Q-DAS applications support various types of graphics and images that can be integrated and used in a variety of ways. For example, they can be displayed during data recording or in reports to show the measurement points. Or during data recording to add photos to the measured values.

1 Functional description

This documentation shows the options available for integrating images (graphic files) within the applications qs-STAT, procella and in reports or for visualizing them. The whole thing can be used, for example, during procella data acquisition, to directly display the characteristic to be measured (measuring position) to the operator. The basic functionality of the corresponding applications is not part of this documentation. Separate FAQ documents are available for this purpose.

2 Supported file formats

The following file formats are supported within the Q-DAS applications:

• JPG (JPEG)
• BMP (Windows Bitmap)
• ICO (symbols)
• WMF / EMF (metafiles)
• PNG (Portable Network Graphic files)

3 Location of the graphic files

By default, a local directory is used for storing the graphic files. Alternatively, the graphic files can also be stored directly in the data database used.

3.1 File in graphics folder

The standard directory used for storing the graphic files can be individually customised via the paths.

3.2 Storage of graphic files in the data-database

Graphic files can also be stored directly in the used data-database. To do this, the following option must first be activated in the database options.

The activated option now applies globally to the used data database. Regardless of which user is logged into which module and access to the data database.

After successful activation of the above option, the whole thing is stored within the data database in the [DB_VERSION] table with the entry [SV_IMGS=1].

3.3 Saving graphic files in the data database

If the option (chap. 3.2) was activated, the following dialog is now available, which allows to save graphic files into the data database.

3.3.1 Adding graphic files and folders

Via right-click new graphic files can be added or new folders can be created.

Via right-click within the dialog or on a created folder, new graphic files can be added.

Via right-click on a created folder or a graphic file these can be renamed or deleted.

If a new graphic file is to be added, it must be added via Windows Explorer by double-clicking on it or by selecting it and then clicking on "Open".

After the successful addition, a click on the stored graphic file displays the corresponding image preview in the right area.

3.3.2 Adding several graphic files

After opening, there is a possibility to select several graphic files and add them at once.

3.4 Storage in data database

The graphic files are managed in the data database in the [DATA_IMAGES] table.

4 K-field selection for graphic files

The following K-fields are available on the different levels to include graphic files:

*ISR = Initial sample report

5 Embedding graphic files at part level

Via K-field 1046 the corresponding graphic file can be selected via the parts mask. Via double-click or via the icon next to it, the drawing file dialog opens. Open" opens Windows Explorer and the corresponding graphic file can be selected. The transfer is done by double-clicking on the graphic file or by marking it beforehand and transferring it with "Open".

5.1 Embedding graphic files from the data-database at part level

As soon as graphic files are available in the data-database, the graphic file is selected via K1046 using the parts mask with "Open DB". The further procedure is based on the handling shown in chapter 5.

6 Embedding graphic files at characteristic level

Using the K fields 2243 and 2413, the corresponding graphic file can be defined via the characteristics mask. Via double-click or via the icon next to it, the drawing file dialog opens.

First, the desired characteristic must be selected via characteristic list.

„Open" [1] opens the Windows Explorer and the corresponding graphic file can be selected. The transfer is carried out by double-clicking on the graphic file [2] or by marking it beforehand and transferring it via "Open" [3].

6.1 Embedding of graphic files from the data database at characteristic level

As soon as graphic files are available in the data database, the graphic file is selected via the corresponding K field of the characteristics mask via "Open DB". The further procedure is based on the handling shown in chapter 6.

6.2 Setting measuring points via K-field 2243 (drawing file name)

For graphic files at characteristic level, a measuring point can be defined within the assigned graphic via the K field 2243. This can be helpful for the inspector to directly visualize the point to be measured. For this purpose, a characteristic must first be selected. Afterwards, a measuring point can be set at any position within the graphic.

6.3 Set lines via K-field 2243 (drawing file name)

For graphic files at the characteristic level, a visualization line can be defined within the assigned graphic. This can help the operator to directly identify the point to be measured. For example, during the visual inspection of a welded joint. However, with different criteria such as uniform appearance, uniform seam width, burn-through, shrinkage cavities, cracks, post weld heat treatment, etc. can be defined. For this, a characteristic must first be selected. Now a measuring point can be set at any point within the graphic with a left mouse click (start-point) and then the end point can be set at any point (end-point). The corresponding connection between start/end is generated automatically.

View within the summary/input mask after configuring all existing features.

6.4 Deleting measuring points / lines

First, the corresponding feature must be selected via the characteristics list (feature no. 4).

Then the set measuring point / line can be deleted via "Delete".

7 Insert graphic files into the summary/input mask

Via right click within the summary/input mask a new (graphic) element can be added.

Graphic files with K-field affiliation and graphic files without K-field affiliation can be used.

7.1 Graphic file from K-field

By clicking on "image file" the corresponding K-fields are available, which can contain the deposited graphic file.

7.2 Graphic file without K-field affiliation

It is also possible to store a graphic file without any K-field affiliation.

7.2.1 Additional options

If graphic files are used, the following additional options are available:

7.2.1.1 Relative path specification

Here you can define whether an absolute or a relative path is to be stored for the stored graphic file.

8 Display of the measuring points within the summary/input mask (variable characteristics)

If a measuring point has been defined for each characteristic, this can be displayed via the graphic 7810/7811 within the summary/input mask per characteristic or for all characteristics at once. Alternatively, graphic 7850 can also be used here. However, data recording does not take place in this way. Only a change of characteristic is possible.

9 Display of the measuring points within the summary/input mask (attributive characteristics)

If a measuring point has been defined for each characteristic, it can be displayed via graphic 7850 within the summary/input mask per characteristic or for all characteristics at once and used for OK/nOK value recording.

Based on the added measuring points, now you can directly select between OK/nOK by clicking on the measuring points. The corresponding selection is then accepted via the "accept measurement" button.

9.1 Special case

The following constellation represents a special case: An inspection plan with several characteristics is loaded. To save time during input, only the nOK measured values are to be recorded. All other characteristics should be automatically marked as OK by the application.

In this case, for example, only characteristic #3 is recorded as nOK. After clicking on "Accept measurement", the part measurement is accepted, and all characteristics not recorded are automatically assigned the entry OK.

9.1.1 Additional options

The following options are available for the graphics configuration:

9.1.1.1 Switch after attribute input

This results in an automatic characteristic change to the next characteristic within the test sequence after an attributive characteristic has been recorded.

9.1.1.1.1 Graphic for characteristic switch only

If this option is activated, the deposited measuring points within the graphic serve only for the feature change.

9.1.1.1.2 First click OK

This defines whether the first click on a set measuring point within the graphic should be OK (green by default).

9.1.1.1.3 First click nOK

This defines whether the first click on a set measuring point within the graphic should be nOK (red by default).

10 Measuring point overview

Based on the set measuring point per characteristic, the graphic "Measuring point overview" is generated automatically. This graphic is available in procella and qs-STAT for variable and attributive characteristics.

The corresponding graphic can also be used in a report file, created with the form designer (Q-FD).

10.1 Configuration of the graphic measuring point overview

The graphic measuring point overview can be customized. For example, the number of displayed features per column/row and the embedded graphic can be defined and customized.

10.1.1 Format

Here you can define the number of displayed images, the margin, the distance between them, etc. can be defined.

10.1.2 Filter

A filter can be used to define which characteristics are to be displayed within the measuring point overview.

10.1.3 Select graphic

Here you can define which graphic (value progression, histogram, etc.) is to be displayed within the characteristics overview.

10.1.4 Configure graphic

This can be used to individually configure the graphic embedded in the characteristics overview.

11 Embedding graphics using connecting lines in the Form Designer

Alternatively, any graphic can be included in a report file and assigned to a Q-DAS graphic (value curve, histogram) by means of connecting lines.

After adding a connecting line, a line start, and a line end can be defined. This will be done by moving it to any point within the graphic/Q-DAS graphic in the report file within in the form designer.

No matter where the graphics are moved within the report file, the corresponding link line is automatically adjusted.

Embedding and Using Graphics This document describes the options available for embedding and visualising images (graphic files) within the qs-STAT and procella applications and reports. Another important part is the storage of the graphics. Stored in directories, the graphics can be accessed by absolute or relative reference. Loss of graphic files or renaming of paths would result in a complete loss of the assignment. For this reason, the possibility has been created to store the test plans together with the assigned graphics in the same database.	English: PDF	German: PDF
In addition to these options for embedding graphics, in procella a camera can be used to take photos and add them to measured values. Link to: Add photos to measured values