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PC-SIG Diskette Library (Disk #1062)
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Information about “CUT OPTIMIZER 2”
CUT OPTIMIZER 2 is a must for any manufacturer or hobbyist who needs
materials cut from any bulk source. Whether you're a steel fabricator,
machinist, carpenter, or work in store front construction, you'll
maximize your material by reducing waste. Now you can easily generate
piece layouts, manage inventory, and calculate the costs of materials.
CUT OPTIMIZER 2 even has piece layout forms for frames with mitered or
butt joints.
With the included database, you can print an inventory summary, and a
variety of nesting reports based on custom information. And, the
pull-down menus, automatic inventory updating, and context-sensitive
help
FILE1062.TXT
Disk No: 1062
Disk Title: Linear Optimizer 2
PC-SIG Version: 1.2
Program Title: Linear Optimizer 2
Author Version: 2.00
Author Registration: $15.00 for individual, $100.00 for business use.
Special Requirements: None.
LINEAR OPTIMIZER 2 is a must for any manufacturer or hobbyist who needs
materials cut from any bulk source. Whether you're a carpenter,
machinist, or a seamstress, you'll maximize your material by reducing
waste. Now you can easily generate part layouts, manage inventory,
and calculate the costs of materials. LINEAR OPTIMIZER 2 even has part
layout forms for frames with mitered or butt joints.
With the included database, you can print an inventory summary, and a
variety of nesting reports based on custom information. And, the pull-
down menus, automatic inventory updating, and context-sensitive help
make the program easy to use.
File Descriptions:
??????? PCS Program files (14 files).
??????? PIC Program files (19 files).
??????? DAT Data files (7 files).
INSTALL COM Installation program.
MAIN ??? Overlay file (6 files).
MAIN COM Main program.
README DOC Info file.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1988,89 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
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║ <<<< Disk No 1062 LINEAR OPTIMIZER 2 >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To copy the documentation to your printer, type: MANUAL (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To run the program, type: INSTALL (press enter) ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
README.DOC
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| | **** LINEAR OPTIMIZER 2 **** | |
| | | |
| | User Supported | |
| | Productivity Software by | |
| | | |
| | Donald P. Michelotti | |
| | 707 Sunlight Drive | |
| | Rochester Hills, Mi. 48309 | |
| | | |
| | Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 by Donald P. Michelotti | |
| | All rights reserved | |
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| | | |
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Welcome to the "User Supported Software" revolution!
**** HERE'S HOW USER SUPPORTED SOFTWARE WORKS ****
You may copy and distribute the LINEAR OPTIMIZER 2 and share it
FREELY with others. You have the benefit of trying out the complete
program to determine if it meets your needs prior to purchasing it.
This is NOT a crippled or demo copy!
If this program performs to your satisfaction and you continue to use
it, you are trusted to purchase the Linear Optimizer 2 from the
author.
Registered users will receive:
----------------------------------------------------------------
* A CURRENT copy of the program with 8087 support
* A printed manual
* Notification of updates and fixes if required
* The opportunity to further develop the product by your input
* Self satisfaction in knowing YOU contributed to the
User Supported Software Revolution.
The value of this program and any other program is justified on time
savings, and in this case, material savings as well. Since the
occasional home user would never recoup a high program cost, and
alternatively, the commercial user could recoup a low program cost in
one application, two registration schedules have been established.
The individual user can determine what category best describes his
use. Having a dual schedule will not penalize the hobbyist or the
commercial user and should encourage user registration.
The registration schedule is as follows:
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hobbyist or Noncommercial Users | Commercial/Industrial Users |
| | |
| $15 Dollars | $100 Dollars |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
You determine the Cost, and the future, of User Supported Software
Enjoy the benefits of legally sharing good software, however, you
should also be aware of the following restrictions designed to
protect the community of User Supported Software developers from
being taken unfair advantage of.
* No price other than a distribution cost may be charged for the cost
of this program. The distribution cost may not exceed $10 total.
* The files and programs on the disks may not be modified, deleted,
nor added to.
* The programs cannot be sold as part of some other more inclusive
package.
* The programs cannot be rented or leased to others.
* The printed manuals, in whole or part, cannot be copied or
reproduced.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Linear Optimizer 2. Your selection of this program
will undoubtedly save you time and money, as well as increase your
productivity. The Linear Optimizer 2 is a state of the art computer
program designed to relieve the user from tedious manual nesting
procedures. Efficiently solve material nesting layout problems. Put
an end to "trial and error" and begin time and material savings.
Welcome to a new era of productivity and performance.
The Linear Optimizer has found use in a wide range of material
fabrication industries and of course home use. All of the users of
the Linear Optimizer have a common need, that being to reduce costs
and increased productivity.
ADVANTAGES OF THE LINEAR OPTIMIZER
The many features integrated within the Linear Optimizer provide the
user a indispensable tool for simplifying the task at hand. Time
savings, optimal material utilization, part layout and automatic
inventory management are only some of the benefits quickly realized
by using the Lineal Optimizer. What once took hours now only takes
the Linear Optimizer and minutes.
The power and user friendly features of the program is readily
apparent. Consider these features:
* Generate your part layouts quicker then you can imagine.
* Chose one of several data entry screens to best suit your immediate
needs, several selections are just a keystroke away.
* You have the option of selecting direct data input, automatic data
base reference, frame assemblies, and simple part layouts.
* Context sensitive help for 95% of the program is only a keystroke
away. Although the help screens can't clearly describe every detail
of the program, they do provide clear and concise user information.
* User transparent inventory management automatically relieves the
user from tedious data entry. Automatic inventory updating, and low
inventory reports are an integral feature of the Linear Optimizer.
* Accurate job estimating is an important part of many jobs. The
Linear Optimizer will tell you if you have enough material in stock
for the job, and if not, how much extra you'll need. Of course you'll
also be advised of the total cost of the required materials.
* Layered windows clearly illustrate your progression through the
program. Move through the various screens by a single key stroke. The
pull down and pop up menu systems eliminate the need to remember
complex keystroke sequences.
* Batch Mode capability: If the time savings already mentioned aren't
enough, how about saving up to 60 layout jobs to run in a single
batch mode session. Push a button and go to lunch. When you return
you part layout solutions will await you.
INSTALLATION
Follow the four simple steps listed below to get the program running
on your computer.
Step 1. The program will perform faster if installed on a hard disk.
If you have a hard disk and wish to install it simply create a
subdirectory named "LO". To do this type md/lo at the DOS prompt.
Then type cd/lo to activated the new subdirectory. Next, at the A>
prompt, type Copy *.* to transfer all files to your disk. (See your
DOS manual if required)
Step 2. Start the Linear Optimizer program by typing "LO" at the DOS
prompt ( A> for example). After a brief period a copyright notice
will appear. Read it and push any key to display the "Main Menu" as
shown below. (Non registered users will have an intermediate screen
displaying general information about the User Supported Software
concept.
** Main Menu **
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Layout Mode Material Batch Mode Configuration General Help
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 3 . Using the left and right arrow keys that are located on the
numeric portion of your keyboard will move the highlited cursor bar
through the various main menu headings. Push "Return" to activate the
pull down menus, then cursor left and right again. You can also use
the up down arrow keys to cursor within the submenus. Always remember
that you can obtain help at any time by pushing the "F1" function
key. Try it.
Step 4. If while using the cursor keys the screen exhibits a
flickering you will have to install the program for your particular
hardware. Follow these simple steps;
* Exit the Linear Optimizer by pushing the
"ESC" key one or more times.
* Type "Install"
* Follow the prompts to correctly install
the program for your hardware.
* Exit the Install program by pushing "ESC"
and type "LO" to restart the Linear Optimizer.
The Screen flicker should now be eliminated.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Understandably many users don't like to look through reams of manuals
to use a computer program. Therefore this program is specifically
designed to free the user from leafing through manuals by
incorporating context sensitive help screens and using clearly
formatted data input screens.
The Linear Optimizer program can be divided into 5 major categories.
These categories correspond with the selections available from the
main menu. Each major category can in turn be subdivided into several
groups which are the submenu items seen via the pull down menu
format. As a quick introduction, the 5 major categories are briefly
described below.
Part Layout Mode - This category is the work horse of the program.
Select one of the three layout forms from the submenu items, input
the pieces required for your job, and the optimal nesting layout
solution will be quickly generated.
Material - The submenu items associated with this category are used
to enter and maintain inventory data about the materials your
business uses. For example, the standard lengths and costs of your
materials will be entered in this category.
Batch Mode - For heavy users of the program, this time saving feature
allows you to predefine many nesting layout jobs. The solutions for
the jobs can then be computed at a later time.
Configuration - This category allows you to specify how to use the
Bulk Material inventory and to activate the Batch Mode. You can also
specify the information to be displayed on your nesting layout
reports.
General Help - These submenu items display basic information about
this program to help the first time user to quickly become familiar
with function and terminology of the program.
In addition to this brief discussion of the main menu selections
there are several other bits of information you will find useful. For
instance, the program uses five "HOT" keys, they are:
1) Push the "F1" function key at any time to display one of over
fifty help screens.
2) Pushing the "Esc" key will return you to the main menu from
anywhere within the program. The number of keystrokes that are
required depends on your current position within the program.
3) The "Page Up" key is used to signal the program to begin the
nesting layout generation. This will print out the solution to the
CRT and/or your printer.
4) The "Page Down" key will be used to retrieve either the Bulk
Material data entry form or to retrieve the Bulk Material data for
use in a nesting layout solution.
5) Pushing the "F3" key when in the Part Layout Mode submenu screens
will display a menu with several options for you to select from.
It would also be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the
basic terminology used within this manual and program. This is best
accomplished by moving the cursor to the "General Help" heading of
the main menu and select sequentially the following three submenu
items.
** General Help, submenu items **
General Information
Main Menu Summary
Glossary
Now that you have the program up and running and you know some of the
terminology, the following example will better familiarize you with
the operation of the software.
Before proceeding with the introductory example it would also be
helpful to know that the screen displays are referred to as "Forms".
Most forms are used for data entry and contain "Fields". When a
particular field is highlited it will accept and display data input
from the keyboard. Some forms such as the submenu items under the
main menu category "General Help" are not input forms and contain no
fields. These forms simply display text for your review and are
similar to a help screen.
INTRODUCTORY EXAMPLE
You are required to cut the following number and length of pieces
from commercially available stock lengths of picture frame moulding.
5 Pieces 3.25 Feet in length
7 Pieces 4.5 Feet in length
3 Pieces 9.75 Feet in length
4 Pieces 6.0 Feet in length
You must cut these pieces from the 20 foot lengths of moulding that
you purchase from a distributor. Hence forth, the lengths and number
of pieces you need will be referred to as "Required Length" and
"Required Quantity" respectively. The stock lengths you purchase will
be referred to as "Bulk Lengths".
Step 1. Cursor to the main menu heading "Part Layout Mode" and the
submenu item Linear. Push "Return" and a data input screen like that
shown below form will appear.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulk Material Not Specified Required Pieces
# Length Quantity Cost # Length Quantity
BL1 20.00 25 $ 52.55 L1 3.25 5
BL2 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L2 4.50 7
BL3 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L3 9.75 3
BL4 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L4 6.00 4
BL5 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L5 0.00 0
BL6 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L6 0.00 0
BL7 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L7 0.00 0
BL8 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L8 0.00 0
BL9 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L9 0.00 0
BL10 0.00 0 $ 0.00 L10 0.00 0
L11 0.00 0
Saw Kerf Loss ........ 0.00 L12 0.00 0
Acceptable Loss ...... 0.00
Default Length ....... 0.00
Default Cost ......... $ 0.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Step 2. Cursor movements within a data entry form are a little
different then that of the main menu. Hold down the "Return" key to
move forward and the left arrow to move backward through the data
fields. Using the up down arrow keys will change the material names
as indicated on the form. Try it, and then return to the material
name "Not Specified".
Step 3. Now you are ready to input some data. First cursor to a Bulk
Length field and enter "20". Enter "25" in the Bulk Quantity field
indicating that you have 25 pieces 20 units long ( A unit can be in
feet, inches, centimeters... ect., just be consistent). Then enter
"52.55" in the Bulk Cost field (Cost per 20 foot stock length). You
may enter more Bulk Material data if desired, if not then cursor to
the Required Pieces input section (the right most box on the screen)
by holding down the Return key or the left arrow key.
Step 4. Now enter some pieces (Required Lengths) that you want to cut
from the 20 unit Bulk Length. For example, enter (3.25 , 5), (4.5 ,
7), (9.75 , 3) , and (6.0 , 4) for the Required Lengths and
Quantities respectively. You data input screen should now look like
the one in this manual.
Step 5. Now just push "Page Up" ( or push "F3" and select "Perform
Layout" from the pop up menu) and the nesting solution will be output
to the screen for you. The screen will automatically change to the
report screen and the nesting layout will be displayed for you (see
display below). The Bulk Length, in this case 20.00, is shown at the
far left. To its immediate right listed in parenthesis is a number
and to its right is one of the Required Lengths you input earlier.
The number in parenthesis is the number of the Required lengths which
is to be cut from the 20 foot Bulk Length. The pattern of, (x)
xxxx.xx (x) xxxx.xx ... and so on, may be repeated several times
across an individual line. All of these pieces can be cut from the
one Bulk Length listed at the far left of the line.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulk Required
Length (Quan) Length
20.00 (2) 9.75 Waste = 0.50
20.00 (2) 4.50 (1) 9.75 Waste = 1.25
20.00 (3) 4.50 (1) 6.00 Waste = 0.50
20.00 (1) 3.25 (1) 4.50 (2) 6.00 Waste = 0.25
20.00 (4) 3.25 (1) 6.00 Waste = 1.00
20.00 (1) 4.50 Waste = 15.50
Total Material Waste = 19.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The last line indicates the sum of all the wasted material. As with
most cases, the majority of the "Total Material Waste" occurs on the
last Bulk Length used. In reality, the long "Wasted" length ( in this
case 15.5 feet) can be used for subsequent nesting jobs.
From this point you can experiment with various data and view the
layout solutions generated by the program. You will note that the
more Bulk Lengths and more Required Lengths you use the solution time
will probably become longer, so for now just use a few pieces for
your experimentation. Some combinations of data could result in
solutions times of over 1 hour, however, these extreme cases are very
rare in actual use.
Solution Times:
The default "Acceptable Loss" (AL) value is 0.00 as shown on the
screen display. If the AL value is left at 0.00, the solution will
use 6% of the length of the particular Bulk Length being used as the
AL value. The value of 6% has been empirically found to provide the
best average solution time and material utilization. In fact,
specifying a AL value of 0.01 for example, could actually result in
wasting more material and longer solutions times. The manual
describes the solution and AL in detail, so for now, just leave the
AL value at 0.00, or be sure to use some reasonable value and
experiment a bit. Registered uses have the option of using 8087
support to speed the solution by approximately a factor of four.
One common question on the solution is "Why can't the solution cut
two 5 foot pieces from on ten foot Bulk Length. Answer - It can, but
the saw kerf must be left at 0.00 or else the two "5 Foot" pieces
really wouldn't be truly 5 foot long.
IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER,
please take a few minutes to respond to these questions.
Lineal Optimizer Critique
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Poor Best
Overall Usefulness.................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ease of Use........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Aesthetics............................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Help Screens.......................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Form Layout and Design................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Format of the Nesting Report.......... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Format of the Inventory Report........ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Speed of the Nesting Solution......... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Usefulness of the Operation Modes..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Which Operation Mode do you use the most frequently? _________________
What percent of your jobs do you run in the Batch Mode? ______________
What is the most useful feature(s) of the Linear Optimizer? __________
----------------------------------------------------------------------
______________________________________________________________________
What is the least useful feature(s) of the Linear Optimizer? _________
----------------------------------------------------------------------
______________________________________________________________________
Based on you knowledge of software pricing, what do you feel is a
reasonable retail purchase price for the; "Hobbyist" $ _______.00 ,
the "Commercial User" $_______.00.
The following enhancements to this program are being considered.
Please number each feature in the order you would like to see them
incorporated into the Linear Optimizer.
___ Larger data base ( More materials, path support ect.)
___ Multiple data base capability
___ More types of "Part Layout Screens", if so specify in detail
___ Expanded help screens
___ Solution time estimating prior to performing the nesting layout
___ Automatic inventorying and subsequent use "Cut offs" or the "waste"
material
___ Faster solution algorithms
___ More types of inventory reports
___ Other - Please specify in detail
CAN WE BE OF MORE HELP?
If a "Custom" Part Layout Screen would be beneficial to your
business, please provides us with a detailed description and we will
quote you a price, usually $100 to $1000 dollars. An example would
be a custom layout screen, or a layout screen which uses
multiple materials in one layout screen.
PROBLEMS?
Have you discovered any "Bugs" or malfunctions in the operation of
the Lineal Optimizer? If so please detail the circumstances of the
problem as specifically as possible including all data
and conditions. Better yet, describe your problem and send us the
data disk. It's impossible to test all of the circumstances possible
so your input is particularly valuable.
IN THE WORKS!
Linear Optimizer 2.1 is under development. Features will include
better data base management and enhanced use of information on the
screens. Let us know whats at the top of your wish list. We would
like to hear from you, registered or not. Perferrably registered of
course.
THANKS!
Thanks for your support! Enjoy and benefit from using this
program. Send all correspondence to Donald P. Michelotti, 707
Sunlight Drive, Rochester Hills, Mi. 48309.
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1062
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
BATCFILE PCS 2192 1-01-80 12:20a
BATCFILE PIC 864 7-14-87 4:32a
BATCH DAT 6060 6-06-88 12:08a
BFRAME PCS 2416 1-01-80 12:20a
BFRAME PIC 2720 1-01-80 12:10a
BPOINTER DAT 2 1-01-80 12:46a
BULK DAT 12956 7-20-89 10:14a
BULKPARM PCS 8240 1-01-80 12:24a
BULKPARM PIC 1296 1-01-80 3:08a
DATAFILE PIC 752 6-05-87 4:01a
FILE1062 TXT 1267 9-13-89 10:13a
GENERAL PIC 3536 1-01-80 12:25a
GLOSSARY PIC 8992 1-01-80 12:31a
GO BAT 38 10-19-87 3:56p
GO TXT 540 5-23-88 4:20p
INSTALL COM 32362 1-01-80 4:07a
INVENTOR PCS 1008 1-01-80 12:13a
INVENTOR PIC 3536 1-01-80 3:37a
INVFILE PCS 1984 1-01-80 12:19a
INVFILE PIC 864 1-01-80 12:39a
INVREPOR PCS 4944 1-01-80 12:22a
JOB DAT 1020 6-06-88 12:08a
JOBNAME PIC 256 1-01-80 3:05a
LINEAL PCS 17680 1-01-80 12:23a
LINEAL PIC 3168 1-01-80 1:01a
LO BAT 4 1-01-88 1:01a
MAIN 000 10240 1-01-80 12:09a
MAIN 001 3584 1-01-80 12:09a
MAIN 002 11264 1-01-80 12:10a
MAIN 003 3840 1-01-80 12:09a
MAIN 004 16640 1-01-80 12:12a
MAIN 005 2048 1-01-80 12:12a
MAIN COM 46322 1-01-80 12:13a
MAIN PCS 23360 1-01-80 4:26a
MAINHELP PCS 22528 1-01-80 12:30a
MANUAL BAT 147 5-23-88 4:20p
MATERIAL DAT 1296 7-20-89 10:11a
MFRAME PCS 2528 1-01-80 12:19a
MFRAME PIC 2192 1-01-80 12:08a
MMENUSUM PIC 3872 1-01-80 12:32a
OPERATIO PCS 8208 1-01-80 12:14a
OPERATIO PIC 2176 1-01-80 12:08a
PARAMETE PIC 704 1-01-80 4:19a
README DOC 25723 7-20-89 9:32a
REPORT DAT 14 6-06-88 12:07a
REPORT PCS 4944 1-01-80 12:06a
REPORT PIC 1904 1-01-80 3:25a
REPORTFO PCS 4784 1-01-80 12:19a
REPORTFO PIC 1312 1-01-80 12:01a
REPORTSC PIC 3872 8-19-87 7:38a
SELECTBA PCS 2432 1-01-80 12:23a
SELECTBA PIC 3536 1-01-80 12:57a
SUPPORT PIC 3440 1-01-80 4:40a
53 file(s) 331607 bytes
4096 bytes free