AccuMark Professional Edition ................................................5 Whats New 8.1.2 ....................................................................................

5
Documentation......................................................................................................5 Quick View Preferences........................................................................................5 DataScan ..............................................................................................................6 Refresh Storage Areas .........................................................................................6 SQL Support .........................................................................................................6 Export Zip .............................................................................................................7 Total Items Counter ..............................................................................................7 Edit Digitize...........................................................................................................7 Model Preferences................................................................................................7 Rule Table Insert Rule ..........................................................................................8 Marker Zoom ........................................................................................................8 Style Converter .....................................................................................................8 Alteration Insert Rule ............................................................................................9 Size Code Search and Display .............................................................................9 Size Code Move and Copy functions ..................................................................10 Pattern Conversion Wizard .................................................................................10 Marker Report .....................................................................................................10 Layrule Report ....................................................................................................10 Report for X and Y measurements of pieces ......................................................11 Report for the total straight and curved lengths of internals................................11 MicroMark Reports..............................................................................................11 Cut Plot Quantity.................................................................................................12 Hardware Configuration: Investronica Partner Plotter support............................12 Winplot................................................................................................................12 Infinity Communications......................................................................................12

Pattern Design 8.1.2......................................................................13

Options for importing Lectra Models and AccuMark Model created....................13 Other Improvements to the Lectra Conversion ...................................................16 Improvements to MicroMark Style Conversion ...................................................17 Draft Pieces in Piece Menu and Work Area........................................................17 Plot Altered .........................................................................................................18 Fullness by Ratio ................................................................................................18 New Symbol for Reference Notches ...................................................................18 Copy Nest Rule for Tangent Rules .....................................................................18 On Line Help changes ........................................................................................19 Measure two lines no longer works for internals .................................................19 2 Point and 2 Point Curve ...................................................................................19 Move Line Anchor ...............................................................................................19 Grade Menu in PE-GMS .....................................................................................19 Import TIIP DXF Data .........................................................................................19 Investronica EXP files .........................................................................................20 Match Squared Corner Creation .........................................................................20

Page 1 of 75

3/16/2006

Whats New 8.1.1 ..................................................................................21 Documentation....................................................................................................21 AccuMark Configuration Notes ...........................................................................21 Investronica Digitizer Support .............................................................................21 Configuring the Investronica Digitizer .................................................................22 Investronica Plotter Support................................................................................22 Opening Investronica and Lectra Markers ..........................................................23 Current Restrictions to File Open in Marker Making ...........................................25 Extracting Investronica data from an EXP file .....................................................25 Dump EXP Setup................................................................................................25 One Size Rule Tables .........................................................................................27 Plot Queue Configuration....................................................................................28 New Cut Report Values ......................................................................................28 Support for M25 command in the P-Cutter Parameter Table..............................29 Pattern Conversion Wizard .................................................................................29 Lconvert Updates................................................................................................30 Style Converter ...................................................................................................30 File Clean............................................................................................................31 DataScan in AccuMark Backups.........................................................................31 Filter View in AccuMark Backup..........................................................................31 Pattern Design 8.1.1......................................................................34
Opening Investronica pieces and Lectra MDL files in Pattern Design.................34 Piece Information ............................................................................................36 Piece Geometry...............................................................................................36 Perimeter.........................................................................................................36 Piece Annotation .............................................................................................36 Internals ..........................................................................................................36 Grain Line........................................................................................................36 Seam...............................................................................................................37 Seam Corner Types ........................................................................................37 Notches ...........................................................................................................37 Checking the results of the conversion............................................................38 Current Restrictions to File Open for Investronica and Lectra Pieces .............38 Changes for Dart Functions ................................................................................39 Clip to Line Option for Double Miter Corner ........................................................39 Changes to Fusible .............................................................................................40 Divide Angle........................................................................................................40

Whats New 8.1.0 ..................................................................................42

STOP! .................................................................................................................42 Problem and Enhancement Report Utility ...........................................................42 Changes to installation and html page ................................................................43 Pattern Conversions ...........................................................................................43 Pattern Conversion Wizard .................................................................................43 Lconvert ..............................................................................................................44 Ability to select independent Metric/Imperial in MED and PDS ...........................44 Page 2 of 75 3/16/2006

Size Code Editor .................................................................................................44 AccuMark Explorer..............................................................................................44 A View window for Digitizing ...............................................................................45 Shrink and Stretch amounts defined in Model ....................................................46 Shrink/Stretch Formula .......................................................................................46 Increased Limit for Quantity Field .......................................................................49 Changes to Reports ............................................................................................49 Perimeter Reports...............................................................................................50 Other Changes to Reports ..................................................................................50 New Alteration Environment Variable .................................................................50 Auto Update Marker............................................................................................50 Toolbox Tools in Marker Making .........................................................................52 Delete All Splice Marks .......................................................................................52 Undo in Marker Making.......................................................................................53 Display of Tilt Angle and Piece Area...................................................................53 Tilt Increment in Marker Making..........................................................................53 Power Rotate ......................................................................................................53 Marker Length.....................................................................................................53 Symmetrical Centering in Marking ......................................................................53 Cut Path sequencing in Marking .........................................................................54 Cut Commands for Open Internals .....................................................................56 Nester overlap check ..........................................................................................57 Read/write controls for MSDE/SQL.....................................................................57 Statistical AccuMark data and support for relational fields in WebPDM..............57

Pattern Design 8.1.0......................................................................59 Costing Marker....................................................................................................59 Display of notch shape In PDS ...........................................................................60 Functions that use Thumbtacks ..........................................................................61 Line Length enhancements in PDS.....................................................................61 Modify Curve.......................................................................................................62 Lengths displayed for line functions ....................................................................62 Angle value added to Digitize and Create 2 PT Line functions ...........................62 New Right Button Options for Digitized and Create 2 PT Line functions.............62 Create Line/2 Point Curved.................................................................................66 Annotation Enhancements..................................................................................67 Create Fusible in PDS ........................................................................................69 Create Ruffle in PDS...........................................................................................69 Notch options for Pleats......................................................................................70 New Color for Alterations ....................................................................................71 New Message when Measuring on Pieces with Different Size Lines ..................71 Scrolling in the Piece Menu ................................................................................72 Handling of X and P Attributes............................................................................72 Support for Increased number of Line Labels .....................................................72 New functions available for GMS systems..........................................................73 Ungrouping Group Notches ................................................................................73 Style Converter ...................................................................................................73
Page 3 of 75 3/16/2006

Annotation Converter ..........................................................................................74 Guidelines .......................................................................................................74 Converting Multiple Notches of the same type for Styles....................................75

Page 4 of 75

3/16/2006

AccuMark Professional Edition Whats New 8.1.2

Changes since 8.1.1 Documentation Windows NT is no longer supported. Please refer to the Release Notes for all AccuMark Family Products for an update on system requirements. Quick View Preferences Implemented a Preferences Tab to edit the Quick View display. It is now possible to choose the Piece Name, Description, Category, Rule Table Name and Size for piece and model selections. Check the options to display the desired information.

The Quick View display can also be saved as an image.

Page 5 of 75

3/16/2006

DataScan DataScan is a function of the AccuMark to update the storage area list after a storage area has been restored from a backup, or copied to the AccuMark storage area directory. Previously, the storage area list was continuously scanned to refresh the list of storage areas. This maintained the storage area list constantly, however it also slowed the system down, especially when there is a very large list of storage areas and data. A feature was implemented in version 8 to prompt the user to run the DataScan utility after restoring a storage are that does not currently exist on the designated drive. DataScan will update and refresh the storage area list. Refresh Storage Areas If the AccuMark applications are already open and a new storage area is created, use the new function Refresh Storage Areas in AM-Explorer to see the added storage area. Previously, when a storage area was restored from a backup that did not exist on that drive, the storage area did not display until DataScan was run manually. The same was true for Restore All if a storage area was restored and did not previously exist on that drive. The DataScan Utility will only run automatically at Startup. DataScan can be run manually from two locations: 1. Start Menu / All Programs/ Start Up/ AccuMark Datascan. 2. AM-Explorer / View menu followed by Refresh Storage Areas.

SQL Support A new test has been added to the SQL Support check to determine if the tools needed to create storage areas is installed (OSQL). If not, the user can access other storage areas, but cannot create any.

Page 6 of 75

3/16/2006

Export Zip Export Zip data now has a new choice for model options. If user selects Include Components the choice for Select Model Options becomes available. After selecting and OK, a dialog box of all model options appears for selecting specific model options to be included in the export instead of all of them. Total Items Counter Accumark Explorer will now show an item count at the bottom of the screen of items in a storage area or on a device without the items selected.

Edit Digitize You can now type the button pushes in the edit digitize editor. However, you will start at the beginning of the field when typing and there won't be an edit symbol to allow a position to start typing. If you type and then click on another field without typing and go back to initial field then it will remember and continue entering at the end of the current data entered. If you type in another field, then it will start at the beginning. You can still choose from a lookup if desired. Model Preferences Preferences have been added to the Model editor. This will now allow users to change the notation, precision, seam allowance for split pieces, and overwrite properties from the model editor.

Page 7 of 75

3/16/2006

Rule Table Insert Rule Added function F8 to add a new Size Break and Shift+F8 to delete a Size Break in Ruletable. Example: deleting a size break. Before: base is 12-16 After: base is 12-14

Marker Zoom Added the ability to zoom in and out of a marker using the wheel on the mouse. Style Converter Add an additional button (called Results) to recall the Results dialog. This information is stored in a CSV file which can be displayed in Excel. Note: The Style Converter will not generate the report files in c:\userroot\system\error unless the user selects the report buttons in the Results dialog.

Page 8 of 75

3/16/2006

Alteration Insert Rule Added Insert Rule function to the icon toolbar in the Alteration editor.

Size Code Search and Display Implemented a new function to search for ordered sizes within a Size Code table. The search criteria can also include wildcards such as the * or ? Example: Find *L would look for all ordered sizes ending in L. It is then possible to add alterations or change values for all the sizes displayed. The ordered sizes are then updated in their respective locations in the table.

Page 9 of 75

3/16/2006

Size Code Move and Copy functions Added the ability to rearrange sizes before or after a selected size. Two additional menu options include Move or Copy Ordered Size and Move or Copy Actual size. The original Copy menu functions have been maintained since they have hot key combinations.

Pattern Conversion Wizard Added the ability to export and import more than one line of annotation text on a piece. Previously, PCW would only export/import the first line of annotated text. Marker Report The Marker Report now uses the precision settings in P-User-Environ. Previously, values in Marker Header Report window and Marker Piece Report window were always in two decimal places. Layrule Report The marker name is now included in the Layrule report. It defaults to the second column.

Page 10 of 75

3/16/2006

Report for X and Y measurements of pieces Added columns for the length measurments of pieces in X and Y. Piece X and Piece Y columns are available in the All Piece Report and the Model / All Piece Report. These are the same values that are also found in View Plot for the Drawing Extents.

Report for the total straight and curved lengths of internals Added three new fields to the Single Piece Report and the All Plot Report. The additional fields represent the total straight and curved line lengths of internals, as well as the combined total of the line lengths.

MicroMark Reports MicroMark Style and Grade Rule Table Standard reports are now available without a MicroMark key or software. From Accumark Explorer go to the ADS directory and RC on a style. Report/Standard and choose how it should be displayed.

Page 11 of 75

3/16/2006

Cut Plot Quantity Added the ability to output multiple quantities of plot jobs. Before this it was only available for single jobs. Now multiple jobs can be sent to the plotter from output file names. Hardware Configuration: Investronica Partner Plotter support Added support for the Investronica Partner inket plotter. Refer to the AccuMark Hardware Configuration document for installation and setup instructions.

Winplot Added the following enhancements to Winplot. Added the file extension ".gen" to the plot file extension options in Winplot. When browsing for generic plot files, it is now possible to filter out the .gen files in addition to the .ggt files. "Configuration" button has been added to WinPlot interface. Added a hotlink to open WinPlot's log file in WinPlot's interface. Infinity Communications Wplotter was enhanced to detect the error condition reported in the plotter queue. Previously, wplotter was unaware of the error and would continue to send data without flushing its queues, once wplotter was brought back online. Now, when an Infinity communication error is known, the plotter queue will display the status Offline. Once wplotter has signaled an error, the user should use the Infinity interface to query the plotter as to the specific error that was generated

Page 12 of 75

3/16/2006

Whats New Pattern Design 8.1.2

Changes since 8.1.1
Options for importing Lectra Models and AccuMark Model created Options have been added to File/Open when importing Lectra models. These options are used to control the results when Lectra data is converted into AccuMark data. Lectra has internal and external notches, types 21 through 24. On the Notches tab of the Configuration dialog, Lectra notches can be assigned to AccuMark notches 1-99. All notches converted are made to angle inside the piece. The notch parameter table needs to be set up so that the external notches have values that make them external. If the user wants to see them as external in PDS, they should check the "Show Actual Notch Depth" check box on the Display tab of PDS. Lectra has drill types 35, 36, 37 and 1. On the Drills tab of the Configuration dialog, Lectra drills can be assigned AccuMark internal alpha labels. The Lines tab has options to control how curves are converted. The Angle deviation for point insertion field determines when points should be added to a circular curve.

Page 13 of 75

3/16/2006

At each point on a curve there is a line tangent to that curve, lines 1 and 2 in the picture below. The angle between 2 consecutive tangent lines is the value represented by the Angle deviation for point insertion field. If the value is greater than the angle between the lines, a point is added. The Minimum angle for point insertion field is used if the angle between the lines is less than the Angle deviation for point insertion field. If the angle is less than the Angle deviation for point insertion value but greater than the Minimum angle for point insertion value, a point is added.

The Chord height field is used for Bezier curves. Between every two points on a curve, a line is drawn between them (points A and B in the illustration below), and a perpendicular is created from that line to the curve (line C in the illustration below). If the length of that perpendicular is greater than the value in the Chord height field, a point is added (point 1). This process continues until the value of the perpendicular line is less than the value in the Chord height field.

The default settings in the Configurations should only be modified for special cases. Unless defined differently, the AccuMark treats a point as a corner, if the angle between the lines is larger than 30 degree.

Page 14 of 75

3/16/2006

The Insert N attribute above angle field is used to specify at which points to assign an N attribute. Using the same method of measuring an angle of 2 tangent lines, if that angle is less than the vale, an N attribute is assigned to the point. Lectra has variations within a model. On the Models tab of the Configuration dialog of File/Open, there are options to convert Lectra variations to AccuMark model options within a single model, or a separate AccuMark model for each variation. If creating model option pages, each page is named to match the name of the variant. If the name is too long, it is shortened to a unique name that fits within the 6 character limit of a model option name. When the AccuMark data is saved in PDS after opening the Lectra data, the model(s) are created. The Variant editor in Lectra includes the fields Piece Name, S, DH, DV, Fabric, Fabric Category, Message, Rotation, or Shrink Stretch. The Piece name and Fabric fields map directly to the Piece Name and Fabric fields of the AccuMark model. If the Fabric Type is 2 characters, it is mapped to a single character fabric type. If two pieces with 2 character Fabric Types both start with the same character, for example SB and SR, SB will be converted to S and SB will be converted to some other single, unused character. The fields S, DH, and DV map to the Flip fields in the AccuMark model. The S field maps to the , or left. The DH and DV fields equal one left plus one X or Y. DH is one left and one flipped about the horizontal axis and DV is one left and one flipped about the vertical axis. Nothing is currently being converted for the Message, Rotation, or Shrink Strech.

Page 15 of 75

3/16/2006

Other Improvements to the Lectra Conversion Lectra Draft pieces can now be retrieved into PDS. These are construction pieces that do not have a closed perimeter. The pieces can be traced to create real pieces from the Draft Pieces. All lines created on the Lectra system are included when brought into AccuMark PDS, including hidden lines.

Page 16 of 75

3/16/2006

Improvements to MicroMark Style Conversion A variety of improvements have been made to the MicroMark Style Conversion. A separate document has been created detailing these changes. The document can be displayed by selecting Help/Help and Support from within the Style Convertor.

Draft Pieces in Piece Menu and Work Area The Piece Menu has been changed to display Draft pieces without color fill. All of the lines of the piece that are marked as perimeter lines are displayed in the menu.

Page 17 of 75

3/16/2006

Plot Altered A new checkbox option, Plot unaltered, has been added to the Plot Alter function. When this option is selected, both the altered and unaltered perimeters will plot so that they can be compared. Fullness by Ratio The Fullness function has been enhanced to support allowing the user to enter the fullness amount as a percentage of the length of the fullness line. The prompt when entering the fullness amount has been changed to: "Enter a fullness Amount, or Percentage." Examples: If the user enters 200%, the fullness line will become twice as long. If the user enters 150%, the fullness line will become 1.5 times its original length. If the user enters 75%, the fullness line will become 3/4 of its original length. If the user enters 50%, the fullness line will become half as long. New Symbol for Reference Notches A new symbol has been created for Reference Notches. The symbol looks like and upside down Tangent notch symbol. See illustration below.

Copy Nest Rule for Tangent Rules Copy Nest Rule can now be used to select a tangent notch and assign the created delta rule to one or more points. Placing the point with the assigned rule on top of the notch and displaying the nest can verify the correct result.

Page 18 of 75

3/16/2006

On Line Help changes The following areas in On Line Help have been updated: Added procedure to plot only sew lines Organized and updated measure functions Updated MicroMark annotation Update Lines topics for Function Options Create Circle - update name and any images of option Updated topics for Reshape Curve and Armhole Sleevecap Added a topic for troubleshooting Intersection errors Updated Dart topics to include V8.1.1 changes Updated topic for MicroMark and AccuMark Version 8.0.x (MK/V8) Functions Measure two lines no longer works for internals New Option is added to the Function: Measeure-Distance 2 Line, named Select two line to measure, which make it easy to select 2 internal Lines 2 Point and 2 Point Curve Hot keys have been added for 2 Point Line and 2 Point Curve. The hot key for 2 Point Line is ALT + O, and the hot key for 2 Point Curve is ALT + P. Move Line Anchor The Move Line Anchor function now supports multiple selections. Grade Menu in PE-GMS The Edit Grade menu has been enabled for the Professional Edition Grading and Marking System. Import TIIP DXF Data The ability to import TIIP data has been implemented in PDS. The data is a DXF format and originated in Japan.

Page 19 of 75

3/16/2006

Investronica EXP files If dumpexp is executed and the original piece name is not available in the piece file, but the original piece name is available in the marker file, the dumpexp program will create a new Folder called PGS.RENAME. The associated pieces will be copied into this new folder. Match Squared Corner Creation When both of the angles where the Match Seam Corner are less than 90 degrees, the corner shape can not be created using the normal construction method. The extension of the common sew line of the pieces does not intersect with both pieces at the same location when extended. See the illustration below.

The intersection that will maintain the seam width is used and the adjacent cut line is blended to the perpendicular offset location of the adjacent line. See illustration below.

Page 20 of 75

3/16/2006

Whats New 8.1.1

Changes since 8.1.0
Documentation Reference materials and documentation can be found on the AccuMark Family CD under the AccuMark installation section Training Docs. Please refer to these documents for updated information regarding the latest release. Details regarding document content is listed in the AccuMark Release Notes.

AccuMark Configuration Notes The document for configuring hardware components to the AccuMark has been updated. This document now contains detailed information regarding the following areas: Plot Queue Configuration enhancements Multiple Plotter Configuration on One Computer Nester Compatibility with AccuMark Investronica Digitizer Support Support for Investronica Digitizers has been added to AccuMark V8.1. The Investronica digitizer can be used to input AccuMark raw digitized data, basically simulating an AccuMark digitizer. Digitizer Model CalComp DB4 446 0 Drawing Board IV CalComp 34480 Drawing Board III Approved for Use 8.1.0 8.1.1

Page 21 of 75

3/16/2006

Configuring the Investronica Digitizer Start Hardware Configuration from the LaunchPad or AccuMark Explorer. Select the Digitizer Tab, and choose the connection port and the type of digitizer, Investronica.

Please refer to the Investronica Digitizing Support document in the Training Docs folder on the installation CD for additional information. Investronica Plotter Support The AccuMark supports the configuration of the Investronica P2000 pen plotter starting with version 8.1.0 and higher.

Page 22 of 75

3/16/2006

Before starting the plotter make sure the plotter program (wplotter) is running. To start the plotter, toggle the black reset switch on the plotter. At this point the wplotter icon will have an x through it while it automatically downloads the micro-controller program to the plotter. Once wplotter is running (active with no X over icon), press the green start button on the plotter. The plotter is now ready to receive plot jobs. Please contact your Gerber service representative to configure the Investronica Partner inkjet plotter. Opening Investronica and Lectra Markers Investronica and Lectra (plx) markers can now be opened in the AccuMark marker-making editor. Opening a marker requires some preparation since accessing the components used to build a marker creates the marker. 1. Open the Lectra mdl file or Investronica pieces in Pattern Design. Refer to the PDS Whats New for reading Lectra and Investronica pieces. 2. Create a laylimits editor and name it L. This file can contain restraints but it would be best to save an empty table when opening the data for verification. 3. Create an annotation editor and name it A. This file can remain empty, or specific annotation requirements can be included. 4. In marker making, set the default import area (storage area) for the marker data.

Page 23 of 75

3/16/2006

5. Using File / Open, select the type of file to open and then select Investronica or Lectra marker (plx). 6. Once the Investronica or Lectra marker file is selected, AccuMark will process the file by linking up to the Annotation and Laylimit tables previously defined and then process to an AccuMark marker. This new marker will initially be saved upon opening the file, however the status will be Needs Approval. It will not become Made unless the user verifies the marker by saving it again.

Page 24 of 75

3/16/2006

Current Restrictions to File Open in Marker Making Investronica A template for laylimits (L) and annotation (A) is required. Splitting pieces may not work, and are limited to one per piece Pieces must first be imported and saved in Pattern Design. A new model is not created until the marker has been opened. Lectra PLX limitations A template for laylimits (L) and annotation (A) is required. Split Piece function is not supported. Pieces must first be imported and saved in Pattern Design. A new model is not created until the marker has been opened. Blocking is not working in this version. Extracting Investronica data from an EXP file Investronica data is commonly included in a proprietary EXP zip file that has a .exp extension. These files, as well as database files cannot be opened from Pattern Design or marker-making. Only the actual piece or marker files can be opened. Data can be extracted from EXP files by using a utility that creates the Investronica directories for pieces, markers and pieces generated from marker files. Once the data is extracted, it can be opened in the AccuMark. When AccuMark sends files to another system, ZIP is used. When Investronica sends files to another system, EXP is used. Not all Investronica data is in an EXP packaged file. However, it is a common format used by Investronica users. To accommodate EXP files, GT created a program to read the EXP files and extract the actual piece and marker data. This program is named dumpexp. Dump EXP Setup Dumpexp is located in C:\Program Files\Gerber Technology\AccuMark V8\AccuMark.

Page 25 of 75

3/16/2006

1. Copy the Investronica files with exp extensions into a temporary directory or new folder. 2. Run dumpexp from C:\Program Files\Gerber Technology\AccuMark V8\AccuMark, or make a shortcut on the desktop.

The pieces and marker files will automatically be extracted to the directory from where you run dumpexp. Extracting the data from the EXP file is a twofold process. The first time dumpexp is run, it creates directories and extracts the markers and pieces. Dumpexp will also extract the piece components from the marker files (if the marker has pieces in it). It uses the marker names in the Marcadas directory as the input name. When this is done, PGS.DIR is created. The program creates three types of directories when it is executed. MARCADAS for markers from exp files PIEZAS for pieces from exp files PGS.DIR for pieces from markers (only created if the marker included the pieces) Once data is extracted it can be opened from PDS or Marker making.

Page 26 of 75

3/16/2006

Markers can only be opened if the pieces associated with the marker have already been opened and saved in PDS and the laylimits and annotation tables created. See the Whats New 8.1.1 for detailed steps.

One Size Rule Tables The ability to create a rule table with only one size has been added. This is the best method for industrial users with no sizes or graded pieces.

Page 27 of 75

3/16/2006

Plot Queue Configuration AccuMark Utilities has a new feature that allows the user to easily set up the required variables for various plotting environments. You no longer have to handedit the systems environment variable called Queue from the Windows control panel. From the AccuMark Utilities, select Configuration, then Plotter Queue.

Refer to the Configuration Notes document for details to set up a plotter in a client server or peer to peer network environment. New Cut Report Values Added Internal Straight Internal Length, Curved Internal Length, Total Internal Length, Straight Perimeter Length, Curved Perimeter Length and Total Perimeter Length to the Cut Report.

Page 28 of 75

3/16/2006

Support for M25 command in the P-Cutter Parameter Table Added Cutter Defined to the P-Cutter parameter table Cut Small Slow options. This allows users to generate M25 commands in the cut file to control the percent of slow down on designated pieces at the cutter.

Pattern Conversion Wizard Added an option to make the MicroMark Style name the suffix (rather than prefix) when converting Styles to Models and Pieces. Pattern Conversion Wizard has a new option in Configuration to append the style name to the pieces as it is imported into AccuMark.

Page 29 of 75

3/16/2006

Lconvert Updates The installation of Lconvert is now included as part of the AccuMark installation. There is no longer a need to install it separately. A new option has been added to the L2A Configuration to detect and smooth circular internals.

Style Converter A new option, Fix mismatches has been added to the Grade Checker options in the Style Converter. When this option is checked, additional grade points are added to the converted data to correct the curve shape to be within the tolerance specified. A Mismatch piece count has also been added to the Results section of the Style Converter. This allows the user to quickly identify how many pieces in the overall conversion generated error conditions and may need to be reviewed.

Page 30 of 75

3/16/2006

File Clean When using the Style Converter to convert MicroMark styles, it will sometimes prompt the user that the style is in use and to run File Clean to check the file. The File Clean Utility was added to the AccuMark V8 program folder to enable AccuMark systems to run the utility when MicroMark is not installed.

DataScan in AccuMark Backups A new feature has been implemented to prompt the user to run the DataScan utility. This is will occur when restoring a storage are that does not currently exist on the designated drive. If any AccuMark applications are already open, you will need to use the Refresh to see the added storage area. Previously, when a storage area was restored from a backup that did not exist on that drive, the storage area did not display until DataScan was run manually. The same was true for Restore All if a storage area was restored and did not previously exist on that drive. The DataScan Utility will only run at Startup now. Filter View in AccuMark Backup On the View menu, select Filter. Filters appear below the column headings in the details pane.

Page 31 of 75

3/16/2006

Columns that allow filtering will display a Filter icon in the row below the column title. Columns can always be sorted by clicking on the column title. Columns will have different sorting rules depending on the type of data for that column. For instance, the Type column has a list of corresponding data types that can be viewed. Only one data type can be chosen at a time. The picture below shows the some of the available options for the column Type. Selecting any of the data item types will display the items of that type only.

Page 32 of 75

3/16/2006

Other columns may allow you to enter a parameter to filter by or match the information entered. Numbered columns like the Size column allow you to enter the size to be used for sorting. This column also allows you to choose how to match by clicking on the filter icon. For example, entering 100 and selecting the Greater Than option will show all data items that are greater than 100 MB. Date type columns allow you to perform wildcard type matches. Entering a 4 for example will show all items that have a 4 in the date or time variables. Or you can match on the exact date, as in 4/22/1992

Page 33 of 75

3/16/2006

Pattern Design 8.1.1

Changes since 8.1.0
Opening Investronica pieces and Lectra MDL files in Pattern Design It is now possible to open Investronica pieces and Lectra pieces from the Lectra MDL files directly into Pattern Design through the File/Open dialog box.

1. From the Files of Type field, select Lectra Mdl or Investronica Piece and then select the data from the directory where the data resides; locally or from a network location. 2. In PDS View menu: Preferences/Options, select the Path Tab and set the default storage area where the pieces will reside once stored.

Page 34 of 75

3/16/2006

3. For Lectra mdl files, select the Options button to set up Lectra notches and drill types to AccuMark notches and drill/internal labels.

4. Once the pieces are retrieved into the menu, place all of them in the work area and select File /Save. Use Ctrl/A or marquis to select all the pieces at one time. Pieces will automatically be saved to the designated default storage area set in Preferences/Options. Note: Only pieces are stored to the storage area. Models are not created until the marker file is opened in AccuMark marker making. Refer to Opening Investronica and Lectra Markers.

Page 35 of 75

3/16/2006

Piece Information The original piece name is given as the AccuMark piece name and category. The description is left blank. In the Lectra system it is possible to have pieces with duplicate names. In this case the pieces are brought in with the same name. Piece Geometry Perimeter For most pieces in Lectra .mdl files, the sew line is saved as the perimeter. If no cut lines are present when these pieces are brought into AccuMark, the sew lines are maintained as the perimeter and the cut lines are created from the sew lines using the seam amounts. The Seam Properties of the piece are set to Generated Seam and Corners. Piece Annotation Lectra piece annotation is imported using the correct position and rotation. The default size specified in Preferences is used. Internals Lectra internal types are converted to the AccuMark labels listed below. Lectra Type: 3 Type: 4 Type: 7 Type: 8 Type: 35 Type: 36 Type: 37 AccuMark D X Z Y D D D

Grain Line Lectra pieces do not need to have grain lines or grade reference lines. Lectra pieces can also be rotated by an angle amount. Without a grade reference line, the grading is applied as if there were a horizontal reference line. A piece can have a vertical grain line. This is converted to an internal labeled I.

Page 36 of 75

3/16/2006

Seam The seam amounts are read in from the Lectra .mdl data and used to generate the cut lines from the sew perimeter. The Lectra corner types in the piece data that exist in the AccuMark are converted to AccuMark seam corners. Seam Corner Types Lectra Intersection Step Previous Symmetry Next Symmetry Previous Perpendicular Next Perpendicular Bevel-Previous/Next Void AccuMark Regular Either Perp Step or Bisect Step Mirrored (mirror previous line) Mirrored (mirror next line) Squared (perp to previous line Squared (perp to next line) Not supoorted Not supported

Some pieces have seam amount differences between adjacent curves where the angle is basically a straight line, but there is no corner type specified. This appears to be a Step Corner and currently creates an intersection error. Applying the same seam amount on the adjacent lines will eliminate the intersection error. On the Lectra system, there are no seam corner notches. These notches are converted into AccuMark seam corner notches. Notches There are 4 notch types on the Lectra system: o 21 = slit o 22 = U o 23 = V o 24 = Castle These are converted into AccuMark notch types (21, 22, 23, 24). The depth of the notch is given a value of 1 cm.

Page 37 of 75

3/16/2006

Checking the results of the conversion If comparing a Lectra piece plot and an AccuMark piece plot does checking the results of the conversion, both plotters need to be calibrated correctly. If comparing the Lconvert data and the data does checking the results of the conversion brought into PDS, some differences in shape due to rounding may be seen. Current Restrictions to File Open for Investronica and Lectra Pieces An AccuMark model is not yet created Preferences similar to LConvert preferences should be added The error, ""please remove points closest to endpoints...""" may be displayed for pieces with seam corners Importing a Lectra mdl file is duplicating closed internals Investronica data is commonly zipped in a file with an .exp extension. In order to open Investronica pieces, the files must first be extracted to a folder. The files cannot be read when in a exp or database file. If the incorrect file format is selected in File/Open for Investronia data, PDS stops responding Lectra angled notches are not yet supported Lectra Mirrored pieces are not supported Pieces with too few points on a curve on Lectra data may be a different shape Lectra Variants are not yet supported Lectra created seam corners are not yet supported Lectra constructed, reference notches (type 6) are not yet supported Alphanumeric rule tables on Lectra systems can have intermediate (nonbreak) sizes. The AccuMark only supports alphanumeric tables where all sizes are breaks Multiple rule tables for points / pieces on Lectra data are not supported Adding points to sew line to match shape and then offsetting to get the cut shape can result in the different shape than offsetting the original points and then generating the smoothed shape on the cut line Bezier curve (Lectra) control points can be anchored to real data points on the piece (rather than just being proportionally spaced). This can result in differences in the graded shape. Constructed positions on Lectra data are not yet supported Not all lines in a Lectra piece are included in the AccuMark piece. There can be a number of lines that are used to construct the piece which do not get included in the converted piece

Page 38 of 75

3/16/2006

Changes for Dart Functions The Dart functions have been updated to be consistent in the definition of a dart. In AccuMark, a dart is represented by a three-point line. This means that the piece perimeter is split where each dart leg touches the perimeter. In MicroMark, a dart is point-based and indicated by three points that are marked as Dart points. Starting with AccuMark 8.1.1 all darts will use the AccuMark method. In previous releases, some dart tools were expecting AccuMark dart geometry and some were expecting MicroMark dart geometry. This meant that some functions would automatically merge dart lines and then split them again when the function was completed. These functions have been updated to use the AccuMark concept of a dart. When using dart functions, lines will no longer be automatically merged or split. This provides a consistent and easy to use interface. The functions that were affected by this change are: Distribute Same Line, Combine Same Line, Change Dart Tip, Equal Dart Legs, Balanced Resize, One sided Resize, Open Dart, Fold/Close Dart End, and Flatten Line Segment. These functions still operate the same, the only difference is that rather than prompting for a dart point, the functions now prompt for dart lines. Clip to Line Option for Double Miter Corner A new option, Clip to Line has been added to the Double Miter Corner function. Use this option to create a Double Miter Corner that automatically matches another line. When this option is selected, the system prompts for the point location to add the corner and then prompts for a line to clip the corner to. Note: The line selected to clip the corner to needs to intersect where the corner is being added. It is helpful to place the pieces as they would assemble as shown in the example below. Original Pieces Corner Clipped to Match Line

Line for clipping

Page 39 of 75

3/16/2006

Changes to Fusible Fusible now features radio buttons which allow a fusible amount to be defined to an entire piece or for specific lines. Use the Piece option to apply the same amount to an entire piece or multiple pieces. Use the Line option to apply different fusible amounts to individual line(s). This is helpful when different parts of the piece need different reduction amount or need to be handled specially, such as darts. When the line option is used temporary geometry will display to indicate the amounts specified for the line(s). The fusible function has also been updated to display the original piece name when New Piece Name is selected. This allows more efficient naming since the original name may be edited rather than having to be re-entered. Divide Angle A new function, Divide Angle, has been added to the Create Line menu. Use this function to create lines that equally divide the angle between two selected lines. The function will prompt to select two lines. The system will then equally divide the angle between the two lines based on the value in the Number of Divisions field and create new internal lines. The lines may be created in any of 4 quadrants, simply move the cursor to control the direction of the lines. Use the Length of Angle Divider(s) options to control how the new lines are created. Use Cursor/Value to visually place the lines by eye or enter a specific length. Use Same as First Line to have the lines automatically be the same length as the first line selected.

Page 40 of 75

3/16/2006

Clip to Joining Ends will automatically calculate individual lengths for each angle divider line. It works as if a straight line was drawn between the end points of the 2 lines selected for the angle and then clips each Angle Divider line to that line. Clip to Line will prompt for a line to clip by and the angle divider line(s) is clipped to that line.

Angle divided into 3 and Same as First Line option used to keep the angle divider lines the same length as the dart leg. In this case the lines might be used as guidelines for converting the dart to fullness. Selected Lines

Selected Lines

Angle divided into 4 and Clip to Joining Ends option used. In this case, the lines might be used as guidelines to measure along when drafting a new neck curve.

Page 41 of 75

3/16/2006

AccuMark Professional Edition Whats New 8.1.0

This document contains new enhancements for release 8.1.0. For the 8.0.x versions of the Whats New, please go to the Training folder of the AccuMark installation CD. STOP! Important! Version 8.1.0 requires a license upgrade. If an 8.0.x version of software is currently in use and it will be upgraded to 8.1.x, the license must be upgraded. Before installing AccuMark Family V8 software, verify that you have a valid key and the appropriate license file(s) for the version you are installing. Upgrades from AM V8.0 to AM V8.1 require a new license file. Please contact your local Gerber office or customer service representative for assistance. Problem and Enhancement Report Utility The PERU has been enhanced to initiate a call to Customer Support. This new feature enables users to send a message to Customer Support to request a call back.

Page 42 of 75

3/16/2006

Changes to installation and html page The AccuMark Family installation has been simplified. There is now one combined Advanced Edition, Professional Edition and PDS Only installation. To install any one of these, just select the AccuMark option and the front page of the CD. All of the Release Notes and Whats News for AE, PE, and the V-Stitcher Interface Module are on the AccuMark page.

Pattern Conversions AccuMark 8.1 uses the new Pattern Conversion Wizard with ASTM as the standard format for pattern conversions. The AAMA 4.3.4 program is no longer included, however both ASTM and AAMA data formats are supported in the new Pattern Conversion Wizard. In addition, limitations found in past releases of the AAMA software have been resolved and incorporated into the AAMA portion of the Pattern Conversion Wizards AAMA Import/Export functions. Pattern Conversion Wizard The Pattern Conversion Wizard now has a new interface. When a graded nest is exported and it contains modified rules, the warning message has been changed to show the grade rule number(s) that have been assigned to the modified rule(s).

Page 43 of 75

3/16/2006

Lconvert Several enhancements have been made for Lconvert, including: Import supports up to 99 notch types The last characters in the piece name can be used as the category Long file names are now supported in Import Ability to select independent Metric/Imperial in MED and PDS The ability now exists to have independent Metric and Imperial settings for MED and PDS and forms. To utilize this ability, create a P-MED-ENVIRON table in the desired storage area. Marking will read and use the P-MED-ENVIRON table, while PDS and forms will use the P-USER-ENVIRON table (default). Size Code Editor A new actual size can now be inserted after the current size. Selecting the actual size tab and then the function New Actual will add a new tab after the current tab. AccuMark Explorer The filter field now allows you to choose one or more data types to be displayed. Previously you could only choose one data type at a time. There is now a choice when opening a model into PDS to open with or without model options.

Page 44 of 75

3/16/2006

A View window for Digitizing A display window has been added for Digitizing. During the digitizing process, the progress of the piece data is displayed in the window. The digitizing process has not changed at all; the use of the digitizing puck is the same as in previous releases. If a digitizer is configured on an AccuMark, the Wdigit application displays in the Windows Task Bar. Pressing the right mouse button when the cursor is positioned over the icon displays a menu. The menu items include Restart, Open, Close and Properties. The Properties item displays the Gerber Device Configuration/Hardware Config dialog box. Open displays the display window. Close exits the application and ends the process. Restart . Currently have to execute Hardware Config to get the process back in the task bar. When the Digitizing window is on the screen, after Start Piece, the name, category, description and rule table are entered, the geometry begins displaying in the window starting with the grain line. The piece name is also displayed in the title bar. Selecting End Input clears the display of the window and releases the data to the Digitizer folder. The data can then be verified using Explorer or PDS.

Page 45 of 75

3/16/2006

Shrink and Stretch amounts defined in Model The AccuMark now supports shrinkage amounts in the Model editor in addition to the order editor. This allows for greater flexibility on a per piece basis. In addition, different models can be created for different fabric types, rather than having to create different pattern pieces for each fabric type.

Two columns have been added to both pages of the Model editor. The two columns, X and Y Shrink Stretch, hold positive or negative values. The values can be set to percentage or linear by selecting the Shrink/Stretch Units radio buttons. The X and Y values can be different for each piece, and some pieces may have scale values of 0.00. These amounts are saved with the Model data. Example: 10% shrink or stretch should be entered as + /- 10.00 not +/- .10 Shrink/Stretch Formula The amount the fabric shrinks or stretches in the X and Y is not the same amount that the piece must be scaled up or down. It is the amount of change in the FABRIC. The shrink/stretch amount should be X or Y=d /scale amount% 100%, where d is the X or Y of the bounding rectangle of the piece. Note: This method provides pre-scaled pieces to Marker Making. This is necessary to correctly scale pieces for Shrinkage. Providing scaling amounts in the model on a per piece basis allows a different scaling amount for each piece and each graded size.

Page 46 of 75

3/16/2006

Order Editor Shrink/Stretch Options An option called Model Shrink/Stretch has been added to the Order Editor. If the Model Shrink/Stretch option is selected, the Shrink Stretch amounts for the pieces indicated in the model to receive the scaled amounts will be used during Marker Process. If the option Order Shrink/Stretch is selected, ALL pieces will use the amounts specified in the Shrink(-)/Stretch(+) X and Y fields of the Order editor.

The formula applied to the pieces is the same in both the Model Shrink/Stretch option and the Order Shrink/Stretch option. The benefit to the new Model Shrink/Stretch option is the flexibility in controlling the shrink/stretch amounts on a PER piece basis.

Background Information Note: The method used for shrink/stretch during Order Processing has not changed. The addition of applying shrink/stretch in the model provides greater flexibility to the user when defining amounts to individual pieces. The diagram below illustrates the Marker Order process when the scaling values are defined in the Model and/or Order Editor.

Page 47 of 75

3/16/2006

The original piece is first graded to all requested sizes (and any necessary seam and corners are applied) allowing the correct scaling to be applied to the individual sizes. Any pre-rotations defined in Lay Limits for categories that exist in the Model are then applied to the pieces. The scale amounts are then applied to the rotated pieces. This allows the correct X, Y scaling to be applied based on the orientation that the piece will be in the marker. The scaled piece is the final geometry used in the marker.
Piece Stored on Disk Grade out Sizes Apply Pre-rotation from Lay Limits Apply X, Y Scaling from Model

Small

Small

Small

Grade Base Size

Medium

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Large

Pieces will not dynamically scale in Marker Making if a piece is dynamically rotated while the marker is being made. This means that if the Rotate functions in the Popup menu are used on a piece, the piece will not scale when it is rotated. Note: This method is not compatible with Nester. Nester can rotate pieces during the marking process which means the rotated pieces would be incorrectly scaled.

Page 48 of 75

3/16/2006

Increased Limit for Quantity Field The quantity fields in the model editor have been increased to allow from 1 to 99 units. Changes to Reports All reports now display in a spreadsheet format. They have been enhanced so that all columns except the first (name) can be configured and the layouts saved for future use. These include o One Piece o All Piece o Piece Perimeter o All Model o Marker Piece o Marker Header o Plot o Cut

Pressing the right mouse button while the cursor is over the title of a column displays the menu list of choices for configuration. In addition, the Insert and Delete Field options are still available.

New menu options have been added to the File menu of the reports. The new options include Save CSV, Load Layout, Default Layout, Save Layout As, and Save Layout. Once a report has been configured by adding and removing columns, Save Layout is used to save the layout as a template. Multiple layouts can be saved and Load Layout is used to select a layout for display. Default Layout loads the system default display.

Page 49 of 75

3/16/2006

Perimeter Reports The Piece Perimeter and Model Perimeter reports were previously formatted in HTML format. The change to CSV format allows these reports to be consistent with the other report layouts. Perimeter reports now report the total straight and curved line lengths. In addition, the perimeter reports can also be configured according to size, allowing flexibility when outputting information or sending to a printer. Other Changes to Reports Save As exports only the selected/displayed fields instead of all values The precision is as defined in the User Environment Parameter Table Piece Description and Category have been added to the All Model Report The End Distance has been added to the Splice Report New Alteration Environment Variable A new environment variable has been implemented for users that have alteration tables set up in Classic using zero growth alteration rules to control movement. The AM5 alteration method, is the default method that AccuMark V8 currently uses. It is only necessary to set the CLASSIC_ALTER environment variable if the user does not want to use the AM5_ALTER method. The CLASSIC_ALTER variable is added as a System Variable.

Auto Update Marker A new option has been added to the AccuMark that can automatically update a marker if the pieces were changed. The system compares the last modified date of the pieces with the last modified date of the marker. If the last modified date is later than the last modified date of the marker, the marker can be updated. The updates are applied when a marker is opened in marker making, accessed during cut generation or plotted. When a marker is regenerated, order process is run. The order is retrieved from the marker. The pieces, models, and other data are retrieved from the Storage Area.

Page 50 of 75

3/16/2006

An option has been added to the Configuration menu of AccuMark Utilities called Auto Update of Markers. The option can be set to Yes, No or Prompt.

If the option is set to Yes, the marker is automatically updated when opened. A message Regenerating Marker is displayed. If the option is set to No, the existing version of the marker is opened. If the option is set to Prompt, the system prompts to overwrite the marker and use the updated piece data.

o The updated marker is created using Copy Marker. This is the same regenerate function on a marker in AM-Explorer. If a change is made to a piece, such as adding an internal notch, all pieces will place successfully. If changes are made to the piece perimeter, piece may not place when the marker is updated. In addition, if dynamic changes were made in the original marker, the updated marker will not include those changes. If pieces were added or removed from a model after the original marker was created, this will also affect the results.

Page 51 of 75

3/16/2006

Example of Auto Update Marker LADIES-BLOUSE-SL was updated. The date of the piece is now greater than the marker. When the marker was sent to the plotter, the update marker function was activated.

Toolbox Tools in Marker Making The Overrides functions in marker making can now disabled. An ON/OFF setting has been added to AccuMark Utilities.

be

Delete All Splice Marks An option to delete all splice marks has been added to the Marker menu.

Page 52 of 75

3/16/2006

Undo in Marker Making Undo has been implemented in marker making. This can be used to restore pieces to their original state in the marker. If the same piece had multiple moves, flips, rotate operations, all are removed in one step. The Undo function is located in the Edit drop down menu, Toolbar Icon and by selecting the "Z" as a hot key. If a piece is picked up out of the marker, the marker maker can immediately click on "Undo" function and the piece will go back to the place where it came from. Often, a piece is not picked on purpose and the operator is not exactly aware of where it was placed originally. This function makes it easier for the marker maker to efficiently keep track of pieces placed. Display of Tilt Angle and Piece Area There are new fields in the marker status area to displays the tilt amount and piece area for a piece. Tilt Increment in Marker Making The tilt limit is now sticky. The sticky value for tilt-by-degrees is saved separate from tilt-by-distance Power Rotate Improved free rotate in marker making. This new feature is known to MicroMark users as power bump. Power Rotate is activated using the comma , on keyboard or RMB on for the Toolbox under the rotation options The ',' and '.' rotate the piece clockwise or counter clockwise around a selected point until it hits it's tilt limit or a piece.

Marker Length The marker length can now be seen in yard/inches, decimal yards, meters/cm or decimal meters. To change the display, press the 'ln:' button next to the length field in the marker status dialog. Symmetrical Centering in Marking A new match type has been added to the AccuMark to work with the Invision System. Centered Symmetric Matching can be used with point or line matching. Symmetrical centering points or lines can be added instead of or in addition to a match-to-fabric location at the center of the piece. A new line type, 16 has been added for the matching In the Matching Editor, the match type is a fabric match called Centered, Symmetric and is available in the Type drop-down menu in the Matching editor.

Page 53 of 75

3/16/2006

When Centered, Symmetric is selected from the menu, the other fields in the row update automatically.

This match type can only be used on mirrored pieces and the piece must be open when the marker is made. The symmetrical match points or lines will have no effect whatsoever on the placement of the piece during Marker Making operations. The display of the piece in marker is like that for centered matching. Note: The Symmetric Centered matching data is only meaningful to the cutter and is only generated during cut processing. The match data instructs the matching system to take pictures at the symmetrical match points. Cut Path sequencing in Marking The ability to generate the Cut Path has been added to Marker Making. Several new functions have been added to the Tools menu for this feature. The Cut Path can be created automatically by the system using the Automatic menu option. In addition, two choices are available to create the Cut Path manually, From Beginning or After Piece. 3/16/2006

Page 54 of 75

From Beginning Option The From Beginning option allows the sequence to be defined from the first piece, including as many of the remaining pieces as desired. Once the function is selected, the system performs an automatic sequencing and displays the path on the pieces and an OK/Cancel dialog box. At that time the order of the sequence can be changed by clicking on the piece that should be first and any subsequent pieces to be changed in order. Select the OK button to exit the function. After Piece Option The After Piece option allows the sequence to be defined from the middle of the sequence, including as many of the remaining pieces as desired. Once the function is selected, the system performs an automatic sequencing and displays the path on the pieces and an OK/Cancel dialog box. At that time the order of the sequence can be changed by clicking on the start piece and any subsequent pieces to be changed in order. Select the OK button to exit the function. The functions are all also available to be used in the Toolbar. Once the Cut Path is created, it is displayed on the pieces in the marker. The display of the path can be controlled using the Show and Hide functions in the Tools/Cut Sequencing menu. The Restore Default function removes the path from the marker.

Display of Byte Annotation The annotation for markers with Cut Paths include the number in the sequence to be cut and the byte that includes the piece, N#:B#.

Page 55 of 75

3/16/2006

Cut Sequencing Parameters There are several settings available in the Cut Sequencing Parameters dialog. The No Bite Generation should be used with the C200 which generates bites while it is cutting. Either the Fixed/Static or Variable Bites option should be used with the C90 and C100 depending on the product being cut and the model of the Cutter. When the Fixed/Static Bites option is selected, both the Table Size and Bite Size need to be specified. When the Variable Bites option is selected, only the Table Size needs to be specified.

Restore Default The Restore Default option removes the Cut Path from the marker and restores the default cut path. Cut Commands for Open Internals A new option has been added to the Cutter Parameter Table that improves the cut quality of open internals. The option inserts an M17 for "full advance" and an M18 for "ignore overcut" on open internal lines. This provides the desired cut length of the internals based on the digitized length. The M17 is for the start of the internal. It moves the knife forward before plunging to eliminate heel cut. The amount of movement is definable in the C200. The M18 is for the end of the internal and eliminates any overcut. This enables the digitizer operator to digitize in the desired length of the internal instead of a compensated length for heelcuts.

Page 56 of 75

3/16/2006

Nester overlap check A check has been added to Nester to check for overlaps of more than .005 inches. If an overlap is detected, an error is added to the error log and the status of the marker is set to Needs Approval. Double clicking on a marker entry in Ultraqueue now opens the marker in marker making. Read/write controls for MSDE/SQL Additional functionality has been added to the MSDE Manager to define user permissions per storage area, device or data type. For storage areas, access can be allowed or denied. For data types, specific read/write controls can be defined per data type (not data item). Existing users have full Read/Write/Create/Delete privileges. The privileges can be edited using the Add/Modify Logins Wizard. Administrator privileges are required in order to set the read/write controls. SQL server or MSDE must be installed on the system on where the r/w controls are defined (uses SQL/MSDE Backup/Manager). Version 8.1 must be installed on all systems being set up for user permissions. Permission settings can be viewed and edited by selecting Properties for the user. If a user does not have permission to edit a data item, an error message is displayed anytime an attempt is made to modify the file. Statistical AccuMark data and support for relational fields in WebPDM Generation of relational data for AccuMark Models and Markers has been added. This data can be used by WebPDM, or reports can be generated from the data other applications such as Microsoft Access or Enterprise Manager. AccuMark V8.1 can store model, and marker data in a MSDE/SQL Server database. When WebPDM is present, it will store it into the WebPDM relational tables, thereby integrating the operation of the two applications. When WebPDM is not present, AccuMark will provide the tables. In either case, a powerful relational database repository for AccuMark data is created that may be used to easily obtain important information about pieces, models, and markers.

Page 57 of 75

3/16/2006

There is one relational database for all AccuMark Storage Areas. Whenever markers or models are saved the relational database is updated. The database can be populated for existing Storage Areas using SQL Check. The Annotation File for Image Generation field is used to specify an Annotation Table that would be used when the image files are created for pieces or markers. This would allow text to be output with the image. An annotation table name is optional and does not need to be specified unless the user wants specific annotation used for the piece images. The piece images and the optional annotation are generated from the source storage area. If an annotation table is not specified, the piece images will be created without text.

Page 58 of 75

3/16/2006

Whats New Pattern Design 8.1.0

Changes since 8.0.8
Costing Marker A new function has been added to the File menu of Pattern Design that automatically creates Costing or Sample Markers. The function uses the pieces saved on disk for the model in the current work area. The desired size, quantity and fabric width are entered into a dialog. There is also an option to have AutoMark place the pieces automatically. After OK is selected, the system creates the marker and then opens Marker Making with the marker displayed. If no fabric code is entered, all pieces in the model are ordered and the name of the model is used for the marker name. Multiple Fabric Codes may be entered as shown in the example to the right. This results in a separate marker for each fabric code. When fabric codes are entered, the name of the marker is the model name appended with a -X where X is the fabric code. The system uses the standard components of the AccuMark to process the Marker Order. A default order, CostOrder, is used to order the costing marker. This order needs to exist in every storage area that contains data that will have costing markers processed. When a costing marker is initiated from Pattern Design, a message is displayed if the default order does not exist.

The order should contain the LayLimit and Annotation tables with the correct settings for the marker. The associated tables such as the LayLimit, Annotation, and Notch tables must also exist in the storage area where the model is saved. The User Environment Table of the storage area should also have the correct Notation setting (Imperial or Metric) and have Overwrite Marker set to Yes or Prompt.

Page 59 of 75

3/16/2006

AccuMark markers also require unique categories within the same model. If an error is encountered during processing, the Error Log displays with the error message. Display of notch shape In PDS A new option has been added to the View menu for displaying the shape of notches. The current P-Notch Parameter table is used for the dimensions of the notches. To view the notches shapes on graded sizes, display the nest before selecting the View Notch Shapes function.

The image below shows an example of a graded notch with the notch shape displayed. The grade symbol (upside down triangle) is shown together with the V notch.

Page 60 of 75

3/16/2006

Functions that use Thumbtacks New options for thumbtacks have been added to most of the functions in Pattern Design that use thumbtacks. These functions include: Move Smooth functions, Armhole/Sleeve Cap, Reshape Curve, Move Line Anchor, Modify Curve and Move Range. The left button Show Thumbtacks controls whether thumbtacks are displayed or not while the other buttons control the default placement of the thumbtacks. If Show Thumbtacks is depressed, the other buttons become active and the thumbtacks display at the positions specified. Use the middle button, Prev/Next Points, to automatically place the thumbtacks at the previous and next points adjacent to the point(s) selected to move. Use the right button, End Points, to place the thumbtacks at the end of line locations. If the Show Thumbtacks button is not pressed the thumbtacks do not display and the thumbtack positions are automatically assigned based on the selected button. This allows a more efficient workflow. Line Length enhancements in PDS A new function option, Modify Length, has been added to Digitize Line, 2 Pt Curve, Split Piece on Digitized Line and Facing. If Modify Length is selected, the system prompts for the line length after the digitized line is placed. The curve is adjusted to equal the specified length and additional points are added to the line as needed if smoothing is turned on. The current overall length of the line is displayed in the Value Input field during digitizing. The distance from the last point placed to the current cursor position is still displayed in the Dist. field.

Page 61 of 75

3/16/2006

Modify Curve A new function, Modify Curve, has been added for modifying curves. The function is available in the Modify Line menu and can be used to change a curve, or to make a curve out of a two-point line. When selecting on the curve, locations (where no data point exists) can be selected in addition to existing data points. The Modify Curve function also adds additional points to form the curve if the curve was dragged out such that the data points are more than 1.5 inches apart. Lengths displayed for line functions The BEG, END and Value Input fields now display additional line length information as a line is modified using one of the following functions: Move Single Point, Move Point, Move Pt Line/Slide, Move Point Horiz, Move Point Vert, Move Smooth, Move Smooth Line, Move Smooth Horiz, Move Smooth Vert, Armhole/Sleeve Cap, Reshape Curve, and Digitize Line. As in other functions, the BEG and END fields show the distance from the beginning and end of the line respectively. The top field in the Value Input area displays the total line length as the line is modified. When an end of line point is selected, this field shows the sum total of the two adjoining lines. When multiple points are selected for moving, the measurements are based on the point that the mouse is attached to when moving the points. Angle value added to Digitize and Create 2 PT Line functions The angle field is now enabled in Digitize Line, 2 Point Line, and 2 Point Curve when value mode is used on the second point. The angle entered on the second point is not relative to any geometry, but instead is relative to a horizontal line going to the right. For example: Entering 0 Creates a line to the right, entering 90 creates a vertical line up, and entering 90 creates a vertical line down. Directional arrows are also displayed on the screen to assist in entering values. New Right Button Options for Digitized and Create 2 PT Line functions New right button options Along Angle, Compass, Double Compass, Compass from Last Point and Create As New Piece have been added to in Digitize Line, 2 Point Line, and 2 Point Curve to make drafting lines and pieces easier.

Page 62 of 75

3/16/2006

Along Angle A new right button menu option called "Along Angle" has been added for location on line selections. This menu choice works similar to the "Along Tangent" menu choice, with an additional prompt asking the user for the angle amount. The angle amount is relative to the tangent line and the point is placed at the angle and distance specified. Examples: Angle Value 0 90 -90 Result Same direction as the tangent line Turn left from the tangent line Turn right from the tangent line 90 Direction of Line -90 Note: This option is also available in some other functions where location on line selections are available.

Create Draft Piece The Create Draft Piece option allows a new draft piece to be created while creating lines using Digitize Line, 2 Point Line and 2 Point Curve. Activate the line function you wish to use and then select Create Draft Piece before starting to create the line(s) which will make up the new piece. Enter a piece name when the system prompts, then proceed to create the lines. The new lines are automatically created as perimeter lines eliminating the need to have a rectangle or existing piece on the screen. The newly created piece is considered a draft piece. In order to use and work with the new piece throughout AccuMark, use a function such as Create Trace to convert the draft piece into a valid AccuMark piece. Understanding Draft Pieces Draft Piece refers to a sketch of a pattern piece that has not yet been saved as a valid piece, with a closed piece perimeter. When you create new pieces using the Create as New Piece option, the system recognizes them as draft pieces.

Page 63 of 75

3/16/2006

Draft pieces allow lines to be grouped together as a piece. Draft pieces may also be saved. During saving, a grain line is automatically assigned, however, the piece is still considered a draft piece until it is made into a valid closed piece. While a draft piece may look similar to a valid closed piece, most Pattern Design functions cannot be used on Draft pieces. In order for draft pieces to be used throughout PDS/Silhouette, they must be changed into "valid (working) pieces." A valid piece has at least three lines, a closed perimeter, and a grain/grade reference line. Functions such as Create Trace, or for Silhouette users, Draft/Draft Trace or Draft/Create Piece, may be used to convert a draft piece into a valid closed piece. Note: For consistency, the right button option in the Silhouette/Draft functions have been changed from Create As New Piece to Create New Draft Piece to more clearly reflect the functionality. Compass The option Compass is useful when you need to create a line of a specific length which intersects another line but the intersection location of the two lines is unknown. The option works as follows: 1. Select an existing point for the compass center. This is where you want to start your line. 2. The system switches to value mode and prompts Enter Distance for compass. This value is the length of the line (or line segment) you need to create or the distance that you know. 3. A circle is drawn on the screen with the center placed at the first point selected and using the value entered for the compass distance as the radius. Any points where the circle intersects an existing line will highlight. Since the radius of the circle is the length of the line you want to create, these are the locations where the line can be drawn or the measurement may be taken and will intersect another line. Left click to select the desired intersection point.

Page 64 of 75

3/16/2006

In the example on the right, new style lines have been drafted. A new line (Line 1) of a known length needs to be drawn from point A, intersecting with Line B. Point A is used as the compass center and the length of Line 1 is entered for the compass distance.

Line B

Line 1

Point A / Compass Center

Compass from Last Point This option works the same as Compass except that the last point placed is automatically used as the center for the compass. Double Compass Use the Double Compass option when you know the lengths of two lines or distances and need to find out where they intersect. The system will prompt for the center and distance of the first compass and then the center and distance of the second compass. Two circles are drawn on the screen and the intersection points are highlighted.

Distance 1

Possible intersection locations for the two distances

Distance 2

Page 65 of 75

3/16/2006

Create Line/2 Point Curved A new function has been added for creating curves. After the start and end points are selected, the cursor is attached to the center and dragging the cursor controls the curvature. Once the curve is created by clicking the mouse, the system automatically adds the intermediate points necessary to maintain the shape of the curve. Two Function Options are available for this function, Add Grade Rules on Intersection and Modify Length. If Add Grade Rules on Intersection is selected, the system automatically creates proportional grade rules for the ends of the internal. If Modify Length is selected, the system prompts for the curve length after the curve is placed. The curve is adjusted to equal the specified length.

A new right button option, Along Midpoint Perpendicular has also been added for this function. After selecting the start and end points for the line, press the right button and use this option to constrain the dragging of the curve perpendicular to the midpoint. This allows a symmetrical curve to be easily created. While dragging, the system displays a short perpendicular line representing the distance value. This is seen in the image to the right.

Page 66 of 75

3/16/2006

Annotation Enhancements Several enhancements have been made to the Annotate Piece function in Pattern Design, including: Grading of text Rotation of text Easier selection Improved handling in Trace, Flip, Rotate and other functions Use of Color

The Edit Annotation dialog includes two new fields, Font Rotation (V8) and Grade Rule (V8), as well as a Rotate (V8) button and Apply button. Some Annotate Piece functionality is now also available in right button context menus in the Annotate Piece function. Graded Annotation A grade rule may be entered in the Grade Rule field to control the placement of the text on the graded sizes.

Page 67 of 75

3/16/2006

Rotated Annotation The rotation of the annotation can be controlled by either specifying an angle in the Font Rotation text box, or by pressing the Rotate button which allows the annotation to be interactively rotated as the cursor is moved.

Selection and Editing Selection of existing annotation is easier because it now highlights and the near cursor shape is displayed while dragging with the left mouse button down to select. If the graded nest is displayed when the Annotate Piece function is selected, it is cleared from the work area until the function is edited to make selection easier. When the Previous and Next arrow buttons are used, the currently selected text is displayed in the selected color. After making edits, an Apply button is now available. This improves efficiency because modifications can be previewed and re-edited without having to close and open the dialog between edits. Right Button Context Menus Right button context menus have been added to Annotate piece to allow access to commonly used functionality without having to bring up the Edit Annotation window. These menus are available in Annotate Piece when the Edit Annotation window is not open. Right clicking on an existing annotation brings up the menu shown at right, which allows the annotation to be quickly Copied, Deleted, Moved or Rotated without bringing up the Edit Annotation dialog. The Edit option will bring up the standard Edit Annotation dialog, and is equivalent to selecting the annotation. If the right button is pressed in a location where there is no existing annotation, a right button menu gives the option Add to add new annotation.

Page 68 of 75

3/16/2006

Create Fusible in PDS A new function has been added to the Piece/Create Piece menu to create fusible pieces. The function creates a new piece, a specified amount smaller than the original piece. After selecting the piece(s), a negative offset amount of up to 1 inch / 2.54 centimeters is entered. The system creates a new piece as if Move Offset were used on all of the perimeter lines. Function Options exist to add the piece to the current model, specify a piece name and remove the notches from the new piece. The original grading and seam allowance is maintained on the newly created piece.

Create Ruffle in PDS A new function has been added that creates a ruffle from an existing piece. The existing piece could be a collar, band, or any other base piece. Or, the Create Binding function can be used to create a base piece. The Ruffle function has two function options; Interior Diameter is used to control how tightly the center of the ruffle wraps. Distance between Spirals controls the spacing, if any, between the circular wraps as the ruffle is created.

Page 69 of 75

3/16/2006

The function prompts for the slash line, which is the line where the slash lines start. Next, the beginning or end of the slash line is selected as the hold location, internals that should be moved may be selected and a slashing method, either Perpendicular or Proportional is chosen. After the piece name is entered, a new ruffle piece is created automatically. Tips for using Create Ruffle: If the slash line is curved, select the Proportional slash method since perpendicular may cause the slash lines to cross each other. The length of the base piece that is to be modified and wrapped into the ruffle should be one line. The interior diameter and spacing between spirals should be in proportion to the width of the base piece, just like in manual patternmaking. Turning system smoothing on when creating the ruffle will help to create a smoother shape. Only internals selected to move are carried over to the new piece. To add seam allowance after creating a ruffle, enter an amount either two times the seam allowance or two times the seam allowance plus spacing in the Distance between Spirals field. Then add seam allowance after the ruffle has been created. Notch options for Pleats Options for notch locations have been added to the Knife Pleat, Box Pleat, Tapered Pleat and Variable Pleat functions. Function options are available for selecting which perimeter lines should be notched, which locations on the pleat fold should be notched, and the Notch Type. The Notching Fold options control whether notches should be placed on the inside and/or outside pleat folds. Check the desired locations to add notches. The Notching Line options control which perimeter line(s) should be notched. Both Notches are added to both perimeter lines that the pleat crosses based on the Notching Fold location options. This is similar to the result in previous releases. Single Moving the mouse highlights a location on the line where the pleat starts and on the line where it ends. Click the mouse to specify the side to line to notch and notches are placed at the locations specified by the Notching Fold options. None No notches are added; the notching fold and notch type fields are inactivated. Page 70 of 75 3/16/2006

New Color for Alterations The function Show Actual Sizes plus Alterations now displays a different color for each alteration when multiple alterations are applied as once using the Nested method. This allows each alteration to be easily identified. To activate the display of alterations in different colors, set the Nest Color in Preferences/Options to Use Rainbow, and select the Nested method when applying alterations.

New Message when Measuring on Pieces with Different Size Lines A new message has been added to the measure functions to improve feedback when working. When pieces with different size lines or the same sizes but different base sizes are selected in the measure functions, a message now displays indicating that the pieces have different size lines.

Page 71 of 75

3/16/2006

Scrolling in the Piece Menu Using the mouse wheel to scroll in the Piece Menu has been re-implemented. Pattern Design now reads the mouse settings configured in the Control Panel. PDS uses the count of lines configured in the Control panel as the count of icons to scroll for each roll of the wheel. For example, if set to scroll 3 lines at a time, the piece menu would scroll by 3 pieces for each roll of the mouse wheel. If the setting is set to scroll one "screen" at a time, then an entire row of icons is scrolled for each roll of the mouse wheel. Note: If a Microsoft mouse with IntelliPoint software is installed, it is possible to get an additional scroll (the first roll of the wheel in the piece icon menu right after entering the area). This happens due to the "Universal Mouse support" built into the IntelliPoint software. If this is a problem, go to the Control Panel mouse settings and disable "Universal Mouse support" for Pattern Design by entering the Sil2000 program into the list of excluded programs. Handling of X and P Attributes The X and P attributes have been re-implemented as they existed in Classic AccuMark and PDS 2000 2.x versions. In previous AccuMark V8 versions, X and P attributes were automatically converted into reference notches. P and X attributes are now maintained when existing data is brought into AccuMark V8 and may also be applied in AccuMark V8 in either V7 or V8 mode. Additionally data that was previously brought into AccuMark V8 and saved with the X and P points converted to reference notches will now display as it originally did. The notches will again display as standard notches with X and P attributes. The X and P attributes maintain their original functionality and limitations meaning that unlike reference notches they will not slide over other intermediate points. This allows full forward and backwards compatibility. Previously when working in V7 mode on AccuMark V8 software, X and P attributes were applied to the notch. X and P attributes are now applied to the notch base point using Edit Point Information rather than to the notch itself. Support for Increased number of Line Labels The number of available internal line labels has been increased. It is now possible to specify lines with labels up to 32000. Note: These labels are intended for annotation and plotting and are not supported by cutgen/cutgenpt.

Internal IDs 0-16 remain as special line types used for matching. Internal IDs 100-14999 do not mirror. Internal IDs 15000 and up mirror.

Page 72 of 75

3/16/2006

New functions available for GMS systems The functions Show Actual Sizes + Alterations, Align 2Pt, Create Mirror, Fold Mirror, Unfold Mirror, and Open Mirror functions are now available for use on PEGMS systems. Ungrouping Group Notches Changes have been made for grouped notches. When the Group option is unchecked in Edit Notch info, the notches are no longer deleted from the piece. Instead the notches are maintained in the same location and referencing the same point that the group of notches referenced. The group relationship is removed and the notches will act as independent reference notches. Style Converter The Style Converter utility has been enhanced to maintain the X and Y Shrinkage amounts defined for each piece in the Style Descriptions. The shrinkage values are maintained in the new Shrink/Stretch fields of the model editor. If the pieces in the MicroMark style have a combination of Linear and Percent shrinkage defined, all of the linear pieces will be converted to percentages when saved as an AccuMark Model.

Page 73 of 75

3/16/2006

Annotation Converter Support has been added for all MicroMark annotation line indices. When MicroMark styles are saved as AccuMark data using either Pattern Design or the Style Converter utility, MicroMark annotation lines with indices 0-255 are converted to AccuMark internal line types 100-355. When AccuMark data is saved as MicroMark data, the internal line types 100-254 are converted to MicroMark annotation lines with indices 0-154. This allows the annotation to be preserved for conversion in both directions.

Note: For Styles, lines in PDS2000 have 100 added to the number, and when stored to a style have 100 subtracted from the number (so the range in PDS of 100-355 corresponds to the MicroMark range of 0-255). This allows consistent backwards and forwards conversions. Guidelines AccuMark and MicroMark have different annotation capabilities. When converting between data types, the following should be considered: MicroMark supports up to 64 annotation lines per piece. If greater than 64 lines exist on AccuMark data that will be converted to MicroMark, the excess lines should be removed to avoid errors. Annotation lines added to a must be in the range 100-355 or they won't be supported in the MicroMark. Lines with types between 356 and 32000 will be converted to style lines and a message will be displayed during the store: "Annotation lines with ids greater than 355 are not supported in the MicroMark and have been converted to style lines." The message above will also be displayed if a user adds a piece to a style and the piece has annotation lines that are out of range. When using releases prior to AccuMark 8.1.0, MicroMark annotation lines with indices 155-255 will still be converted to internal line type A.

Page 74 of 75

3/16/2006

Converting Multiple Notches of the same type for Styles The Notch Conversion setup in Preferences/Options and the Style Converter Utility now allow multiple notches of the same type to be selected for conversion. This allows notches of the same type but different in depth to be converted to unique AccuMark notch types. For example, the image to the right shows a setup that will convert three different depths of V notches and two different depths of Flick notches. When multiple notches of the same type are defined, the one that most closely matches the notch depth is the one used for conversion. For example, a V notch with a depth of .1 would most closely match to the depth of the V notch of .125 and convert to an AccuMark notch type 52. If the notch type to be converted is not found in the list, then the first type listed is used for the conversion. For example, the setup shown here does not have any conversion set up for MicroMark 0 Width, AV0 Width, and TA Slit type notches. A MicroMark piece containing these types of notches, of any depth, would convert them to AccuMark notch type 1 since this is the first line listed for the conversions. For this reason, the most commonly used notch or default notch should be listed first. To access the Notch Conversion setup in the Style Converter Utility, select View/Style Converter Options.

Page 75 of 75

3/16/2006