This Article Applies From:
CVI Fusion8.2 | Infinity Client8.2 | Infinity Module8.2 | Core Services8.2 | Nexonar4.10 |
Introduction
The following guide is designed to give instructions on how to configure your Pivotware system when working with Nexonar.
Note: NEXONAR specific configuration is not within the scope of the article. However, a NEXONAR setting check list is provided in section.
1 - Pre - requisites
1.1 - Suggested readings
We advise you to read through the following articles before going any further:
- Pivotware Installation procedure, and more specifically the Network Requirements.
- Creating and Associating Assets: this article provides the basics for handling the Asset Project.
- Action Tool Step: this article explains how to integrate a Tool Step to your Project.
- Asset List: the article lists some of the devices that can be used with Pivotware.
1.2 - NEXONAR requirements
1.2.1 - NEXONAR System overview
Pivotware can work alongside the following Nexonar solutions:
- NEXONAR One: the lightweight version of the NEXONAR system.
- NEXONAR Ultimate: the complete NEXONAR solution.
The following items are also required:
Device Name | Desoutter Part Number | Picture | Description |
Positioning Kit – Nexonar Camera |
|  | Nexonar Single Camera is installed with a clear view to the assembly location. This records the movements of the nexonar Tracker with 163 Hz in virtual real time and gives the information directly to the nexonar Assembly Scout. Up to 8 Trackers can be captured with a nexonar Single Camera in an area of approximately 8.8 x 4.8 m |
Nexonar Tracker |
|  | The IR trackers are easily adapted to different types of tools. They are monitored wirelessly using IR cameras installed on the line. Seamless integrated within assembly process meaning that it is not possible to progress to the next step unless the parameters at each stage have been met. This reduces the possibility of errors and delivers the best possible quality. Note: it is mandatory to fit the Tracker on the Desoutter Tightening Device using the appropriate mounting kit - this will also allow you to benefit from the tool' |
Nexonar Hard Probe (TIP) |
|  | The nexonar Hard Probe is used for learning X/Y/Z reference points in combination with the nexonar Motion Visualizer software as well as the nexonar Assembly Scout software. By using data keys, for example, a reference coordinate system can be programmed. |
1.2.2 - NEXONAR software configuration pre-requisites
To achieve a smooth Pivotware and NEXONAR integration, ensure that the following has been done in Assembly Scout:
- Trackers: one channel per Tool / Socket pair must have been setup.
As an example, if you wish to use one Tightening Tool with 2 different sockets, it is mandatory to setup NEXONAR with 2 channels - Please refer to the below snapshot:
- Interfaces:
a - MQTT protocol must be enabled.
Note: a MQTT broker must have been installed on the computer running Assembly Scout. Depending on the NEXONAR suite, the broker installation must be made separately. Refer to the below diagram for a communication overview:
b - Position Reporting must be enabled and set for MQTT mode:
Why do I need to set NEXONAR for Position Reporting ? During operations, Pivotware will send to NEXONAR information about the bolt to tighten. NEXONAR in turn will report to Pivotware whether the tool (channel) has reached the intended position - upon receiving confirmation, Pivotware will enable the tightening. - Workspaces must be setup. Note that Sources name must follow a specific naming convention that will be detailed further down in the article.
- A dedicated Recipe must have been created specifically for Pivotware - it simply needs to be set to Position Reporting Mode.
Do I need to add steps to the Recipe ? No - simply configure the recipe for Position Reporting Mode.
2 - NEXONAR configuration and setup
This section explains the various steps required to setup Pivotware for operation with Nexonar.
Note: the section will not deal with the standard Tool Asset configuration, only with the specific Nexonar related settings.
2.1 - Operation Overview
Pivotware send 3 information to Nexonar at the start of a Tightening Step:
- An Operation Name: this must match the Nexonar Workspace Source Name.
- The Bolt Position / Number within the tightening sequence operation.
- The Nexonar Channel Number associated to the Tool Asset.
Nexonar monitors the Tool Asset position upon receiving these information then notifies Infinity Client when the position has been reached - Only then does Infinity Client allows the operator to run the tightening: please refer to the diagram below for a basic sequence of events between the various devices.
To achieve this integration, the system requires three configuration steps:
- Creating a NEXONAR asset - it will allow you to provide the Connection Details.
- The Tool Asset must be setup for NEXONAR operations - this step will let you create the link between the Pivotware Asset and the Nexonar Channel.
- The Action Tool step must be setup for operation with Nexonar: this will let you link the Pivotware Operation with the Nexonar Target Position.
The next sections details each parameter specific settings.
2.2 - Creating a NEXONAR Asset
As previously detailed, the Nexonar Asset allows you to provide to the Pivotware System the connection details.
First, add a new Asset to the target Asset Project. After filling in the name:
- Set the Asset Type to Positioning Device.
- Set the Asset Vendor to Desoutter.
- Set the Device Type to Nexonar.
Once the Type is set to Nexonar, fill in the Connection Details to the Nexonar system:
- IP Address of the computer running the Nexonar system.
- Broker Port Number: the port to connect the Nexonar broker - default is usually 1883.
- Station Name: the name associated to the Nexonar station.
Click Save Asset once the setup is complete.
The configured connection will then be available in the list of available Assets.
2.3 - Setting up the Tool Asset
This section does not deal with the Tool Asset standard configuration but only with the Nexonar specific settings.
The key Tool Asset setting is the Nexonar Channel.
- Open the target Tool Asset.
- Expand the Advanced Settings panel.
What is the Nexonar channel setting ? Pivotware's Nexonar Channel setting is used to match the Tool Asset to Nexonar's Channel setting - Please refer to 1.2.2 - Nexonar software configuration pre-requisites corresponding Tracker section.
How to set the value ? There are two use cases:
- The Tool Asset is never used alongside a Socket Tray: the Pivotware Nexonar Channel setting must match the Nexonar Channel Setting value associated to the tool.
- The Tool Asset is used alongside a Socket Tray: the selected Socket Number Value is added to Pivotware Nexonar Channel Setting to associate the correct Nexonar Channel Number. As an example, if Tool 1 is to be fitted with Socket 1, the Pivotware Nexonar Channel must be set to 0 to be able to select Nexonar Channel 1 during operations.
Save your Tool Asset then your Asset Project once the setup is complete.
2.4 - Configuring the Action Tool Step
This section will only focus on the Nexonar specific settings - If you need information on the Action Tool Step basic usage, please refer to this article.
The key steps in the setup are to:
- Enable Nexonar .
- Provide an operation name that can be properly linked to the Nexonar Workspace positions.
To enable Nexonar:
- Click on the target Station you wish to work with.
- Expand the Local Assets panel then click Manage Assets.
- Select the Nexonar Asset to add to the station from the Manage Assets list then click OK.
The asset should now be listed in the Available Asset panel.
Click on Save Station then Save Process Project.
Once the asset has been associated to the station:
- Open the target Tool Action Step.
- Expand the Positioning options, check the Use Positioning check box.
Ensure the correct Asset is listed.
- Click Save Step then Save Process Project.
The last requirement is to provide the correct Operation Name.
What is the Operation Name ? At its most basic, the Operation Name is the Action Tool step name.
What should be the Operation Name / Step Name ? The name must match Nexonar Source name as provided in the Workspace - note, though, that the Workspace Source Name also reference the bolt number: it is not necessary to fill in this information in the step name since Pivotware will automatically append the Bolt Number to the Step Name according as per the Batch Count.
As an example: taking the step name from the previous snapshot as an example, and assuming that Pivotware expects the tightening of the 3rd bolt / screw within a batch of five, Infinity Client will notify Nexonar to monitor position TechCare_Socket_2_03.
3- Infinity Client Interface during operations
When an Action Tool step becomes active within the Infinity process which has been configured to use positioning; the tool in use will not be enabled until it is in the correct position for the current tightening.
 | Infinity cannot reach the Nexonar system. - Check whether the recipe has been started. |
 | Infinity is connected to Nexonar, but the tool has not reached the target position. The tool remains locked. |
 | Infinity is connected to Nexonar, the tool is at the expected position. The tool must be enabled. |