iDimension® CLS Bridge Software Manual

Introduction

This manual provides an overview of the installation and configuration procedures for the iDim (iDimension®) CLS Bridge software. The iDim CLS Bridge software interconnects the industrial PC on which it is installed with a scale (CLS-680 indicator, Dini Argeo® LTP indicator, or VIRTUi3®) and the iDimSS (iDimension software suite).

Manuals are available at Rice Lake Weighing Systems: www.ricelake.com/manuals

Warranty information can be found at: www.ricelake.com/warranties

IMPORTANT: Read and follow all safety instructions and warnings from the forklift and indicator manufacturers.

System Requirements

• Windows 10®, build 1607 or later (64-bit only) or equivalent Windows® Server operating system
• 2 GHz or faster processor
• 250 MB of disk space is required for installation. Additional space will vary based on data retention requirements.
• 8 GB of RAM or higher
• Ethernet TCP/IP connection for integration of external equipment and systems
• Wi-Fi 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n or higher for external data communication
• Touchscreen display (suggested)
• iDimSS version 2.22 or higher running on an external PC
• If using a scale, one of the following: VIRTUi³ Scale, CLS-680, or Dini Argeo LTP

Installation and Software Access

Installing iDim CLS Bridge

1. Download the iDim CLS Bridge software from www.ricelake.com/software.
2. Unzip the file and run IDim_CLS_Bridge_PN220981.Installer.exe.
3. Read the Rice Lake Weighing Systems License Agreement. Check the box if the terms are acceptable.
4. (Optional) To change the installation location: Select Options, then Browse to install iDimSS CLS Bridge in a user-specified file location. Select OK to return to the previous window.
5. Select Install.
6. The Installation Successfully Completed window will appear; select Close. iDim CLS Bridge has been installed correctly.

Basic iDim CLS Bridge Functions

Starting the iDim CLS Bridge Software

1. In the Windows Start menu, open the Rice Lake Weighing Systems folder.
2. Select the iDim CLS Bridge application.
3. The application appears.

Language Configuration

1. Navigate to the main view.
2. Select the indicator that corresponds to the desired language.
3. The application language changes.

iDim CLS Bridge Elements

Main View Elements

The main view appears when the software starts and provides several elements that facilitate use. Each element is identified in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. Main View Elements

NOTE: Alibi compatibility is built into the software. There are no software parameters to modify this feature.

Settings Menu

The settings menu contains various elements that launch additional menus to facilitate configuration. Each element is identified in Figure 4-4.

Figure 4-4. Settings Menu with Identified Elements

About Window

The About window appears on the right side.

Figure 4-6. About Window

The About window contains several elements that provide supplementary information about the software. Each element is identified in Figure 4-7.

Figure 4-7. About Window with Identified Elements

Configuration

This section explains how to configure the settings. For the iDim CLS Bridge to function, ensure that the iDimSS, forklift, and scale settings are configured.

NOTE: The settings menu contains various scale configuration menus (VIRTUi³, CLS-680, or Dini Argeo LTP scales); only configure the settings for the scale installed on the forklift.

This section covers the following topics:

• Default language configuration (see Section 5.1)
• Home view configuration (see Section 5.2)
• Barcode scanner configuration (see Section 5.3)
• Keyence scanner configuration (see Section 5.4)
• iDimSS integration configuration (see Section 5.5)
• Forklift configuration (see Section 5.6)
• Dini Argeo LTP scale configuration (see Section 5.7)
• Ravas scale configuration (see Section 5.8)
• VIRTUi3 configuration (see Section 5.10)

Default Language Configuration

1. Navigate to Language Settings.
2. Select the Default Language dropdown menu.
3. Select the default language.
4. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.

NOTE: The language changes only on the application screen.

Home View Settings Configuration

1. Navigate to Home View Settings.
2. Configure the following parameters:
   • Dim and Weight Button Enabled: Check the box to enable the dim and weight button.
   • Dim Only Button Enabled: Check the box to enable the dim-only button.
   • Weight Only Button Enabled: Check the box to enable the weight-only button.
   • Weight Hold Button Enabled: Check the box to enable the weight hold button.
   • Select Capture Results Display Method: Choose from the following display options:
     • As Text: Displays weight results as numerical data (see Figure 5-4).
     • As Thumbs Up/Down: Displays weight results as a thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon (see Figure 5-5).
   • Default Operation Mode: Choose from the following predefined operation modes:
     • Drop and Clear: Enable if you drop the load under the dimensioner and the forklift backs away.
     • Stop and Go: Enable if you hold the load on the forklift during dimensioning.
   • Can Toggle Operation Mode: Check the box to enable the Operation Mode button on the main view.
   • Operation Mode Toggle is Transient: Check the box to enable temporary selection of an operation mode. When activated, the operation mode reverts to its default setting after a transaction.
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.

Barcode Scanner Settings Configuration

NOTE: The barcode scanner is optional and its configuration may not apply to all systems.

1. Navigate to Barcode Scanner Settings.
2. Check the Enabled box.
3. Set Connection type to TCP/IP or RS232.
4. Perform one of the following actions:
   • A. If using TCP/IP: Configure Listening Port as the TCP port number used by the application to listen for incoming TCP/IP data from the barcode scanner.
   • B. If using RS232: Configure the following:
     • Serial Port: Set the communication port number on the computer to which the barcode scanner is connected.
     • Baud Rate: Adjust the serial port baud rate (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200).
     • Data Bits: Adjust the serial port data bits (7 or 8).
     • Parity: Set the serial port parity (none, odd, even, mark, or space).
     • Stop Bits: Set the number of stop bits transmitted or received by the port (none, 1, 2, 1.5).
5. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.

Keyence Scanner Settings Configuration

NOTE: The Keyence scanner is optional and configuration may not apply to all systems.

1. Go to Keyence Scanner Settings.
2. Configure the following:
   • IP Address: Enter the IP address of the computer running the Keyence scanner.
   • Tcp Port: Adjust as the port connected to the Keyence scanner.
   • Timeout (seconds): Set the number of seconds it takes the scanner to read the barcode (1 to 10).
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.

iDimSS Integration Configuration

Adding an iDimSS Integration

1. Navigate to iDimSS Integration.
2. Select Add.
3. The Edit iDimSS Integration window will appear.
4. Configure the following parameters:
   • Enabled: Check this box to display the dimensioner in the dimensioner selection dropdown menu (see Figure 4-2) on the main view.
   • Manual Entry: Check this box to allow manual dimensioning.
   • Dimensioner Name: Add the exact name of the dimensioner configured in iDimSS.
   • IP Address: Enter the IP address of the computer running iDimSS. The IP address can be configured to the same value for configuring multiple dimensioners in iDimSS.
   • Port: Enter the listening port used by the computer running iDimSS (the default port for iDimSS is 5001).
5. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
6. If Save is selected, the new dimensioner is added to the iDimSS integration.

Editing an iDimSS Dimensioner

1. Navigate to iDimSS Integration (iDimSS Integration).
2. Select Edit to change a configured iDimSS integration.
3. The Edit iDimSS Integration window will appear.
4. Edit the parameters as needed (see Section 5.5.1 for parameter descriptions).
5. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
6. If Save is selected, the changes to the dimensioner configuration are saved.

Deleting an iDimSS Dimensioner

1. Navigate to iDimSS Integration (iDimSS Integration).
2. Select Delete next to the iDimmSS integration to remove it.
3. A delete confirmation window will appear.
4. Select Yes (Yes) to cancel or No (No) to cancel.
5. If Yes is selected, the iDimSS integration is deleted.

Forklift Configuration

1. Navigate to Forklift Settings.
2. Configure the following parameters:
   • Forklift Id: Set the forklift ID used to identify the forklift in iDimSS. This will enable Stop and Go functionality on the dimensioner. NOTE: If the selected dimensioner is not compatible with the Stop and Go function, avoid configuring this field. Configuring this parameter for dimensioners incompatible with Stop and Go will cause the capture operation to function incorrectly.
   • Indicator Type: Set the indicator type used on the forklift as VIRTUi3, Dini LTP, CLS-680, or None. This setting must match the installed hardware type to receive weight information.
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
4. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

Dini Argeo LTP Scale Configuration

NOTE: The Dini Argeo LTP scale requires the Alibi memory module to be installed to function correctly with iDim CLS Bridge.

1. Navigate to Dini LTP Scale Settings.
2. Configure the following parameters:
   • Serial Port: Set the communication port number on the computer to which the Dini Argeo LTP scale is connected.
   • Baud Rate: Adjust the serial port baud rate (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200).
   • Data Bits: Adjust the serial port data bits (7 or 8).
   • Parity: Set the serial port parity (none, odd, even, mark, or space).
   • Stop Bits: Set the number of stop bits transmitted or received by the port (none, 1, 2, 1.5).
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
4. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

Ravas Scale Settings Configuration

NOTE: The Ravas scale requires the Alibi memory module to be installed to function correctly with iDim CLS Bridge.

1. Go to Ravas Scale Settings.
2. Configure the following parameters:
   • Serial Port: Set the communication port number on the computer to which the Ravas scale is connected.
   • Baud Rate: Adjust the serial port baud rate (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200).
   • Data Bits: Adjust the serial port data bits (7 or 8).
   • Parity: Set the serial port parity (none, odd, even, mark, or space).
   • Stop Bits: Set the number of stop bits transmitted or received by the port (none, 1, 2, 1.5).
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
4. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

CLS-680 Scale Configuration

1. Navigate to CLS-680 Scale Settings.
2. Set Connection type to TCP or RS232.
3. Perform one of the following actions:
   • A. If using TCP: Configure the following:
     • IP Address: Set as the IP address of the CLS-680 scale.
     • Port: Set as the port for the CLS-680 scale.
   • B. If using RS232: Configure the following:
     • Serial Port: Set the communication port number on the PC to which the CLS-680 scale is connected.
     • Baud Rate: Adjust the serial port baud rate (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200).
     • Data Bits: Adjust the serial port data bits (7 or 8).
     • Parity: Set the serial port parity (none, odd, even, mark, or space).
     • Stop Bits: Set the number of stop bits transmitted or received by the port (none, 1, 2, 1.5).
4. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
5. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

VIRTUi³ Configuration

VIRTUi3 Settings

1. Go to VIRTUi³ Scale Settings.
2. Configure the following:
   • IP Address: Set as the IP address of the computer running VIRTUi³.
   • Port: Set as the port of the computer running VIRTUi³.
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
4. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

VIRTUi3 Viewer Settings

1. Go to VIRTUi³ Viewer Settings.
2. Set VIRTUi³ Path as the file path for the VIRTUi³ viewer.
3. Select Save to confirm changes or Cancel to cancel them.
4. If Save is selected, the configuration settings are saved.

Usage

The processing of a container transmits the container ID and results to iDimSS. The type of results varies based on the acquisition function (dimensions and weight, dimensions only, or weight only).

WARNING: The following procedure involves the use of a forklift. Before using the forklift, read and follow the manufacturer's safety warnings and information.

Using a Dimensioner

1. Select a dimensioner from the Select Dimensioner dropdown menu.
2. Select the PRO Number/Container ID field. A keypad will appear next to the field.
3. Enter a value in the PRO Number/Container ID field using the keypad or the optional barcode scanner.
4. Lift the container with the forklift. If using a scale, ensure a valid weight is displayed in the application.
5. Transport the object to the dimensioner and align it with the dimensioning system.
6. Park the forklift.
7. Select Dims and Weight, Dimensions Only, or Weight Only to perform data acquisition.

NOTE: Acquisition buttons are only available when the scale is stabilized.

Once complete, the captured data is displayed in the application and sent to iDimSS.

Using Manual Dimensioning Functions

1. Select a dimensioner from the Select Dimensioner dropdown menu.

NOTE: Manual dimensioning functions cannot be accessed unless the manual entry option was checked when adding the dimensioner (see "iDimSS Integration Configuration" on page 18).

1. Select the Units dropdown menu and select the desired unit of measure.
2. Enter the values for the Length, Width, and Height fields.
3. Select the PRO Number/Container ID field. A keypad will appear next to the field.
4. Enter a value in the PRO Number/Container ID field using the keypad or the optional barcode scanner.
5. Lift the container with the forklift to weigh it.
6. Select Dims and Weight or Dimensions Only to perform data acquisition using manual dimension entry.

Once complete, the captured data is displayed in the application and sent to iDimSS.

Error Messages

Application Error Message

In case of an error, the application displays an error message. These messages provide details about the cause of the error. Read the message and try to resolve the problem. An example is shown below where an IP address was incorrectly configured in the CLS-680 settings.

Figure 7-1. Example of Application Error Message

The application logs errors in the PC log files at the following location:

C:\ProgramData\Rice Lake Weighing Systems\IDim_CLS_Bridge_PN220981\logs\

NOTE: Consult Windows Help to display Hidden Folders if the ProgramData folder is missing.

The file creation date is embedded in the log file name with the format logYYYMMDD.JSON.

Where:

YYYY = Year

MM = Month

DD = Day

JSON = JavaScript Object Notation

For example, log20231127.JSON

Errors in Capture Results

The following examples show an error where capture results return err (error) messages. Frequently, these messages occur when the iDimSS IP address is misconfigured. Verify that the IP addresses are configured correctly and try the process again.

Figure 7-2. Example of Capture Results Errors as Text

Figure 7-3. Example of Capture Results Errors as Thumbs Up/Down Icon