1.10.1.4.5. Auto Classification

A process pipeline can be set up very easily in PLM Synchro using the wizard functionality. This can then be adapted for different purposes using modular nodes.

The Auto classify node offers a clear input dialog for setting up a set of rules with which you can relatively easily manage the auto classification of your own parts.

The following exemplary figure shows how to perform assignments into the created classes with the help of geometrical similarity analysis. As further methods assignments can be performed by using topological attributes and VBS scripts.

Input dialog - Small example

Input dialog - Small example

In the following, the procedure is explained.

  1. Make sure that you have a working base pipeline how it can be easily created with the Wizard.

  2. Drag the Auto classify node from Available filters in the pipeline onto the connection between the conversion [Conversion] and the structure node [Structure Node].

    Insert "Auto classify" node into pipeline

    Insert "Auto classify" node into pipeline

    Perform following adjustments:

    • Customize the document path [Document Path]:

      $IMPORT_PATH./$DOCUMENT_NAME.

      Structure node [Structure Node] - "Document path [Document Path] " customization

      Structure node [Structure Node] - "Document path [Document Path] " customization

  3. Select the Auto classify node and click on the ... button in the node editor [Node Editor].

    Node editor [Node Editor]

    Node editor [Node Editor]

    -> The Edit rule tree dialog box opens.

  4. In the dialog, create a class structure by which you want to classify your company parts.

    Empty dialog directly after opening

    Empty dialog directly after opening

    1. Click on Create Class at the top of the toolbar and then on Add Class [Add class] in the tree.

      Dialog after clicking on "Create Class [Create Class] "

      Dialog after clicking on "Create Class [Create Class] "

      -> Classes are created in the tree, which are initially labeled New Class.

      New Class

      New Class

      Click into the button and rename it accordingly.

    2. In this way create all required classes and subclasses. The following example does not have subclasses.

      Required classes created

      Required classes created

    3. Click on Add rule or Add group of rules:

      • Add group of rules: Adds a group of rules that you can link with an AND or OR condition. Then add the individual rules (see next point).

        AND / OR

        AND / OR

      • Add rule: The options Attributes, Geometric and VBS are offered.

        "Add rule" selection options

        "Add rule" selection options

        When selecting one of the options the corresponding input dialog is opened (see below).

      • Attributes: Classification is based on a topological attribute.

        The procedure is shown below using axis symmetry [Axis Symmetry] as an example:

        1. After clicking on the Attributes option, the Select Operand [Select operand] dialog box opens.

          Select the Topological Attributes [Topological Attribute] option, select the desired topological attribute and confirm with OK.

          Axis Symmetry

          Axis Symmetry

          -> The corresponding entry is made in the Edit rule tree dialog.

        2. Choose the mathematical comparison operand (==, <, >, etc) and then, in the next input field, click on "Click to select operand".

          Click to select operand

          Click to select operand

          -> The Select Operand [Select operand] dialog appears again.

        3. This time, the Direct Value option is already selected.

          Select the desired value in the list field and confirm with OK.

          Direct Value

          Direct Value

          -> Now the complete condition is entered.

          If the part to be classified is axis-symmetric, it fulfills this criterion of the class "Screw".

          If the part to be classified is axis-symmetric, it fulfills this criterion of the class "Screw".

      • Geometric: Selection of a part on the basis of which the similarity of the parts to be classified is measured.

        1. In the Explorer, select the comparison file.

          Selection comparison part

          Selection comparison part

        2. Select the correct file format in the list box (in the case of STEP STEP file input ).

          Selection of file format

          Selection of file format

        3. Optionally, you can display advanced settings [Extended Settings]. Confirm with OK.

          Import options for format STEP file input

          Import options for format STEP file input

      • VBS: You can load a VBS file in the Explorer window.

    4. Start the pipeline.

      Start pipeline

      Start pipeline

      -> If there are possible assignments in the single classes, they are automatically created as directory; otherwise the read in parts will appear in the directory "unclassified".

      PARTproject - Autoclassify results

      PARTproject - Autoclassify results