plus / minus opens or closes the tree (cf. Windows Explorer)
Task: Definition of the objects which should be displayed in the object list.
Selects all objects with this name that are located on the working sheet.
302
8.5.2 The Attributes Tab
The No output on device option prohibits that the selected object is given out on a
connected device (cutter, milling machine).
Note: Device means in that coherence devices that can be controlled from the Plot
Manager.
No output on printer
The No output on printer option prohibits that the selected object is given out on a
connected printer.
No Export
Blocked
The Blocked option prevents that the requested object can be selected. It will be marked
with red handles.
Do not move
The Do not move option prevents that the selected object can be moved. The position is
locked.
Fixed size
The Fixed size option prevents that the selected object can be scaled (enlarged or
decreased). The size is locked.
303
8.5.2 The Attributes Tab
The Fixed size during output option prevents that the selected object was unintentional
scaled (enlarged or decreased) before output.
The Text not editable option prevents that the selected object is unintentional edited. The
Text is not changeable.
Invisible
The Invisible option makes that the selected object is not visible on the working sheet.
This option is useful every time when there is a lack of clarity.
Container
The Container option transfers an object into a container or back into the generic object.
Container:
Video mark
Special attribute resp. object which is used when camera based recognition is used. The
camera module drives the tool head with camera to the so marked objects.
Register mark
Special object which is outputted on a cutter - independently from a layer color - every
time at the same position. The purpose is the subsequent, precision-fit assembly of the
different colored materials.
Drill hole
Special attribute for milling applications. The object has no expansion and can not be
scaled.
Print mark
Print or cut marks are printed additionally to the print data while printing.
Jog mark
Special objects which are required while the output on cutters with optical sensors for a
precise contour cutting. Each producer uses specific jog marks. The selection can be done
using the properties menu.
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8.5.3 The Object Types Tab
The button appears automatically if the column width gets to narrow to display all tabs
at once. By means of the buttons can be scrolled back and forth between the tabs.
All
Vector objects
Text objects
Bitmaps
Combinations
Groups
Container
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8.5.4 The Object Names Tab
Register marks
Drill holes
Video marks
Print marks
Jog marks
The button appears automatically if the column width gets to narrow to display all tabs
at once. By means of the buttons can be scrolled back and forth between the tabs.
The button appears automatically if the column width gets to narrow to display all tabs
at once. By means of the buttons can be scrolled back and forth between the tabs.
306
8.6 The Files Tab
307
8.6.1 Toolbar in the Files Tab
The following dialog appears if the open job option was activated.
The following dialog appears if the import file option was activated.
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8.6.1 Toolbar in the Files Tab
If the monitor folder option is activated, then the in the search path mentioned folder is
monitored. The result is that whenever a file is copied to this folder, the display is updated.
The search must not be updated manually.
If the with subfolders option is activated, then all folders which are located below the
selected folder are included in the file search.
8.6.1.1.4 Formats
In the following list of file formats can be selected, which formats in the search path should
be taken into account. A multiple selection is possible.
In the Edit search path dialog one selects, which file format should be searched in the
selected Folder.
The following dialog appears if the edit search path option was activated.
The following dialog appears if the edit search path option was activated.
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8.6.1 Toolbar in the Files Tab
The activation of the save modifications button saves all current settings from the files
tab.
The activation of the update button rereads the selected search path and
generates up-to-date preview images (thumbnails).
The activation of the Settings button opens the following dialog, where you can set up the
parameters of the thumbnails in the file preview area.
310
8.6.1 Toolbar in the Files Tab
8.6.1.5.1 Compression
The variation of the compression influences the displayed quality of the thumbnails in the
preview area. Moving the slide control in the direction of High, improves the display
quality. Moving the slide control in the direction of Low, reduces the display quality.
Indication: In case of Jobs no effect ist visible, because the job's thumbnail is
stored in the file in a fixed size.
8.6.1.5.2 Priority
Priority assigns more or less computing time for the generation of the thumbnails. The
more computing time is assigned is assigned to this process, the faster the thumbnails are
displayed in the preview area respectively updated.
If the Prefer contour mode image option is enabled, then the thumbnails will
be displayed in the contour mode and not in the full surface mode.
If the Enabled Tool Tips option is enabled, then exolanatory texts are displayed at the
cursor position.
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8.6.2 Search Paths
A click with the right mouse button in this area opens the following context menu.
A click with the right mouse button in this area opens the following context menu.
Context menu
8.6.2.3 Properties
A click with the right mouse button into the list field activates the add folder option and
opens the following settings dialog.
8.6.2.3.2 Folder
In the folder field a search path can be specified where the files shall be searched.
Alternatively the following dialog can be activated using the button. Select here the
folder which contains the files that should be listed.
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8.6.2 Search Paths
A click with the right mouse button in a search path opens a context menu with more
menu entries.
The edit search path menu item open the edit search path dialog (see fig. above).
The actualize menu item activates the file search in the selected search path.
Note: A double-click on the vertical separator between the columns (here: img,
name, date, size) automatically sets the maximum possible width of each column. A
click on the column heading sort ascending or descending depending on the
selected criterion (column name). In doing so, a black triangle beneath the column
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8.6.3 Hotfolder - Folder Monitoring
heading shows which column is activated and if it has been sorted in ascending or
descending order.
Aim of the Hotfolder - Folder Monitoring is the optimization of the Print & Cut workflow.
Using a definable Hotfolder directory and Jobs, which can be 'equipped' with actions, the
workflow can be sped up significantly. User errors are practrically impossible. The
workflow is reduced to the strict minimum clicks.
Realization
That the above objective is achieved, the File tab has been enhanced with the following
settings:
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8.6.3 Hotfolder - Folder Monitoring
Note: Automatically the 'Monitor folder option' and the 'Change to macro tab after
execution' option are both activated with the Hotfolder option!
If this option is enabled, after you open or import a job from Files tab the application
switches to the Macro tab of the sidebar.
If this option is enabled, then the active file is deleted from the hotffolder directory, after
the termination of the action assigned with (usually outputting).
If this option is enabled, then the file is moved into the defined folder, after the termination
of the action assigned with.
The Barcode Mode allows the quick opening of Jobs with a barcode scanner. If the cursor
is located in the search field, the data can be read into OptiScout Production 7 using a
barcode scanner.
315
8.6.3 Hotfolder - Folder Monitoring
From the RIP List the suitable RIP for printing can be selected. Also the bar code to be
use can be selected.
A double-click on a preview image (thumbnail) loads (opens) the file on the OptiScout
working sheet. A pull out of a file via drag & drop imports the selected file additionally to
the objects on the working sheet.
Files which are still not edited are marked with a yellow star. After opening or importing
this file the star labeling will be reversed. The star labeling serves the clarity which files in
a selected folder
were already edited and which not. The labeling can be reversed in its original state with
the reset status option.
In the area underneath the thumbnails resp. list view status messages, like number of
selected files and more, are displayed.
A click on the magnifying glass button activates a transparent slider (see fig. below) with
which the view can be enlarged or reduced.
316
8.6.4 Search Field and File Preview
When the thumbnails are enlarged the number of images per line is displayed. A minimum
size of 42 x 42 pixels can not be undercut.
The list view button switches from the thumbnail view in a list view and vice versa.
317
8.6.4 Search Field and File Preview
318
8.6.4 Search Field and File Preview
Note: The thumbnail preview is often of much help when searching files whose
names are unknown or have been forgotten.
The search field serves to accelerate search requests. Depending on, which column is
enabled (click on column name) the search is additionally performed after values from the
search field. The preselection of the search is displayed in a list of file names. Each entry
of a character in the search field refreshes the preselection.
Tip: After entry of the first letter or a number in the search field is searched in the
selection for the same file name prefix and the selection is restricted - using the
TAB key. This facilitates the search after distinguishable characteristics in file
names.
319
8.7 The Macros Tab
A click on the execute button enables the selected macro. Depending on the preset the
macro is executed, either directly or there will be required additional input from the user.
320
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
A click on the Open/Close button opens and closes the complete tool bar.
Enabling the New Macro button opens the following dialog for generating a macro. The
functions are selected via the Actions field (yellow star).
321
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
Makro Name
In the Macro Name field a name for the new macro can be specified. With this name the
macro appears in the operations area of the macros tab.
Enabling the Foreign Language button allows the translation of a macro into another
language.
Description
In the Description field a descriptive text can be added that is displayed as a tool tip in the
Operations area.
322
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
History
In the History field, additional information can be entered, such as version number.
Enabling this option requires confirmation at each macro step, even with parameterless
functions, which otherwise do not require confirmation.
If the macro has additional input fields, the values entered there are saved when this
option is enabled. When the macro is executed again the stored data are used.
The 'The Macro is inserted Automatically Into All Context Menus' Option
Enabling this option adds the selected macro in all context menus in the sidebar.
Clicking this button opens a dialogue in which all features are listed, which can be used in
a macro.
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8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
Fig. 8.7-5: Add Function dialog with selected Open Job… function
Using the button the selected function is transfered into the Ations
area.
The following figure shows how the Actions area looks after adding a new macro function.
324
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
325
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
Clicking this button removes the selected action out of the Actionsi area.
Enabling the Magnifying Glass button allows adjusting the controls to the requirements of
the used screen.
Macro Visibility
The Don't Show If The Macros are used in a tool box Option
This option let display only macros that do not need a file (job) as input.
Enabling the Load Online Macros... button accesses the EUROSYSTEMS Web server
and checks if online macros are available.
326
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
Fig. 8.7-6:
With this button selected objects can be related to any layer and tool (if assigned!).
Fig. 8.7-7:
After clicking on the Assign Layer button the selected objects are assigned in fact to the
chosen layer.
A toolbox can be filled with operations or macros. It unites the tools; it groups them.
Enabling the New Toolbox... button opens the following window to configure the tool box.
327
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
How the "filling" of the toolbox works: please refer to 8.7.5.2.4: Toolbox -
Grouping of Operations or Processes
Clicking on the Delete Macro… button removes the selected macro from the list:
after displaying a security request.
Enabling the Save Macro… button opens the Save File window and allows you to save
the selected macro in a file with the file extension *. pr7.
328
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
Enabling the Rename Macro… button opens the Save As dialog and allows you to save
the macro under a different name.
Enabling the Save Changes… button saves all changes within the Macros tab.
Note: This button appears only on the toolbar when changes were made.
Enabling the Import Macro… button opens the Open File dialog and allows the import of
a macro with the file extension *. pr7 from a data carrier.
After clicking on the Common Settings button the following dialog appears:
The Enable tool tips option activates respectively deactivates the display of help texts in
the Workflow Manager
329
8.7.2 The Tool Bar Area
This option determines the size of the run button for starting the macro. Especially for
touch screens a resizing can be done.
This option determines how much Quick layers are displayed in the Macro tab.
330
8.7.3 The Macro Player
If the step back button is pressed, the macro jumps back to the last executed macro
function.
Pressing the open view button opens the parameter view which allows entry of values
and modes.
331
8.7.4 The OptiScout Macros
With this tool objects with particular properties can be selected. For example via the circle
recognition all circular of a particular size can be selected. Via a selectable tolerance also
objects that are not exact circles can be recognized.
Fig. 8.7-9: Selection dialog for the selection of objects with particular object properties
Example:
A typical application is the preparation of the output data. If the device has for example a
Punchtool with which you can punch circles you need, instead of a circle contour, only the
center point of the circle. But if so far your other graphics have always contained the circle
contours or you keep the design with all circles instead of drill symbols the circles must be
replaced by drill holes. This work is reduced by the select objects-tool in connection with
the replace objects-tool to a few seconds.
Layer
Closed
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose object contour is closed.
332
8.7.4 The OptiScout Macros
Open
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose object contour is open.
Drill holes
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose object type is drill hole. Drill holes
are special objects that can be drawn with the drill hole tool from the tools-toolbar.
Counter clockwise
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose orientation of the object contour
was defined as counter clockwise.
Clockwise
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose orientation of the object contour
was defined as clockwise.
8.7.4.1.1.2 Extended
Recognize circles
If this option is activated all objects are selected whose object type was defined respective
drawn as circle.
In this option the wanted diameter of the circles to be selected can be defined.
Accuracy
In this list the recognition accuracy can be selected from very low to very high. With very
high only full circles are recognized. With very low ellipses and forms are recognized that
distort from the circle form in several directions.
If objects on the working area are already marked before carrying out this function the
newly found objects are added to the already existing selection.
All objects marked on the working are replaced with the selected object type.
333
8.7.4 The OptiScout Macros
Fig. 8.7-10: Marked objects are replaced with the selected object type
Circle - D (diameter) in … mm
Replaces all selected objects with the object type circle. The value D indicates the wanted
diameter of the circle.
Drill hole
Replaces all selected objects with the object type drill hole.
Regmark
Clipboard
Replaces all selected objects with the content from the clipboard.
Layer
Layer indicates the target layer in which the replaced objects shall be put.
Group
If this option is active all replaced objects are combined to a group - grouped.
Delete original
If this option is activated the original is replaced with the replaced objects.
334
8.7.4 The OptiScout Macros
This function determines the rotation direction of the object vectors. This is especially
important when milling in order to determine how the treatment of the interior elements of
objects has to be done.
8.7.4.3.1.1 Orientation
Clockwise
If this option is activated the rotation direction of the object vectors is determined
respective modified to clockwise.
Counter clockwise
If this option is activated the rotation direction of the object vectors is determined
respective modified to counter clockwise.
Per layer hierarchy (nested combinations) the rotation direction for the interior elements of
combined objects is modified, reversed.
335
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
Note: The enlargement of the control elements of the Workflow Manager can be
done using the magnifier button from the toolbar area.
The execution of each operation or macro can be run by double clicking or by clicking on
the Execute Macro button.
The movement of Quick Layers within the Quick Layer Area can be done via Drag &
Drop.
336
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
The movement of operations and macros can be done via Drag & Drop - even within the
same group (tool box).
The tool box is filled, by dragging the desired function from the Available Functions column
into the Current Functions column.
337
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
8.7.5.2.4.4
In the Toolbox Head always is displayed the last selected operation - in this case: File
Import.
Activating the Open / Close button will collapse the toolbar or vice versa.
Important note: The operations disappear from the operations area, if in the Macro
Settings the option 'Dont't show if the macros are unsed in a toolbox' is enabled.
Definition: A Quick Layer is a layer with special function for the usage in the integrated
Workflow Manager.
Note: The Quick Layers are visible only when a job is loaded. Only a maximum of
three layers are displayed in the Quick Layer area. If more than 3 Quick layers are
active a scroll bar appears - additionally on the right border.
338
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
8.7.5.3.1.1 Functionality:
A doubleclick on the Tool button assigns to all selected objects color and parameters of
the Quick Layer.
Quick Layer can be moved to any place in the Quick Layer Area using the mouse cursor -
via Drag & Drop.
The Active Quick Layer is characterized by bar on the left and right next to the
highlighted area and through the display of the Edit button.
In the Quick Layer Head appears the layer number and layer name - if a name was given
for the layer.
Note: A name can be assigned using the information field of the edit button.
A click on the visible / invisible button switches all objects on the desktop from visible to
invisible and vice versa.
A click on the lock button blocks all objects on the desktop in this color.
Activating the Select button selects all the objects in that color on the desktop.
339
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
8.7.5.3.1.10
A click in the underlined area opens the list to choose from the available tools
A click in the underlined area opens the list to choose from the available materials.
8.7.5.3.1.13
8.7.5.3.1.15
A click on the details button opens a dialog for setting of the layer parameter.
8.7.5.4.1 Definition
Operation und Macro: An operation can include one or more menu entries and so called
integrated functions. If a predetermined sequence is started it is called a macro.
340
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
Enabling this operation will open the File Import dialog similar to the file import.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a more extensive
functionality.
Selecting this operation will open the following dialog, which allows to select the desired
file.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
The File Save operation behaves similar to the Save File command: please refer to
4.1.4: The Save Command
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
Selecting this operation will rotate the entire working area with all objects in 90 degree
increments counterclockwise.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
341
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
Enabling this operation switches in the so-called node-editing mode, in which the object
vectors can be edited.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
Selecting this operation will open the following dialog, where in the fields Mode / Tool and
Material, the appropriate selection can be made.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a more extensive
functionality.
Enabling this operation will open the Sort with simulation dialog.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
342
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
Enabling this operation will open the Object Properties dialog for setting restrictions and
object attributes.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
Enabling this Operation opens the Output to Device dialog for setting all output-relevant
parameters and starts the output after pressing the Output button.
Note: In contrast to the menu command an operation can have a "going beyond it"
functionality.
343
8.7.5 The integrated Workflow Manager
344
9 Tips & Tricks - Trouble Shooting
Often, it is just a bagatelle that makes the "implementation" of new software
difficult. Similar to a new machine, there are questions and problems with new software
that often can be explained and solved easily. Therefore, we have explained a selection of
questions that occur daily at our hotline- and support routine more closely.
With serial activation of the cutter, this is a typical buffer overflow problem
and occurs if the protocol for the serial transfer is not set correctly. Most
cutters are activated with the following parameters with a serial data
transfer: bits per second: 9600, data bits: 8, parity: none, stop bits: 1,
protocol resp. flow control: hardware
In this case there is a computer accessory called - USB serial adapter- that
provides one or more serial COM ports on one USB port.
Note: Not all adapters offered work properly, especially the use on
64-bit operating systems is sometimes not free from errors. It may be
that different adapters must be tried.
b. COM connection: Check if the parameters of the port are set correctly. To
do so, call up the system control of Windows. In the device manager, select
the corresponding connection, for example: COM.
Popular standard parameter are: Baud: 9600, data bits: 8, parity: none, stop
bit: 1, protocol / flow control: hardware
The settings in the system control and at the cutter must be identical
otherwise no or only faulty data transfer will take place.
c. USB connection: Check if the correct USB driver is installed for the
device. The settings are in the Windows device manager under USB
controller. The USB driver for the cutting cutter must be entered in this list
345
9.3 Cutter Does Not Respond!
d. Original cable: Check if you use the original cable recommended by the
manufacturer. If this is not the case, there might be bigger problems during
the data transfer. OptiScout „communicates” during the data transfer with
the cutter so that missing or faulty connected data cable with the cutter lead
to input or output errors.
This is often because of an incorrect setting of the used protocol of the serial
(COM) port. In most cases it is sufficient to set the protocol respective the
flow control of the port to hardware.
The success rate with the automatic welding increases clearly if the letter
spacing is reduced from 100% to 99.9% or even 99%. This results in the fact
that two nodes that lie mathematically exactly on top of the other can be
slightly moved so that they can be "identified" as two dots.
When exporting Apple data you have to pay attention to some settings to
have a perfect data export. All popular Apple compatible illustration and
graphic applications can export EPS data. (Illustrator, Freehand, …)
1. For the contours, as line width only hairline (0.01 mm) must be
entered.
2. No fillings should be transferred.
3. All texts must be converted to graphical objects. (text in curves)
4. Grouped or combined objects must not be available. (break up
before)
5. Especially with the Freehand-export the export filter for the
Illustrator-format must be selected.
6. As file name extension .eps should be used and you should not
use umlauts as ü, ä, ü.
346
9.7 Typical Sources of Errors When Cutting
Consequence: the knive moves the foil during the cutting and the contour is
not closed completely.
Remedy: when inserting the foil pay attention that the foil is clamped evenly
and does not undulate.
Remedy: reduce pressure and correct the depth of the knife if necessary.
Consequence: foil and adhesive were only partly cut through. The weeding
is possible only with difficulty or not at all.
Remedy: increase the pressure and correct the depth of the knife if
necessary.
Consequence: foil, adhesive and release material were cut. Foil cannot be
used any more.
Consequence: only the foil and not the adhesive is cut through.
Indication: when using standard foil the using up of the knife is little.
When using reflection or sandblast foil the using up is much higher.
347
9.8 Plotter Via USB Is Not Working!
Generally is presumed: the smaller the font size the thinner the foil must be;
the adhesive force of the gluten is higher.
Remedy: reduce the speed and if necessary the tool pressure until this
effect does not occur any more.
Remedy: correct the setting of the depths of the cutting knife and also
reduce if necessary the tool pressure.
Check first, if your cutter is listed in the Device Manager (Control Panel /
System / Device Manager). If not, reinstall the device driver as described in
the plotter manual.
Check then, if the USB port for your cutter is selected in the OptiScout
Device Settings. You'll find the Device Settings window in the Settings /
Common Settings / Devices menu.
Check, if your plotter is set on the device language DMPL. If the cutter is set
to HPGL, read out via cable is not possible.
9.10 The Values for Cutting Pressure And Speed Are Not
Saved
After changing the values it is often forgottten to confirm the values. Please Tip 10
press the button beside the Enter Material field and enable the Save
Material Data option.
348
9.11 Error Message While Output into File
This error message is given out, if the access right Write for the program
folder of OptiScout is not set.
349
9.11 Error Message While Output into File
350
Annex
A Nesting (Option)
Preview area: Previews the plate size and all objects, which could be nested.
Info line: Informs about number of objects, plate, material consumption, a. o..
File list: All DXF files (Rest plates) that will be added are listed here.
A.1.1.1 Roll
Roll refers to a quasi-infinite plate. Enabling the Roll option nests on base of a roll of
material. Taking into account the number of objects and the given height the nesting
module automatically determines the required material length.
351
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
A.1.1.2 Plate
Enabling the Plate option nesting is done within the limits of a plate, whose width and
height can be predefined.
Width
Height
By activating this option a DXF file which includes the contour of a rest plate is imported
when the the Add… button is pressed.
Pressing the Add… button opens the file open dialog which allows the selection of the
rest plate file.
Note: It can be added more than only one plate which should be available for
nesting.
Pressing the Delete button removes the selected rest plate file from the list.
Number
352
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
In the Number field you can enter how often a rest plate should be taken into account
while nesting.
Thickness
In the Thickness field you can enter the material thickness of a rest plate.
Name
In the Name field you can assign a name for the rest plate, which is displayed in the
objects tab for identification.
Margin distance
Meant is here the pieces Margin distance from the plate edge.
Tool diameter
The Tool diameter is taken into account in the final part distance.
Part distance
If the tool diameter = 0, then the distance between parts after nesting is equal to the value
entered.
If the tool diameter > 0 then the distance between parts is calculated using the following
formula: part distance = part distance tool diameter. Part distance is increased by the
value for the tool diameter.
If the option is selected, the inner contours of workpieces are used for the nesting of
smaller parts.
When this option is chosen, then the inner contours of work pieces are used when nesting
little pieces. When activating this option it is checked, if first should be tried if the next
piece fits into another piece. If does not fit, the holes are not used until a piece can not be
placed elsewhere on the plate.
This option has an influence on the placement between the nesting objects itself.
353
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
Number
Only selected object in the selection list or all properties by activating the All button
Min. Rotation °
Only selected object in the selection list or all properties by activating the All button
Priority
Possible values from 0 to 10. The sequence of the parts can be defined using the priority
field. The more largely the number, the rather the part is nested. If nothing is entered into
the field or if several parts have the same priority, then the parts with descending surface
are taken. Large parts first, thus the smaller - perhaps - still fit between them.
Preview
Shows the object which was selected in the Object Selection List. Above and on the right
hand side of the preview the width and height of the part is indicated.
354
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
A.1.4 Pairing
Pairing
The principle of pairing is to create one as small as possible, the pair enclosing box.
Normally, therefore, with the option "best", even the best pairing is generated. The
different options are presented below using an angular part as example.
Note: With the help of the function "pairing" pairs of parts can be created in order to
nest them preferably pairwise. Basically for the following different ways is to note,
that it depends very much on the parts, which of the possibilities turns out to be the
best!
Automatic: The parts are nested one after another. The algorithms seek the slightest area
consumption.
Overlapped: For example, two angles are arranged so that they overlap.
Outer shape: This option can be used if a nesting object has multiple outer contours. This
is often the case with groups. The group is handled like on object. Other objects can be
nested in between.
To this examples of the various options using a part. This is important not to notice the
nesting itself, but whether the pairing is done vertically, horizontally, or overlapping. To
determine the most affordable option, the corresponding part is called, the desired option
is set and then is called by "nesting" the result of the pairing.
a) Vertical Pairing
355
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
Vertical alignment of the parts in the nesting. Here a relatively large fill area in the middle
of the pair remains.
b) Horizontal Pairing
Parts are paired horizontally (to clarify the drawing was rotated 90°).
c) Overlapped Pairing
In our example, "angular part" the overlap function may provide an even more optimal pair
result.
A.1.4.2 Alignment
Three option for the nesting direction, ie, the direction in which you want to nest, preferably
resp. in which direction the objects should be turned.
Automatic
If the Automatic option is enabled the object alignment will be determined by the module
itself.
356
A.1 The OptiScout Nesting Module With Pairing
Horizontal
This option considers the rotation direction of the objects and in accordance with it the
priority assigns with the nesting - here the preferential direction is: horizontal.
Vertical
This option considers the rotation direction of the objects and in accordance with it the
priority assigns with the nesting - here the preferential direction is: vertical.
The Nesting button starts the genuine nesting program. After all the plates and work
pieces associated with the default settings have been selected, the plates are covered
with work pieces. Depending on the number of parts, plates, and preferences in terms of
accuracy and speed, the nesting process only takes a few seconds. Once all the available
plates are filled, then the nesting results are displayed.
A.1.6 Result
After the evaluation of the result the objects are transferred to the main program for further
processing.
357
B Timer (Option)
B Timer (Option)
The timer module provides a sufficiently accurate estimate of the output time, which is the
essential factor for the calculation of a profitable production-ready finishing job. Virtually at
the push of a button, the output time for different batches or series are displayed and that
without the output device is blocked during the evaluation.
B.1.1 Licensing
When you purchase this module, you will receive a license code from your dealer -
an ECFN file (Name: OSxx-xxxxx.ecfn). Using this file, the module is unlocked.
A double click on the file ECFN unlocks the module. The following message confirms the
successful licensing.
Fig. B.1-1: Successful Fig. B.1-2: Macro list before Fig. B.1-3: Macro list after
licensing the licensing the licensing
358
B.1 The Prediction Module OptiScout Timer
Fig. B.1-4: Macro in the Fig. B.1-5: Macro in the driver Fig. B.1-6: Macro view
driver-dependent mode independent mode with Quick Layers
B.1.4 Results
The result of the precalculation of one output is displayed here in the format HH:MM:SS
(Sec).
The result of the precalculation of all outputs is displayed here in the format HH:MM:SS
(Sec).
359
B.1 The Prediction Module OptiScout Timer
Here, the value for the speed of output is specified. This value is taken into account in the
prediction.
Note: The speed parameter is displayed if no special timer device driver is selected
(driver-independent mode).
Here you can specify how many outputs should be considered during the calculation.
Here you can specify how many copies per output should be processed.
Here you can specify how many copies are to be processed per output.
If the real output time deviates too much from the calculated time, then a correction can be
made at this point.
If this option is enabled, then any change of the technology data and the precalculation
parameters is logged after clicking on the Compute time button and saved in a file.
Access to this protocol is possible by clicking the Logs… button (see below).
The activation of this button calculates the output time with the defined prediction
parameters.
In this area, messages are displayed during the calculation, which provide information on
progress and status.
360
B.1 The Prediction Module OptiScout Timer
Fig. B.1-7: Log with Job list, preview and production data
Preview
In this column a job thumbnail is displayed. This image can facilitate the selection.
Calculated at
In this column is displayed the prediction Day in format DD:MM:YYYY and the Time in
format HH:MM:SS, when the log entry is done.
Job
The field Job is double-spaced. In the 1st row the genuine Job is shown. In the 2nd
row are listed all precalculated jobs with technology data (Tool assignment, Production
parameters).
Outputs
This column shows the total length of the processed cutting paths.
361
B.1 The Prediction Module OptiScout Timer
This column shows the estimated total output time in the format Day:HH:MM:SS.
At any change in technology data or projection parameters, a new row is added into the
log.
362
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Auto Import Plug-Ins Auto import plug-ins are used to automatically import
data from other programs - without intermediate steps.
Automatic Contour Pen This feature means that before the data is transferred the
Conversion software 'looks' for objects with the attribute 'contour'. If
so, the user can decide whether the contour is to be
converted or not. If the contour should be converted, then
a vector object with the width of the contour is
automatically generated!
CMX Data Transfer CMX data transfer means the handing over of data using
CorelDRAW's CMX data format. CorelDRAW had
created this format in order to ensure the exchange of
data within the Corel program families. CMX is a public
data format and is used for the exchange of data. This
has the advantage compared to EPS, that Corel specific
types of data can be copied 1:1, without making a
conversion of the format.
Cap Height Setting Cap height is the typographical correct unit of capital
letters. The text editor uses this unit by default when
calculating the font size.
Circular Text Is a special feature of the text editor with that text
blocks can be placed on or in a circle.
363
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Contour Line (Print & Cut) Unlike the outline / inline bitmaps are here provided with
a vector contour. This function is regularly needed in the
creation of labels and stickers.
Create / Edit Text Block Text blocks are blocks of text that can be used more
frequently because they appear identical or similar in
many jobs - such as your address. With the PhraseWriter
arbitrary blocks of text can be created and modified as
needed.
Cut Out Region Is a bitmap function which provides the tracing of parts of
a bitmap. You can cut out any vector form out of a
bitmap.
Device Control This section deals with device control functions on the
output side.
Drill Holes Drill holes is a special drawing tool, that marks the
position of a drill hole, using a crosshair cursor. If the
connected machine is capable of producing drill holes,
then the position is transmitted to the device driver.
364
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Job Info The Job Info can - referring to each job - save additional
information such as order number, customer address,
material, time spent, a. s. o..
Job Rerun Any job that is still in the job history can be cut again
identically. The actual to the machine transmitted data is
stored. All parameters are given out into the output file.
Laser Engraver Name for all devices which don't use an engraving
needle but a laser unit.
365
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Material Display Each color layer can be assigned a specific material with
an exact material description. The assigned material is
displayed before the output in the Job Calculation, Job
Info and the layer itself.
Milling & Engraving This rubric lists the specific functions and tools which
were implemented for milling and engraving.
Monitor Output Process With monitoring, we mean that the output process can be
suspended, stopped and continued. Active jobs can be
switched to passive and if necessary be re-activated.
Multi Port Support With this we mean that all ports on a given computer -
which are suitable for the issue - can be used. Typically,
these are all COM and USB ports.
Multi User Versions For every main license multi-user version can be
Available purchased. The additional versions here have the same
serial number as the main license.
366
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Node Editing Main tool for the creation and editing of vector objects.
Parallel Device Output This function can simultaneously provide data on multiple
machines, which are connected to a computer, if
sufficient computing power on the PC is given.
367
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Plot to File The output of the plot data can be redirected to a file.
The user only has to activate the appropriate option in
the output dialog.
Preview *.CDR and *.CMX The files tab can display besides *.JOB also contents of
*.CDR and *.CMX files (CorelDRAW formats).
Reference Job (*.JRF) In a so-called Reference Job the environment, the tool
parameters and the device drivers are stored. In this
way, it is possible to output the job in an identical manner
as many times as wished.
Register Mark Is a special drawing tool, with that marks, for the making
of multi-colored foil signages, are drawn. This register
marks can consist of a cut-through or a filled square and
are positioned by the user to the desired position on the
output job. While the output these registration marks are
always cutted at the same position on the vinyl
(layer independently), so then the precise assembly of
various colors is possible.
Roll Cutter Roll cutter means all cutting plotters, which can only
handle material rolls.
Segmentation with Overlap Segmentation is always necessary when the job is larger
i.e. longer or wider than the connected device is able to
plot. The overlap is necessary when the individual
segments are to be completed to a whole again. Joining
otherwise would lead to undesired white gaps.
368
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Sort with Simulation In this function, all objects are sorted according to a
certain criterion. For some output devices such as lasers
or milling machines the sequential processing of the
objects is important. Therefore, the output can be
simulated and the collation can be adapted to the
requirements of the output device.
Space (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8) Special function with that micro-typographical-correct
spaces (keyword: em quad) and thus word / letter
spacing can be generated. These special spaces can be
directly entered via the keyboard.
Spool Function When the Plot Manager is activated with the parameter
!SPOOL!, it runs independently without starting the main
program. Output data can be activated and given out via
Drag & Drop.
Spot Colors Definable Spot colors are color layers, which are defined in a way
that color values are additionally given out. Some hybrid
devices and RIPs use spot color values for the control of
output processes. When printing the corresponding color
plates are given out.
Start Tool Paths When milling and laser engraving it often happens that
immersion traces are visible at the start point of an
object. To ensure that the quality of the objects which are
milled is not affected, the start point can be laid outside
the object. This task is performed by so-called start tool
paths.
Status Display Material In the output preview at the bottom of the window is a
Consumption status line where the material consumption of the job is
displayed in square meters. Since this happens before
the output, this feature can also be used to order exactly
as much of a material as is required currently for the job.
369
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
Symmetrical Object This is a tool that can create stars and polygons. With it
the initial shape (circle, ellipse) and the number of edges
can be specified. With its own drawing tool then the
symmetric objects on the desktop are drawn.
Test Run Before the actual output a so-called test drive can be
carried out to examine whether, for example, the material
is sufficient. During the test run the raised tool head
moves along the vectors.
Text Editor Text editor means program functions that include all the
tools necessary for professional capturing and editing
texts. Typographic special tools that are essential for
signmaking were implemented.
Text Import (*.TXT, *.RTF, External texts can be imported directly into the so-called
*.ECT) text box, with the above formats being used. For
formatted text the RTF format must be used. It can be
saved from every professional word processing program.
Tool Parametrization Means that specific settings for a tool can be done by the
user. This can be values for speed, drive, depth, angle,
pressure, acceleration or other parameters. The device
driver provides the parameter fields. The user can edit
corresponding parameter values before the output on the
device.
Tool Assignment To each color layer a specific tool can be assigned. This
makes creation and processing of jobs much easier. The
selected device driver provides all possible tools. The
assignment itself can be done by the user individually.
Track Logging For each tool the distance will be recorded. In addition,
the date, time and device names are stored.
370
C Dictionary of Technical Terms
TrueType, OpenType, Type These 4 font formats can be managed with the
1, BE Fonts Fontmanager i. e. add, enable and disable.
URW BE Fonts The BE-type format was created by the company URW.
The BE-format is a vector font format that was shipped
with SIGNUS systems.
Video Marks (Print & Cut) Video marks are marks that can be detected by cutters
with optical sensors or cameras to compensate for
inaccuracies of the print result. In the print and cut
process they are used also for the contouring of print
objects.
Wait After Segment If a job has to be segmented, then the user receives this
option with the ability to re-equip the machine before the
next segment is processed. By means of a message
window the process can be continued at any time.
Weeding Lines horiz. / vert. In addition to the global weeding frame, which is
generated around the entire output job, individual
weeding lines can be added horizontally or vertically in
the output preview. Large, bulky jobs can thus be
divided.
371
D Glossary
D Glossary
Additive color system The ~ is based on mixing the additive, luminous spectral colors
red, green and blue (RGB), for example in color TVs or color
monitors
Adjustment handles ~ are the 9 black squares that are drawn around the object and
in the middle when marking objects.
Application tape Foil that is used to apply the cut foil after the weeding on the
lettering area. The adhesive force must be strong enough so
that the text - even the tiniest letters - can be released from the
substrate without problems. After application, the ~ must also
be released without problems.
Ascender Term for the part of a character that extends above the middle
length.
Bitmap Pixel-graphic
Cap height This is the height of the capital letters, the capitals. As
measurement usually the height of the letter „H” from the font
line to the top edge of the character is used.
Center justification A break justification where the text block is justified at the same
time on the left and on the right side. To do this, the word
space within a text line is varied (usually extended) so that on
372
D Glossary
the left and right side a clean text edge is created. This is not
only applied for the the last line of a break.
compare also: forced block
Clipart(s) ~ are jobs or job parts that were added to the Clipart toolbar .
They are saved in a separate directory. (C:\Program
Files\EUROSYSTEMS\OptiScout Production 7\CLIP)
CMYK-color area ~ is the total number of colors that can be displayed by the
colors used when printing (CMYK).
Color depth ~ is the number of possible color tones that can be recognized
by a scanner or reproduced on a color monitor.
Context menu Context menus are called so because the structure adapts and
changes depending on the number and type of the selected
objects (context). Context menus are always activated with the
right mouse button. They serve for the faster access to
important functions and tools and also to those functions that
cannot be activated via the main menu.
Descender This is the part of a character that protrudes below the font line.
Desktop The area besides the working surface that can be used for the
draft. It is comparable to a desk on which are the tools.
Dongle
373
D Glossary
DPI Acronym for Dots Per Inch; resolution fineness (1 inch = 2.54
cm)
Font Type cut within a type face in digital form. Most type faces
have the fonts normal, bold, italic and bold-italic. Often, the font
is used for the same type face. Correct would be that each cut
is a separate font.
Font size ~ is the size of a font. It corresponds to the block height, which
means it also comprises the ascender and descender as well
as a certain space above and below the characters.
Forced justification Justification where all text lines - also the last- are adapted to
the width of the column or the working area. In OptiScout this
justification is called „force justification”.
374
D Glossary
Halftone image(s) ~ are pictures which contain shades of gray or hues. The tonal
value between pure white and pure black is called halftone.
Marking function ~ means marking objects by keeping pressed the left mouse
button, then drawing a frame around the objects to be marked
and letting go the mouse button only if all objects to be marked
are completely within the frame.
Process colors Printing scale of colors for four-color-printing with cyan, yellow,
magenta and black (key). By mixing these colors, it is possible
to print all colors.
Raster Image Processor short: RIP - Software that rasterizes vector data and controls
the printing on a large format printer.
Resolution Number of pixels per track unit. It is indicated in dpi (dots per
inch). Laser printers have a resolution from 600 to 1200 dpi.
375
D Glossary
Subsidiary line These are lines for the virtual alignment of objects on the
working area or the desktop. Subsidiary lines are only visible
on the monitor are neither plotted nor output on the printer.
Superscript The characters are set higher than the characters standing on
the baseline. They usually have a bit smaller font size than the
basic font.
Weeding means the removal of unnecessary foil parts after the cutting
with a cutting plotter.
White gaps ~ are the gaps on the edges of overlapping or abutting color or
foil areas. Disadvantageous especially with silk-screens or
when printing.
376
E Imprint
E Imprint
Comment to the production:
This manual was created with our own document system. Modifications and errors
reserved.
English version:
Heidi Hansen, Peter Bettendorf
RCS Systemsteuerungen GmbH
Date: 04/07/16
377
E Imprint
378
Index
A
Access rights 82, 83
Active Jobs 186, 203, 264, 265, 266, 267, 270, 363, 366
Autosave 168
B
Backup 2, 3, 11, 168, 372
Bridges 228
379
C
C
Cap height 363, 372, 375
CDR 368
Clipart 279, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 363, 373
Contour line 84, 86, 87, 91, 95, 156, 162, 212, 257, 258, 259, 364, 367
Contrast 29, 56, 59, 273, 278, 341, 342, 343, 367, 373
CorelDRAW 13, 15, 38, 39, 40, 52, 58, 59, 91, 174, 279, 363, 368
CoRUN 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 91, 174, 187, 204
380
D
D
Delete nodes 208
Device driver 42, 43, 64, 99, 100, 172, 348, 360, 364, 365, 370
Drag & Drop 290, 293, 316, 336, 337, 339, 369
Driver 6, 19, 21, 23, 24, 42, 43, 53, 64, 73, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 105, 117, 170, 171,
172, 200, 201, 202, 215, 230, 239, 263, 269, 288, 345, 346, 348, 359, 360, 364, 365, 370,
371
E
Edit program 162
EMF 73
Encrypt document 82
F
File formats 148, 192, 223, 309
381
F
Full surface 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 240, 241, 246, 247, 259, 311, 365
G
Gamma correction 374
GIF 73
GTP 73
H
Hairline 86, 155, 240, 241, 346
I
IK 73
Illustrator 13, 37, 40, 52, 53, 58, 59, 60, 91, 143, 174, 346, 368
382
I
Import 39, 42, 54, 59, 60, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 125, 130, 142, 143, 148, 174, 175, 176, 192,
205, 221, 222, 223, 251, 252, 294, 308, 310, 312, 314, 315, 316, 329, 338, 341, 346, 363,
370
Import filter 74
Inline 85, 164, 224, 227, 228, 229, 364, 366, 367
Invert 300
J
Job info 147, 151, 169, 205, 260, 365
K
Keep reference point 104, 170
L
Laser 6, 84, 164, 193, 231, 365, 369, 375
Layer 15, 42, 54, 55, 59, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 72, 73, 75, 76, 85, 89, 94, 106, 107, 118,
120, 130, 133, 134, 136, 143, 151, 155, 156, 157, 163, 164, 171, 174, 175, 176, 180, 185,
200, 215, 219, 222, 223, 227, 228, 229, 234, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243, 245, 247, 248, 253,
254, 259, 260, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 304, 321, 326, 327,
332, 334, 335, 336, 338, 339, 340, 366, 370, 374
383
M
M
Macro 42, 50, 293, 314, 315, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 326, 328, 329, 330, 331, 336, 338,
340, 358, 359, 373, 375
Macros 39, 50, 52, 68, 279, 302, 306, 320, 322, 326, 327, 329, 332, 336, 337
Margins 47, 93
Meter 108
Milling 6, 17, 43, 46, 53, 56, 62, 92, 97, 156, 157, 164, 166, 171, 182, 193, 200, 201, 208,
226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 303, 304, 335, 365, 366, 369
N
Navigator 299, 300
O
Object list 157, 301, 302, 305, 306
384
O
Offset 24, 29, 30, 31, 32, 56, 81, 104, 127, 135, 137, 138, 152, 167, 183, 224, 225, 247,
253, 258
OpenType 371
OPI 80, 91
Optimization 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 199, 212, 314, 367
Orientation 16, 62, 63, 70, 117, 129, 164, 166, 167, 183, 219, 229, 237, 238, 253, 333,
335
Orthogonalize 210
Outline 84, 85, 86, 91, 95, 152, 162, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229, 241, 242, 252, 253, 257,
364, 367
Output preview 103, 106, 107, 108, 111, 199, 200, 201, 204, 215, 239, 367, 369, 371
Overlap 88, 89, 113, 171, 228, 245, 355, 356, 365, 368
P
Page margin 130
PDF 51, 52, 54, 60, 76, 78, 82, 143, 175
385
P
Plot Manager 98, 99, 106, 148, 168, 170, 263, 264, 268, 270, 303, 367, 369
Positioning 35, 56, 116, 154, 183, 184, 210, 220, 253
Posterize 368
Print & Cut 52, 58, 59, 86, 91, 92, 314, 364, 371
Q
Queue 363
R
Read out 6, 47, 53, 72, 171, 348
Recalculate 200
386
R
Register marks 51, 56, 59, 91, 92, 107, 163, 368
Relief 349
S
Saturation 250
Screen printing 88, 89, 113, 144, 165, 244, 245, 246, 247, 368, 371
387
S
Separate 52, 59, 60, 88, 112, 157, 175, 222, 227, 367, 373, 374
Sharpness 21
Special characters 82
Stack 89, 103, 106, 160, 170, 172, 234, 235, 246, 368
Superscript 376
388
T
T
Template 113, 147, 251, 273, 275, 278, 373
Thumbnail 291, 292, 294, 296, 311, 314, 316, 317, 319, 361, 365, 370
Thumbnails 295, 296, 307, 310, 311, 316, 317, 319, 370
To back 160
To front 159
TrueType 371
Type 1 371
Typeface 372
U
Undo 150, 168, 169, 183, 205, 234, 235
V
Vectorization 371
Vectorization 371
389
V
Video marks 29, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 71, 92, 93, 125, 129, 130, 132, 133, 136, 163,
176, 220, 221, 222, 223, 229, 306, 371
W
Wait after segment 104, 170
Welding 85, 86, 88, 89, 165, 224, 225, 244, 245, 246, 346, 363, 365, 367, 368, 370, 371
WMF 73
Z
Zoom functions 211
390