Comparing Pro/ENGINEER® Objects Just Got Easier

While Pro/ENGINEER® provides detailed information on various aspects of individual models, it makes comparing the characteristics of these objects (parts, drawings, assemblies, layouts) practically impossible. Our new Flush application solves this problem by capturing relevant information —such as parameters, dimensions, and notes— about loaded Pro/ENGINEER objects in XML format. The XML files are organized in a hierarchical structure and detail the individual characteristics of each examined object. Comparing Pro/ENGINEER objects is now as easy as comparing the associated XML files.

The application is a Pro/ENGINEER extension, accessible through a custom menu on the toolbar. Once installed, it can be run from within the Pro/ENGINEER environment. The interface lets users specify where the data itself will be stored, eliminating the need for any additional file handling.

Graphical text comparison tools make it easy to spot differences between processed files. (click to enlarge)

The ability to compare objects improves accuracy and saves time when performing a variety of Pro/ENGINEER-related activities, including:

• Migrating to a newer Pro/ENGINEER version. Before implementing a new software version, it would be nice to know what, if any, differences are present in the new object model. With Flush, users can easily accomplish this by comparing summary files of various objects across the two versions. After using a trail file to duplicate interactive sessions, users can run the tool against the models in both Pro/ENGINEER releases and compare the resulting files to see what differences exist. Using this process, we recently discovered a potential bug in a newer Pro/ENGINEER release.
• Verifying the impact of changes to graphic objects. When making changes to graphic objects in Pro/ENGINEER, users can easily verify their work using a printout from our application. Whether the changes are made by users working interactively or by automated applications, the impacts of any changes to an object are immediately visible. Simply compare the before and after versions of the objects to ensure the desired changes have been made.
• Testing the compatibility of working environments.The compatibility of the various platforms and environments in which Pro/ENGINEER is deployed can affect the results of modifications to important objects. By establishing a common frame of comparison, users can quickly and easily find differences between such environments.
• Checking the results of automated runs. Developers no longer need to examine objects in excruciating detail to ensure that their applications are having the desired effects. Using Flush, developers can compare target objects before and after their programs have been run. Flush also helps support updates to existing applications. We recently used the tool to verify the accuracy of a re-engineered application, and it quickly revealed mistakes made during development.
• Documenting the contents of graphic objects. For colleagues comparing objects at different locations or for users who simply wish to keep a record of their work on different models, documenting key object features is a valuable capability. With this new tool, users can keep track of their progress as well as check on values used by previous versions of objects.

The development of applications that extend Pro/ENGINEER’s functionality has long been an important focus at ABB. This product, along with many other time-saving tools, can be downloaded from www.tools4cad.com.

Mark Woodwell is an intern at ABB, Inc. He can be reached by email at mark.woodwell@us.abb.com.

The Flush application is integrated into Pro/ENGINEER under a custom menu.		The application provides the flexibility to choose where your information will be saved.