ctrlX OS License - 3D Viewer - R911413191

ctrlX AUTOMATION – 3D Viewer

The 3D Viewer app enables 3D kinematics simulation on the ctrlX CORE. The models required for this contain a description of the axis relationships of a kinematic system and refer to the required 3D geometries in STL format. The axis values ​​for controlling the kinematic model are provided by the ctrlX CORE in the ctrlX Data Layer. The combination of a ctrlX COREvirtual with the 3D Viewer app enables the creation of digital twins of machines and robots, e.g. for virtual commissioning or for programming and validation purposes.

trend towards digital twins

3D visualizations are now an important part of our everyday lives because they help us to better understand facts and processes. Technology is no longer an obstacle, as even mobile devices now have sufficient performance for 3D applications. In automation technology, 3D visualizations and simulations of machines and systems have become standard. In combination with virtual controls, digital twins of machines, robots or systems can be created, which enable the following applications, among others:

• Virtual Commissioning
• programming and validation
• 3D visualization in user interfaces
• remote diagnosis of machine conditions

The 3D Viewer app supports the implementation of these use cases.

product features

• Simple, web-based 3D kinematics simulation and visualization
• 3D visualization of machine movements , multiple tool paths and safety areas
• Optimized for touch operation and integration into user interfaces (iframe)
• model library for managing various kinematic models
• Offline mode for moving models without connection to the controller
• Online mode for moving models based on real axis values ​​from the ctrlX Data Layer
• Complete functionality for building digital twins in combination with ctrlX COREvirtual
• Assigning data layer variables to model axes and manipulating values ​​using mathematical expressions
• Advanced configuration and visualization options for tool paths
  • Multiple tool paths possible
  • Independent deletion and hiding
  • Free choice of color and length
  • Visibility change depending on data layer variables
• Import and positioning of workpieces

3D simulation of machine and robot kinematics

In addition to pure visualization, the 3D Viewer app can also be used to simulate machine kinematics. The models required for this are created with additional software, the Virtual Machine Builder . These consist of a tree structure to describe the axis relationships of the kinematics and contain the required 3D geometries in STL format. The creation of simulation models can also be requested directly from us.

model library for managing kinematic models

The 3D Viewer's integrated model library enables the management of existing kinematic models. A sample model of Cartesian kinematics is included as standard. The user can load additional models. Each model is displayed in a separate tile with a name and preview image so that it can be easily found again. Models that are no longer needed can simply be removed.

Intuitive user interface, navigation and web HMI

The 3D Viewer app has its own user interface, which makes the application particularly simple and intuitive. The central element is the 3D graphics window , which is controlled by mouse or touch operation and visualizes the kinematic models. Grids or coordinate systems can be displayed for better orientation. Various views and functions can be selected via a toolbar .

Another UI element is the command window , which is used for manual axis control , for displaying the axis values ​​or for configuring the connection to the ctrlX data layer .

Since the 3D Viewer app is based on web technology, it can also be integrated as an iframe into customer-specific HMI interfaces . This makes it possible to create operating screens for visualizing the current axis position or remote access to the kinematics, for example.

Movement of the model in offline and online mode

Two modes are available for moving the kinematic model: offline mode and online mode . The modes can be switched using a switch.

• Offline mode : No connection between model and controller. Ideal for testing the model or trying out the 3D Viewer app. The model can be moved using jog buttons or the automatic playback mode.
• Online mode : connection between kinematic model and controller. The axis position values ​​come directly from the ctrlX data layer , enabling synchronized movement of the real kinematics and the model.

A helpful function for better visualization and evaluation of movements is the tool path . If this is activated, the tool center of the kinematic model traces a line .

Full functionality with ctrlX COREvirtual

A major advantage of ctrlX AUTOMATION is the ability to use virtual controllers. The ctrlX COREvirtual is the digital twin of the ctrlX CORE and enables the user to perform engineering tasks directly on a PC without real control hardware .

All apps that do not require communication with real hardware can be installed and run on the ctrlX COREvirtual - including the 3D Viewer App . In combination with the MOTION App, it enables the purely virtual configuration, testing and optimization of a kinematic system. Communication between the model and the controller takes place via the ctrlX Data Layer . By using two browser windows, parallel work in both apps is possible.

Latest features in version 2.6

• The 3D Viewer app now works without the Motion app . If no motion axis is defined, only the connection via “Data Layer Variable” is available.
• Simulation parameters can be linked to DL variables , which can now be conveniently selected via a DL browser, e.g.:
  • visibility of workpieces
  • line type of the tool path
  • Automatic deletion of the tool path
  • Visibility, color and/or transparency of model objects
• New setting options , such as:
  • Definition of a favorite model
  • Real-time subscription for axis values ​​to increase tool path accuracy