UCC COM Software Release Notes 6.1

UCC COM Software Release Notes 6.1

UCC COM Link and COM Command

COUCC_commands.dll	Version:	N.N
CoUCC_link.dll	Version:	N.N

CoUCC_command.dll updates

Multilingual PC now sends Error Map correctly - This problem manifested itself when the Windows locale was changed on the host PC to use a comma as the decimal separator rather than a point. The meant that the error map download could fail without warning the host that this had happened.

The following new commands have also been added -

Select and Report Controller Mode command (357) added. This command sets and reports [or reports only] the operation mode of the current downloadable. The possible modes of operation are Controller and Renicis. In Controller mode, all of the functions necessary for metrology are available. The Renicis mode exists in order to allow CMMs and their drive systems to be tuned for correct performance and allows access to other tuning commands.

CoUCC_link.dll updates

Deadlock in TCP/IP driver fixed - The problem could occur under the right timing circumstances: if the host application calls Close() on the link at the same time as the UCC2 independently closes its end of the TCP/IP connection. This is the situation at the end of downloading and sometimes results in deadlock, with each end waiting indefinitely on the other.

Link dual processor problem fixed - This problem caused the link to close itself on dual/HyperThreading processor systems. Although not exclusive to these types of system, they greatly increased the chance of the problem manifesting itself.

CoUCC_configuration.dll

Configuration updated with latest MCU Changes -

Two new MCU Configuration parameters are now supported:

· Initial MCU Orientation
· Sticky Button time delay

Initial MCU Orientation can take the values:- 0 = Up, 1 = Right, 2 = Down, 3 = Left.

Sticky Button time delay is in seconds (a value of zero means the sticky button feature is disabled).

CoUCC_error.dll

comUCC_error.ini now supports the 'no error' value of zero - In previous releases, asking UCC_error for the text corresponding to the error code '0' led to the text "Unknown error" being returned. This now correctly returns "No error"

CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll

Added the ability to calibrate a probe using a disc stylus - This change adds the ability to calibrate a probe using a disc stylus. The calibration artefact is a sphere. New routines have been written for use with a disc stylus that locate the sphere and perform the calibration / data-gathering moves.

Stylus / stalk collision problems fixed - With a stalk direction of 1, -1, 1 (giving an elevation angle of ~35 degrees) and a stylus direction of 0, -1, 0, after the final 3rd order move the stylus tip is below the sphere. When it moves back to above the sphere, it "goes the wrong way", resulting in a collision. This problem has now been fixed.

Linear calibration matrix for use with SP25 modules modified - The nominal linear matrix used to calibrate the SP25 probe prior to locating the sphere, and also used to convert uncalibrated probe outputs (counts) to millimetres whilst collecting calibration data, has been adjusted to allow an SP25 to be used with all modules.

COM Info Viewer

No longer UCC1 specific - The COM Info Viewer orange banner contained the text "UCC1 Software Installation Report". The software installation is no longer specific to the UCC1 so this has been change to be more generic.

March 2005

UCC COM Software Release Notes 6.0

UCC COM Link and COM Command

COUCC_commands.dll	Version:	3.2
CoUCC_link.dll	Version:	3.1

CoUCC_command.dll updates

The COM classes within CoUCC_commands.dll have been updated to allow communication to the UCC2 via Ethernet. Non of the interfaces to these classes have changed and they can be used exactly as before.

The following new commands have also been added -

Command 445 - Enter Dynamic Deflection Control

Command 452 - MoveScan Configuration

Command 471 - Temperature Compensation Machine Configuration

Command 472 - Temperature Compensation Work-Piece Configuration

Command 473 - Temperature Compensation General Configuration

Command 474 - Temperature Compensation Alarm Enable

Command 475 - Temperature Compensation Read Alarm Status

Command 476 - Temperature Compensation Read Current Configuration

Command 477 - Temperature Compensation Read Current Contribution

Command 478 - Temperature Compensation Sensor Averaging

Command 479 - Temperature Compensation Channel Offsets

Command 631 - Enter Dual Axis Configuration

Command 632 - Read Dual Y Tuning Values

Command 633 - Read Dual Drive Status

Command 662 - Enter Static Average Dwell Periods

Command 663 - Read Probe Trigger Level

Command 664 - Read Static Average Position Variance

Command 666 - Enter Stylus Radius Scan Touch Difference

Command 667 - Read Backoff Parameters

Command 905 - Read Current Data Section

Command 907 - Read Quill Position

Command 900 - Read Undeflected Tip Position

Modified Commands: -

Command 700 - Enter Rotary Table Configuration

CoUCC_link.dll updates specific to UCC2

ECONNECTION type now has a new value, E_TCP_IP = 5. This is set when the communication type is Ethernet (i.e talking to a UCC2). This connection type is automatically worked out when the Open() method of the Link class is called.

A new Interface has been introduced and is implemented in the Link Class. This interface is called IUCC_Link2 and has the following methods/properties :-

SetConnectionType( EconnectionType pVal ) - used to set the connection type when the automatic selection performed by the Open() method is not required.

ControllerID - property used to read the ControllerID (which is embedded on EEPROM within the controller and is unique to that controller). This can be used to uniquely identify the unit attached to.

PortNumber - property that is used to set or read the portnumber of software running on the UCC2 to which the User wants to talk to. This could be useful if the Link class is to be used to connect/communicate to software other than the UCC contrler.uca and renicis.uca programs.

This new interface inherits from IUCC_Link, so can be used to replace IUCC_link if required.

A new Interface has been introduced and is implemented in the Link Class. This interface is called IUCC_Link3 and can be used in the future in conjunction with a change being made in the Link Logging utility. Until that is released the new method (WriteToLog()) can be used but the Link Logger will not be able to successfully decode the log file that is produced in such cases. The interface has the following methods :-

WriteToLog( BSTR Data) - this method adds a string to the log file that will be decoded by the Link Logging utility and can help in diagnosing/tracing software.

This new interface inherits from IUCC_Link2, so can be used to replace IUCC_Link2 (and hence IUCC_Link).

UCC Configuration COM

CoUCC_configuration.dll	Version:	1.13
CoIni_file_accessor.dll	Version:	1.3

ConnectToUCC()

This method now supports Ethernet communications to the UCC2.

Action Complete Checking.

An action complete flag was not being checked for as part of ConfigureForMotion(), ConfigureNewProbe() and Configure(NullAnalogueProbe) method calls. This is now fixed and the action complete is checked for in these methods. This problem could mean that a stray action complete status bit was being "left" in the system after calling these methods.

Trouble with ConnectToUCC() on Laptops.

Problems with ConnectToUCC() failing to establish comms to the UCC were seen on some Laptops when using the USB to Optical Link dongle. These have been fixed.

Addition of SPA sections for all axis.

New sections ([SPAX], [SPAY] and [SPAZ]) have been added, one for each axis, that are used to select the SPA type for that axis, e.g SPA1 or SPA2 or Other. Currently X, Y and Z have to have the same SPA type. Rotary table and Dual Axis can have differing types. The selection of the Rotary Table and Dual Axis SPA type is embedded in the Rotary Table and Dual Y Axis sections of the ini file respectively. Another new section [SPA Setup] is used to specify the relevant additional ini file path for that SPA type, SPA1 requires no entry as it has no software programmable configuration data.

Addition of SPA2 ini file.

A new section has been added that is used to specify any relevant configuration data for a particular SPA type. Currently only the SPA2 type of SPA has such data - this being the file path for the SPA2 ini file. This new section is [SPA Setup].

Addition of Temperature Compensation implementation.

The following keys have been added to the [ErrorCorrections] section.

MachineThermalEffectCompensationFilePath

WorkPieceThermalEffectCompensationFilePath

EnableThermalEffectCompensationEnable

Addition of Dual Drive data in [Dual Y Axis] section.

These parameters configure the system to a Dual drive system :-

DualDriveEnable

ScalesInputLocation

DriveOutputLocation

ProportionalGain

LagTimeConstant

LeadTimeConstant

DynamicIntegratorGain

VelocityFeedForward

Addition of static average dwell period data to scanning probe sections

These parameters set the Static Average settling periods and data capture periods. Their units are seconds.

MachineSettlingPeriod

StaticAverageReadingPeriod

Addition of dynamic deflection control data to scanning probe sections

The following fields have been added to the analogue probe sections and may be used in the future for dynamic tuning during scanning :-

NumberOfCyclesForTransition

DynamicProbeGain

DynamicProbeFilterConstant4

DeflectionBand

Addition of Rotary Table SPA configuration data in [RotaryTable] section.

These fields define where the input and output for Rotary Table are connected.

InputLocation

OutputLocation

Addition of Dual Axis SPA configuration data in [DualY] section.

These fields define where the input and output for Dual Y are connected.

InputLocation

OutputLocation

Addition of Machine IO logic section

This section is only applicable to the UCC2 and defines the logic level for the following external signals, in all cases setting a value of 1 here will cause the signal to be inverted, setting to 0 will maintain its current logic :-

ActiveHeadAirPressureLow

AirPressureLow

AmpsOK

CMMDeclutched

EnergiseSolenoid

EStopTripped

InnerLimitXNegative

InnerLimitXPositive

InnerLimitY2Negative

InnerLimitY2Positive

InnerLimitYNegative

InnerLimitYPositive

InnerLimitZNegative

InnerLimitZPositive

MotorsEngaged

OuterLimitXNegative

OuterLimitXPositive

OuterLimitY2Negative

OuterLimitY2Positive

OuterLimitYNegative

OuterLimitYPositive

OuterLimitZNegative

OuterLimitZPositive

XBrake

Y2Brake

YBrake

ZaxisCrash

Zbrake

Addition of PHC1050 section

The PH1050_Initialise command is now sent by the ConfigureForMotion() method, it takes its parameters from the following section :-

RenishawExtendedCommandSet

ProbePowerOffEnabled

HCUDampButtonEnabled

Addition of PHS section

The following are used to configure the system to work with the PHS :-

DProportionalGain

DLeadTimeConstant

DlagTimeConstant

EProportionalGain

ELeadTimeConstant

ELagTimeConstant

MaxArmSpeed

MaxArmAcceleration

PHSPositionalTolerance

SlipCheckDuration

SlipDistancePercentage

MaximumMoveSpeedSlipPercentage

DeferTime

Addition of Renscan DC section

The following have been added to allow RenscanDC compatibility :-

[RenscanDC]

BufferPitch = 0.3

DCMapPitch = 0.3

DCSpeedFactor = 1.0

DCStartAngle = 120.0

ScanSettlingTime = 1000

SlowSpeedRepeatability = 0.001

TimeOut = 48

WorkingDirectory = C:\Program Files\Renishaw\Ucc\RenscanDC\Circle\

ConfigureForMetrology

This method now disengages the servos before sending the commands. The servos will be engaged again if needed.

UCC Error COM

CoUCC_Error.dll	Version:	1.01
ComUCC_Error.ini

Updates for RenscanDC compatibility.

Probe Calibration

CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll	Version:	1.17
CoScanning_probe_calibration.dll	Version:	1.2

Three COM classes have been extended using new versions of the interfaces that they implement:

IUCC_scanning_probe_calibration_information2 inherits from IUCC_scanning_probe_calibration_information, adding the StylusRadiusScanTouchDifference property and EnterProbeCalibrationPolynomial and EnterStylusRadiusScanTouchDifference methods.
IUCC_probe_qualification2 inherits from IUCC_probe_qualification, adding the QualifyWithoutCalibrating property.
IUCC_scanning_probe_calibration_configuration2 inherits from IUCC_scanning_probe_calibration_configuration, adding the GetProbeType method.

The UCC_probe_qualification class no longer implements an events interface, as there were no events.
A post-calibration qualification is now performed by default, which calculates a highly accurate discrete point stylus radius. When a calibration is applied, the effective stylus radius difference for scan / touch measurements is sent to the controller along with the polynomial coefficients and null offsets. This means that the client does not need to be concerned about any lack of correlation between measurements taken with discrete point taking and scanning as they will be compensated for by the Controller.
The calibration procedure can now be used just to qualify a probe (i.e. not perform a calibration).
The sphere location cycle has been modified, to take an extra point in the direction of the stylus, if the stylus is angled more than 30 degrees from the vertical / Z axis. Also, no points will be taken twice, as could happen before under certain conditions.
Touch parameters (touch speed, back-off speed and back-off distance) will be enforced for the sphere location stage, provided that the version of the downloadable being used implements the commands required to read these parameters from the controller. This is done so that they can be returned to their initial values once the sphere has been located.
The processing of the calibration data is now performed by classes provided by CoScanning_probe_calibration.dll, rather than CoNon_linear_calibration.dll. The Non_linear_calibration_parameters object that was accessible as an aggregate / inner object of a UCC_scanning_probe_calibration object is no longer available - a very similar Scanning_probe_calibration_parameters object takes its place.
Moves have been modified for improved stalk avoidance.
When the probe is nulled, execution does not return to the client until the controller reports that the nulling action has been completed.
Additional checks are made on the input parameters (e.g. the start position must be compatible with the stalk-avoidance strategy).
The accuracy of the sphere centre calculated from a post-calibration qualification has been improved.
The GetPolynomialCoefficients and PutPolynomialCoefficients methods have been modified to allow SAFEARRAYs whose elements' lower bounds do not start at 0 to be used.
Probe override is now always reset, even if the calibration fails.
The way in which the probe deflection is monitored has been tweaked, so that the likelihood of seeing the "too few points" error is not proportional to the speed of the PC.

Motion COM Class

CoUCC_Motion.dll

Version:

1.7

A new interface, IUCC_axis_position_and_status2, has been added to the UCC_axis_position_and_status class with new property :-

get_TempCompAlarmActivated which returns the status of the Temperature Compensation Alarm Active State

and a new method :-

getCauseOfScaleFailure which returns a structure containing the current causes of Scale Failure.

A small memory leak, due to not releasing pointer in function decodeMCUEvents, is now fixed.
During Homing moves can fail if the soft limits are enabled. Therefore soft limits are now always disabled at the beginning of the Homing sequence. (Note: It is the callers responsibility to re-enable the soft limits after homing)

It is now possible for the Home COM class to home dual Y scale systems even if the calling Front End has not used the Dual Y specific interface IUCC_Home2. This enables dual axis machines to be homed using existing Front End software, which hasn't implemented IUCC_Home2.
The Home COM class now homes Dual Scale and Dual Drive Systems and also the Renishaw PHS.
When reading the Extended Status Bytes from the UCC_axis_position_and_status class the bits in byte 7 for "Store Last Probed Point As a Recorded Point" and "Delete Last Recorded Point" were incorrectly mapped from their new position in the Summary Status Bytes back to their original position in status byte 7. This has now been corrected.
A new interface IUCC_ MoveObject2, which inherits from IUCC_ MoveObject, has been added to pass in the additional data for a PHS move. IUCC_Move2 also has a new method EnterMove2 which excepts the new IUCC_ MoveObject2 to enable the moves to be entered.
IUCC_Move2 added with additional functions GetProbedData3 to return an IUCC_StoredData2. The IUCC_StoredData2 inherits from IUCC_StoredData but also has properties XDeflection, YDeflection and ZDeflection which give the analogue probe deflections of the stored point.
The Axis Position and Status COM class now uses the Generic Commands (900+) instead of Command Read Position and Status (277) when getting position and status reprots from the controller. This affects the UCC_axis_postion_and_status GetTip() function as follows.

Motion.dll 1.5

Motion.dll post 1.5

Probed Point

Scale and Deflections

Scale and Deflections

Non Probed Point

Scale

Scale and Deflections

The method GetXYZ now uses the new Read Quill Position to report the XYZ position i.e it now reports the quill's position.

PHS Qualification COM Class

CoPhsUCC_ph10ModeCalibration	Version:	2.0
CoPhsUcc_mathscalc.dll	Version:	2.0
CoPhsUcc_actions.dll	Version:	2.0
CoUCC_cmmStatus.dll	Version:	2.0
CoUcc_comStatus.dll	Version:	1.1
CoUcc_abort.dll	Version:	1.1

A new COM class has been implemented within CoPHsUCC_ph10ModeCalibration.dll. This COM class performs finding of the PHS geometry, its E axis offset and also qualifies a tip at the current orientation.

The top level interface is IPHSUCC_ph10ModeCalibration. There are 3 major methods in this interface which are briefly described below, for further details on how to use this COM class please see H-1000-5235 PHS COM Class Users guide :-

FindHeadGeometry

Finds all head geometry for PH10 mode. Determines :-

D axis vector

E axis vector

Armlength

Distance from centre of probe body to top of arm (aka: E offset of tip)

E datum angle

Tip radius

FindEAxisVector:

This is used after power down and/or arm change where the full head geometry is already known from a previous run of FindHeadGeometry. The offset of the tip along the E axis is not found as it is not required in PH10 mode due to the distance between effective axis intersection and top of arm being considered rigid. Finds :-

E axis vector

Armlength

E datum angle

Tip radius.

DoProbeQualification:

Determines the centre & radius of a calibration sphere.

MCU Menu COM Class

CoUCC_MCU_Menu.dll

Version:

1.03

A new method called InitialiseDROobject has been added to the MCU_menu Interface which allows an AxisPositionAndStatus reference to be passed into the object. (An internally created AxisPositionAndStatus object was used previously which didn't follow the correct methodology and could cause problems if trying to share responses from the UCC or expect MCU Events fired by the Axis Position and Status Class). A reference to the one AxisPositionAndStatus object that is used throughout the project should be passed in which will allow all interested parties to receive AxisPositionAndStatus events.

September 2004

UCC COM Software Release Notes 5.0

UCC COM Link and COM Command

CoUCC_commands.dll	2.5
CoUCC_link.dll	2.1

New Commands :

Command 700, Enter Rotary Table Configuration
Command 701, Enter W Move
Command 702, Enter XYZW Move
Command 703, Enter Rotary Table Centre
Command 704, Set Rotary Table Mode
Command 705, Set Axis Of Rotation
Command 706, Enter W Axis Velocity Demand
Command 903, Read W Position and Status
Command 900 Read Position
Command 901 Read Head Angles
Command 902 Read Probe Deflection
Command 910 Read Extended Status
Command 920 Head Enabled
Command 921 Head Disable
Command 922 Engage Head Motors
Command 923 Disengage Head Motors
Command 924 Enter Head Angular Tolerance
Command 925 Control Head Joystick
Command 284 Read Controller Event Indices

Parameter name changes for commands :

Command 330 = Enter Scan Control Parameters parameter (5) 'Spare1' is now 'KnownPartScanAcceleration'

Command 336 Carriage Return Fix :

Command 336 Write to PHC10 now check the string before it appends a Carriage Return to it, to make sure that only one Carriage Return is added to the string which is set.

UCC Motion COM

CoUCC_Motion.dll

1.5

A new Interface called IUCC_ServoMotorControl has been added with methods to Engage & Disengage the Servo Motors.

Small memory leak fixed in UCC_Move.

New Event raised when a probe changed event takes place during a move. The same information is available via the get_ProbeChangedDuringMove property.

DRO settings are now available as read only properties.

New property for 'touchtriggerprobeclosedORanalogueProbeNotDeflected' added.

Error fix:

A problem was discovered with the enumerated type EMoveStatus defined in the CoUCC_Motion.idl file.

The problem being that the values for E_MOVE_SUCCESSFUL and E_DEMAND_WOULD_EXCEED_SOFT_LIMITS had been given the same value. This error was discovered in Version 1.1 and was immediately fixed for version 1.2

Therefore if your source has been complied with a version of motion less than Version 1.2 REL recompilation will be required for compatibility with the upcoming software release.

Scanning Probe COM

CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll	version:	1.16
CoNon_linear_calibration.dll	version:	1.3
CalRSP.dll	version:	1.32

A number of properties are have been added. See the users' guide for further details:

UCC_scanning_probe_calibration -

PermissibleCentreDifference
PermissibleRadiusDifference
PermissibleRMSError

UCC_scanning_probe_calibration_information -

RMSError
MaximumError
MinimumError
LinearCalibrationMatrix
CentreDifference
RadiusDifference
DiscretePointStylusRadius -
Stores the radius to be used in touch-trigger applications. If qualifying, this property matches the QualifiedStylusRadius; if not qualifying, it matches the StylusRadius.

UCC_scanning_probe_calibration_configuration -

MaxDeflection -
sets a new deflection limit in millimetres.
MinDeflection -
mirrors MaxDeflection (units in millimetres). Data below this deflection is discounted; if too much data is excluded, calibration will fail and return an error.

A new Interface has been added - IUCC_probe_qualification - with following read / write (output) properties:

QualifyAfterCalibration.
Set this to TRUE (1) to perform a post-calibration "qualification", to obtain a stylus radius appropriate to touch-trigger applications.
QualifiedStylusRadius.
QualifiedSphereCentre.

Probe open override is reset in UCC_scanning_probe_calibration's InitialiseObject method.

The probe is now calibrated using approximate linear matrix, so that the sphere fit is more successful when using large trigger levels.

Can no longer null the probe using a single reading.

The controller returns to master datum during calibration procedure.

Circular move command now used when gathering calibration data to ensure that machine position and probe deflections are synchronised.

The quality of data fit is now available via properties and is tested - the calibration fails if certain accuracy targets are not achieved.

Checks are made on the file path used in the UCC_scanning_probe_calibration_information interface's WriteToFile and ReadFromFile methods. WriteToFile now returns an error if the file path is invalid, not allowing a file to be created or written to; ReadFromFile fails if the file does not exist or is an invalid type.

More checks on properties and results.

More detailed error reporting.

Increased robustness.

Ability to perform a post-calibration qualification to give improved Metrology performance when using a scanning probe in touch-trigger mode. (See 'QualifyAfterCalibration' property of interface 'IUCC_probe_calibration' above.)

Modifications to the CalRSP.dll mathematical functions used by CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibartion.dll have necessitated updates to CoNon_linear_calibration.dll. For this reason it must be noted that versions equal to or later than version 1.32 of CalRSP.dll require versions later than or equal to version 1.3 of CoNon_linear_calibration.dll. If this is not the case programs will fail. (The previous release of CalRSP.dll at version 1.20.2 was only compatible with version 1.2 of CoNon_linear_calibration.dll.)

UCC Configuration COM

CoUCC_configuration.dll

version:

1.11

Servo_configuration

X, Y and Z axis proportional gains have been lowered from 1.0 to 0.2

Machine_configuration interface

Added ControllerPortOutput0 - 6 properties to the Machine_configuration interface to support command 334, controller port configuration. This command is sent during ConfigureForMotion.

Homing interface

New properties added:

WHomeToAbsoluteDatum
ThirdMove
WMoveSpeed - initialised to 0.0, as the difference between radians and degrees (per second) is so great.
DualScaleDirection
DualScaleHomeToAbsoluteDatum
DualScaleIntermediateBackoff

Scanning probe interfaces (SP600, SP25, SP80)

New properties added:

KnownPartScanAcceleration - used by command 330, enter scan control parameters (was previously a "spare" argument).
MaxDeflection - type is double; these interfaces also have a MaximumDeflection property, whose type is int. These properties are used by CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll (version 1.15 onwards), monitoring probe deflection whilst moving with the probe open override enabled. The new property allows the deflection limit to be specified in millimetres, rather than ADC counts as it was before.

Changes to default property values:

SP80's MaximumDeflection property has been raised to 100000 (from 20000). This property will no longer be used by CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll, but will be more appropriate for anyone using an older version of the calibration DLL.
SP25 and SP80's AnalogueProbeSensitivity property is now initialised to 3.33 and 15.0. SP600 retains a default value of 5.0.
SP25's TouchBackoffDistance has been increased from 0.5 to 1.0.
UnknownPartScanAcceleration properties now initialised to 10.0 (instead of 50.0) for all probes.

New interfaces:

Renscan_DC interface - with BufferPitch, DCMapPitch, WorkingDirectory and SlowSpeedRepeatability properties.
UCC_250_DSP interface - includes properties for current and velocity loop tuning. These properties are not used by the UCC_configuration class at all - they are used by CoUCC_250_current_tuning.dll. All properties are initialised to 1.
Rotary_table.

Miscellaneous

GetLastHRESULT and DLLVersion properties now use the "hidden" attribute to disuade further use.

UCC Error COM

CoUCC_error.dll

version:

1.0

This new COM Class offers multilingual conversion of the UCC COM Class Error ID's into BSTR data types. Please see the COM Class User Guide for further information.

September 2003

UCC COM Software Release Notes 4.0

UCC COM Link and COM Command

CoUCC_commands.dll	2.4
CoUCC_link.dll	2.0

The latest version of CoUCC_commands.dll has the following updates :-

New Commands :

Get Lock Issues

Get lock, release lock is now performed around each command to insure that each command is completed in full.

The latest version of CoUCC_link.dll has the following updates :-

USB Drivers

USB to optical and USB to UCS250 support added to the COM class. New method also added, getConnectionType() that returns an enumeration of the connection type e.g Optical Link or USB.

UCC Com Configuration Class

CoUCC_configuration.dll	version - 1.7
CoIni_file_accessor.dll	version - 1.1

Configuration file update method

This method has been updated so that it can be used to generate a new ini file, whilst also writing this fact to a default log file. Testing also carried out using a configuration file path on the floppy drive - not recommended, as it takes a long time!

ConnectUCC method updates

E_NO_DOWNLOAD has been added to the EDownloadAction enum used in ConnectUCC. This allows the ConnectUCC method to return an initialised link without a download taking place.

WindowsMessage Queue

The windows message queue is now released when the methods in this COM class perform lengthy operations.

New commands sent during Configure for Motion

The new commands, ConfigureDualScaleParameters, SetTorqueModeParameters and MCUConfiguration are now sent by the ConfigureForMotion method. These commands will only be sent if the ControlMode and whichAxisIsDual parameters in the ini file are not set to 0. This allows the ConfigureForMotion method to be used with downloadables that don't implement these commands without the method returning failure. These three commands have also been incorporated into the Configure() method.

ConfigureNewProbe

A new interface method called ConfigureNewProbe has been added to the UCC_configuration class. This method, which is a cut down version of the ConfigureForMotion command, only sends commands specifically required for a probe change and should be called by the Front End after selecting a new probe.

Delay after reboot sent

The period of time waited for following a reboot has been changed from 4000ms to 6000ms.

Motion COM Classes

CoUCC_Motion.dll

version - 1.1

This new DLL contains a suite of COM classes that can be used to perform motion cycles on the CMM. The motion cycles implemented in this first release are:

Multi Axis moves

a series of target points in up to 5 axis can be programmed into the COM class which will buffer these targets and send the necessary commands to the UCC1 when instructed to do so.

PH10 control

this COM class encapsulates all the necessary processing required to perform movement and control of the PH10 Head.

Homing

this COM class encapsulates all the necessary motion and processing required to perform a Homing Cycle on the CMM. Different methods of Homing can be instructed (e.g datum using the limit switches or reference marks etc, move in X positive direction first etc).

All of these classes except the PH10 class run on a separate thread but they have been designed in such a way as to send events during their processing and alternatively can be regularly polled by the Client Software. Information received from the COM class by these two methods detail information such as COM class status, current CMM position and UCC1 status, which is now in a more intuitive form (no more a need to decode the status bytes on command Read Position And Status). This is done by utilising another class found within this DLL, UCC_Axis Position and Status, which is to be the preferred method of receiving position and status from the UCC1 from now on, enabling the addition of new axis etc as the UCC1 implements these without necessitating major changes to the Front End application.

More information can be found in the Com Classes User Guide under the heading "The UCC Motion COM Classes".

MCU COM Classes

CoUCC_MCU.dll

version - 1.2

This new DLL contains a suite of COM classes that can be used to communicate with an MCU handset. The main functionality provided is found within the 'UCC_MCUAssessor' com class and is as follows:

InitialiseObject

Initialises the CoUCC_MCU.dll for use and if required initialises the attached MCU with the correct function allocation table.

GetMCUStatus

enables the current state of the MCU handset to be read. This contains details of any user interaction, the current mode and which type of MCU is attached.

SetMCULedsAndBeep

enables the joystick LED's to be customised.

Use of this com class is required in order to provide compatibility with further MCU developments, as it will provide the same interface to all MCU's. It is also required to decode the user interaction as again it provides the same interface for all MCU's.

It should be noted that this class does not need to be accessed directly if the UCC_Axis_Position_and_Status object is used, found within the Motion COM class, in which case events are generated for all MCU user interactions by that object.

More information can be found in the Com Classes User Guide under the heading " The MCU Assessor COM class".

MCU COM Classes

CoMCU_mouseMove.dll

version - 1.1

This new COM class has been introduced to aid Front End development implementing the MCU1 Mouse mode. i.e. moving the cursor in response to MCU joystick movements and simulating left and right mouse button clicks.

The COM class allows for rapid development of Front Ends wishing to incorporate MCU mouse mode. There are two possible implementations using the MCU Mouse Move class depending on whether the UCC_axis_position_and_status COM object has been implemented by the front end i.e. event driven (recommended) or if the front end polls the UCC.

Please refer to the COM Class User Guide for more information.

MCU COM Classes

CoUCC_MCU_menu.dll

version - 1.02

This new COM class has been introduced to aid Front End development implementing the MCU1 Menu mode. It is responsible for handling the organisation of a series of menus displayed on the MCU1 during menu mode. It is also responsible for firing an event to notify when a menu item has been selected on the MCU1. A list of 5 items at a time can be displayed on the MCU with one line highlighted, but this COM class allows for an unlimited of lines to be added to any single page. XML is be used to store and structure the menu information.

The methods and events allow for rapid development of Front Ends wishing to incorporate MCU Menu mode. There are two possible implementations using the MCU Menu class depending on whether the UCC_axis_position_and_status COM object has been implemented by the front end i.e. event driven (recommended) or if the front end polls the UCC.

Please refer to the COM Class User Guide for more information.

MCU COM Classes

CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll	version - 1.6
CoNonlinear_calibration.dll	version - 1.2
CalRSP.dll	version - 1.20.0002

A non-linear calibration method has been developed for contact scanning probes. CoUCC_scanning_probe_calibration.dll can be used in conjunction with CoNon_linear_calibration.dll to calibrate a probe using this new method.

The component sends all required parameters to the controller and provides a persistable interface that can be used to recall calibration details for each probe / head / stylus configuration.

This COM class is a requirement for SP25 calibration, but can be used for SP600 and SP80 calibration also.

It implements the method of Event Firing and/or polling as described in the Motion COM classes.

This COM Class also depends on another COM class, CalRSP.dll, this Renishaw dll is protected under a non-disclosure agreement and as such should not be used directly by the Front End Client.

For more detail please see the "Scanning Probe Calibration User Guide", H-1000-5240.

COM Maths

The COM class dll Commaths.dll is now installed and is used by the Scanning Probe Calibration Class. Commaths.dll itself has a dependency on OOMaths.dll (a non COM dll), so this file is also installed.

October 2002

UCC COM Software Release Notes 3.3

The latest version of CoUCC_commands.dll is 1018 and it has the following updates :-

1) The following commands have been added :-

Command 330 = Enter Scan Control Parameters

Command 331 = Enter Scan Search Parameters

Command 332 = Enter backoff Parameters

Command 413 = OTM Enter Beam vector

Command 283 = Read Touch Trigger Probe Reseat Failures.

Command 328 = Configure PICS STOP Operation.

2) The software development kit file "comUCC_error.h" has been updated to include new errors for the Machine Configuration COM class and updates to the Enhanced Probe Calibration errors.

3) Parameter "dontreturnToFinish" has been added to Known Part Scan Cylinder command.

The latest version of CoUCC_link.dll is 1012 and it has the following updates :-

1) Introduction of a new parallel port optical link adaptor, this is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, 95, 98 and ME. It has limitations that it can not be used with a printer connected and it is not compatible with all dongles.

2) Modifications to allow the Link Logger to work.

3) Additional methods WriteDouble, ReadDouble, WriteInteger, ReadInteger have been added.

UCC Com Configuration Class (Version 1.0.0.4)

CoUCC_cofiguration.dll	1.0.0.4
CoIni_file_accessor.dll	1.0.0.2

Introduction of Configuration Class.

This new COM class has been introduced to aid in Front End development of integration to the UCC1. Three main methods exist :-

ConnectToUCC1()

ConfigureForMotion()

ConfigureForMetrology()

These methods allow for very rapid development of Front Ends wishing to integrate to the UCC1. The first method, ConnectToUCC1(), opens and initialises the link class and also performs any necessary download and resync of the UCC1, leaving it in such a state as to allow further communication using the link class. Method ConfigureForMotion then configures the UCC1 with parameters read from an ini file and leaves the UCC1 in a state ready for motion. The final method, ConfigureForMetrology, configures the UCC1 for accurate metrology measurement, sending down items such as error maps and squareness corrections.

These methods all get their necessary configuration data from an ini file, which Renicis will now produce during its commissioning of the UCC1/CMM combination.

This new COM class also has an affiliated Ini File Accessor COM class which provides an Active X Control that the Front End can use to edit the ini file.

Please see the COM Class User Guide for more information.

UCC Enhanced Probe Calibration COM (Version 3.0.0.0)

CoPHSUCC_commands.dll	1.0.6.0
EnhSP600calibrate.dll	3.0.0.0
UCC_EnhSP600cal.dll	3.0.0.0

Addition of new parameter inputs for Shank Avoidance

It is now possible to define the shank of the calibration sphere and hence instruct the probe calibration COM class to avoid it during its calibration measurement cycles.

Addition of new interface for PHS head parameter input

An additional interface has been added to allow calibration when a PHS is fitted. This is for future use when the downloadable has full PHS implementations.

Additional section for description of Head Association Matrix

It is now possible to define the Probe Heads geometric fitting on the CMM i.e how it’s rotating axis relate to the CMM’s co-ordinate system.

Addition of Probe type input (temporary until auto detectable) allowing SP80 calibration

Implementation of auto probe recognition to allow the use of this COM class to calibrate future Renishaw Analogue probes.

Also updated to "elegantly" cope with non-scanning licence manager

Previously this probe calibration COM class could only be used on UCC1 which were licensed to scan. Changes have been made to allow this calibration to progress even if the UCC1 has not be licensed to scan – although in this case the scanning part of the calibration cycle will not be performed at the cost of loss of accuracy of the probe calibration matrix calculated.

Later MATLAB version

The Enhanced Calibration COM class now uses MATLAB Version 6.0, as such the Matlab dll’s supplied on the installation disks are those that relate to version 6.0 of Matlab. All previous versions of Matlab dll’s must be uninstalled before this latest version can be installed.

March 2002

UCC COM Link and COM Command Release Notes 3.2

The latest version of CoUCC_commands.dll is 1016 and it has the following updates :-

Implementation of new command FIND_CENTRE (Command no 303).

Implementation of new command ENTER_AXIS_SLIP_PARAMETERS (Command no 295).

Implementation of new command ENTER_VELOCITY_FEEDFORWARD_GAIN (Command no 296). Please Note: this command is provisional and subject to change. It is NOT ACTIVE in the controller downloadable software included in this UCC Software Release.

The progID for the COM classes implementing "Enter probe type" and "Set soft limits" was incorrectly spelt in the registration entries. This has been fixed and could affect developers using scripting languages such as VBScript and JavaScript.

Renishaw version numbers have been added to CoUCC_link_i.c, CoUCC_link.h, CoUCC_commands_i.c and CoUCC_commands.h. These files are all part of the SDK pack that is released on the Renishaw UCC1 CD. The version numbers in these files reflect the DLL version to which they pertain.

The latest version of CoUCC_link.dll is 1008 and it has the following updates :-

The Reset() method will now delegate its task to the ResetElanCard() method if the SetAddressForElanCard() has been called prior to the Reset() call. This change basically makes requirement for method ResetElanCard() to be called by the Client redundant, although it will remain in the interface for comaptability reasons.

July 2001

UCC COM Link and COM Command Release Notes 3.1

The latest version of CoUCC_commands.dll is 1014 and it has the following updates :-

The 'Gasket Scan' command can now be programmed with up to 200 Arcs and Points.

A new command has been added CMD 449 - 'Enter Real Time Data Filter', this controls the application of real time data filtering during known part scans.

The command 'Enter Error Map' has been updated to be compatible with error maps that are in the flexible error map format. New errors have been added to 'comUCC_error.h' to help in the use of this command. It should be noted that the command 'Read Error Map' is now only applicable to error maps of a fixed 20*20*20 cell format.

The latest version of CoUCC_link.dll is 1007 and it has the following updates :-

A problem was found in the method 'SearchandSetAddress()' which returned an incorrect address when finding an optical card present. This problem only manifested itself on Windows NT and 2000 systems running with an ISA card and version PCI/ISA 5.00 of uccdev.sys. Interestingly, if the return address from this method was ignored (i.e no 'SetAddress()' was programmed using this address) then the COM class could be used as normal. This problem has been fixed.

Changes to the driver to implement the new method 'ResetElanCard()', this method is only applicable to Windows 95, 98 and ME platforms using the Elan Card. This change fixes the need of having to unplug the card to achieve a Reset. It is advisable to call this 'ResetElanCard()' method prior to any fresh download. It is still necessary to call the method 'SetAddressforElanCard()' to set the address when using the PCMCIA card. Note: The Elan card is still not useable on Windows NT and 2000 platforms.

March 2001

	Motion.dll 1.5	Motion.dll post 1.5
Probed Point	Scale and Deflections	Scale and Deflections
Non Probed Point	Scale	Scale and Deflections