Digitising a clothing pattern on Lectra Modaris pattern cutting software 33
4.4
The digitising process
4.4.3
Defining the grain line
4.4.1 Activating the digitising function
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Having created a new file, added a size range and saved the file for the first time, go to Sheet – new sheet and a new sheet will appear on screen. Use Home to bring it to full screen.
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Select F1 – Digit and notice on the computer screen that an information box has appeared in the top left of the screen saying ‘2 points for horizontal axis’. This confirms that the digitising function has been activated, and is purely a help box.
Ensure consistency when digitising grain lines. Always move left to right or right to left, so that all pieces are orientated in the same direction.
With your mouse, place the cursor so that it is in the centre of the sheet on the screen. Leave it there, put down the mouse and pick up the digitising handset.
To start, hold the handset against the board on the first piece, and use A + A to define the straight grain line. Press A at the beginning of the grain line and A at the end. This will orientate the piece on screen, with the grain line on the x-axis.
On small pieces this action may not register because there is insufficient distance between the beginning and end of the line. In this case, extend the grain line outside of the piece and this will enable digitisation (see Fig. 4.16).
4.4.2 Activating the digitising board In one corner of the digitising table, usually near the on/off switch, there is a small flickering light. When the handset is held against the board, this will become a steady light indicating that the board can read the handset and digitising can begin. The following points may be of use if the light continues to flicker.
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Hold the handset away from the board, press any button a couple of times and try again. Turn the digitising board switch off for a few seconds and then back on. At the lower right of the main computer screen is a small icon for the digitiser. Double click on the icon and refresh the application, making sure that the correct serial port has been selected, and select OK. Then try again (see Fig. 4.15). The handset may need a new battery. Rarely, the handset may need replacing.
4.15 Digitising manager refresh box
4.16 Digitising the grain line, A – A
Lectra is the copyright owner of all Modaris software images reproduced herein with its permission (http://www.lectra.com); text © Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2012