LMS Test - Lab General Acquisition Desktop

LMS Test.
Lab General Acquisition Desktop
User manual
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Copyright Siemens Industry Software NV

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 The General Acquisition Desktop workbook .............................................. 5

Section 1.1 Anatomy of the application .................................................................. 5
Section 1.1.1 Anatomy of the application .................................................................. 5
Section 1.1.2 Home page ......................................................................................... 12
Section 1.1.3 Panes .................................................................................................. 16
Section 1.2 Available Add-ins .............................................................................. 26
Section 1.2.1 Video Replay ..................................................................................... 26
Section 1.2.2 Advanced Audio Replay .................................................................... 28
Section 1.2.3 Process Designer add-in ..................................................................... 43
Section 1.2.4 Load Data Analysis add-in................................................................. 79
Section 1.2.5 Anomaly library add-in .................................................................... 100
Chapter 2 The LMS Configuration and Unit System ................................................ 101

Section 2.1 Concept of the LMS Configurations System ................................... 101
Section 2.1.1 Write strategy................................................................................... 103
Section 2.1.2 Read strategy ................................................................................... 103
Section 2.2 Concept of the LMS Unit System .................................................... 104
Section 2.2.1 Unit .................................................................................................. 104
Section 2.2.2 Label Unit ........................................................................................ 105
Section 2.2.3 Base Quantity................................................................................... 105
Section 2.2.4 Quantity ........................................................................................... 105
Section 2.2.5 Quantity Case ................................................................................... 105
Section 2.2.6 Unit Case ......................................................................................... 106
Section 2.2.7 Unit system ...................................................................................... 106
Section 2.3 Editing LMS Units ........................................................................... 106
Section 2.3.1 Versioning of LMS Unit System ..................................................... 106
Section 2.3.2 Main panel logic .............................................................................. 107
Section 2.3.3 Menu bar .......................................................................................... 108
Section 2.3.4 Unit Cases panel .............................................................................. 112
Section 2.3.5 Unit Rules panel............................................................................... 118
Chapter 3 Data and its management ......................................................................... 121

Section 3.1 Project data ...................................................................................... 121
Section 3.1.1 Projects ............................................................................................ 121
Section 3.1.2 Sections ............................................................................................ 123
Section 3.1.3 Runs ................................................................................................. 123
Section 3.1.4 Measurement annotation .................................................................. 123
Section 3.1.5 Other folders .................................................................................... 124
Section 3.1.6 Documentation ................................................................................. 124
Section 3.2 Data management ............................................................................ 125
Section 3.3 Reading external file formats ........................................................... 125
Section 3.4 Importing TRP data ......................................................................... 126
Section 3.5 Exporting data .................................................................................. 126
Section 3.5.1 General export options ..................................................................... 127
Section 3.5.2 Format specific export options ......................................................... 127
Chapter 4 Documentation and Presentation ............................................................ 131

Section 4.1 Using cursors in displays ................................................................. 131
Section 4.1.1 [Procedure] To use cursors in the display ........................................ 131
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Section 4.2 Function display windows ............................................................... 134
Section 4.2.2 The Axis menus ............................................................................... 146
Section 4.2.3 The Display menus .......................................................................... 165
Section 4.2.4 The Data menus ............................................................................... 175
Section 4.2.5 The Cursor menus ............................................................................ 177
Section 4.2.6 The Curve Legend menus ................................................................ 180
Section 4.2.7 The Single (cursor) menus ............................................................... 183
Section 4.2.8 The Double (cursor) menus ............................................................. 187
Section 4.2.9 The Harmonic (cursor) menus ......................................................... 190
Section 4.2.10 The Automatic (cursor) menus ........................................................ 193
Section 4.2.11 The Processing (cursor) menus ........................................................ 194
Section 4.2.12 The Coupled (cursor) menus ............................................................ 197
Section 4.3 Mouse and keyboard tips in function displays ................................. 198
Section 4.4 Geometry display windows.............................................................. 200
Section 4.4.1 [Procedure] To use the displays ....................................................... 200
Section 4.4.2 The Geometry display functions ...................................................... 206
Section 4.5 Mouse and keyboard tips in geometry displays ............................... 230
Section 4.6 Display pane .................................................................................... 230
Section 4.6.1 General picture options .................................................................... 230
Section 4.6.2 Preview Picture ................................................................................ 232
Section 4.6.3 User Picture ..................................................................................... 233
Section 4.7 Reporting ......................................................................................... 233
Section 4.7.1 Reporting options ............................................................................. 234
4 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Chapter 1 The General Acquisition Desktop workbook
In This Chapter
Anatomy of the application ................................................5
Available Add-ins...............................................................26
Section 1.1 Anatomy of the application
Section 1.1.1 Anatomy of the application
This chapter describes the different key concepts that were used to build the
applications. The structure or anatomy of the application consists out of the
following elements:
Step 1
Windows caption: upper border of the application
Step 2
Header area: area for commonly used operations
Step 3
Workflow area: control flow of the application
Step 4
Worksheet area: functionality bundled in a workflow component
Step 5
State control area: control to guide a user through a process
Step 6
Message area: feedback area for a user
The different elements are illustrated in the next picture and described in more
detail in the next sections.
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Application anatomy with different elements
Section 1.1.1.1 Windows caption

The windows caption, which is standard Windows functionality, is the upper
border of the application. It contains the company logo, the application name,
the active project name and the active section name.
Section 1.1.1.2 Header area

The header area contains workbook and worksheet independent functionality.
The area consists of two parts:
 Project management fly out
 General functionality accessible through icons

Header area
Hovering over the project management zone makes the project management fly
out appear. The fly out contains the name of the active project, the sections
contained in the active project with the active section highlighted, user interface
to create a new section within the active project and a list of recently used
sections.
Project management fly out
General operations that are application independent are accessible through

icons.
General operations
Listed from left to right the functionality behind these icons are:
Step 1
Home page: access to general project management and general options
Step 2
Save: Save active project
Step 3
Save as: Save project with a user definable project name
Step 4
Report: generate report
Step 5
Help: opens application manual of active worksheet
The several topics are described in more detail further in the manual.
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Section 1.1.1.3 Workflow area

A Test.Lab application is a combination of different software modules
representing a process. A process typically includes different procedures that
need to be performed in a particular order. On its turn an individual procedure
can be built up of several steps. The order to perform the different procedures
and steps is visualized by the workflow area. A procedure is represented by a
major worksheet containing at least one minor worksheet. The combination of
different major worksheets is bundled in a workbook. The workflow in Test.Lab
is visually represented by a combination of arrows.
Workflow: combination of major and minor worksheets
The workbook displayed in the picture above contains three major worksheets:
Channel Setup, Measure and Navigator. The Measure worksheet includes three
minor worksheets: Measure, Zero Check and Shunt Check.
Navigating through the different sheets can be done by clicking on the desired
arrow. The little dots drawn under a major worksheet name represents the
number of minors contained in that major worksheet. Hovering over the major
worksheet will invoke a fly out including the minor worksheets. This user
interface control can also be used to switch worksheets.

Section 1.1.1.4 Worksheet area

A worksheet area contains worksheet dependent functionality. It is a collection
of panes that can be used to perform the specific steps included in a worksheet.
Worksheet area: collection of panes
All panes of a worksheet are bound to the same pane management rules. These
rules are:
 A pane can be minimized and restored or maximized and restored.
Double clicking on the pane header maximizes and restores a pane.
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 A minimized pane will appear at the right side of the application as a

vertically drawn tab.
 A pane can be docked or undocked. Default all panes are docked meaning
they are part of the visible worksheet layout. Undocking a pane lifts the
pane out of the worksheet layout. Typically this is used to put a pane on a
different screen or to maximize a pane. A user is guided when docking a
undocked pane by the docking manager. The docking manager will display
all relevant docking zones, either absolute or relative.
Docking manager
Section 1.1.1.5 Worksheet layout area

Pane layouts can be managed per worksheet. The worksheet layout area
includes more functionality such as: to delete, to rename or to create new
worksheet layouts. A worksheet layout also includes pane resizing, pane

undocking, pane repositioning and pane minimizing. New layouts appear as tabs
in the worksheet layout area. The default factory worksheet layout can always
be restored, e.g. for the measure worksheet this is the Scope layout. Created
layouts are available on application level, e.g. layouts made in the Acquisition
Setup application are available in the Time Data Acquisition application.
Layout changing can be disabled by checking the option ‘Fixed pane layout’ in
the drop down menu. When this option is active, all pane header options are
disabled.
Worksheet layout area
Section 1.1.1.6 State control area

The state control is available in a worksheet that requires state control. The
possible actions relevant for a certain state are available as buttons. Non relative
actions are not available in the control. The most likely action is displayed as
the biggest button on the left with the blue color. The action buttons also
support keyboard actions when the state control area has the focus. Another part
of the state control area is the state feedback zone. Here information is
displayed of the current active state, the state transition or validity of the state
machine behind the state control. The right side can contain metrics specific for
a certain state. A handle on the at most right side can be used to make the state
control area bigger or smaller.
State control area example
Section 1.1.1.7 Message area

The message area is used as feedback zone for a user. This includes a history of
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messages displayed to the user, progress indication and a notification area

displaying general application status.
Section 1.1.2 Home page
The Home page is a general application independent page that is used for
general functionality like opening/creating a project, reporting settings and
application wide settings. The page can be accessed through the Header area by
clicking the home shaped icon.
Home page icon in the Header area
The offered functionality is grouped into tabs:
Home page tabs
The different functionality contained in the tabs are discussed in the following
sections.
Section 1.1.2.1 Open project

The Open project tab is used to open an existing project. A user can choose
between three views to list projects:

 All: complete list

 Favorites: projects marked as favorite
 Recent: recently opened projects
Next to these views a user has the possibility to browse to a project and open it
using the Browse… button.
The application supports a single document interface. This means that

maximally only one project can be open at any time. Opening a second project
will close the already opened project. Before closing a project the user will have
the possibility to save the project.
In all views a user can promote or demote a project as a favorite project by

using the star control. Gray/yellow colored icon means no favorite/favorite
project.
Section 1.1.2.2 New project

When the application is launched using a shortcut then only the Home page will
be available. No project will be opened automatically. This means that a user
has either to open a project using the functionality described in the open project
topic or has to create a new project. Creating a new project is done in the new
project tab by selecting a template file. Like projects, template are organized
according three views:
 All: complete list
 Favorites: projects marked as favorite
 Recent: recently opened projects
Next to these views a user has the possibility to browse to a template file and
open it using the Browse… button.
In all views a user can promote or demote a template as a favorite template by

using the star control. Gray/yellow colored icon means no favorite/favorite
template.
Section 1.1.2.3 Report

A description of the reporting options can be found in the reporting chapter.
Section 1.1.2.4 Add-ins

This tab contains an application specific list of all available add-ins. If licenses
are available, an add-in can be loaded. Changes to the add-ins are always saved
per application. Detailed information on the functionality of an add-in is given
in the application specific chapter.
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Section 1.1.2.5 Options

This tab contains the general settings that are valid over the complete
application. The settings are grouped into 5 categories:
Section 1.1.2.5.1 Displays

Two 2D display options can be set by using this option: frequency mode and
correction mode.
2D Frequency mode
It is possible to switch between Sample Frequency, Bandwidth and Span. The

bandwidth defines the maximum frequency that can be measured during an
acquisition. The span, which is set at 80% of the bandwidth, is the frequency
band that is unaffected by the cutoff filters. The sample frequency is twice the
bandwidth.
2D correction mode
The 2D Correction type is applied when showing data in displays.
Note: This option is not used for measurement.
Functions measured in Test.Lab, automatically get the 'correct' window

correction factor. This is annotated in the data properties and it is independent
of what is specified in the Options dialog.
Once a function is measured, you can view it in the display with the correction
factor specified by the 2D correction type (default is automatic). This changes
the way the data is displayed but does not change the data and its annotation.
The default method of correcting the effect of adding a window function, when
showing data in displays, can be selected.
Automatic refers to the fact that the software selects the best method. If the
spectrum format is PSD for example, the spectrum data will be energy
corrected. If not, it will be amplitude corrected.
Note: The default setting for the correction method is automatic.
Fixed Amplitude means that the data will always be amplitude corrected. Fixed
Energy means that the data will always be energy corrected. Not Corrected
means that no correction method or factor will be applied to the data. Original
means that any new data (based on previous acquisitions) will be corrected
using the same correction method that was applied to the original data.

Section 1.1.2.5.2 Project data

This option includes the project's specifications, the template folder and
throughput saving options.
Project Folder
A project folder is a file with the extension lms that contains all the data that
belong to the project. The location defined alongside represents the directory
where projects will be saved by default. Click the project entry, then enter a new
location in the input field or browse for one in order to change the location.
Project Template
A Project Template file is a file with the extension tpl that contains a starting
setup that will be used whenever a new project is created. The location defined
alongside represents the directory where this template will be searched for by
default. When a new project is created, then you can select which template to
use. Click the Project Template entry, then enter a new location in the input
field or browse for one in order to change the directory.
LDSF Saving Mode
Secured saving during acquisition: when this option is checked on, every 5s
during the acquisition, the throughput data will be saved to disk. If the
application would crash during the measurement, the LDSF file should be
intact, containing all the data except for max last 5s. Elaborated overview for
quick viewing: when this option is checked on, extra statistics about the LDSF
file will be saved that then will be used for quick overview of the complete
trace.
Section 1.1.2.5.3 Licensing

1.1.2.5.3.1 Get licenses from
This option refers to the specification of license server(s) and/or license file(s).
1.1.2.5.3.2 Timer options
This allows you to set a license curfew that returns all licenses at the specified
moment. At the curfew time, a warning is issued which allows the user to keep
the licenses. If five minutes expire without any reaction on the warning, all
applications are shut down and the licenses are returned. Optionally all projects
can be saved automatically. An administrator can force the curfew by using the
group folder mechanism to set the timer options.
The curfew time can be entered by placing the mouse pointer before a number
to-be-changed (mouse pointer becomes a vertical bar) and entering the number.
When placing the mouse pointer at the beginning of the curfew time, one can
enter a valid time by pressing 4 numbers consecutively (the ‘:’ will be skipped
automatically).
Note: The Timer option has no effect when measuring or processing.

Licensing and Timer changes will become valid after the application is
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restarted.
Section 1.1.2.5.4 Unit system

The Unit system indicates which unit system is active and used in the
application.
Section 1.1.2.5.5 Favorites

The favorite properties can be customized according to your needs.
Section 1.1.2.6 About

This tab includes information that can be used by our support organization and
copyright information.
Section 1.1.3 Panes
As stated before a worksheet consists of different panes. There are different

types of panes with their own specific functionality. Some panes are different
because they are named differently, but internally they use the same user
interface controls. For instance the Channels pane and Data Selection pane look
differently but internally the same user interface controls are used. The data that
is visualized is of course different but the user interface paradigm is actually the
same. So not all panes will have to be explained, only the different user
interface paradigms used inside the panes need some words. This might sound
very cryptic but in application specific chapters an overview will be given for
every worksheet. Every worksheet will be divided into panes and panes on their
turn into user interface controls. In the next sections all common user interface
controls will be described into detail.
Section 1.1.3.1 Data Source Control

The Data Source Control is a control used for navigating and displaying data.
The control consists of three parts:
 Breadcrumb: Is a navigation control. Conceptually it is the same control
that is used in the Windows Explorer.
 Tree view: Represents a hierarchical view on data. Typically it is used to
navigate through data. Also this control is inspired on the Window Explorer
tree view.
 List view or Pivot view: The third part has two faces: a list view or pivot
view. The list view is available in all data source controls while the pivot
table is only available in some of them.
Breadcrumb
This navigation control is an alternative for tree view navigation. It displays the

current path by showing all elements, aka breadcrumbs, of the path. The arrows
in between the elements can be used to navigate to another path. A user can also
edit the path manually. An example of a breadcrumb usage can be found in the
next picture.
Breadcrumb control of Data Selection pane in the Navigator sheet
In short the control provides the following functionality:

Step 1
Back and forward navigation
Step 2
Run-time history list
Step 3
Location navigation (breadcrumbs)
Tree view
This control is actually a standard Tree view control that is used to navigate
through a hierarchical structure. The Tree view control can be displayed or not
using a toggle button.
Breadcrumb control of Data Selection pane in the Navigator sheet
The Tree view highlights the selected item in the tree. This item will be used to
feed the List or Pivot view, which will be explained in the next topic. The
displayed item is consistent with the Breadcrumb control meaning both point to
the same item. Changing the path in a Breadcrumb will result in an update in the
Tree control and vice versa.
The content of the selected item in the Tree view and Breadcrumb can change
and currently there is no automatic update mechanism in the Data Source
control. Therefor a button is foreseen to update the Data Source control by using
a specific button (see box labeled with 5).
List view
The List view is displaying the contents of the item selected in the Tree control
and the Breadcrumb. All items directly contained in the selected item will be
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displayed as a list of items. Dependent of the type of element a specific icon

will be displayed in the List view. In the following picture the link between the
three controls is visually illustrated.
Data Source control of Data Selection pane in the Navigator sheet
The list of items can be configured by defining the desired columns. In all List
views the Name column will be available and it represents the name of an item.
Next to this a user is able to add or remove columns by using the Show
columns… and Remove this column entries in the list view header
Invoking the Show columns… will bring up this dialog box.
In this dialog box a user can:

 Change the number of fixed columns

 Limit the list of available columns by selecting a specific category
 Searching a specific property
 Add and remove columns
 Change the column order
The List view also contains functionality to increase the usability:
 Sorting a specific column: double click on a column header
 Grouping by a column: right click on a column header and select Group by
this column. Grouping can also be removed in the same context menu.
 Change order of column: by dragging an dropping the column header
 Copy/paste support
 Fill down support
The configuration of a List view can also be saved in a view. The view
functionality can be found in the toolbar of the Data Source Control.
Default List views in the Channel List
A view of a List view contains five elements:

 The displayed columns
 The order of the columns
 The width of the columns
 The sorting criterion
 The grouping criterion
So saving a view will save all of these settings with a unique name for the
instance of the Data Source Control. The management of views can be done
through the views entry in the toolbar. A view can be promoted to the toolbar to
increase the accessibility of a view. The maximum number of favorite views is
six.
In the channel list worksheet, views can also be linked to ‘node types’ or leaves
in the tree view, e..g. the CAN configuration node can be linked with the ‘CAN
dbc’ view. Besides the default views, customized views can be linked. The
linking of views to certain node types is possible via the node context menu or
via a button in the action bar, i.e. Link or Unlink. When a node type is selected,
the linked view will automatically be applied.
Pivot view
The pivot view is not available in all Data Source Controls. This view differs
from the classic List view in different ways:
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 The selected item in the Tree view and Breadcrumb is also used as starting
point but unlike the List view the Pivot view will make a deep view. A deep
view will gather all items starting from the selected item also including all
sub items until the deepest level. All items found will be used as input to the
Pivot view.
 The available items can be viewed in a specific manner using row and
column attributes combined with extra filters.
Pivot view in the Measure sheet: all data items found under Active run are used
The row attribute(s) can be selected from the available properties of the data
items. The values for these attributes will appear as rows in the Pivot view.
Row attributes: y axis unit and name are selected

The column attribute can be defined the same way as the row attribute with the
limitation that only one property can be chosen for the column attribute. The
different values of this property will be displayed as columns in the Pivot view.
Column attribute: function class is selected
Next to the row and column definition a user can also add filters to limit the
available data in the Pivot view. Default the row and column attributes are
added as available filtering criteria. But other filters can be added. This is done
in the filter entry.
Filters: name, y axis unit and function class are defined
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The filter will limit the displayed data in the Pivot view. Filtering on row and
column attribute can also be done using a specific handle.
The pivot cells indicate how many items are found corresponding the row
attributes, column attribute and the filters. In the current Pivot view only the
count is available.
Multiple cells can be dragged and dropped in a user picture, i.e. all
corresponding items will be dropped.
The columns header can be displayed vertically or horizontally.
The views concept is also available in the Pivot view. The selection of row
attributes, column attribute, filters and column header orientation can be saved
in a view. The view functionality can be found in the toolbar of the Data Source
Control.
Favorite views in the Data Selection pane of the Measure sheet
The management of views can be done through the views entry in the toolbar. A
view can be promoted to the toolbar to increase the accessibility of a view. The
maximum number of favorite views, sum of pivot and list views, is six.

Section 1.1.3.2 Property Control

A Property control consists of maximum two tabs: a dynamic and a static tab.
Every worksheet has one and only one pane containing a Property control. The
dynamic tab is linked to the items selected in a Data Source Control of another
pane in the same sheet. The static tab, which is not always available, typically
contains the control parameters that are specific for a worksheet.
Property control in Measure sheet: left side static tab and right side dynamic
tab
The static tab is actually nothing more than a list of parameters important for
controlling the worksheet process. Actually the parameter name and value are
displayed.
The dynamic tab is linked to the selected items in either a List view or Pivot
view.
Dynamic tab in Measure sheet: the properties of the selected items (3 traces)are
displayed
The dynamic or property tab visualizes the property name and value(s) of the
selected items. If the values of a certain property of the selected items are
identical, then this value is displayed. If there is a difference then the Multiple
values string is displayed. Editing a value will update the specific property for
all selected items.
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The way the data properties or control parameters are visualized can be
determined using the controls in at the top.
Step 1
Choice between categorized and alphabetical order. The name-value pairs of
properties and parameters are always grouped into categories. The categorized
order will display the name-value pairs according the defined categories. An
alternative order is the alphabetical order where the properties are displayed in
alphabetical order without categories.
Step 2
Choice between viewing all properties and the favorite properties. Properties
can be be promoted as a favorite using the functionality described in point 3 or
in the Home page – Options - Favorites.
Step 3
Customize properties for being a favorite or not and specify the number of
digits, if the property value is a decimal number.
Step 4
Search a property name in the listed properties.
Section 1.1.3.3 Display Control

The Display control is a control that is uniquely available in Displays panes.
This control contains two ways to use layouts. A first way is the classic user
definable layouts. A second manner is called preview layout. Both differ in the
number of interactions that are needed to operate the control.
In short a user definable layout has to be create by a user using the + icon.

Clicking the + icon will bring up a list of layouts where a user can choose from.
When the layout is loaded, a user has to manually drag and drop the data from a
Data Source Control into a display of a layout. More details on the typical
layout functionality and the different types of displays can be found in the
Documentation and Presentation chapter.
The second type of layout is the Preview layout. This layout is always presented
in the first tab of the layouts and is actually the default. The difference with the
user defined layouts is the automatic behavior of displaying data. As mentioned
in the Property control section, there is a link between the items selected in a
Data Source control and a Property control. As a matter of fact the selection
items are used as input for the Property control. When a Display control is
contained in a worksheet then these items are also used as input of the preview
layout. Depending on the type of selected data elements a user will
automatically have a layout including corresponding displays.
The next picture show the selected items, being the selected cells in the pivot
table and the resulting preview layout. The selection holds three kinds of data:
statistics, time and time at level data. For each type a dedicated display is
instantiated and the data is added to the appropriate display.
Preview layout: link between Pivot view and Display control
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Section 1.2 Available Add-ins
The list of available add-ins differs per application. The available add-ins for
this application are listed below.
Section 1.2.1 Video Replay
With the Video Replay (licensed) add-in, it is possible to replay throughput data
while synchronizing recorded video data. Single time events can be investigated
and replayed with recorded video footage. When the Video Replay add-in is
loaded together with the Advanced Audio Replay, the latter way of working
gets priority while still synchronizing the video data during replay.
Section 1.2.1.1 Video Replay Add-in

Video Replay is supported in the Navigator worksheet. When loading the Video
Replay add-in, a replay state control area provides replay controls and a static
Video Replay Properties tab in the property pane that contains all video replay
properties.
Section 1.2.1.1.1 Replay Properties

Changing replay properties is possible during replay.
1.2.1.1.1.1 Auto repeat
When this option is off (default), replay will stop when the end of the replay
segment is reached. When this option is on, replay can only be stopped via the
STOP button.
1.2.1.1.1.2 Time mode
The Time mode sets the time on which the replay will be synchronized. By
default, the replay coupled cursor will be placed on Absolute time. If Absolute
time is not available (legacy data or data formats which don’t support absolute
time), Throughput time can be used.
Note: If replay does not work, it is advised to switch the Time mode to
Throughput time.
Section 1.2.1.1.2 Replay State Control
In this video replay state control area, control buttons, feedback messages and
metrics are available to control the video replay.

1.2.1.1.2.1 Replay Controls

Replay control buttons offer the functionality needed in a certain replay state.
Replay states can be:
1.2.1.1.2.1.1 Ready (or Idle or Stopped)
In this' Ready for replay' state, starting the replay is possible via the main
control button, e.g. Play. The main control button is always connected to the
keyboard <Space>.
1.2.1.1.2.1.2 Playing
In this Playing state, the main control button pauses the replay. A stop button
<Esc> turns the replay state back to Idle.
1.2.1.1.2.1.3 Paused
In this Paused state, the main control button continues to replay. Stopping
<Esc> is also available.
In both, the Playing as the Paused state, a video replay speed control is
available. The possible replay speed values are two slower speeds, i.e. x½ and
x¼, and four faster speeds, i.e. x2, x4, x16 and x64. Stopping replay resets the
replay speed.
1.2.1.1.2.2 Replay Metrics
In the Metrics area, the Actual and Total replay time segments are indicated.
These metrics automatically adapt to replay segment changes.
Section 1.2.1.2 Video Replay: way or working
Section 1.2.1.2.1 Where is the video replay supported?

The Video replay is supported in both the preview picture as in the user
pictures. Switching pictures by using the picture context menu, means that all
display related changes bare available during replay. The replay cursor can be
reported when copying the replayed picture as a static image.
Section 1.2.1.2.2 Which axis will be replayed?

In each picture, the first row-based axis which has Absolute time (or
Throughput time according to the Time mode setting) will be replayed.
Changing the axis limits will restart the replay from the start of the new axis
limits, e.g. when zooming on a replayed axis the replay cursor will jump to the
beginning of the zoomed segment.
Note: The visible display axis should be time, e.g. an rpm axis of an order will
not be replayed.
Section 1.2.1.3 [How to] Start Video Replaying

Step 1
Load the "LMS Test.Lab Video Replay" add-in and go to the Navigator
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worksheet.
Step 2
Drop data in a user picture or select data to be previewed in the preview picture
automatically, e.g. in the data selection grid a pivot view can be created to
replay run by run with the keyboard arrows.
Remember that the first time axis determines the replayed segment.
Note: The picture setting ‘Coupled limits’ can be used to couple the limits of all
visible compatible axes within a picture.
Step 3
To investigate events in the time signals with recorded images, the area of
interest can be zoomed while the video display is coupled. Slower replay speed
or zooming in the video display can be used to investigate in more detail.
Note: The replay cursor cannot be moved manually.
Step 4
When an interesting event is detected, the according video image can be
reported by copying the picture as a static image to the report application of
choice.
Note: When copying as active picture, the first video image of the replay
segment is copied. It is always possible to place a coupled cursor manually on
the desired time instance, stop the replay and make a report.
Section 1.2.2 Advanced Audio Replay
Section 1.2.2.1 Advanced Audio Replay overview

The Advanced Audio Replay (add-in) allows replaying time (throughput) data
and tracked processed data in the Navigator worksheet.
The audio playlists are automatically built from the displayed data once the
replay starts. Controls are easily accessible (Play/Pause, Stop and Gain) while
some advanced parameters can be edited via the Audio Replay Properties.
It is possible to replay synchronously throughput data with recorded video data

by loading the Video Replay add-in.
Note: When loading both the Advanced Audio Replay and Video Replay
add-ins, the Audio Replay properties take over the Video Replay properties.

Section 1.2.2.1.1 Building a playlist in displays

With several displays containing traces corresponding to several time data, only
the active one being replayed is highlighted. The traces not related to the active
one are grayed out.
A thick blue replay cursor appears synchronously in all displays when their
X-axes (e.g. Time) intersect.
Both aspects are illustrated in the screenshot below:
Figure: Coupled replay cursors and active display highlighting during audio
replay.
Section 1.2.2.1.2 Selecting the time segment to replay

For each display at hand, zooming on the X-axis (i.e. Time) is equivalent to
selecting a time segment for the data displayed.
For each display, the X-axis limits define the replay time segment.
Each zooming/de-zooming resets the playlist and replay.
Note: It is possible to perform audio replay from processed data blocks. For
waterfalls/colormaps, the default replay axis is their Z-axis, instead of the
X-axis.
Section 1.2.2.2 Data suitability for audio replay

There are some restrictions in allowing audio replay from any time data.
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Section 1.2.2.2.1 Restriction on sample rate

Only time data with a sample rate greater or equal to 1000Hz is candidate to
audio replay.
Section 1.2.2.2.2 Restriction on quantities

Only time data with the quantities from the Table below can be sent as suitable
tracks for audio replay.
Table: Allowed quantities for audio replay
Quantity case Default unit

Acceleration g (m/s^2)
Force N
MilliVoltage mV
ParticleVelocity m/s
Pressure Pa
Velocity m/s
Voltage V
VolumeAcceleration m^3/s^2
VolumeDisplacement m^3
VolumeVelocity m^3/s
Section 1.2.2.3 Advanced Audio Replay Add-in

The add-in Advanced Audio Replay only applies to the Navigator worksheet.
When loading the Advanced Audio Replay add-in, two main features appear:
Step 1
A replay state control area is appended at the bottom of the application,
providing replay controls (Play/Pause, Stop and Gain controls);
Step 2
A new property panel’s tab, called ‘Audio Replay Properties’ and containing all
audio replay properties and editable parameters
Section 1.2.2.3.1 Replay State Control

Figure: The replay control bar
The replay state control area contains control buttons, feedback messages and
metrics to monitor the replay.
1.2.2.3.1.1 Replay States
The replay states reflect the current use of the replay and the possible actions
related to them. There are only three states for audio replay.
Replay States
Message Description
Starting the replay is possible via the
main control button [Play].
The main control button is always
connected to the keyboard <Space>.
This state appears after pressing the

[Play] button.
The main control button becomes a
[Pause] button.
A [Stop] button <Esc> is added to the
control bar, which turns the replay state
back to 'Ready' when pressed.
The replay resets each time the display's
content changes.
The replay automatically stops when
navigating; the throughput (playlist)
selection is lost and displays emptied.
This state appears after pressing the
[Pause] button in ‘Playing’ state.
The main control button is back to
[Play], to resume replay on request.
Stopping <Esc> remains available to
return to the ‘Ready’ state.
The blue replay cursor(s) remains when
switching channels from the same
throughput file (e.g. Preview)
The replay automatically stops when
navigating; this removes the cursors.
1.2.2.3.1.2 Replay controls

The replay control buttons switch between replay states, and the volume slider
control sets dynamically the gain of the output audio data.
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Replay controls with Advanced Audio Replay add-in

Control Description
[Play] button
The [Play] button switches
from ‘Ready’/‘Paused’ states
to ‘Playing’ state.
A thick blue cursor starts
running in the active display
and synchronously in every
display derived from the same
time data.
Short key: <Space>
The ‘Actual’ metric gives the
instantaneous replay cursor
value.
[Pause] button
The [Pause] button switches
from ‘Playing’ state to
‘Paused’ state.
The thick blue replay cursor
stops and remains after
pressing the [Pause] button.
The ‘Actual’ metric gives the
Short key: <Space> same X-axis value as the
replay blue cursor.
[Stop] button
The [Stop] button switches
from ‘Playing’/’Paused’ states
to ‘Ready’ state.
Short key: <Esc>

Volume slider
The volume slider sets a gain
applied to the output audio
signal.
The gain spans from -36dB to
+12dB, with a default position
at 0dB (no gain).
Ticks appear every 3dB,
which is the slider’s step with
When focusing on slider: the mouse.
Short keys: [<] and [>] Right and Left arrows allow
Short keys: [v] and [^] incrementing/decrementing
by 1dB step.
The ‘Gain’ metric reports the
gain value in dB from the
slider’s position.
1.2.2.3.1.3 Replay Metrics

In the Metrics (right-side) area, numerical feedbacks help monitoring the replay.
Replay metrics with Advanced Audio Replay add-in

Control Description
Actual cursor position
The ‘Actual’ metric refers to the
instantaneous replay cursor position.
The ‘Actual’ metric quantity is the one from
the X-axis of the active display.
Total signal duration
The ‘Total’ metric refers to the full
range/segment from the active display.
The ‘Total’ metric quantity is the one from
the X-axis of the active display.
Gain applied
The ‘Gain’ metric reports the gain value
from the volume slider in control bar.
This gain value (in decibels) is the one
applied to the output audio data.
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Section 1.2.2.4 Audio Replay Properties

The properties panel gets a new tab, ‘Audio Replay Properties’ gathering
different settings and parameters for audio replay and its calibration.
The Audio Replay Properties are divided into three main bundles:
Step 1
Audio chain settings, to set up the replay chain from the software to the ears
(device converting to analog audio, headphones…);
Step 2
Audio replay range, to set up the rendering of the audio output;
Step 3
Audio replay control, to manipulate the playlist on-the-fly.
Figure: The Audio Replay Properties panel
Section 1.2.2.4.1 Audio chain settings

There are two types of supported audio device to send out analog audio:

Audio device
Selection Description
PC Sound Card The analog audio signal is sent through the
audio output from the running PC sound card.
(Wave Audio)
The format is Wave audio and this mode does
not account for ASIO drivers.
Typically, a headphone will be plugged to the
jack socket of the PC sound card.
LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile The analog audio signal is sent to the analog
output channels of the following LMS
SCADAS frontends:
 LMS SCADAS XS
with LMS 3D headset (ABH04);
 LMS SCADAS Mobile
Through the embedded outputs
 LMS SCADAS Recorder
This option sets and fixes automatically:
 ‘Output mode’ to ‘Audio replay’
 ‘Calibrated output voltage’ to ‘0.088388
V’
Note: The option ‘LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile’ only works in acquisition

workbooks containing a ‘Navigator’ worksheet.
1.2.2.4.1.1 Audio device

There are two types of supported audio device to send out analog audio:
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Audio device
Selection Description
PC Sound Card The analog audio signal is sent through the
audio output from the running PC sound card.
(Wave Audio)
The format is Wave audio and this mode does
not account for ASIO drivers.
Typically, a headphone will be plugged to the
jack socket of the PC sound card.
LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile The analog audio signal is sent to the analog
output channels of the following LMS
SCADAS frontends:
 LMS SCADAS XS
with LMS 3D headset (ABH04);
 LMS SCADAS Mobile
 LMS SCADAS Recorder
This option sets and fixes automatically:
 ‘Output mode’ to ‘Audio replay’
 ‘Calibrated output voltage’ to ‘0.088388
V’
Note: The option ‘LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile’ only works in acquisition

workbooks containing a ‘Navigator’ worksheet.
1.2.2.4.1.2 Output mode

Output mode is a switch between audio calibration and audio replay.
By default, the ‘Output mode’ is ‘Audio replay’.

Output mode
Mode Description
Audio replay In ‘Playing’ state, this mode sends the audio
data from the active displayed data to the
selected ‘Audio device’.
Chain calibration In ‘Playing’ state, this mode sends a
calibration signal to the ‘Audio device’
(except for ‘LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile’)
The calibration signal is a sine wave at
250Hz, with a 5.0s fade-in to reach its
maximum output (1/8 of the theoretical peak
value).
1.2.2.4.1.3 Calibrated output voltage

When the ‘Audio device’ is set to ‘LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile’, the calibrated
output voltage is ‘0.088388 V’ (non-editable factory default).
When the ‘Audio device’ is set to ‘PC Sound Card (Wave audio)’, the calibrated
output voltage is either:
 non-editable in ‘output mode’ ‘Audio replay’ (default is 0.1 V);
 editable in ‘output mode’ ‘Chain calibration’.
When a calibrated output voltage value is entered under ‘chain calibration’, this
one is copied to the ‘Audio replay’ output mode.
Note: The calibrated output voltage must be a real positive number.
1.2.2.4.1.4 Headphone
The headphone entry is a text box in which any headphone reference name can
be entered.
The last name entered remains when opening new or existing projects.
The default headphone name is ‘LMS 3D Headset (ABH04)’.

1.2.2.4.1.5 Headphone sensitivity
The headphone sensitivity is a factory value that should be provided by the
manufacturer of the selected headphone.
The headphone sensitivity value is typically given in ‘dB/1V(rms)’.
The headphone sensitivity for the default headphone ‘LMS 3D Headset

(ABH04)’ is 95 dB/1V(rms).
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Note: The headphone sensitivity must be a real positive number.
Section 1.2.2.4.2 Audio replay range

The Audio replay range group aims to setup the optimal replay range for
reliability (i.e. audio calibrated replay), best dynamic as well as comfort
1.2.2.4.2.1 Replay mode
There are three modes proposed, which only impacts the ‘Acoustic full scale
range’.
Replay mode impact on the Acoustic full scale range

Mode Description
Calibrated The calibrated range ensures to replay at the
same level the sound field has been recorded
(audio calibrated replay).
The calibrated range derives from the
‘Calibreated output voltage’ and the
‘Headphone sensitivity’ inputs.
This range cannot be edited.
Auto The auto range optimally uses the full
dynamic range, with a 12dB overhead.
This allows adding a +12dB gain without
overload.
This range comes from calculation and
cannot be edited.
Manual The manual range is freely editable with real
positive number.
By default, the manual range copies the
previously calculated range (calibrated or
auto).
1.2.2.4.2.2 Acoustic full scale range

The Acoustic full scale range is expressed in dB(peak). It is either
 Calculated and displayed as information, when the ‘Replay mode’ is
‘Calibrated’ or ‘Auto’;
 Editable, when the ‘Replay mode’ is ‘Manual’.
Note: The range in ‘Manual’ replay mode must be real positive.
1.2.2.4.2.3 Non-acoustic target range

The non-acoustic target range is editable and remains the same for each ‘Replay
mode’.

This range gives the expected maximum peak level one expects from the audio
output, after converting the data quantity into audible acoustic pressure in
Pascal.
This means that the expected output audio level is the same as it would be from
an acoustic signal of 80dB(peak) in the playlist.
Section 1.2.2.4.3 Audio replay control

Changing these replay settings is allowed during replay.
1.2.2.4.3.1 Auto repeat and Auto advance
Each option Auto repeat and Auto advance has two states (ON/OFF).
These states can be combined yielding four playlist management rules.
Auto advance
4 Playlist modes
ON OFF
ON ‘Repeat all’ ‘Repeat track’

Auto repeat
OFF ‘Play all’ ‘Play track’
These four playlist modes are detailed in the following table.
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Playlist modes from Auto repeat and Auto advance settings

Mode Description
Play track (default) The replay stops automatically after the first
active (displayed) track is over.
Repeat track The replay loops forever over the first active
(displayed) track.
Only the [STOP] button can stop the replay.
Play all The replay stops after all the displayed tracks
– playlist – have been played once.
Repeat all The replay loops forever over the displayed

sequence of tracks.
Only the [STOP] button can stop the replay.
Note: Some tracks may be skipped during replay. Not every time data can be
replayed, depending on the sample rate and quantity.
1.2.2.4.3.2 Time mode

The Time mode sets the time format on which the replay will be synchronized.
By default, the replay coupled cursor will follow data’s ‘Absolute time’.
If ‘Absolute time’ is not available (legacy data or data formats which do not
support absolute time), ‘Throughput time’ can be used instead.
Note: If replay does not work, it is advised to switch the ‘Time mode’ to
‘Throughput time’.
Section 1.2.2.5 [How to] Replay time data and build playlist
Step 1
From ‘Home > Add-ins’, load the ‘LMS Test.Lab Advanced Audio Replay’
add-in and go to the Navigator worksheet;
Step 2
The replay state control bar the and the Audio Replay Properties are now
accessible;
Step 3

Navigate to a throughput file with one or several channels within (preferably

acoustic channels in pressure [Pa]);
Step 4
Select one or more channels: this should appear in a Preview (Time) display;
alternatively you can drop data in a user picture;
Step 5
Press the [Play] button, a blue cursor runs across the display;
Step 6
If there is no cursor, switch the ‘Time mode’ to ‘Throughput time’;
Step 7
Select ‘Output mode’ ‘Audio replay’ and ‘Replay mode’ ‘Auto’;
Step 8
Plug a headphone to the PC Sound Card audio output and listen;
Step 9
The replay time segment is driven by the active display with highlighted traces.
Note: The picture setting ‘Coupled limits’ can be used to couple the limits all
visible compatible axes within a picture.
Note: The blue replay cursor cannot be moved manually.
Note: Stereo channels are displayed as both traces, but these are replayed only
once and both traces are highlighted.
Section 1.2.2.6 [How to] Replay time data from processed data
Step 1
From ‘Home > Add-ins’, load the ‘LMS Test.Lab Advanced Audio Replay’
add-in and go to the Navigator worksheet;
Step 2
The replay state control bar the and the Audio Replay Properties are now
accessible;
Step 3
Navigate to a run folder containing processed data blocks from time data; make
sure that the original throughput data is available; processed data can be Overall
Levels, Frequency/Order/Octave sections…
Step 4
Display the processed data and press the [Play] button;
Step 5
The blue replay cursor runs and the original time data is audible;
Step 6
Every processed data linking to the same time data are shown as active. These
are replayed and highlighted together;
Step 7
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If derived X-axes exist (RPM, derived frequency, Time, Time (throughput)…),

it is possible to swap between these without altering the replay;
Step 8
It is also possible to replay from a waterfall/colormap, in which case the replay
occurs along the Z-axis (default).
Section 1.2.2.7 [How to] Perform an audio chain calibration

When the ‘Audio device’ is ‘LMS SCADAS XS/Mobile’, there is no need to
perform a chain calibration; only the headphone sensitivity is required.
When the ‘Audio device’ is ‘PC Sound Card (Wave audio)’, a chain calibration
is needed to ensure to replay audio data at the same level it had been recorded.
The steps for chain calibration are then:

Step 1
Plug a scope, a voltmeter to the PC Sound Card analog audio output;
Step 2
Select ‘Output mode’ = ‘Chain Calibration’;
Step 3
Press the [Play] button and record the RMS output voltage after a short while,
when the generated signal gets stable;
Step 4
Report the value to the ‘Calibrated output voltage’ text box;
Step 5
Select a headphone (default ‘LMS 3D Headset (ABH04)’) and enter its
corresponding sensitivity under ‘Headphone sensitivity’ in dB/1V(rms);
Step 6
The acoustic full-scale range must be automatically adapted accordingly
(default Replay mode is ‘Calibrated’)
Step 7
Switch the ‘Output mode’ to ‘Audio replay’
Step 8
The ‘Calibrated output voltage’ is fixed to the new value; the ‘Acoustic full
scale range’ is also the same fixed value when the ‘Replay mode’ is
‘Calibrated’;
Step 9
The PC Sound Card and the selected headphone are now calibrated for replay.
Section 1.2.2.8 Audio Replay: F.A.Q.
Section 1.2.2.8.1 Can I replay everywhere?

The audio replay only occurs in the Navigator worksheet; as long as this is
available together with the Advanced Audio Replay add-in.

Section 1.2.2.8.2 Which data can be replayed?

The only data that can be replayed have a sample rate greater or equal to
1000Hz, and a quantity listed in the table from section Restriction on quantities
(on page 30).
Section 1.2.3 Process Designer add-in
Section 1.2.3.1 Process Designer add-in
Section 1.2.3.1.1 Introduction

The Process Designer is an "Add-in" which allows you to modify and analyze
your data. To activate it go to the "Home page", select "Add-ins" and load the
LMS Test.Lab Process Designer. Depending on the products you have purchased,
there may be more than one Add-in for the data processing functionality:
This will add a new major worksheet "Analyze" to the workflow area with the
minor work sheet "Design Process":
Note: Detailed information about the Workflow area with its major and minor
worksheets, can be found in the "Anatomy of the application" chapter.
1.2.3.1.1.1 Add-ins and Methods

The different Add-ins include different methods, listed below:
Process Designer (contains also the methods from "Interactive Analysis"):
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 Empty combined method

 Import
 Split
 Calculate
 Differentiate
 Filter
 Frame-based analysis
 Hold samples
 Integrate
 Interpolate samples
 Resample
 Scaling
 Shift and pad samples
 Time data editing
Load Data Analysis:
 Hysteresis filter
 Level crossing
 PSD
 Rainflow
 Range Pair
 Time at level
Anomaly Library:

 Drift & offset correction

 Index processing
 Linear trend removal
 Mean removal
 Non-linear calibration
 Spike filter
A description of the methods can be found in Using an LMS Tecware Process
(on page 66) and in the software in the "Properties" pane under
"Documentation":
Section 1.2.3.1.2 Process Designer

The following chapters present the functionalities that are available in "Design
Process" of the Analyze sheet: selecting input data, defining a process, running
the process and visualizing the result data.
This sheet is split into multiple panes:
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Each pane has a certain purpose and allows you to control the data, processes,
methods and their parameters, as well as the results and their display:
Major worksheet: Analyze

Pane Functionality
Data Selection allows you to navigate through the data contained in the
active run, through the project, the input basket and files on
your computer (list view and pivot view)
Display displays the data selected in the Data Selection pane
Process helps you to create, view and edit a process
Properties lists the properties of the elements selected, and allows you
to define your method parameters
State control area contains the control buttons, the metrics and the status
Panes can be displayed or minimized and different layouts can be saved. This
can be quite useful since you can define separate pane layouts for different tasks
and quickly switch to another layout in the course of your workflow.

Below, there are two examples of how the user interface could be customized to
represent specific tasks of the workflow.
Note: Detailed information about the Pane management and the User interface
controls can be found in chapter ‘Anatomy of the application’.
1.2.3.1.2.1 Create a Process

A process starts with the input data, to which either one method (for instance
Rainflow counting) or a full workflow of methods including branches, is
connected.
At the top of the "Process" pane you will find a list of methods, a favorites
toolbar and a collection of recently used methods.
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The menu below has some general functionality to open or save processes and
control the layout of the process.
Further below, there is a graphical area where the process is created. It contains,
by default, an input method. The input method will automatically feed data from
the input basket into the process.
1.2.3.1.2.1.1 Add a Method

You can add methods in different ways:
 Click on the "Add method" list: this opens up a list from which you can
select a method. The icon is on the left side of the field you can control
whether the list is displayed in alphabetical order or organized in categories
 Type a keyword into the field: only methods matching the characters will be
displayed
 Select a method from the favorites: frequently used methods can be added to
the favorites. Clicking on the wrench icon opens up a list of methods; select
the little star to the right of a method to add it to the favorites. The favorites
will appear next to the wrench icon.
 Select a method from the recently used methods: if you select a method it
will automatically appear in the list of recently used methods. These
methods are placed on the right hand side of the favorites.
Furthermore, you can cut, copy and paste methods. This functionality is
available from the "Organize" menu, from the context menu (right mouse click)
or as keyboard shortcut.
1.2.3.1.2.1.2 Define Data Stream
You can connect methods manually by dragging/drawing a connection between
them, or the connection can be created automatically. To do so, the previous
methods have to be selected (then they are outlined with a double frame) before
you add the next method. The selected methods will be connected automatically
with the new method unless the data types do not match (for instance counting
data cannot be used in methods appropriate for time history data).

In the screenshot below the methods have been connected automatically. The
new method is active (indicated by the double frame).
If you now add another method, it will connect to "Scaling" automatically.
If you want to change the layout of your process you can move the methods
around by clicking on them and dragging them to a new position:
For a clearer structure, you may also want to change the connection between the
methods. Each method has four connections point, visible if you hover over it
with the mouse pointer:
You can create connections to any of these points. One way to change an
existing connection would be by selecting and deleting it. Alternatively, you can
select one end of a connection and drag it to a new position, like that:
Once you release the mouse button the new connection is shown:
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Repeating this for the other connection results in:
Split Data
This is a special method to control the data stream, since it allows you to split
data into separate branches. If you move the cursor over the method you will
see that it has a green (triangular shaped) port and a red port in form of a circle.
In its parameters you can define "pass criteria", like certain channel IDs and/or
groups. The data matching the criteria will be passed through the green port, the
others through the red port. If no criterion is set everything is passed through the
green port.
Example: you want to remove the mean value on some of your channels while
the rest should remain unmodified and then perform a Rainflow counting on all
data. The process could look like this:
1.2.3.1.2.1.3 Set Parameters

The parameters for the methods are set in the "Properties" pane. Selecting a
method in the "Process" pane automatically displays its properties in the
"Properties":
The functionality of the toolbar is described in the "Anatomy of the application"

chapter (under "Panes  Property Control").
The different areas can be collapsed by clicking on the arrow.
The General area displays the method name and a brief description.
If Save is selected, the output of the method is transferred to the "Active

Analysis". In this case the method has a little "folder" icon in the lower right
corner. If you remove the tick (for instance because you are not interested in the
intermediate results), the icon vanishes and the results will not be passed back.
If Merge Inputs is selected the method combines the input from different
methods into one file. For instance, if you use the "Split" method to split data
from the same file into different branches, consecutive methods would treat
them like different files. Merging the input combines them in one file.
Documentation opens a separate window where the method is described in more

detail.
The method specific parameters are shown in the area below. Click on the value
to edit it. For some parameters the editable field is rather small, so make sure
you hit the number:
1.2.3.1.2.1.4 Process Layout Controls

There are several features to control the layout of the process. You may know
many of them from other tools (like slide show presentation tools).
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Organize: contains functions like cut, copy and paste. You can cut or copy
methods and include them somewhere else in the process. This can be useful if
methods are already parameterized and you don't want to create them from
scratch.
Process: contains functions to create a new process, save it or open an existing

process.
Undo/Redo: undo or redo you last action steps
Fit to View: this will rescale the view area so that all methods fit in as best as
possible (for instance after you have moved a method to the boundary or outside
the "process area").
Order: if methods overlap each other you can use this function to define which
one is displayed in front and which one at the back. This option is visible only if
one or more methods are selected.
Alignment: if you select several methods (by dragging a frame around them or
keeping the Shift or Ctrl button pressed) you can align them according to one of
the options. This option is active only if more than one method is selected.
Note: The New combined method feature is discussed in a separate chapter.
1.2.3.1.2.2 Run a Process

1.2.3.1.2.2.1 Select Data
To run a process, you have to collect the desired data in the "Input Basket". This
is done from the Data Selection pane:

The data may come from the current project or you select them from
"Computer". You can browse through the tree structure to search for your data.
On the right hand side the content of a folder or file is listed:
If you select a channel in the list it will be displayed in the Display pane.
You can right-click a file or a directory directly in the tree and add the content
to the Input Basket. If you want to select certain files from a directory, select the
directory in the tree, mark the corresponding files in the list, and select from the
menu bar (or context menu) how to proceed with the data:
There are two options:

 Add to Input Basket: adds the data to the current content of the Input Basket
 Replace in Input Basket: replaces the content of the input basket with the
selected data
Directly from the context menu of the input basket, you have the Clear Input
Basket option to remove all the existing data.
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1.2.3.1.2.2.2 Run
Once you have collected the desired data for your process, you can run it. There
are different options:
 Run: runs through the complete process. The results of all methods where
the "Save" option is enabled, are being passed back to the "Active Analysis".
 Check: this mode allows you to search for intermediate results. It only
passes back the results of the selected method(s), regardless of the "Save"
settings.
 Run to: this action prepares the input for the selected method. That is, you
don't get the result of the selected method but the result of the previous
methods (which are used as input for the selected method). This action is
mainly useful for the method "Time data editing" where you can select
segments (time intervals) which are then used for specific editing operations
(like interpolate, delete or extract).
1.2.3.1.2.3 Results of a process
The results of a process can be visualized from the "Active Analysis". It holds
data from all methods where the "Save" option (visualized by the little "folder"
icon in the lower right corner of the method) was active.
Clicking on a result file shows the available results in the list (or pivot view) on
the right hand side:
If you select a channel, the corresponding result will be displayed in the

"Display" pane.
1.2.3.1.2.3.1 List / Pivot View
While the list shows only a flat structure of the data, the pivot view can be used
to represent the results in a more compact way.

For instance, the list view of the analysis of "my_LPG4" looks like this:
The pivot view provides you with more detailed information about the different
results available and is a powerful data selector:
The pivot view allows for:
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 One column attribute

 Multiple row attributes
 Optional filters on any attribute
 Customizable order of row attributes
A useful feature here is the "Creator" attribute. It can be used to organize the
data according to the method which has created the results. You can select it
from the list of attributes and add it, for instance, to the rows:

If placed on top, the attribute will appear on front of the results, like that:
If you set the filter, you can restrict the list to certain channels:
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The result would look like this:
With the "Creator" it is easy to see which result comes from which method.
1.2.3.1.2.3.2 Visualization of Results
If you select a result, it will be displayed in the "Display" pane. The example
below shows the result "ACC:FL_mount_x" for the Input (which is the original
data), the filter and the integration:
The functionality of the "Display" pane is described in the "Anatomy of the

application" chapter (under "Panes  Display Control", and in "Documentation
and Presentation  Display pane").

Similarly, you can display results of a Rainflow counting or histograms:
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It is also possible to display different results at the same time:
1.2.3.1.2.3.3 Accept /Reject

You can "Reject" the data, and rerun the process, for instance after modifying
some of the parameters. If you want to keep the result, press "Accept":

This will transfer the results from the "Active Analysis" to the current section of
your project, where they can be stored:
They are organized by the category of the methods used in the process.
1.2.3.1.2.4 Combined Methods
A "combined method" is part of a process which has been combined by a new
method (represented by just one block). The advantages of combined methods
are:
 improve the clarity and comprehensibility of complex processes
 easily reuse frequently needed procedures
 provide customized methods to other users
 offer simplified parameterization
Below is an example for a combined method.
1.2.3.1.2.4.1 Create a Combined Method
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There are two ways to create a combined method. You can select a set of
(connected) methods and use "New combined method":
After entering a name for the method and pressing OK, your process will look
like this:
You can see the difference to a normal method by the double outlined frame.
Alternatively you can add a new "Empty combined method" from the method
list:
Enter a name for the method. Then double-click the method to open it:

"In" and "Out" are already defined; you can now add more methods:
When the combined method is complete, you select "Back to higher level" to
return to your process. The combined method is part of the process and will be
stored within the process.
By default, the parameters of all methods included in the combined methods are
editable directly from the process. For the above example it would look as
follows:
You can limit the number of visible and editable parameters by exposing only
certain parameters.
Note: This is explained in the next chapter.
1.2.3.1.2.4.2 Exposed Parameters
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If you select the "In" of a combined method you will find the entry "Exposed
Parameters" in the Properties pane in the section "General":
Opening it, will bring up a list of all parameters:
Here you can set what should be visible and editable directly from the process.
 Is Exposed: displays the value of a parameter (but doesn't allow editing)
 Is Editable: parameter can be changed from the process
 Exposed name: the parameters name displayed in the process
For example change the settings like this:

Then select "Back to higher level". Now the parameters are displayed as:
1.2.3.1.2.4.3 Sharing Combined Methods

You can "share" a combined method between different processes. As in the
example above, the "Counting" method might be used in other processes too.
Open the menu entry "Combined Method Repository" and select "Share to User
Level":
This will add the combined method to the standard method list, under the entry
"User":
You can now include it into a process like any other method. The combined
method itself is not editable any more, but its parameters can be edited
according the definition of the "Exposed Parameters".
1.2.3.1.2.4.4 Edit a Combined Method
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If you wish to modify a combined method you have two choices:
Make Editable allows you to modify the original combined method. Once you
have finished your changes and selected "go back to higher level", you can
overwrite the method:
This applies the changes to the method stored under "User".
If you have already used this combined method in other processes you will be
asked (upon loading the process) if you want to update the method. If you
decide not to update, you can still do it later on from the menu entry "Update".
If you select Create Local Copy you will be asked to give a new name to the
method. This automatically replaces the "User" method by a local version which
can be edited. From here on, the method is treated like a new combined method.
You can share it to "User Level", then there will be an additional entry in the
method list under "User", or you just save it within the process. None of the
changes you make will affect the original method.
1.2.3.1.2.4.5 Using Combined Methods
A combined method can be included and used like any other method.
Section 1.2.3.1.3 Using an LMS Tecware Process

LMS Tecware Batch processes (*.tbd files) can be run inside the LMS Test.Lab
Process Designer. This gives access to the entire functionality of Tecware inside
Test.Lab.

The files can be loaded from the "Process" menu entry:
After that, the Process pane displays some information and the parameters for
the Tecware process:
After setting the parameters you can run the process and display the results, as
described above for the Test.Lab processes.
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Section 1.2.3.2 Methods

This chapter contains a description of the methods in alphabetical order.
Section 1.2.3.2.1 Calculate

Input: Time history Output: Time history
The method calculates new (virtual) channels from the input signals by
evaluating user specified formulas.
All input channels need to have the same sampling rate. The start of the input
channels must not differ by more than Begin tolerance; the end of the input
channels must not differ by more than End tolerance.
The Formula set may consist of several formulas. Next to the Formula
expression, the Channel ID, the Point and the Direction need to be set for each
newly derived channel.
Within a Formula the input channels can be referenced by either their Channel
ID or their DOF ID.
Parameters
 Begin tolerance
 End tolerance
 Formula set (Channel ID, Formula, Point, Direction)
Below is a list of syntax elements which can be used in formulas.
+ add
- subtract
* multiply
/ divide
^ exponentiate
sin sine
cos cosine
tan tangent
arcsin arc sine
arccos arc cosine
arctan arc tangent
sinh hyperbolic sine

cosh hyperbolic cosine
tanh hyperbolic tangent
ln natural logarithm
log common logarithm
sqrt square root
abs absolute value
sign (algebraic) sign
floor floor - map a real number to the largest previous integer
ceil ceiling - map a real number to the smallest following integer
max(<T1>;<T2>) maximum (of two values)
min(<T1>;<T2>) minimum (of two values)
rand random number
< less than
<= less or equal
> greater than
>= greater or equal
!= unequal
== equal
float_equal(<T1>;<T2>;<eps>) almost equal (with tolerance eps)
if(<COND>;<T_true;<T_false>) condition
arg t (current time)
arg0 t0
arginc delta t
index index of current sample
rate sampling rate
Examples
V1 = abs(C1)
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V2 = {DISP:RR}+50[mm]
V3 = sqrt(GPS_Vx^2+GPS_Vy^2+GPS_Vz^2)
V4 = if(C1>0[g];C1;4.0*C1)
Section 1.2.3.2.2 Differentiate

The method performs a single time domain differentiation of the input signals;
for example converting displacement to velocity.
A polynomial of order N is used to fit to the first N data points such that the
point (at which the derivative is required) is at the center. Then, the analytic
derivative of the fitted polynomial is determined.
No method specific parameters have to be entered.
Section 1.2.3.2.3 Drift & Offset Correction

The method removes drifts from all input signals and sets their offset.
Parameters
Frame type
 Length in samples
 Length in x axis units
Frame length (in samples or x axis units)
Target value
Statistical value
 Mean
 Minimum
 Maximum
 RMS
 Median
 [10|25|75|90]th percentile
Section 1.2.3.2.4 Empty combined method

A "combined method" is part of a process which has been combined by a new
method.
Note: This method is described in detail in the Combined Methods section.

Section 1.2.3.2.5 Filter

This method applies a filter to the input signals. Different filter methods are
available for selection. Depending on the selected filter the additional
parameters may vary.
The Filter mode specifies whether direct filtering is used (phase-shifted) or the
data is filtered twice (zero phase), first in the forwards direction, then in the
reverse direction in order to remove all the phase distortion.
The Order defines the number of filter coefficients. It influences the width of the
transition band and thus the sharpness of the filter. The higher this value the
better the filter, but the longer the computation time. Typical values are around
10.
The Lower frequency (in Hertz) is the cutoff frequency of high-pass and
low-pass filters.
The Lower frequency (in Hertz) and the Upper frequency (in Hertz) define the
cutoff frequencies of the band-pass and band-stop filters.
Parameters
Filter
 Butterworth (IIR)
 Bessel (IIR)
Filter type
 Low-pass
 High-pass
 Band-pass
 Band-stop
Filter mode (not for Bessel (IIR) filter)
 Phase-shifted
 Zero phase
Order
Lower frequency
Upper frequency (only for filter types Band-pass and Band-stop)
Section 1.2.3.2.6 Frame-based Analysis

This method calculates statistical values for (moving) frames of the input
signals.
Parameters
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Frame type
 Length in samples
 Length in x axis units
Frame length (in samples or x axis units)
Statistical values
Section 1.2.3.2.7 Hold samples

The method increases the sampling rate of all input signals. The upsampling is
performed by taking the level of the source sample point which lies left from the
position (time) of the result sample.
Parameters
To sampling frequency
Extrapolation: specifies the handling at the start and end of the signals, available
are
 None
 Hold Value
 Adjacent linear interpolation
Section 1.2.3.2.8 Hysteresis filter

The method applies a hysteresis filtering on all input signals.
Parameters
Filter width: given in SI units of the corresponding y axis quantity
Section 1.2.3.2.9 Import

The method provides input time data for a process.
Parameters
Filename: needs to contain a full specification of an LDSF file.
Section 1.2.3.2.10 Index processing

The method modifies short segments within index channels.
Parameters

Minimum time false: segments shorter than the value are set to 1 (true).
Minimum time true: segments shorter than the value are set to 0 (false).
Operation order: specifies whether the 'true' segments or the 'false' segments are
processed first:
 First apply minimum time false
 First apply minimum time true
Section 1.2.3.2.11 Integrate

The method performs a single time domain integration of the input signals. The
integration algorithm can be specified by the integration method.
Parameters
Integration method
 Simpson (3-point rule): Integration is correct for low frequency components,
but increasingly overestimates at higher frequencies. In the limit, the
presence of the Nyquist frequency in the signal makes the method unstable.
 Trapezium (2-point rule): Integration is correct for low frequency
components, but increasingly underestimates at higher frequencies.
 FourPoint: Integration is correct for low frequency components (although
worse than Simpson's rule). It overestimates medium high frequencies, and
seriously underestimates the highest frequencies. It does not become
unstable.
 Bode (5-point rule): Integration is correct for low frequency components
(even better than Simpson's rule). It underestimates medium low
frequencies, overestimates high frequencies, and seriously distorts the
frequencies around half the Nyquist frequency (i.e. around a quarter of the
sample frequency).
Note: Because of numerical problems, the source data should be properly

conditioned prior to integration. It means that: DC and very low frequencies
should have been removed, as they would otherwise cause drifts. Use the Drift
& offset correction method to remove trends. Frequencies above 1/4 of the
sample frequency should not be present to avoid over- or under-estimation by
one of the integration methods described above. Use the Resample method to
double the sample frequency for example.
Section 1.2.3.2.12 Interpolate samples

The method increases the sampling rate of all input signals. The upsampling is
performed by using the linear interpolation of the preceding and the succeeding
source sample points for the result sample.
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Parameters
To sampling frequency
Extrapolation: specifies the handling at the start and end of the signals, available
are:
 None
 Hold Value
 Adjacent linear interpolation
Section 1.2.3.2.13 Level crossing

Input: Rainflow matrix Output: Level Crossing histogram
The method computes the (symmetric) level crossing histograms for all input
channels.
Section 1.2.3.2.14 Linear trend removal

The method removes linear trends from all input signals.
Parameters
Interval length (in seconds): the interval is used to calculate the mean values at
the beginning and at the end of the signal. Then, the right end of the signal is
shifted, so that the right segment of the resulting signal has the same mean value
as the start segment. In between, the signals are aligned linearly.
Section 1.2.3.2.15 Mean removal

The method removes the individual mean values from all input signals. The
mean can be calculated on the whole signal or just on a user specified start
segment. The calculated mean value is subtracted from the input signal.
Parameters
Mean calculation
 Whole signal
 Start segment
Start segment length (in seconds)

Section 1.2.3.2.16 Non-linear calibration

Performs an interpolation of the input signals (X channel ID and Y channel ID)

using the Interpolation value matrix as lookup table.
The Interpolation value matrix defines result values for certain grid points in X
and Y direction. For each pair of sample points of the two input signals the
result is derived from the matrix by bilinear interpolation.
For the output signal the Channel ID, the Point, the Direction, and the Quantity
can be specified.
Parameters
 X channel ID
 Y channel ID
 Interpolation value matrix
 Output channel ID
 Output point
 Output direction
 Output quantity
Section 1.2.3.2.17 PSD

Input: Time history Output: PSD
The method computes PSD (Power Spectral Density) frequency spectra for all
input signals.
Parameters
Window type
 Uniform
 Hanning
 Hamming
 Blackman
 Kaiser-Bessel
 Flattop
Spectral lines: the resolution of the PSD
Overlap (in percent)
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Section 1.2.3.2.18 Rainflow

Input: Time history Output: Rainflow matrix
The method computes Rainflow matrices for all input signals. It counts closed
hysteresis cycles by converting a time series into a discretized peak and valley
load history. As a result, the Rainflow counting provides an unsymmetrical
Rainflow matrix. This Rainflow matrix is also the base for the methods Range
Pair and Level Crossing,
The individual counting range is derived from the minimum and the maximum
values of each source signal.
Parameters
Number of bins
 Filter width: defined in Bins (which is independent of the channels'
quantities)
 Dilation (in percent): the range is enlarged by n%; one half each used to
increase the upper and decrease the lower limit.
Section 1.2.3.2.19 Range Pair

Input: Rainflow matrix Output: Range Pair histogram
The method computes the Range Pair histograms (according to the DIN 45667
standard) for all input channels.
Section 1.2.3.2.20 Resample

The method resamples the input signals to the specified Target sample rate.
Parameters
Target sample rate
Section 1.2.3.2.21 Scaling

The method scales the data values of the input signals by the specified Factor.
Parameters
Factor

Section 1.2.3.2.22 Shift and pad samples

The method shifts all input signals by the specified number of samples. The
Shift value can either be positive (shift right) or negative (shift left).
The x axis range and the number of samples are not changed by this method. It
means that for a positive Shift value N the first sample of the input signal is
repeated N times (pad), and the last N samples are discarded.
Parameters
Shift value
Section 1.2.3.2.23 Spike filter

The method removes spikes from all input signals if two conditions are fulfilled:
 the difference between two values is bigger than a certain threshold
 the spike length does not exceed a certain maximum
Each segment containing a spike is replaced by linear interpolation.
Parameters
 Spike length: (in data points) defines the maximum length of a spike
 Threshold: the value is multiplied by the standard deviation (calculated from
the complete signal); the result is used as maximum difference between two
consecutive points
Section 1.2.3.2.24 Split

The method splits the data stream into separate branches based on channel
attributes.
The split method has two output ports with different meaning. All signals
matching the conditions are available at the bottom port (green triangle), the
remaining signals are available at the right port (red circle).
The conditions specified for the individual channel attributes can be entered
manually or selected from the "Select Values" dialog accessible via the "…"
buttons in the Properties pane. The "*" character may be used as wildcard.
All given conditions for the channel attributes are combined with a logical OR
operation. A logical AND combination can be achieved by using a sequence of
Split methods.
Parameters
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 Channel ID
 DOF ID
 User channel ID 1
 Group
 Measured quantity
 X axis quantity
 Y axis quantity
Section 1.2.3.2.25 Time at level

Input: Rainflow matrix Output: Time-at-level histogram
The method computes the time-at-level histograms for all input channels.
The individual counting range is derived from the minimum and the maximum
values of each source signal.
Parameters
 Number of bins
 Dilation (in percent): the range is enlarged by n%; one half each used to
increase the upper and decrease the lower limit.
In contrast to the Rainflow method counting, the time-at-level counting depends
on the sampling rate. Therefore, no hysteresis filtering is done. Only counting
range is discretized into different load levels. Then, for each point of the time
history its respective load level counter is incremented by the sampling rate t.
The resulting vector will contain the time which was spent in each bin, so the
sum of all values will give the total length of the signal.
Section 1.2.3.2.26 Time data editing

The method modifies user definable segments of the input signals.
The Segments can be defined or modified either manually in the "Segment list"
dialog ("…" button in Properties pane) or interactively within a time data
Preview display (Alt-drag or Alt-Ctrl-drag). The Segments parameter also
provides a "Get" (button) for transferring the segment definition from the
Preview to the parameter set; correspondingly, the "Set" button replaces the
segments in the Preview by those defined in the Segments parameter.
The Operation defines what the method will perform on the segments. Each
operation has a specific set of parameters. The selected operation is applied to
all input signals.
Parameters

Number of bins
Segments
Operation
 Delete
 Interpolate
 Extract
 Scale
 Add offset
 Set constant
Fading mode (for operation Delete only)
 None
 Half sine cross-fade
Fading duration (for operation Delete only)
Start x axis at zero (for operations Delete and Extract only)
Method (for operation Interpolate only)

 Linear
 Half sine
Mode (for operation Extract only)
 Join
 Split
Factor (for operation Scale only)
Offset (for operation Add offset only)
Value (for operation Set constant only)
Section 1.2.4 Load Data Analysis add-in
Section 1.2.4.1 The Add-in

To enable the LMS Test.Lab Load Data Analysis add-in, you first need to load
it in the Add-ins tab of the Home menu.
This add-in gives access to multiple processings: Spectra and Counting

calculations, during the acquisition. The result of the processing can be stored
with the runs.
The processings can be selected in a run via the Data Selection pane and can be
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displayed. New entries are available in the Processing pane of the Measure
worksheet to manage the processing parameters.
Section 1.2.4.2 The Data Selection

The Data Selection pane allows you to navigate through the data contained in
the active run, through the project and the input basket.
The add-in adds in the Run’s branch, the sub-branch “Counting”, which
contains the different Counting data, and the sub-branch “Spectra”, which
contains the Autopowers.
Figure: The Counting and Spectra branch in the Data selection pane
Section 1.2.4.2.1 Counting

You find the results of any defined Counting processing in this folder. The
values are cumulative values, calculated for the complete measurement. The
Counting processing settings can be defined in the Processing pane.
Section 1.2.4.2.2 Spectra

This folder contains the Spectra processing of the complete measurement. The
available data is the autopower. The Spectra processing settings can be defined
in the Processing pane.

Section 1.2.4.3 Processing

This section describes the options and parameters that are added to the
Processing when the Load Data Analysis add-in is enabled.
Figure: The Processing pane with the Counting and the Spectra branches
Section 1.2.4.3.1 Counting

Under the ‘Counting’ branch, you can define the parameters and settings for the
Counting processing. These include Rainflow, Range Pair Cycles, Level
Crossing, and Time at level.
Figure: The Counting view in the Processing pane
Note: The Counting view in the Processing pane is dedicated to the

management of the Counting parameters.
1.2.4.3.1.1 Basic Principles of Counting Methods

1.2.4.3.1.1.1 Requirements of Data Reduction Methods
In the fatigue analysis, the data is frequently represented by means of uniaxial
or multiaxial time series. Formally, these are all functions:
Here [T1, T2] is the time interval of a measurement and W is the space of values
of this measurement. Typically, the function f is represented by a series of
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values at times:
A data reduction method is a non-injective mapping acting on the set of time

series and transforming it into the set of reduced data as shown in the following
figure, for the case of the Rainflow counting:
Figure 4: Data reduction to a rainflow matrix
For a given reduction method, two time series are called equivalent (f ≈ g), if
they are mapped to the same reduced data element. Consequently, each
reduction method defines an equivalence relation with the corresponding
equivalence bins. Looking at fatigue analysis, these bins should of course be
related to the "equal damage bins", which are defined by the set of all time
series having the same damage value (corresponding to some damage
computation method).
This directly leads to the first requirement of data reduction methods:

 1st Requirement: Equivalence in the sense of data reduction = damage
equivalence
An optimum method allows the following proposition:
 If f ≈ g, then f and g have the same damage. If f and g are not equivalent,
then f and g give rise to significantly different damage values.
There are some other requirements mainly arising due to practical needs:

 2nd Requirement: Significant reduction of data

The method should significantly reduce the amount of data. It is desirable to
have methods in which the storage capacity does not depend on the length of the
input data.
 3rd Requirement: The method should be easy to implement and allow
useful visualization
 4th Requirement: The method should allow on-line reconstruction
This means that a time series can be computed based on the reduced data, which
is equivalent to the original time series.
 5th Requirement: Time compression
The method should provide the possibility of finding equivalent, but shorter
time series. This feature can be used during the design of experiments on test
rigs to shorten the duration of the tests and to reduce the costs.
 6th Requirement: Extrapolation and superposition
It should be possible to combine two reduced data sets to a new one. This
procedure corresponds to a signal combination in the time domain, and it is
called Superposition.
The reduced data should also allow an estimation of what will happen if the
measurement is done for a longer time than that applied to the input time series.
This procedure is called Extrapolation.
1.2.4.3.1.1.2 Rate Independent Counting Methods

Data reduction methods working in time domain are significantly more effective
than methods working in the frequency domain. This is at least correct as long
as resonance behavior can be neglected. Requirement 1 and the principles of
mechanics of solid materials even lead to rate independent methods, which is
the motivation of the data preprocessing in the next section.
Most of the well-known methods such as Rainflow or Markov counting

(representatives of the two parametric methods), or level crossing and range pair
counting (representatives of the one parametric methods) are rate independent
methods.
The following figure collects some of the methods. The arrows indicate that
some results can be derived from others without using the time series again.
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Figure 5: Relations between some counting methods
In the following, the Rainflow counting methods are described first. Then it is
shown how to derive the one-parametric methods from the Rainflow matrix and
the Rainflow residue.
All methods need a kind of preprocessing consisting of a peak/valley filter

followed by a hysteresis filter and a discretization. After preprocessing, the data
merely contains a series of peaks and valleys in a finite number of bins. The
details are described in the following paragraphs.
1.2.4.3.1.1.3 Peak/Valley Filtering
All values in the monotone parts of the time series are discarded. Only peaks
(local maxima) or valleys (local minima) remain. Formally this can be written
in the following way:
As described above, the loss of time is not of importance for the counting
methods described below.
1.2.4.3.1.1.4 Hysteresis Filtering

All points of the peak/valley sequence corresponding to a change in amplitude

smaller than a certain threshold are discarded. As explained in the section on
Rainflow counting, this eliminates small hysteresis cycles from the
stress-strain-path. Typically, the threshold is chosen as the width of one bin.
Figure: The filter
The procedure is written as:
1.2.4.3.1.1.5 Discretization
The domain in the range space W of the time series, which is given by a lower
and an upper bound, is divided into a certain number N of equally spaced bins.
Then each point of the peak/valley sequence is replaced by the index of its
corresponding bin. Points lying on the separation line of two bins are counted in
the upper bin, points lying below the lower bound are counted in the first bin
and points lying at or above the upper bound are counted in the highest bin.
The procedure is written as:
where N is the number of bins.
Successive points lying in the same bin ( ) are reduced to one point. This can
only happen if the threshold of the hysteresis filtering is smaller than one bin or
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if points are lying outside of the domain.

1.2.4.3.1.1.6 Rainflow - Theory
Rainflow and related methods have been known since 1967 when Endo
published an algorithm for counting closed hysteresis cycles in a
stress-strain-path. The name Rainflow results from a comparison of this method
to the flow of rain falling on a pagoda and running down the edges of the roof.
In 1969, De Jong independently developed the range pair range method, and in
1986 Clormann/Seeger published a variant based on the principles of mechanics
of solids. Here another variant called the 4-point counting will be described,
which was developed at LMS. This version is intended to allow an easy
implementation as well as a complete reconstruction of time series from the
Rainflow data. It is identical to the French AFNOR standard.
All of these variants essentially count closed hysteresis cycles in the

stress-strain-path that is obtained if the time series is taken as a strain history, a
stress-strain-curve is given, and the Masing-memory rules are applied to
construct a stress-strain-path.
The 4-point algorithm works with a stack of 4 points used to find closed loops
and it is updated when passing through the time series. It is assumed that the
time series has been preprocessed and is represented as a sequence of peaks and
valleys. The stack is initially filled with the first 4 points of the history. The
residue RES, which will remain after the counting procedure, is initialized
empty.
If the second and third points are not contained in the interval spanned by the
first and the fourth point, then the first point is stored in the residue and
removed from the stack. The stack is filled with the next point of the history.
Otherwise a closed loop starting at point 2, reaching point 3 and arriving back at
point 2 is found and stored in the N x N-matrix RFM at the component RFM
(i,j), where i = point 2 and j = point 3. Here N is the number of bins of the time
series. The corresponding points 2 and 3 are removed from both the stack and
the residue RES.
Now the stack has to be filled again. If possible, it is filled with the last two
points already stored in the residue keeping the original order of the points in
the time series. If the residue contains no points at all respectively only one
point, then the stack is filled with the next points of the time series, again
keeping the order of points.

This is repeated as long as there are remaining points in the time series. The
result of this method is the residue RES, which is a vector with a maximum
length of 2*N-1 and the N x N matrix RFM, where the number of loops starting
in bin i, reaching bin j and arriving back at bin i is stored at position (i,j). This
form is called a from-to-matrix. The following figure illustrates the algorithm.
The pairs of numbers in parenthesis indicate the closed loops counted.
Figure: Rainflow counting scheme
This variant allows a complete reconstruction and is very easy to implement.

Another important feature is its generality: the Clormann/Seeger variant, the
definition of ASTM and the simplified definition of ASTM in can all be
deduced from RFM and RES.
1.2.4.3.1.1.7 Range Pair Cycles – Theory
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Starting from a discretized and hysteresis-filtered load history containing only

reversals the range pair scheme detects positive ranges starting from local
minima upward and negative ranges from local maxima downward. However, a
previously detected range is only counted if an equivalent range in the opposite
direction is discovered. Consequently, many small ranges may already have
been counted before a large one is found.
Figure: Range Pair cycles

Positive ranges are defined by the "visibility" of the deepest, previous point. In
the following example, ranges between B and C start from B, because the peak
between A and B "hides" A at lower load levels. Ranges above C start from A,
which is now "visible".
Figure: Positive range and point
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For negative ranges the highest "visible" point is the reference. Otherwise, the
same approach is used, as shown in the following figure.
Figure: Negative range and point
The result of range pair counting is a histogram of range pair counts

(distribution of ranges).
The range pair cycle counting scheme, when starting from a reversal sequence,
can be explained as follows, where:
 n is the number of load levels (classes, bins)
 P is the vector with size n-1 for counting positive ranges
 N is the vector with size n-1 for counting negative ranges
 S is the vector with size n-1 for counting range pairs.
All vectors are initialized to 0.
If a positive or negative range is detected, P or N, respectively, is incremented.
If this approach for defining range pairs is used, elements of P or N, which

already contain the value 1, never have to be set to 1 twice.

The procedure as described here is defined in the German industrial standard

(DIN) [2]. It differs slightly from the range pair counting as defined by SAE and
ASTM in [3]. However, the difference only affects the treatment of the
Rainflow residue. This effect can be neglected for time series that are
essentially longer than their residue.
Both counting variants can be easily deduced from the 4-point Rainflow data
RFM and RES. The procedure is illustrated in the following figure and written
down below:
Figure: The Rainflow matrix
Here S(k) is the number of range pairs of amplitude ≥ k/2 or range k. The part
of S(k) resulting from RFM is the same for the DIN and ASTM variant. By
applying the appropriate counting rule to RES, both results can be obtained.
This vector is also called the distribution of the range pair count in contrast to
the density vector, which is given by the differences of S(k)-S(k+1).
1.2.4.3.1.1.8 Level crossing (DIN and Symmetrical) - Theory
Level crossing counting, as described by SAE and ASTM, is also defined by the
German industrial standard DIN.
It can easily be deduced from the 4-point rainflow data RFM and RES. The
procedure is written down below:
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Let Ksym(k) denote the vector counting all level crossings regardless of a base
line or the direction of the crossing. All crossings between bin k and k+1 are
started in Ksym(k). This symmetrical level crossing counting is given from
RFM and RES by
Then the (nonsymmetric) level crossing count is given by
where
 K(k), k = 2,...,n = level crossing vector
 b = index of base line
 e = index of endpoint
 a = index of starting point
The method Symmetric Level Crossing Count, counts how often a discretized,
hysteresis-filtered load history containing only reversals, crosses a set of
discrete load levels. The level crossings of bin boundaries are counted upward
and downward.
1.2.4.3.1.2 Counting parameter definition
For the counting processing, you can define which counting processing
functions you want to calculate and save in the project and you can define a
number of parameters, which are described below. For your convenience, a
default view ‘Counting’ is available. This view visualizes all relevant
parameters for the counting functions.
As explained in the theory part, Rainflow, Range Pair Cycles and Level
Crossing have a common set of parameters (Hysteresis filter value and Number
of bins) because one function can be deduced from another. If you change one
of these parameters for one type of function, it will also be changed for the other
functions.
1.2.4.3.1.2.1 Rainflow
Here is the list of the parameters that can be defined for the Rainflow
calculation.

Counting: Rainflow properties

Properties Explanation
Save When enabled, the rainflow counting is calculated
and saved during the measurement.
Hysteresis filter value The hysteresis filter is used to remove small cycles
and monotone parts from the signal. It indicates the
minimum size of a cycle, in bins, to be used by the
method.
E.g. a value of 5 means that the cycles for which the
difference between the starting and the ending bins is
smaller than 5, are not taken into account.
The same value is used in the Rainflow, RP and
Level Crossing counting functions of a group. The
default value is 1.
Number of bins The number of bins indicates how many bins the
signal range is divided into.
E.g.: A number of bins equals 100 for channel with a
Lim-EU = -50g and a Lim+EU = 50g, means that the
range of the signal is divided into 100 bins with a size
of 1g ( [50 - -50]/100).
The Number of bins value is common for the
Rainflow, RP, Level Crossing and Time at level
counting functions of a group. The default value is 1.
1.2.4.3.1.2.2 Range Pair Cycles

Here is the list of the parameters that can be defined for the Range Pair Cycle
calculation.
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Counting: Range Pair cycle
Save When enabled, the Range pair cycles counting is

calculated and saved during the measurement.
method.

The same value is used in the Rainflow, RP, Level

Crossing and time at level counting functions of a
group. The default value is 1.

of 1g ( [50 - -50]/100).

1.2.4.3.1.2.3 Level Crossing

Here is the list of the parameters that can be defined for the Level crossing
calculation.

Counting: Level crossing
Save When enabled, the Level crossing counting is

method.

The same value is used in the Rainflow, RP and

Level Crossing counting functions of a group. The
default value is 1.
of 1g ( [50 - -50]/100).
Level crossing type It allows selection of the used Level crossing method:
DIN or Symmetrical.
Reference line This property is used when the DIN Level crossing
type is selected. The reference line is expressed as a
bin index.
Its default value is 0.
1.2.4.3.1.2.4 Time at level

Here is the list of the parameters that can be defined for the Time at level
calculation.
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Counting: Time at level

Save When enabled, the Time at level counting is
Number of bins The number of bins indicates in how many bins the
signal range is divided.
E.g.: Suppose that the number of bins is set to 100 for
a channel with a Lim-EU = -50g and a Lim+EU =
50g.
It means that the range of the signal is divided into
100 bins of 1g size ([50 - -50]/100).
Section 1.2.4.3.2 Spectra

Under the ‘Spectra’ processing, you can define the parameters and settings for
the Spectra processing. These currently include the autopowers.
Figure: The Spectra view in the Processing pane
Note: The Spectra view in the Processing pane is dedicated to the management
of the Spectra parameters.
1.2.4.3.2.1 Basic Principles of the Autopower Spectrum

The autopower spectrum is the squared magnitude of the frequency spectrum.

The discrete autopower spectrum of a sampled time signal Sxx(k) is defined as

the ensemble average of the squared magnitude of M instantaneous discrete
frequency spectra Xm(k).
where X* is the complex conjugate.
Thus if the frequency spectrum is complex you have phase information, while
the autopower spectrum will be real and contain no phase information.
Since only real valued time records are considered, the autopower spectrum is
symmetric with respect to zero-frequency,
Figure: Autopower spectra
Of this double sided frequency spectrum, only the positive frequency values are
considered. In order to obtain a time signal power estimate, a summation of the
power spectra values at the positive and negative frequencies must be made,
resulting in the so-called RMS Autopower spectra Gxx(k),
The power spectrum values correspond to the Fourier coefficients resulting

from a double sided Fourier transform but these values are corrected to
single-sided spectral quantities, expressed as RMS or as PEAK amplitude
values. There are a number of formats in which autopower spectra are
presented.
The Power Spectral Density (PSD) normalizes the level with respect to the
frequency resolution. This overcomes differences that may arise from using a
specific Bandwidth. This is the standard way of measuring stationary broadband
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signals. For transient signals the Energy Spectral Density (ESD) may be more
interesting since this looks at the level of the energy rather than the average
power over the total acquisition time and is obtained by multiplying the Power
Spectral Density by the measurement period.
The interrelationship of these autopower formats is shown in the next table. The
parameters A and T are as illustrated in the previous figure, and F is the
frequency resolution.
Spectra: Autopower spectrum formats

Amplitude scaling Spectrum format Values other than DC line
RMS Power A2/2
RMS Linear
A/
RMS PSD A2/2F
RMS ESD A2T/2F
Peak Power A2
Peak Linear A
1.2.4.3.2.2 Spectra parameter definition

Here is the list of the parameters that can be defined for the autopower (avg)
calculation.

Spectra: Autopower (Avg) properties

Save When enabled, the autopower is calculated and saved
during the measurement.
Blocksize Time signal data can contain a very large number of
samples and the resolution of the frequency spectrum
can be very small. To improve the resolution, the data
is divided into smaller blocks. These blocks are
defined by a blocksize that has a number of time
samples.
To achieve a high calculation performance, the FFT
algorithm requires that the blocksize is a power of 2.
Frame length The frame length is the inverse of the resolution. This
value cannot be edited.
Resolution The Resolution is the Bandwidth divided by the
number of spectral lines. This value cannot be edited.
Spectral lines Spectral lines parameter is the number of frequency
lines in the data block. This value is linked to the
blocksize and is half of it. When changed, the
Resolution and the Frame length are adapted
accordingly.
Spectrum format Four Spectrum formats are available: Power, Linear,
PSD and ESD. You cannot select the PSD and ESD
formats when the Amplitude scaling is set to Peak.
The section "Basic Principles of the Autopower
Spectrum" gives more information over the Spectrum
formats.
Amplitude scaling Two Amplitude scaling are available: RMS and Peak.
The section "Basic Principles of the Autopower
Spectrum" gives more information over the Amplitude
scaling.
Windowing The time windows available are: Uniform, Hanning,
Hamming, Exponential, Force, Force-Exponential,
Blackman, Kaiser-Bessel and Flattop.
The "Spectral Processing" manual in the "Theory
documents" folder describes the different kind of
windows.
Force cut-off This parameter is only available in case of a Force or
Force-Exponential window.
It defines the percentage of the window with 1 as
value. The remaining part of the window is 0 value.
Exponential decay This parameter is only available in case of an
Exponential and a Force-Exponential window.
The Exponential decay determines the percentage
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Spectra: Autopower (Avg) properties

level at the end of the time window.
Averaging type The averaging type defines how blocks of data will be
averaged in order to arrive to a single block of the
required measurement function.
Four methods are proposed: Linear average,
Exponential average (%), Energy average and Peak
hold.
Exponential parameter This parameter is only used with exponential
averaging. It defines an exponential weighting factor
that determines the way in which the previous
averages are taken into account.
A high percentage gives a low weighting to the most
recent averages.
The exponential weighting factor can have values
between the limits 0% and 100%. When using 0%
averaging the average is equal to the last measured
data block, when using 100 % averaging the average
is equal to the first measured data block.
Overlap Data blocks are overlapped to compensate for the
effects of using time windows. Applying a window
means that the data at the window's edges is of little
use.
Specifying zero or no overlap means that each block
will be processed consecutively. Specifying a number
of samples that overlap, means that each new block
will start where it overlaps the previous one by the
number of samples, e.g. specified by 50% of the total
number of samples in a block. The total number of
processed blocks is the number of averages. The
overlap can be defined as number of samples.
Section 1.2.5 Anomaly library add-in
Note: Please refer to the section about the Process Designer add-in.

Chapter 2 The LMS Configuration and Unit System
In This Chapter
Concept of the LMS Configurations System......................101
Concept of the LMS Unit System ......................................104
Editing LMS Units .............................................................106
Section 2.1 Concept of the LMS Configurations System
In the LMS Configuration System, different files and settings that are relevant
for the LMS TEST applications, will be managed automatically by the software.
The system consists of 3 management levels :
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 Central or Factory level : this level will always be available and it contains
the LMS Factory files and settings. This level will be installed through the
install procedure and its content should never be updated manually.
 Group level (which is optional): this level can be enabled (optional) by the
user or administrator and it contains the configuration files and settings that
you want to share within a certain team.
 User level: this level will always be available and it contains all individual
configuration files and settings of a specific user.
For every level, a specific location (folder) needs to be defined. During
installation of the "LMS Configuration and Units Editor" tool, the administrator
has the possibility to define these locations for all users on that system.
You can change these locations for yourself with the command
"File->Configuration …". You will get the following dialog where you can
change it.
The typical configuration files which are managed by this system are :
 The Active Units system: ActiveUnitSystem.xml
 Tools->Options …. Settings: Configuration\Loader.cfg
 Column visibility of Time data selection:
Configuration\DynamicAttributes.txt
 Column visibility of Block processing:
Configuration\DataBlockProcessingVisibilityMap
 User attribute visibility: Configuration\UserAttributes.txt
 User attribute List types: Configuration\ListAttributes.txt
 Favorite Displays: Layout\SelectedLayoutFiles.txt
 Template for Documentation: Attachment Templates\MemoInventory.txt
The typical file types which are managed by this system are :

 Units files: *.lu5

 Project templates: Project Templates\*.tpl
 Time Data Selection Datasets: Dataset\*.tds
 Different Calculator Formulasets: FormulaSet\*.*FS
 Time Data Processing Processingsets: ProcessingSet\*.TPS
 Display layouts: Layout\*.lay
 Print formats: PrintFormats\*.doc(x)
 Column visibility files: GridFilters\*.txt
 Templates for Documentation: Attachment Templates\*.doc (html)
Section 2.1.1 Write strategy
When you are running one of the LMS Test applications (LMS Configuration
and Unit System tool, Test.lab), these applications will always write the
configuration files and settings on the User level.
Section 2.1.2 Read strategy
When you are running one of the LMS applications and when it needs a specific
setting (or file that contains that setting), then the following strategy will be
handled by default (File access priority = Local) :
Step 1
First the system will look on Local level. If it is found, it will be used.
Step 2
If it is not found, then the system will look on Group level. If it is found, it will
be used.
Step 3
If it is not found, then the system will use the Factory value which is always
available on central level.
Note: If File access priority = Group, then the system will first look on Group
and then on Local level.
When you are running one of the LMS applications and when you need a list of
available configuration files of a specific file type, then the following strategy
will be handled by default (File access priority = Local) :
Step 1
First the system will look which files are available on Local level. These are
always added to the list.
Step 2
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Then the system will look on Group level. These are added to the list, except
when a version of this file was already available on Local.
Step 3
Then the system will look on Central level. These are added to the list, except
when a version of this file is already available.
Note: If File access priority = Group, then the system will first look on Group
and then on Local level.
Section 2.2 Concept of the LMS Unit System
In the LMS Unit System, quantities are determined by their base quantity terms:
length, mass, time, angle, current, temperature, light, and mol. For the same
quantity multiple quantity cases can exist. One of these quantity cases is the
default quantity case, the others are defined by a number of unit rules. Each
quantity case maps with a set of unit cases. One of these unit cases is the default
unit case, the others are visible or invisible. A unit system (lu5) file contains all
the quantity cases, the unit rules, the lists of unit cases and their unit case status.
Section 2.2.1 Unit
Unit label:
 Linear conversion: scale factor, offset
User(si) = si * <scale factor> + <offset>
 Level conversion: log reference, log scale factor, log base, level string, flag
for power or linear unit.
Examples:
 Sound pressure’: unit label: “Pa”
scale factor: 1, offset: 0 Pa
log reference: 2e-5 Pa, log base: 10, log scale factor: 20, level string “dB
(2e-5)”, power: no
 ‘Temperature’: unit label: “deg C”
scale factor: 1, offset: -273.15 degC (0 K = -273.15 degC),
log reference: 1 degC, log base: 10, level scale factor: 20, level string “dB”,
power: no

Section 2.2.2 Label Unit
Same as unit, except no info about linear conversion (level conversion is

defined). Label units are weak units in the sense that they disappear when they
are used in computations together with other units. They are only meant for
associating user defined units with very specific semantics with the data.
Example:
 Label Unit Loudness
Unit label: "sones", Level label: "phones", Log reference: 0.0625, Log base:
2, Level scale factor: 10, Power: yes
Section 2.2.3 Base Quantity
 Base quantities: length, mass, time, angle, electric current, thermodynamic

temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance
 See http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/units.html
The reason to consider angle a base quantity is historical.
Section 2.2.4 Quantity
 Unique combination of Base Quantities:

rational powers for length, mass, time, angle, current, temperature, light, mol
can be all zero (for instance ratio)

 Multiple Quantity cases can exist for one Quantity (see later)
Example:
 Quantity acceleration: base quantity length = 1, base quantity time = -2
Section 2.2.5 Quantity Case
 Belongs to one Quantity: unique combination of rational powers for Base

Quantities
 A Quantity Case has a specific name.
 A Quantity Case is the default for the Quantity involved or can be defined
by a number of Unit Rules
Examples:
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 Quantity case Velocity: base quantiies: length=1, time -1, default

 Quantity case Speed: base quantities: length=1, time=-1, rules:
Distance*Time–1, Distance*Frequency
Section 2.2.6 Unit Case
 A Quantity Case has a related list (1 or more) of Units. We call this list of
Units belonging to the same Quantity Case the Unit Cases of this Quantity
Case.
 There is one and only one default unit case for each quantity case.
 Unit Case can be set to be visible or invisible. The default unit case has to
be visible.
 The unit labels of all Unit Cases belonging to one Quantity Case have to be
unique.
Example:
 Unit cases km and hm for quantity case Distance
Section 2.2.7 Unit system
 A unit system contains all the quantity cases, the unit rules, the lists of unit
cases and their unit case status.
 A unit system is not saved in the project database of the application, but in a
separate (lu5) file with a specific format. This unique unit system file is
accessible by each LMS Test application.
 The predefined unit system files: SI, Technical, English, ISO 1683-1983
Section 2.3 Editing LMS Units
The stand-alone LMS Configuration and Unit System tool can be used to create
and modify unit system (lu4 and lu5) files. The LMS Configuration and Unit
System tool is also used to select the active unit system file. This active unit
system is notified when the LMS Test application like Test.Lab is started. When
changing this active unit system the LMS Test application needs to be re-started
in order to be aware of this change.
Section 2.3.1 Versioning of LMS Unit System
LMS Unit System version 1.0.0 includes Factory unit system files of type ‘lu4’.

LMS Unit System version 2.0.0 includes new Factory unit system files of type
‘lu5’ and an upgrade of the LMS Configuration and Unit System tool. In these
new Factory unit system files, the name of the existing ‘MicroStrain’ quantity
cases into ‘Strain’ quantity cases has been changed. The new Factory unit
system files also contain extra quantity cases, extra unit cases, and a number of
improved unit parameters.
LMS Unit System version 2.1.0 includes extended Factory unit system files of
type ‘lu5’ and a minor upgrade of the LMS Configuration and Unit System tool.
LMS Unit System version 2.2.0 includes extended Factory unit system files of
type ‘lu5’.
Section 2.3.2 Main panel logic
The main panel consists:

 A single menu bar
 Two tabs, one for the units and one for the unit rules
 Checkboxes to manage the visibility in the Units tab
 Four action buttons in case of Units tab:
 Add Unit…
 Add Label…
 Edit…
 Delete…
 Two action buttons in case of Unit rules tab:
 Add…
 Delete…
The general concept is that all information in the tabs is read-only and that the
unit- or rule information can only be edited from a pop-up panel.
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Section 2.3.3 Menu bar
Section 2.3.3.1 File =>Configuration

You will get the following dialog which is used to change the user configuration
folder, the group configuration folder and the settings of the group
configuration.
Note: Please refer to the section about the concept of the LMS configuration.
Section 2.3.3.2 File => Select active unit system

This is menu is used the select the active unit system and open it in the LMS
Configuration and Unit System tool.
On File => Select active unit system…, a list is shown with all available unit
system files. Unit system files only appear once in the list and on selection, the
priority Local=>Group=>central is followed. An example of this logic is given
below:

Unit system file Location Unit system file Visibility status

Name
central Technical.lu5 Not visible, overruled by Group

Configuration
English.lu5 Visible
SI.lu5 Visible
ISO_1683_1983.lu5 Visible
GroupConfiguration Technical.lu5 Not visible, overruled by

UserConfiguration\user1
Company.lu5 Visible
UserConfiguration\user1 Ultimate.lu5 Visible
Technical.lu5 Visible
The above situation for user ‘user1’ will result in a list with the following four
items listed in alphabetic order:
Company.lu5 (GroupConfiguration)
English.lu5 (central)
SI.lu5 (central)
ISO_1683_1983.lu5 (central)
Technical.lu5 (UserConfiguration)
Ultimate.lu5 (UserConfiguration)
One of these six unit system files can be made active.
Section 2.3.3.3 File => Upgrade unit system
Section 2.3.3.3.1 Major upgrade

The latest versions of the LMS Configuration and Unit System tool can only
open ‘*.lu5’ unit system files."
Old unit system files of type ‘lu4’ can be imported and upgraded into type ‘lu5’
starting from a chosen unit system on the Central folder (Technical, SI, English,
or ISO 168301983):
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 The ‘MicroStrain’ quantity cases will be transformed into the ‘Strain’

quantity cases.
 Missing quantity cases with all their unit cases will be added.
 Missing unit rules will be added.
 Optionally (option 1, by default on), the unit parameters can be updated.
 Optionally (option 2, by default off), the missing unit cases of existing
quantity cases can be added.
After upgrade the modified unit system will be saved on the UserConfiguration
folder and it will be made active. Also a logging will be listed about:
 Added quantity cases
 Added unit cases
 Added unit rules
 Modifies unit cases (happens when option 1 is on)
 Ignored unit cases, being new unit cases of existing quantity cases which
have not been added (happens in case option 2 is off).
Section 2.3.3.3.2 Minor upgrade

In a similar way a minor upgrade of the unit system files can be performed
when needed. For instance 2.0.0 lu5 unit system files can be upgraded to 2.1.0
or 2.2.0 lu5 unit system files.
Section 2.3.3.4 File => Import dynamic units

The unit system files containing the newly created dynamic units are loaded
from the UserConfiguration folder (dynamic rules are not loaded). All dynamic
quantity cases and unit cases are added (read inserted) to the lists of units.
Dynamic quantity cases and dynamic unit cases can be recognized by the unit
case status ‘Dynamic’. The user can change this status into ‘Default’, ‘Case
default’, Visible, or ‘Invisible’ to make this case static. Only the static units will
be saved afterwards (see later).
Section 2.3.3.5 File => Save

When saving the current status, all units and rules will be saved with the same
filename as the one that was opened, but always on the UserConfiguration
folder. This implies that a file loaded from the Central or Group folder will be
saved with the same name on the UserConfiguration folder.
When dynamic quantity cases and/or unit cases have been imported, they will
not be saved unless they have been made static by the user (by changing the
Unit Case Status field).
Section 2.3.3.6 File => Save as…

When saving the current status, all units and rules will be saved with a filename
that needs to be specified by the user. For that purpose a flat list of all unit

system files is shown including an input field containing the name of the unit
system file that was opened originally. The unit system file is saved on the
UserConfiguration folder.
Section 2.3.3.7 File => Exit

When closing the application, a message box pops up to ask if the user wants to
keep the changes (only if changes have been made).
Section 2.3.3.8 Edit => Find

On Find, a panel pops up with an input field ‘Find what:’. For units, the user
defined string will be searched for in the Quantity Case Name and the Unit Case
Name. For rules, all Quantity Case Names will be part of the search.
With Find Next, the next row will be highlighted containing a hit. This row will
be in the center of the visible list or higher when the list is too short.
The direction can be specified ‘Down’ or ‘Up’.
Search conditions which can be specified:

 Match case
 Match whole word
 Wrap searches
Continue searching from the beginning list, after reaching its end, when
searching down, or the end after reaching the beginning, when searching up.
Section 2.3.3.9 Edit => Add unit…

This action maps on the Add Unit button in case of Unit panel. You may check
on it later.
Section 2.3.3.10 Edit => Add label…

This action maps on the Add Label button in case of Unit panel. You may check
on it later.
Section 2.3.3.11 Edit => Add rule…

This action maps on the Add Rule button in case of Unit rule panel. You may
check on it later.
Section 2.3.3.12 Edit => Edit…

This action maps on the Edit button. You may check on it later.
Section 2.3.3.13 Edit => Delete…

This action maps on the Delete button and deletes the selected rows after
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confirmation.
Section 2.3.3.14 View => Toolbar

The toolbar can be shown or not.
Section 2.3.3.15 View => Show

The items in this View => Show Menu map on the checkboxes of the Units tab.
The ‘Checked/Not Checked’ status of the checkboxes is reflected in the menu
bar pull down.
Section 2.3.3.16 View => Sort

The items in this View => Sort menu map on the radio buttons of the Units tab.
The ‘Checked/Not Checked’ status of these radio buttons is reflected in the
menu bar pull down: According to base quantities / According to name.
Section 2.3.3.17 Help => LMS Configuration and Unit System Help
Launches the help of the LMS Configuration and Unit System tool application.
Section 2.3.3.18 Help => About LMS Configuration and Unit System
tool
Shows the ‘About’ of the LMS Configuration and Unit System tools
application.
Section 2.3.4 Unit Cases panel
Section 2.3.4.1 Sorting of the Unit Cases

The unit cases can be sorted in two different ways depending on the chosen
sorting option set in the menu or set by radio buttons below the panel:
 Sorting according to base quantities
 Sorting according to name
Section 2.3.4.1.1 Sorting according to base quantities

In this case, the sorting is using the following priorities:
Step 1
First the regular unit cases, then the label units. The regular unit cases are sorted
according to:
Step 2
Base quantities: from lowest fractional power to highest

 Length
 Mass
 Time
 Angle
 Temperature
 Electric current
 Luminous intensity
 Mole
Step 3
Quantity Case Name (*): first default quantity case, then the static ones in
alphabetic order; case sensitive, then the dynamic ones in alphabetic order; case
sensitive.
Note: A set of compatible quantity cases belong to the same quantity when they
all have the same base quantity terms (Length, Mass, Time, Angle,
Temperature, Electric current, Luminous intensity, and Mole). One quantity
case of such a set is the Default quantity case. The corresponding default unit
has status ‘Default’ (standing for general default unit). The corresponding
default units of the other (not-default) quantity cases have status ‘Case default’
(standing for case specific default unit).
Step 4
Unit Case Status (**) in sequence:
 Default
 Case default
 Visible
 Invisible
 Dynamic
Notes: A Label Unit can only have Label Status Visible or Dynamic. The
Dynamic option for the Unit Case Status is only available in case of an
imported unit case. (The option is Dynamic after importing the unit case and
can be changed by the user into another option.)
Step 5
Unit Case Name: alphabetic order; case sensitive
2.3.4.1.1.1 Presentation of unit cases per Quantity
The sorting algorithm makes sure that all unit cases of the same quantity are
next to each other. These groups of unit cases belonging to the same quantity
are displayed with alternating background colors: white and light grey.
The font colours are also optimized: red for all dynamic info and green for all
dynamic info which has been changed into static (Default, Case default, Visible,
or Invisible) by the user.
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Section 2.3.4.1.2 Sorting according to name

In this case, the sorting is using the following priorities:
Step 1
First the regular unit cases, then the label units. The regular unit cases are sorted
according to:
Step 2
Quantity Case Name: alphabetic order; case sensitive
Step 3
Unit Case Status (*) in sequence:
 Default
 Case default
 Visible
 Invisible
 Dynamic
Note: A set of compatible quantity cases belong to the same quantity when they
all have the same base quantity terms (Length, Mass, Time, Angle,
Temperature, Electric current, Luminous intensity, and Mole). One quantity
case of such a set is the Default quantity case. The corresponding default unit
has status ‘Default’ (standing for general default unit). The corresponding
default units of the other (not-default) quantity cases have status ‘Case default’
(standing for case specific default unit). The default quantity case is the quantity
case for which the default unit case is the quantity default, called ‘Default’ and
not only the default unit case for the quantity case, called the ‘Case default’.
A Label Unit can only have Label Status Visible or Dynamic.
The Dynamic option for the Unit Case Status is only available in case of an
imported unit case. (The option is Dynamic after importing the unit case and
can be changed by the user into another option.)
Step 4
Unit Case Name: alphabetic order; case sensitive
2.3.4.1.2.1 Presentation of unit cases per quantity case
The sorting algorithm makes sure that all unit cases of the same quantity case
are next to each other. These groups of unit cases belonging to the same
quantity case are displayed with alternating background colors: white and light
grey.
The font colours are also optimized: red for all dynamic info and green for all
dynamic info which has been changed into static (Default, Case default, Visible,
or Invisible) by the user.

Section 2.3.4.2 Format of the Level String

The level conversions include the acoustic weighting applied on the data. The
LMS unit system allows managing this aspect globally. For this purpose the
characters ‘<’, ‘W’, and ‘>’ are used. Whatever is between < and > will be
shown when the weighting is not Linear. When the weighting is Linear nothing
is shown. The common example for [Pa] to [dB] is given below:
Level String Linear data A-weighted data
dB dB dB
dB<(W)> dB dB(A)
dB<[W]> dB dB[A]
dB<(W)> re 20e-6 dB re 20e-6 dB(A) re 20e-6
Section 2.3.4.3 Edit…/Add...Unit Cases panel

When editing a unit, all information is loaded in the Edit Unit panel. The user
can edit all fields and Apply consistency is checked on.
When adding a unit, the values of the active selection are taken over in case a
unit is selected (and not a label). If no such selection is made, all values are put
to the defaults.
The formats of the parameters in the panel are:
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Panel Parameters Input format and values Default values
Quantity Case Name String – Should not be empty ‘<to be defined>’
Fractional Powers Integer values –positive or All set to 1

negative, non-zero for the
denominator
Unit Case Name String – Should not be empty ‘<to be defined>’
Unit Case Status Combo-box – either Default, Default

Case default, Visible, Invisible,
or Dynamic
Only one Unit Case can be the
Default.
Scale Factor Strict positive double 1.0
Scale Offset Double 0.0
Level Label String – ‘<W>’ is used to dB<(W)>

manage the acoustic weighting
Reference for Level 0 Strict positive double 1.0
Linear or Power Combo-box – either Linear or Linear

Power
Logarithmic Base Strict positive double – in 10.0

practice limited to 10 or 2.
Logarithmic Scale Factor Strict positive double – in 20.0

practice limited to 10 or20.
Table: Panel Parameters for Edit Units panel
The consistency check will be the verification of the uniqueness of the quantity
case name and the unit case name for the given quantity case and the validation
of the input parameters according the table above.
Section 2.3.4.4 Edit…/Add... Labels panel

When editing a label, all information is loaded in the Edit Label panel. The user
can edit all fields and Apply consistency is checked on.
When adding a label, the values of the active selection are taken over in case a
label is selected (and not a unit). If no such selection is made, all values are put
to the defaults.

Quantity Case Name String – Should not be empty ‘<to be defined>’
Label Name String – Should not be empty ‘<to be defined>’
Label Status Combo-box – either Default or Default

Dynamic
Level String String – ‘<W>’ is used to dB<(W)>

manage the acoustic weighting
Reference for Level 0 Strict positive double 1.0
Linear or Power Combo-box – either Linear or Linear

Power
Logarithmic Base Strict positive double – in 10.0

practice limited to 10 or 2.
Logarithmic Scale Factor Strict positive double – in 20.0

practice limited to 10 or20.
Table: Panel Parameters for Edit Labels panel
The consistency check will be the verification of the uniqueness of the quantity
case name and the label name and the validation of the input parameters
according the table above.
Section 2.3.4.5 Visibility Checkboxes of the Unit Cases tab

The Show options can be set in the menu or set by check boxes below the panel:
Section 2.3.4.5.1 Columns selection

 Show Base Quantity Powers: 8 columns with the base quantity powers will
be inserted after the visibility column. These columns will contain the
fractional powers as ratios, e.g.:’2/3’.
 Show Linear Conversion Parameters: inserts the linear conversion
parameters after the base quantity columns (if selected to be visible in the
list).
 Show Level Conversion Parameters: inserts the level conversion parameters
after the linear conversion parameters (if available) or after the base
quantity columns (if selected to be visible in the list).
Section 2.3.4.5.2 Rows selection

 Show All Visible Unit Cases: All Default and Visible items of the unit
system are displayed.
 Show All Unit Cases: All items of the unit system are displayed.
 Show Dynamic Unit Cases Only: Only the imported items, recognized by
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the ‘Dynamic’ Status type will be shown.
Section 2.3.5 Unit Rules panel
Section 2.3.5.1 Sorting of the Unit Rules

The Unit Rules are sorted in a fixed way. The user has no impact on it. The
sorting is using the following priorities:
 Resulting Quantity Case: alphabetic order; case sensitive
 Quantity Case 1: alphabetic order; case sensitive
 Fractional Power 1: from lowest fractional power to highest
 Quantity Case 2: alphabetic order; case sensitive
 Fractional Power 2: from lowest fractional power to highest
Section 2.3.5.2 Presentation of unit rules per resulting quantity case

The sorting algorithm ensures that all unit rules of the same resulting quantity
case are next to each other. These groups of unit rules belonging to the same
resulting quantity case are displayed with alternating background colors: white
and light grey.
Section 2.3.5.3 Edit…/Add... Unit Rules panel

When editing a rule, all information is loaded in the Edit Rule panel. The user
can edit all fields and on Apply consistency is checked.
When adding a Rule, the values of the active selection are taken over. If no
selection is made, all values are put to the defaults.
Quantity Case Names Combo-box showing a saved Ratio

Quantity Case
Fractional Powers Integer values – positive or Both set to 1

negative
Table: Panel Parameters for Edit Rules panel
The list of resulting quantity cases is adapted in the combo-box depending on

the above selected quantity cases, operations or powers. All quantity case names
are listed in alphabetic order.
The calculation of this list of resulting quantity cases depends on the base
quantities obtained from the proposed unit calculation. All quantity cases that

have the matching base quantities will appear in the list.
Only multiplication is supported as operation between units. When the second

fractional power is negative, then the operation will become the division. An
example could be speed (length / time): the unit rule will be: ‘length * time-1’.
The consistency check will be limited to the verification of the uniqueness of

the rule.
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Chapter 3 Data and its management
In This Chapter
Project data .........................................................................121
Data management ...............................................................125
Reading external file formats .............................................125
Importing TRP data ............................................................126
Exporting data ....................................................................126
Section 3.1 Project data
This document concerns the management of data within Test.Lab. The

management of data via projects and templates is a crucial part of the
application. Projects form the basis of managing data. Templates can be used to
significantly reduce the time to create new projects which acquire a certain
setup.
Section 3.1.1 Projects
A project is a single entity that contains all the data that you require to be kept
together. It is a means of grouping a set of data that logically belong together.
This is typically the data relating to a particular test object. It could thus include
all sorts of data, such as measurement data, test and processing setups, geometry
and modal data.
Note: One project is not necessarily related to just one application.
You can use different applications with the same project and you can use a
single application with a number of different projects, though typically you
would not have the same project open in different applications at the same time.
Projects are automatically assigned a name that contains a sequential number

(ProjectX). The project can be renamed when being Saved.
Section 3.1.1.1 Opening a project within an application

On the Home page, referring to chapter Anatomy of the application, select the
Open Project tab. In this tab a project list view can be chosen. Search or browse
to the project to-be-opened, choose its favorite status via the star control and
open the project.
The default location to store and open projects needs to be identified during the
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Test.lab installation procedure. All the projects stored in this location can be
listed via the according project list view. This location can be changed in the
Home>Options>Project data tab.
Section 3.1.1.2 Opening a project directly

Using Windows Explorer, when you double-click the project file, it is opened
by the default application. This default is set during the Test.Lab installation
procedure.
You can also use the standard Windows functionality to open an existing project
with a different application.
First select the project in a Windows Explorer and right click the file.
In the popup menu, use the Open With... option to select the application that
you want to use to open the project. If you want to open your projects, using this
application by default, check the corresponding checkbox Always use the
selected program to open this kind of file.
Section 3.1.1.3 Project templates

Every project is based on a template that determines the initial setup and
settings for a new project. A project template can contain multiple test setups or
sections. Project template files have the extension .tpl.
Section 3.1.1.4 Using a template within an application

On the Home page, referring to chapter Anatomy of the application, select the
New Project tab. In this tab a project template list view can be chosen. Search or
browse to the project template to-be-opened, choose its favorite status via the
star control and open the project template.
The default location to store and use project templates from is

<C:\LMS\UserConfiguration\username\LMS Test.Lab RevisionNumber\Project
Templates>. All the project templates stored in this location can be listed via the
according project template list view. This location can be changed in the
Home>Options>Project data tab.
Section 3.1.1.5 Creating a template within an application

Step 1
Save the project settings with the Save As… button, give it a name and choose
the option to Save as type, the .tpl file extension. The settings of the project will
be saved without the measured data. Other data will not be removed.
Step 2
If you want that later on the template will be listed automatically in the list view
when creating a new project, you need to browse explicitly to the default
template location, before you push the save button.

Section 3.1.2 Sections
Sections are contained within projects. They are a means of organizing sets of
data that have been acquired under the same test conditions, analyzed using the
same parameters or derived using the same processing.
The channel setup and the measurement and processing parameters are part of
the Section. Activating a Section will cause these parameters to come into
effect.
When the application is started (or a new project), a single section within a new
project is created.
Additional sections can be created using the New Section... button, via a project
context menu or via the header area fly out menu. In this fly out menu Type a
name + Enter … creates a new active section. Active sections in the current
project can be switched or a recent active section across projects can be
activated.
There is always an active section (shown in the Active Section field in the
toolbar) and all operations performed using the menu and tool bar will be
executed on this active section. There is no possibility to have more than one
Active Section open at a certain time.
Note: All generated data is placed and saved in the active section.
Section 3.1.3 Runs
Runs are found within sections. They contain data from all measurement
channels that were acquired (or imported from .trp files) during the same
measurement sequence. Each time a new measurement is started a new run will
be initiated which will contain the acquired data.
Data is always saved in a run when the data acquisition is stopped. This data
must be removed if you do not want to keep it.
The setup used to measure a run is kept in it the section settings.
Section 3.1.4 Measurement annotation
During a measurement, a run is annotated with a number of properties. The

measurement annotation properties are provided by the user just before or just
after a measurement is done. You can edit these properties in different ways:
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Step 1
Edit Measurement annotation in the properties pane.
 Select a run of the active project in the Navigator Data Selection pane.
 You can now edit the measurement annotation via the properties pane.
Click on the value of a property to edit it.
 When you select multiple runs, you can edit a property of these runs at the
same time
 You must explicitly apply the changes you made via the <Apply> button on
the bottom of the properties pane
Step 2
Edit Measurement annotation in the List view.
 Select a section of the active project in the Navigator Data Selection pane.
 Add show columns with measurement annotation properties in the default
list view.
 You can now directly edit the measurement annotation of all the runs in the
list view
 Change cell by cell
 Copy/paste of values
 Fill down
Note: An administrator could set up a customer specific annotation model. As

the annotation model should be the same within the same group of users,
changing the annotation model must be done with care.
Start from the he default annotation model specified in

<installation-dir>\Central\Configuration\AnnotationModel.xml. You can deploy
the file to all users using the group/user configuration mechanism.
Section 3.1.5 Other folders
Other folders includes results of some processing on the measured data.
Section 3.1.6 Documentation
Documentation in the form of documents or pictures can be attached to projects

or sections. You can use the project context menu entry Add attachment… to
add a document to a project or a section.

Section 3.2 Data management
You have different operations available to organize the content of a project

yourself. The different operations are shown in the Organize context menu.
All project data can be copied (Ctrl+C). There are restrictions for the paste
(Ctrl+V) operation.
The most important restriction is that you cannot paste extra data in a
Run-folder, created by the RLDA application.
You can rename or delete (Delete key) Sections, Runs and all arbitrary folders.
You can create new folders on section level or on any previously created folder.
Note: The content of an RLDA created Run cannot be changed.
Section 3.3 Reading external file formats
This document describes the types of files that you can read directly from
within Test.lab.
The following throughput file types are supported :

 LDSF (.ldsf)
 TDF (.ix0)
 XDF (.xdf)
 MTS RPC III (.rsp)
 IST RigSys
 NI DIADEM DAT (.dat)
 NI DIADEM TDM (.tdm)
 LMSASCII
 nCode DAC (.dac)
 lexade
 SOMAT (.sie, .sif )
 KML
 NMEA
 ATFx
 MOOG
 Head
 MATLAB
Also data files that are generated by Lms Tecware are supported for reading.
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Section 3.4 Importing TRP data
Files that were measured with the standalone Recorder, namely .trp files (or
.xtrp files), cannot be read directly within Test.lab, to do further analysis. Only
some overview data is available with direct access.
You must import these files first explicitly within a Test.lab project, before you
can use the measured data for further analysis.
You can import a .trp file, with the context menu Import which will be available
on a selected TRP file. This operation will create a new run within the Active
Section and the TRP overview traces will be transformed into the standalone
measured channels.
Section 3.5 Exporting data
You can export the measured throughput data using the Export… button or via
the data file context menu.
Step 1
Open up the browser tree in the Navigator worksheet.

Step 2
Browse for the run (1 or more) you want to export and select them.
Step 3
Right click on the runs selection.

Step 4
Select Export… from the popup menu in the Navigator worksheet.

Step 5
Choose the file format you want for the data item.
Step 6
Specify the name and location where you want to save the data.
Step 7
Click OK.

Section 3.5.1 General export options
 Output Directory : You have the choice between two options for your
output directory folder
 You can put the exported file on the same folder as the input.
 You can put all exported files on the same folder. You can manually
indicate the folder in the edit field.
 File naming : You have the choice between two options for your generated
output filename
 The filename will be the same as the input. So only the extension will
change.
 All exported files will get the same prefix, extended with a sequential
number. You can manually indicated the prefix in the edit field
Section 3.5.2 Format specific export options
Section 3.5.2.1 MTS RPC III

 Mode : You have the choice between two options for your grouping of the
channels
 Grouped per input file.
 Grouped per sampling rate and input file
 Data : You have the choice between two options for your generated raw
data format
 Integer (2bytes)
 Float (4bytes)
 Two extra options are available :
 You can split longitude and latitude channels
 You can use minimum and maximum as full scale
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Section 3.5.2.2 IST RigSys
Section 3.5.2.3 NI DIADEM DAT
Section 3.5.2.4 NI DIADEM TDM
Section 3.5.2.5 LMS ASCII
Section 3.5.2.6 NCode DAC
Section 3.5.2.7 Lexade
Section 3.5.2.8 MOOG
Section 3.5.2.9 GPS

Recorded external GPS data, i.e. not recorded with the frontend integrated GPS
receiver, can be exported per Point id. The Point id needs to start with
“gps_external-gps-name:” to distinguish between multiple gps recordings.
Critical channels for GPS export are: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude and
NumberOfSatellites.
Section 3.5.2.10 KML (Keyhole Markup Language)

In this case, the GPS data in the throughput file will be exported to a KML file
that can be opened in Google Earth.
Filter settings:
 None: no filtering will be applied. All points that are available in the TDF
will be exported.
 Minimum time between points: you can reduce the number of points
exported by defining how much time there should be between 2 points in
the track. This way, you can reduce the size of the exported file.
 Minimum distance between points: you can reduce the number of points
exported by defining how much distance there should be between 2 points
in the track. This way, you can reduce the size of the exported file.
Section 3.5.2.11 NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association)

In this case, the GPS data in the throughput file will be exported to a NMEA.
Filter settings:
 None: no filtering will be applied. All points that are available in the TDF
will be exported.
 Minimum time between points: you can reduce the number of points
exported by defining how much time there should be between 2 points in

the track. This way, you can reduce the size of the exported file.
 Minimum distance between points: you can reduce the number of points
exported by defining how much distance there should be between 2 points
in the track. This way, you can reduce the size of the exported file.
Section 3.5.2.12 HEAD

You have the option to choose between
 single sampling rate: all channels of the original file needs to have the same
sampling rate
 multiple sampling rate: channels of the original file can have multiple
sampling rate
Section 3.5.2.13 MATLAB

You have the following options :
 Save with single precision: Save with single or double precision
 Group similar blocks in a matrix: Group blocks or not
 Save in MKS units: Save in MKS or in user units
 HDF5 format: Save in HDF5 format or not
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Chapter 4 Documentation and Presentation
In This Chapter
Using cursors in displays ....................................................131
Function display windows ..................................................134
Mouse and keyboard tips in function displays ...................198
Geometry display windows ................................................200
Mouse and keyboard tips in geometry displays .................230
Display pane .......................................................................230
Reporting ............................................................................233
Section 4.1 Using cursors in displays
A range of cursors can be used in Colormap, FrontBack, Geometry display,

Octave, Waterfall and Upper/Lower windows. The basic principles applying to
the use of cursors is the same for all types of windows, but there is more
functionality provided in the FrontBack and Upper/Lower displays, in which
specific curves can be selected and data values examined. The procedure given
below takes as an example the use of a double X cursor in a FrontBack or an
Upper/Lower window as a way of introducing the features of cursors in general.
More details on all the cursor functions are to be found in the documents
relating to the specific display windows.
Section 4.1.1 [Procedure] To use cursors in the display
This procedure assumes that you have a FrontBack or an Upper/Lower window

open with at least one data function on display.
Step 1
Right click inside the display area to obtain the display popup menu. You can
always get this menu by right clicking anywhere in or around the window, while
keeping the Ctrl key depressed.
Step 2
Select Front/Back Options... (in the case of a Front/Back) from this menu, then
click on the Cursors tab.
The Options entry appears in all windows in which cursors can be added and it
allows you to set the default cursor properties for each type of cursor. All
cursors of this type, which are then added, will have these default style and
display characteristics.
Default cursor properties are associated with a display window type or picture.
The defaults for each cursor has thus to be set for every type of display window.
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Note: After setting the defaults you can use Save Current Layout As... from the
View menu to save the layout and associated default cursor properties.
The properties of individual cursors already on the display can be changed.

Click on the cursor and select Cursor properties... from the popup menu
displayed. Any changes made here will only affect the cursor selected and not
any other cursor or the default properties of this cursor type.
First, click on the Cursors tab, define the settings and then click on Apply to
view the results, in order to set the default options.
Step 3
Select the cursor type of Double X from the Cursor dropdown selection
menu.
Step 4
The “Style” section of the dialog enables you to set the line style of the cursor
and choose the type and size of font for displaying the numerical values.
Click on Line... and choose the line color, pattern and width of the cursor.
Click on OK to accept the changes and to close the Line Style dialog.
Step 5
Click on Font... and select the font type, style, size and color.
Click on OK to accept the changes and to close the Font dialog.
Step 6
The “Value” section of the dialog enables you to turn the display “on” or “off”
and choose the format for how cursor or data values are displayed.
To display cursor values, check the Display button. To remove them from the
display uncheck it.
Step 7
The number of decimal points for the cursor value can be set using either the up
and down arrows provided or the keyboard.
Step 8
The cursor value can be displayed in engineering notation or not by checking or
unchecking the Engineering notation button.
Step 9
To makes these X axis values stand out check the ToolTip Style button. The
cursor values will then be displayed in a box with a gray background so they
will be much easier to see on a crowded display.
Step 10
The intersections of the cursors with the displayed curves can be shown by
checking on the Always display intersections. The cursor values will be
displayed in a box with a yellow background.
Click on OK to accept the changes and to close the Cursor Properties dialog.
This will return you to the display area.
Step 11
Right click inside the display area to obtain the display popup menu.

Step 12
Select X from the Add Double cursor menu. A pair of vertical lines with the
linestyle that you just selected will appear in the display. The X axis values will
be displayed as you have defined.
Step 13
Place the mouse cursor exactly on the left line and holding the right mouse
button down, drag it in either direction. Both cursors will move. This can also
be done by selecting the left line and using the arrow keys to move the cursor in
either direction.
Step 14
Place the mouse exactly on the line of the right cursor and holding the right
mouse button down, drag it in either direction. Now, only this cursor line will
move, thus changing the distance between the pair of cursor lines. This can also
be done by selecting the left line and using the arrow keys to move the cursor in
either direction.
Step 15
Right click on either of the cursor lines and you will see a popup menu that
allows you to change the cursor properties and how it is displayed.
Step 16
Selecting Cursor properties, schedules a dialog with the same functionality as
the “Cursors tab” in the Options 2D dialog. But any modifications that you
make here will only affect the current cursor and not the default one.
Note: Double cursors act as one. Any changes in properties made to one
cursor line will affect both.
Step 17
To zoom in on the area between the cursor lines select Zoom. The distance
between the cursor lines now becomes the X axis limits. The X axis limits are
now fixed, with the minimum and maximum values defined by the cursor
values. When you want to return to the previous view, right click on or below
the X axis and select Limits from the popup menu. Then reset the X axis limits
to Free or Optimized and this returns you to the full X axis range for the data.
Step 18
Now select any one of the data curves by left clicking on it. The curve will now
have series of markers on it and the Y values that correspond to the cursor
position on the selected curve will be displayed. If the ToolTip Style button is
checked these Y values will be displayed in a box with a yellow background.
The corresponding X values will have a gray background.
Step 19
Right click on the either of the cursor lines and you will now see a number of
additional entries in the popup menu. These enable you to make the cursor jump
to a specified point on the selected curve.
Step 20
Right click on the right cursor line and select Move to next local maximum
from the cursor popup menu. This cursor line will then move forwards (to the
right) to the next peak of the selected curve. The other cursor line does not
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move and so the distance between the cursor lines increases.

If you perform the same operation on the left line, this will move it forwards to
the next peak. This time, the right cursor line also move forwards a similar
amount, so as to keep the cursor lines the same distance apart.
Step 21
To move the right cursor line to the next minimum data value, right click on the
right cursor line and select Move to next local minimum from the cursor
popup menu. This cursor line will then move forwards to the next dip of the
selected curve.
Performing the same operation on the left line, this will move it forwards to the
next lowest point. This time, the right cursor line will also move forwards a
similar amount, so as to keep the cursor lines the same distance apart.
Step 22
Similarly, using other options from the cursor popup menu, you can move the
cursor backwards (to the left) to the previous peak or dip value. Select Move to
previous local maximum to move the cursor backwards to the previous peak
value. Select Move to previous local minimum to move the cursor backwards
to the previous dip value.
To move to the curve's maximum value select Move to global maximum.
Note: To move only one cursor line you must select the left one before carrying
out a Move to... option. To move both cursor lines you must select only the
right one.
Step 23
Now select a second data curve.
Individual curves can be selected by clicking on them with the mouse. To select
more than one curve at a time, left click on each curve in turn while holding the
Shift key down. To select all the curves on the display, right click inside the
display area to obtain the display popup menu. Then you can select Select All
Curves.
Step 24
Any Move to... option you now select from the cursor popup menu will
consider both or all your selected curves. For example, select Move to next
local maximum and the cursor line will move to the first peak it finds on either
of the two curves.
Step 25
You can remove the double cursor by right clicking on either cursor line and
selecting Remove Cursor from the menu.
Section 4.2 Function display windows
There are a number of parameters that control both the format of the functions

in the display as well as the characteristics of the window in which it appears.

These options are executed from the popup menus.
This document describes all the options in the function display windows:
 Bode
 Colormap
 Matrix
 FrontBack
 Octave
 Upper/Lower
 Multi-Trace
 Waterfall
 XY
 GPS
 Nyquist
 Numerical
 Table
Bode
The Bode display represents a function window divided into two parts. It shows
you two aspects of the same data. When you load a single data trace into this
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window, the upper part shows the amplitude and the lower part shows the phase
of the same trace. When you switch the format of the upper part from
Amplitude to Real, the format of the lower part switches to Imaginary. An X
cursor operates on both parts of the window.
The Bode display icon represents it.
Colormap
The Colormap display is used to display a series of data functions in relation to

a third parameter such as time or rpm (so called waterfall data). This parameter
is plotted along the Z axis. The Y (ordinate) value of each block is represented
as a color thus providing a two dimensional map of X against Z. In
LMSTest.Lab, this data is represented by a waterfall icon or and it can
be displayed in a Colormap window.
In addition a series of blocks represented by the function icons can be

displayed. as long as they have compatible quantities for Y values and for X
and Z axes.
The Colormap display is used to display a series of data functions in relation to

a third parameter such as time or rpm (so called waterfall data). This parameter
is plotted along the Z axis. The Y (ordinate) value of each block is represented
as a color thus providing a two dimensional map of X against Z. In
LMSTest.Lab, this data is represented by a waterfall icon or and it can be
displayed in a Colormap window.
In addition a series of blocks represented by the function icons can be

displayed, as long as they have compatible quantities for Y values and for X
and Z axes.

The Colormap display can also be used to display metrics or section functions
in function of two parameters such as rpm and torque. The section functions
should be measured with one parameter being varying and the other parameter
being kept at a constant level. Measure different runs each time at a different
level for the parameter that is kept constant, to build up a three dimensional set
of data. An example of such a measurement would be an engine efficiency map.
Drop the section functions in the Colormap window. Select the varying
parameter as X-axis and the parameter that is kept constant as Z-axis.
It is possible to add 2D data on top of waterfall data visualized in a colormap.

This can be done by dropping the 2D data in the left corner of the colormap.
The data is shown if the X and Y units of the 2D data correspond to those of the
CM or if it is a compatible order section of this waterfall data.
The Colormap display icon represents it.
Curve scrolling (prev/next on function displays)

In the picture display panel, the button allows a user to show or to hide
advanced curve scrolling. When clicking on it, an extra bar appears: making it
possible to scroll over curves, currently displayed in the picture. It only applies
to 2D and 2.5D function displays (so not on geometry displays nor on the
numerical display).
You can iterate over DOF ID, channel ID, REF DOF ID, section value, - in the
explanation beneath indicated as the iterator. When displaying blocks from a
waterfall you can iterate over the Tracking value or over the Tracking time.
Matrix
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The Matrix display plots the result of a function with two independent variables.
In the LMSTest.Lab software, data represented by the rainflow icon can be

displayed in a Matrix window.
The Matrix display icon represents it.
FrontBack
The FrontBack display shows a 2D function window with an X and Y axis used
to display a number of overlaying data functions. Two separate Y axes are
provided; one on the right and one on the left.
Data can be displayed relative to one or the other and the format of these two
axes can be made different so that different aspects (amplitude and phase for
example) of the same data can be overlaid on each other.
The FrontBack display icon represents it.

Nyquist
A Nyquist display contains three axes:
Section 4.2.1.1 X axis

On this axis, the argument of a block will be presented.
Section 4.2.1.2 Y horizontal axis

The result of a block viewed in a certain axis format.
Section 4.2.1.3 Y vertical axis

The result of the same block as on the horizontal axis, but viewed in another
format.
The Nyquist window icon represents it.
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Octave
The Octave display shows frequency spectra as octave blocks. In an Octave

display window you can see the result of integrating test data values over
various types of octave bands and their overall level values. These OA levels
are calculated and displayed for both the weighted and linear overall level.
The octave window icon represents it.
UL
The Upper/Lower display represents a pair of 2 or more 2D windows that are

linked together. They allow you to compare data traces above one another. This
means, for example, that when adding an X cursor, the same cursor is active in
the upper and all the lower window.
You have to add two curves with compatible X axes upon each other. Data can
be displayed relative to one or the other and the format of these two windows
can be made different so that different aspects (amplitude and phase for
example) of the same data can be compared.

You can also adjust the ratio of the area assigned to each window. Use Ctrl to
drag the horizontal blue line between the Upper and Lower display windows to
the desired width.
When dragging data to the left part of the display in the ‘automatic’ drop zone,
the data will automatically be spread – 1 y 1. Possibly, zones will be added
automatically – up to 20. You cannot drop more curves then available zones.
The Upper/Lower (UL) window icon represents it.
Multi-Trace display
The Multi-trace can be used to overview time series. The overview window on
top in this display shows the complete time data, the detailed window (beneath
the overview) shows the detailed section.
You can drag up to 20 time traces into this display – they all will have their own
overview and detailed zone. You cannot drop more traces then available zones.
Technically, the difference between an UL and a Multi-trace is the default

settings – they share all functionality.
The Multi-trace window icon represents it.
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Waterfall
The Waterfall display shows a series of data functions in relation to a third

parameter such as time or rpm. This parameter is plotted along the Z axis and
shows the evolution of a function under particular conditions.
In the LMSTest.Lab software data represented by the waterfall icon can be

displayed in a waterfall window. In addition you can load a number of
individual data functions into a waterfall window too.
The Waterfall window icon represents it.

XY
The XY display shows the Y-values of one block in function of the Y values of
a second block if both blocks have the same X-axis, e.g. the XY display is
‘unable to align X axes’ when the delta between the starting values of two X
axes, with an equal increment and number of lines, differs from the increment
value. An XY display includes four axes: X-axis, Y (front), Y (back) and Y
(horizontal).
Section 4.2.1.4 X axis

On this axis, the argument of the blocks will be presented.
Section 4.2.1.5 Y horizontal axis

The Y-values of a block. These values are used to compare with other Y-values
of blocks on the other Y axes (front and back).
Section 4.2.1.6 Y front axis

On this axis, an unlimited number of blocks can be added. The result of one
block on this axis will be combined with the result of the Y horizontal axis to
form one display curve. Both blocks must have the same argument, which is the
argument of the X axis.
Section 4.2.1.7 Y back axis

Similar to the Y front axis.
The XY window icon represents it.
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GPS
The GPS display can be used to display GPS tracks.
Technically, the difference between an XY and a GPS display is the default

settings - they share all functionality.
The GPS window icon represents it.

Note: The GPS format d°m’s”(latitude and longitude) is only available in a

display if the Point id of the respective GPS traces ends exactly on “Latitude”
or “Longitude”, e.g. the frontend gps:Longitude. Anything different is excluded,
e.g. GNSSPosData::Longitude_high or PosRapidUpdate::Latitude_.
Table
The Table display can be used to display single values. Only Single values
created by the RLDA application are supported. Both HardwareChecks and
Statistics can be dragged/dropped.
The ‘Order…’ of the columns can be defined and saved in a table display
layout. Data is required to define the order of the columns. If columns are not
available for ordering, the dropped data does not contain the according values.
The Table display has specific short-key combinations to control its visual
content: Mousewheel scrolls up/down, Shift+Mousewheel scrolls left/right and
Ctrl+Mousewheel zooms in/out. It is possible to hide individual columns or
show all columns. To make validation of these single values, an automatic
real-time check on every value and a color when a specific threshold is
exceeded, can be set. This can be set for example on the min and max of a
channel.
The threshold for a specific column can be changed with the colorscale context
menu for an alarm level, a warning level and an underload level. These
real-time checks are only available on a restricted set of statistical values.
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Section 4.2.2 The Axis menus
Section 4.2.2.1 X-axis
Section 4.2.2.1.1 Limits

This menu enables you to specify how the limits of the displayed data will be
determined.
Free
The limits will correspond to the highest and lowest value actually contained
within the data. They will therefore change whenever new data is loaded into
the window, or when data is removed.
Optimized
In this case the highest and lowest values encountered in the data are rounded
up to convenient values.
Fixed...
In this case you can define the upper (max) and lower (min) value to be
displayed. Use a Double Cursor within the data window itself in order to set
these values.
Note: Note that you can also access this dialog by double clicking on the axis
itself.
Section 4.2.2.1.2 Format X

The options in this cascading menu determine how the X axis values will be
formatted.
Linear
Values between the upper and lower limits will be displayed on a linear scale.
This option is not available for Octave displays.
Decades
Values between the upper and lower limits will be displayed in decades, which
means that each division is a multiple of 10 of the previous one. This option is
not available for Octave displays.
Octaves
In this case the range between the upper and lower values are divided into
whole octave bands. The center frequency of one octave band is twice the center
frequency of the previous one, and the range increases with the center frequency
too. You may find that the limits are adjusted so that complete octave bands can
be encompassed. This option is not available for Octave displays.

Octave bands
This option applies only to Octave displays. It integrates Y-values within a
frequency band. This results in a single Y value, which corresponds with the
center frequency on the x-axis. It is used to draw one bar for each frequency
band.
The number of frequency bands is determined by the format of the x-axis:

Octave 1/1, Octave 1/2, Octave 1/3, Octave 1/12, and Octave 1/24.
For instance with respect to Octave 1/1, Octave 1/2 uses twice the number of
frequency bands to integrate the Y-data. But note that a frequency band of
Octave 1/1 is twice as long - according to the x-axis - as one from Octave 1/2.
The same holds for other Octave formats.
Section 4.2.2.1.3 X Axis

This option is only available if the data in the display has more then 1 x-axis
connected to it, eg an order spectrum can have a time and an rpm axis. This
option allows the user to switch to one of the other X-axes.
Section 4.2.2.1.4 Second X Axis

This option is only available if the data in the display has more then 1 x-axis
connected to it, eg. an order spectrum can have a time and an rpm axis. This
option allows the user to set a second X-axis on top or on bottom of the display.
This second x-axis has its own settings. The limits follow the limits of the first
axis and cannot be set independent.
Section 4.2.2.1.5 Unit

This item shows you the unit currently on the display. If the axis has no data in
it, a list appears showing all available measurement units. It is not available for
Waterfall displays.
The unit can be defined before data is in the display, a list of the complete unit
set is shown. When the data afterwards are shown, this unit is used – if it is
compatible with the unit of the data. When data is already in the display, only
corresponding units of the same quantity are shown.
Units of compatible quantities are shown (if existing) in the More units fold out
list. Both, the main unit list and the sub level unit list, are ordered on scale
factor. The (quantity case) is appended in the sub level unit list, when the unit
label is not unique. When this (quantity case) is appended, both unit labels the
same, but their unit conversion parameters differ.
Section 4.2.2.1.6 Reverse

The option reverses the axis. The option is available in the Matrix display.
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Section 4.2.2.1.7 General…

This option shows the ‘General Axis options’.
The tab ‘Y Axes’ used to indicate which Y axis is shown. This functionality is
moved to the display context menu Options…>Layout tab.
In the tab ‘Optimized limits’, some parameters for the calculation of optimized
limits can be set here. For log, dB, decade and octave format, the 'optimized
limit ranges’ can be specified other then default. For the amplitude format, the
default can be overwritten so that it always will use zero as minimum limit.
In the ‘Normalized format’ tab, settings can be chosen for the ‘Normalized’
format. Normalization can be done based on the ‘Maximum’ or based on the
‘Sum’ of all amplitude values. This reference can be taken per curve or
‘Individual’ or per Y axis or ‘Global’. In the latter case the global reference is
annotated in the format placeholder as (100% = value & unit). If the source data
is cumulated, the normalization is always based on the maximum.
Normalization based on sum is not supported for throughput data.
Section 4.2.2.1.8 Visible

This option switches on or off, all the annotation (as defined by the other axis
menu options) on this axis. It is not available for Waterfall displays.
Section 4.2.2.1.9 Options

This schedules a dialog in which the appearance of different features of the axis
is set. Define the settings and then click the Apply button to view the results, in
order to set display options.
4.2.2.1.9.1 Ticks
Ticks are short lines used to graduate an axis. Two lengths of lines are displayed
indicating the major and minor divisions of the range of values shown on the
axis.
Visible
Switches all ticks on or off.
Line Style
Schedules a dialog in which the color, pattern and thickness of the tick lines can
be set.
Base Resolution
This parameter specifies if the base ticks are calculated automatically or
specified by the user (custom). If it is on "Automatic", the range is defined as
the power of 10 that is less than the displayed limits. So if the displayed limits
are 99, then the range will be 10. And if the displayed limits are 101, then the
range will be 100. One (major) tick line is shown for each range.

Offset and increment

The value of these parameter defines the offset and increment of the ticks – if
the base resolution is on ‘custom’.
Subdivisions
The value of this parameter determines the number of divisions that will be
displayed within the base resolution range. It only can be used in case of Base
resolution on automatic. Subdivisions on 1 means that only the major ticks will
be displayed. A resolution of 5 means that 4 minor tick lines will displayed
between the major ticks.
Selecting the subdivisions on Automatic means that between 10 and 20 ticks

will be displayed in total.
Type
You can select where the tick lines are to be placed in relation to the axis.
When they are inside the lines will be placed wholly within the display
window, along with the data.
When they are outside, they will be placed outside of the data window in the
border around it next to the annotation.
When they are crossed the lines will straddle the axis with their mid points on
the axis.
Annotation visible
When this option is "on" then the values corresponding to a tick will be
displayed next to it. The characteristics of this annotation are defined using the
Font button.
Font
This schedules a dialog in which you can define the font type, size, style and
color that you want to use for the annotation of the ticks. An example of the
current style is shown in the box alongside.
Decimals
If the annotation of the ticks is visible, then this field determines the number of
values behind decimal point that will be displayed. Increasing the number of
decimals displayed on the X axis may mean that fewer tick lines can be
annotated.
Engineering notation
Checking this button "on" means that the tick values will be displayed, when
possible, in the exponential form Ae+b or Ae-b, where A is the number defined
by the number of decimals and b is the power (as a multiple of three).
4.2.2.1.9.2 Grid
A grid is a set of lines that can be overlaid on the displayed data perpendicular
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to the selected axis. The lines have a user defined appearance and interval.
Visible
The check box switches the grid on or off.
Base Resolution
This parameter specifies if the base grid lines are calculated automatically or
specified by the user (custom). If it is on “automatic”, the range is defined as
range will be 100.
Offset and increment

The value of these parameter defines the offset and increment of the grid lines –
if the base resolution is on ‘custom’.
Subdivisions
The value of this parameter determines the number of lines that will be
displayed within the base resolution range. It only can be used in case of Base
resolution on automatic. Subdivisions on 1 means that one grid line will be
displayed in the range, and a resolution of 10 means that 10 lines will be
displayed in the same range.
Selecting the subdivisions on Automatic means that between 10 and 20 grid

lines will be displayed in total.
Line Style
Schedules a dialog in which the color, pattern and width of the grid lines can be
set.
4.2.2.1.9.3 Custom Grid
A custom grid is a custom set of lines that can be overlaid on the displayed data
in a Colormap or a Waterfall display. The values from an existing block, e.g. a
TestLab block or an Excel block, can be selected based on their units. The units
of the selected block should match the visible X and Z axis units. Multiple
function blocks, for different sets of units, can be saved in the picture layout.
An increment can be chosen to create a custom grid with fixed percentage

intervals.
4.2.2.1.9.4 Limits
The options here define how the limit values will be displayed. The actual value
of the limits is determined from the Limits menu.
Visible
Switches the display of the limit values "on" or "off".
Font

color that you want to use for the annotation of the limit values. An example of
the current style is shown in the box alongside.
Decimals
If the annotation of the limits is visible, then this field determines the number of
figures behind the decimal point that will be displayed.
Checking this button "on" means that the limit values will be displayed, when
4.2.2.1.9.5 Unit
The options here define how the unit associated with an axis will be displayed.
The actual units shown depend on the selected unit set.
Visible
Switches the display of the unit "on" or "off".
Font
color that you want to use for the annotation of the unit. An example of the
4.2.2.1.9.6 Name
The options here define if and how the axis name will be displayed. There is an
extra option to 'hide name for single axis data'.
4.2.2.1.9.7 Format
The options here define how the format of the data associated with an axis will
be displayed. The actual format to be used is selected from the Format menu for
the X, the Y or the Z axis.
Visible
Switches the display of the format value "on" or "off".
Font
color that you want to use for the annotation of the format. An example of the
Section 4.2.2.2 Y-axis

determined.
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Free
Optimized
Fixed...
these values.
itself.
Section 4.2.2.2.2 Format Y

The options in this cascading menu determine which aspect of the ordinate
values in the data will be displayed as well as the type of scaling to be used.
Note: Different values for this parameter can be set for the left (front) and
right (back) Y axes in the FrontBack display window and for the top (upper)
and bottom (lower) Y axis in the UpperLower display window .
Real
Only the real part of a complex function is displayed.
Imag
Only the imaginary part of a complex function is displayed. This option is not
available for Octave displays.
Amplitude
Only amplitude values are displayed.
Y formats

Phase
Phase values between +180 and -180 are displayed. This option is not available
for Octave displays.
dB
The dB values are displayed. If you want to extend the annotation with the DB
reference, you can do that for the involved unit(s) in the unit editor.
Log
The Y values are displayed on a logarithmic scale. For functions (no raw time
data), if the minimum amplitude value is equal to zero, the lower log limit will
be 90% of the lowest non-zero amplitude value.
Normalized
The Y amplitude values can be normalized. The option is available in a F/B
display, an Upper Lower display and a Multi-trace display. The normalization
settings can be chosen in the axis ‘General…’ context menu, the ‘Normalized
format’ tab.
Section 4.2.2.2.3 Processing

Align Direction
You can align the attributes 'Point direction sign' as well as the 'Referenced
point direction sign' of data. The data will be corrected automatically
(multiplied with -1) when needed.
Integrate/Differentiate
You can apply a single of double integration or differentiation data by first
selecting the appropriate curves and then selecting an option from the
Processing drop down menu.
Integration/differentiation is possible on data in the front or back of a front-back

display, in the upper or the lower of a upper-lower display, in the amplitude and
phase of a bode display, on a waterfall display and on a colormap display.
Integration/differentiation in the display is only available for ‘frequency related’

data, not on time data. Calculation is done by dividing/multiplying by .
Weighting
You can apply weighting on data making use of the predefined weighting
factors (A,B,C and D). The pop-up menu also allows showing the original
weighting (in case some front-end weighting or pre-weighting was applied) or
linear weighting (none). By default the data in the display will be shown with
their original weighting. Weighting is possible on data in the front or back of a
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front-back display, in the upper or the lower target of an upper-lower display, in

(amplitude and phase) a bode display, in a waterfall display in a colormap
display and in an octave display.
Weighting in the display is only available for ‘frequency related’ data, not on
time data. Calculation is done by multiplying with the weighting curve in
frequency domain.
Cumulative
Both reversed and forward cumulative processing can be applied.
Always amplitudes are taken for the calculations.
Smoothing
The pop-up menu allows you to apply linear smoothing on data. The Linear
smoothing uses (except for the first and last sample) following algorithm :
NewX(i) = (X(i-1)+2*X(i)+X(i+1))/4. For complex valued functions, the
smoothing is performed on the amplitudes only.
Applying some exponential smoothing will be the result of two different

smoothing actions. First a smoothing is applied from the beginning until the end
of the data. Then a smoothing will be applied from the end until the beginning
of the considered data. This action will not allow the peak values to shift from
their original position. Smoothing can only be applied on frequency based data.
Smoothing on data is possible in the front or back of a front-back display, in the
upper or the lower of an upper-lower display, in the amplitude and phase of a
bode display.
In the Exponential smoothing dialog you can choose light, medium or heavy
smoothing. They will respectively represent a smoothing factor of 0.1, 0.5 and
0.8. You have also the possibility to specify a custom smoothing factor between
0 and 1.
Applying some Keep peaks smoothing will be the result of replacing each value
with the maximum of itself and the linear average of its two neighboring values.
Begin and end value are always kept. This comparison is done on amplitudes
only. The number of smoothing Cycles can be chosen in the Keep peaks
smoothing dialog with 10000 as maximum number of smoothing cycles.
Spectrum & Section Scaling

By default, section data (order sections, frequency & overall level sections) is
always calculated and shown in RMS values, even with ‘Original’ Spectrum &
Section Scaling processing. This function allows a user to view spectra &
sections with scaling ‘peak’, ‘peak-to-peak’ or ‘RMS’. The function affects only
section data, autopower, crosspower and spectrum data. Spectrum & Section
Scaling is possible on data in the front or back of a front-back display, in the
upper or the lower of an upper-lower display, in the amplitude and phase of a
bode display.
In displays where Spectrum & Section Scaling is not available (excluding the
octave display), visual feedback on the axis is given, as to provide feedback on
the used spectral scaling.
Extra feedback can be added to the display legend via the addition of the

‘Spectrum scaling’ function attribute.
Reset All
This button will reset the applied weighting to the 'original' weighting, the
smoothing to 'none', the section scaling to RMS and the
integration/differentiation to ‘none’.

Waterfall displays.
Section 4.2.2.2.5 Hatching

This option makes it possible to hatch between the first 2 curves – in the front
and/or the back of a front-back.
Hatching is only supported for line segments and markers (not for block
outlines (used for octave data). In the octave display the octave visualizations,
line segments and skyline, are supported.
Hatching is only supported for strict monotone signals.
Section 4.2.2.2.6 Reverse

The option reverses the axis. The option is available in the Matrix display.

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4.2.2.2.9.1 Grid
Visible
Switches the grid on or off.
Line Style
set.
Base Resolution
range will be 100.
4.2.2.2.9.2 Ticks
axis.
Visible
Line Style
be set.

Base Resolution
Type
the axis.
Annotation visible
Font button.
Font
Decimals
annotated.
4.2.2.2.9.3 Limits
Visible
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Font
Decimals
4.2.2.2.9.4 Unit
Visible
Font
4.2.2.2.9.5 Name
extra option to 'hide name for single axis data'. This option is only available for
an independent Y axis.
4.2.2.2.9.6 Format
Visible
Font
Section 4.2.2.2.10 Color Scale

This option enables you to select a color palette to be used to display the data
values. It is only available in a Colormap, Function-Map & Matrix display
windows.

All the installed color palettes are listed in the cascading menu.
As extra options the color palette can be made more printer friendly by
whitening the lowest value color or the color palette can be inverted.
Transition
Color scale color transitions can be made Banded (default) or smooth.
For the Colormap and Function-Map display an extra ‘Base Ticks’ option is
available to fix color transitions on the color scale base ticks. The ‘base ticks
resolution’ can be customized in the color scale options menu with an offset and
an increment.
Section 4.2.2.3 Z-axis

determined.
Free
Optimized
Fixed...
these values.
itself.
Section 4.2.2.3.2 Format Z

This option is only available in Colormap, Waterfall and Matrix display
windows. It determines in which format the Z-axis values will be displayed. The
format of the Z-axis is default Linear.

Waterfall displays.
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4.2.2.3.6.1 Grid
Visible
Switches the grid on or off.
Line Style

set.
Base Resolution
range will be 100.
4.2.2.3.6.2 Custom Grid
A custom grid is a custom set of lines that can be overlaid on the displayed data
in a Colormap or a Waterfall display. The values from an existing block, e.g. a
TestLab block or an Excel block, can be selected based on their units. The units
of the selected block should match the visible X and Z axis units. Multiple
function blocks, for different sets of units, can be saved in the picture layout.
An increment can be chosen to create a custom grid with fixed percentage

intervals.
4.2.2.3.6.3 Ticks
axis.
Visible
Line Style
be set.
Base Resolution
Type
the axis.
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Annotation visible
Font button.
Font
Decimals
annotated.
4.2.2.3.6.4 Limits
Visible
Font
Decimals
4.2.2.3.6.5 Name
extra option to 'hide name for single axis data'. This option is only available for
an independent Z axis.

4.2.2.3.6.6 Unit
Visible
Font
4.2.2.3.6.7 Format
Visible
Font
These menus are obtained by right clicking on any X, Y or Z axis. They enable
you to adjust the characteristics of that axis. The contents of some entries in this
menu will depend on the type of axis.
For a FrontBack axis menu, different characteristics can be set for the left
(front) Y and the right (back) Y axes. While in the case of an UpperLower axis
menu, different characteristics can be set for the top (upper) Y and the bottom
(lower) Y axes.
Section 4.2.2.4 X-axes

Use the X-axis popup menu to switch between the X axes that are available.
Depending on displayed data type a number of options are provided.

4.2.2.4.1.1 Order map, spectrum waterfall, individual spectra of a
waterfall
Derived Frequency / Order
In Colormap and Waterfall displays you can view an order map with a
frequency X axis and a spectrum waterfall with an order X axis. There is a
frequency (or order) X axis available for each rpm Z axis.
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You can also view the individual blocks of waterfalls with a derived
Frequency/Order axis in a 2D function display. This option is not available in an
octave display.
4.2.2.4.1.2 Sections, (orders, frequency sections, octave sections,
overall level, ...)
Sections are 2D slices through 3D maps or waterfalls, the X axis of a section
corresponds to the Z axis of the waterfall. Sections can contain the following X
axes:
Time
Data values will be displayed along the X axis according to the time value they
were measured. The first value is annotated with time 0, the other values are
annotated with the time relative to that of the first value.
Time (Throughput)
Data values will be displayed along the X axis according to the time value they
were measured. The time values correspond to those of the time recording
(Throughput file). This time recording can be superimposed in the same display
for comparison purposes.
Tacho channel (rpm), Derived Tacho channel and Static

channel
Data values will be displayed along the X axis according to the measured value
of the selected Tacho, Derived Tacho or Static channel.
Derived Frequency
You can view orders (and other sections) against frequency. For each Tacho
axis a frequency axis is available. For order sections, the order number of the
order section is taken into account.
For example:
 1st order section, with rpm axis from 2100 to 6100 rpm gives a frequency
axis from 35 to 101.66 Hz
 3rd order section, with rpm axis from 2100 to 6100 rpm gives a frequency
axis from 105 to 305 Hz
Derived number
Data values will be displayed along the X axis according to the sequence
number in which they were measured.
Section 4.2.2.5 Second X-axes

Use the Second X-axis popup menu to display a second X-axis on top of a
display. Only second X-axes with a correlation greater or equal to 98% with the
primary X-axis will be available. If the data in the display contains no second
X-axes, this field will be grayed out.
When the primary X-axis is changed, the second X-axis will be removed. The

pop-up menu allows you then to select again a second X-axis if available.
If cursors are added to a display, they will always be linked to the unit of the
primary X-axis. The values of the second X axis are determined via linear
regression and are therefore always an approximation.
Use the Second X-axis popup menu to display a second X-axis on top of a
display. Only second X-axes with a correlation greater or equal to 98% with the
primary X-axis will be available. If the data in the display contains no second
X-axes, this field will be grayed out.
Section 4.2.2.6 Z-axes

Depending on the value of this toggle, another Z axis is annotated. A number of
options are provided. It is only available in Colormap and Waterfall display
windows.
Derived number
Records will be displayed along the Z axis according to the sequence number in
which they were measured.
Time
Records will be displayed along the Z axis according to the time value they
were measured. The first record is annotated with time 0, the other records are
annotated with the time value relative to that of the first record.
Time (Throughput)
Records will be displayed along the Z axis according to the time value they
were measured. The time values correspond to those of the time recording
(Throughput file ).
Tacho channel (rpm), Derived Tacho channel and Static

channel
Records will be displayed along the Z axis according to the measured value of
the selected Tacho, Derived Tacho or Static channel.
Section 4.2.3 The Display menus
This menu is obtained by right clicking in the display area of the window and
not on a curve. When there is a lot of data in a window it can be more easily
obtained by right clicking anywhere in the window, while holding the Ctrl key
down.
Section 4.2.3.1 Add Single Cursor

This allows you to add a number of single cursors (see "The Single (cursor)
menus" on page 183) with arrowhead handles.
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Section 4.2.3.2 Add Double Cursor

This allows you to add a number of double cursors (see "The Double (cursor)
menus" on page 187) with arrowhead handles. Double cursors can be used to
examine specific ranges of data values.
Section 4.2.3.3 Add Harmonic Cursor

This allows you to add a number of harmonic cursors (see "The Harmonic
(cursor) menus" on page 190) with arrowhead handles. Harmonic cursors
change their separation in a way that makes them all harmonics of one
frequency.
Section 4.2.3.4 Add Automatic Cursor

This allows you to add an automatic peak cursor or an automatic valley cursor.
They cannot be moved. They indicate the peak or valley of the selected curve
within the range of the display. Throughput data is not supported.
The ‘Automatic Peak/Valley parameters’ can be accessed by clicking on the

popup menu of the cursor.
Section 4.2.3.5 Add Processing Cursor

All different kinds of processing cursors are available on waterfalls and
colormaps. You can insert a Z-, Order-, Frequency and Cross-cursor in a
display. The corresponding processed block can be dragged and dropped into
another display. While moving the processing cursor the view is instantaneously
updated.
An X-processing cursor is also available in a Front/Back display. The start

situation is a picture with at least two 2D-displays. In one of the 2D-displays
you can drop at least one function that is a processed function of that waterfall,
e.g. the OA-level or an order section. On this curve you can define a processing
cursor and the application identifies the corresponding spectrum according to
the specific position of that processing cursor. After dropping the corresponding
spectrum in a display, you can move this processing cursor and the view will be
updated instantaneously.
There is also the ability to adjust the processing parameters. For example, the
width unit of an order section can be determined by order, percentage,
frequency or number of lines.
The processing cursors can also be used in semi-embedded active pictures.
Section 4.2.3.6 Add Coupled Cursor

This allows you to add a number of coupled cursors. Coupled cursors can be
used to examine specific data values over multiple displays within a picture.

Section 4.2.3.7 Remove All Cursors

This option removes all the cursors in the display. Right click on the cursor and
select Remove Cursor from the dropdown menu, in order to remove
individual cursors.
Section 4.2.3.8 Paste

This option can be used to paste an item that has been copied from the list in the
Data Explorer window.
Paste to Front / Back

In a FrontBack display window, you can paste data browser entries from the
Data Explorer to the front or to the back axis, executing this function in either
the left or the right hand side of the window.
Paste to Upper / Lower

In an UpperLower display window, you can paste data browser entries from the
Data Explorer to a specific axis in either the upper or lower window, depending
on where you executed the function (the upper or the lower side).
Section 4.2.3.9 Select All Curves

This option selects all curves on display. Individual curves can be selected by
left clicking on them or by pressing the Shift key while left clicking. It is not
available for Colormap or Waterfall displays.
Section 4.2.3.10 Deselect All Curves

This option deselects all the curves that are currently selected. Individual curves
can be deselected by left clicking on them with the Shift key depressed. It is not
available for Colormap or Waterfall displays.
Section 4.2.3.11 Remove Curve

This option relates to Colormap and Waterfall displays only. It removes “all”
curves in the display.
Section 4.2.3.12 Remove All Curves

This option removes all the curves in the display, from both the front and the
back axes. Right click on the curve and select Remove Curve from the
dropdown menu, in order to remove individual curve. It is not available for
Colormap or Waterfall displays.
Section 4.2.3.13 Legend

This toggles the presence of a floating legend inside the display window in
which information relating to the displayed data can be seen. You can drag it
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with the mouse to any desired location in the window. Clicking on the small
box inside the floating legend selects the curve. Right-clicking on a legend
schedules a popup menu (see "The Curve Legend menus" on page 180) which
allows several actions to be made on both the legend itself and on the data in the
display.
Section 4.2.3.14 Title Legend

This toggles the presence of a title legend inside the display window. The title
legend enables you to show a title and the attributes common to all curves. You
can drag the title legend with the mouse to any desired location in the window.
Section 4.2.3.15 Cursor Legend

This toggles the presence of a floating cursor legend inside the display window
in which information regarding the cursor position, crossing values of the cursor
with the curve(s) and possibly calculated information can be seen. You can drag
it with the mouse to any desired location in the window. The formatting of the
contents is the same as and determined by the formatting of the legend. In the
cursor legend options you can also define whether the unit labels will be shown
in the cursor legend.
Right-clicking on a cursor legend schedules a dropdown menu with the

possibility to copy the contents of the legend into the Windows clipboard. These
contents can than be saved in e.g. Microsoft Excel.
Auto
When switched on, whenever an X, Y or cross cursor is added to the display,
the corresponding cursor legend will automatically be opened. When removing
the last cursor of a certain type, the corresponding cursor legend will disappear
automatically. When switched off, no cursor legend will be shown
automatically.
X
When switched on, the cursor legend for X cursors becomes visible.
Y (front)
When switched on, the cursor legend for Y (front) cursors becomes visible.
Y (back)
When switched on, the cursor legend for Y (back) cursors becomes visible.
Cross (front)
When switched on, the cursor legend for Cross (front) cursors becomes visible.
Cross (back)
When switched on, the cursor legend for Cross (back) cursors becomes visible.

Section 4.2.3.16 Copy to Metafile

This function copies the contents of the display window to a metafile in the
windows clipboard. It can then be pasted into another application e.g. Word.
It is also possible to copy the contents of the complete picture (all the windows
in the layout) by executing the same function from the popup menu obtained
from the picture tab.
Section 4.2.3.17 Preview Mode

When this setting is "on", then the contents of the window will automatically be
updated by simply clicking on an item in the Data selector panel.
For the FrontBack Display, the selected item will be added to the back (right)
axis.
For the UpperLower Display, the selected item will be added to the lower
(bottom) axis.
You must select a suitable data type for the window and it must be compatible
with any data that is currently on display on the chosen axis. The magnifying
glass icon at the top right hand corner of the window indicates when this setting
is "on".
Section 4.2.3.18 Undo

This option will undo the latest zoom action. It will have the same effect as
using the backspace.
Section 4.2.3.19 Interactive zooming

With this option, you can switch on or off the interactive zooming with the
mouse.
Section 4.2.3.20 Maximize

This option causes the window in which you are working fill the entire desktop
space. Use the Restore option to return to the layout setting.
Section 4.2.3.21 Restore

This option can be used after the Zoom or the Maximize operations to restore
the active window to its rightful size within the layout/worksheet.
Section 4.2.3.22 Display Size

This option offers the possibility to resize and restore the picture size.
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Maximize
This option causes the window in which you are working to fill the entire
desktop space. Use the Restore option to return to the layout setting.
Maximize to Picture
This option applies when you are working with a layout that contains a number
of windows. Selecting this option makes the active window fill the display area
panel. Use the Restore option to return to the layout setting.
Restore
This option can be used after the Maximize or the Maximize to Picture
operations in order to restore the active window to its rightful size within the
layout/worksheet.
Section 4.2.3.23 Display Format

The option Align front/back displays in picture allows you to align the format
of all displays in the picture.
The Copy and Paste options allow you to copy the format of one display and
paste it into another.
Section 4.2.3.24 Aspect ratio

This option is available for the XY display and applies to the Front (not the
Back) drop target.
By default the aspect ratio 'Mode' is 'Automatic', i.e. (eg mm/nr of pixels) used
for X and Y axis is the same. By default the 'Automatic options' setting 'Equal Y
ranges' is enabled, meaning the largest range is used for both (horizontal and
vertical) Y axes.
If the aspect ratio 'Mode' is put to ‘User defined’, a user can define another
ratio. With the Ctrl-mouse, you can define any ratio.
Section 4.2.3.25 Axis options

This opens the “Axis options” dialog which lets you apply chosen limit ranges
to all axes set to “optimized” limits.
 Log range (expressed in decades)
 dB range
 Decade range
 Octave range
Section 4.2.3.26 Overall Level Options...

This option is only available for Octave displays. It schedules the “Overall
Level Options...” in which the display settings for the two types of overall levels

are set. The level marked [A, B, C or D] is the sum of the data values with the
standard acoustic filtering known as [A, B, C or D] weighting applied. The level
marked 'L' is the sum of the linear (unweighted) data values in all octave bands.
To display the actual data values on top of the bar, check the 'Show overall level
values' box “on”.
To calculate both types of overall level, check the 'Calculate both weighted and
linear overall level” box “on”.
To turn “off” either setting, uncheck the relevant box.
Section 4.2.3.27 Options

This schedules the 'Options' dialog in which a number of display settings can be
defined. Each one is set by first clicking on the tab, setting the parameters
values as required, then clicking Apply to see the effect.
Section 4.2.3.27.1 Layout

3D Effect
When this setting is on, then the border around the display area appears to have
some depth.
Display Area Color

Clicking on this button enables you to select the color which surrounds the
display area within its portion of the overall layout.
Graphic Area Color

Clicking on this button enables you to select the color used as background in the
display area.
Show
Indicates which axis are shown or ‘visible’ in the display. This tab is only
available for FrontBack, Octave, Function-Map, Colormap, XY, GPS, Nyquist,
Matrix and Video displays.
Section 4.2.3.27.2 Cursors

This dialog enables you to set the default cursor properties for a particular type
of cursor that is available in the display. These properties will be applied to all
cursors of this type when they are scheduled. It does not affect existing cursors.
The properties of existing cursors can be adjusted using the same dialog, by
right clicking on the cursor line.
Cursor
You can select the type of cursor that you want to apply the settings to from the
drop down list.
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Style
Line style
Clicking on this button schedules a dialog in which you can choose the color,
pattern and the width of the cursor line.
Cursor
Show the cursor as a line, a short line or no line.
Intersection
Indicate the cursor intersection with curves with a line, a short line or no line.
Font
Clicking on this button schedules a dialog in which you can choose the font in
which the cursor value (if displayed) will be shown.
Show Handle
Turning this option “on” displays the cursor handle.
ToolTip Style
When this button is checked on, the cursor annotation value will be displayed
with a colored background, in the style of a tooltip, which makes it easier to
distinguish.
Value
When this button is checked on, then the current cursor value will be displayed.
Decimals
The number in this field determines the number of decimal places behind the
point that will be displayed in the cursor value.
Checking this button 'on' will mean that the cursor values (if they are visible)
will be displayed, when possible, in the exponential form Ae+b or Ae-b, where
A is the number defined by the number of decimals and b is the power (as a
multiple of three).
On all Harmonics
This option is available for the harmonic cursor. If the value is not shown on all
harmonics, the first or the selected instance of the harmonic cursor shows the
harmonic value.
Always show intersections

This button always you to show always the intersections with all the curves in
the display, even when the curves are not selected.

Snap to data values

When this field is set to "snap to data values on curve", the only possible cursor
positions are on physically measured samples. When it is set to "None", the
cursor can be positioned anywhere. If the cursor is positioned between two
physically measured samples, then the readout value will be a linear
interpolation between the two surrounding samples.
Harmonic count
Show a fixed number of lines for a harmonic cursor.
Section 4.2.3.27.3 Label

You can define a label for each cursor which then will be shown in the cursor
legend.
Append to value
Appends the label to the cursor value.
On all Harmonics
This option is available for the harmonic cursor. If the label is not shown on all
harmonics, the first or the selected instance of the harmonic cursor shows the
harmonic value.
Section 4.2.3.27.4 Curve Property Schema

The default curve property settings for the first 14 curves can be edited via the
'Overrule the default curve property schema' checkbox. It is always possible to
'Reset to default schema'. When more than 14 curves are displayed the schema
gets repeated. The edited schema is only applied on newly dropped curves.
Note: In the application menu bar, in Tools>Options…>Displays>2D

Function Displays, the option ‘Always use trace type ‘Block Outlines’ for
octave data’ overrules the 2D display trace type setting for octave data.
Section 4.2.3.27.5 Miscellaneous

The 'Orientation' of the independent axes can be changed in a Front/Back
display, a colormap and a HistogramMatrix display.
During an online measurement process, the 'Number of visible traces', i.e. the
number of spectra shown during an online measurement, can be adjusted. Also
the 'Scrolling' range can be defined.
These options are only available for Colormap displays.
Section 4.2.3.28 Options - Numerical Display

A numerical display panel can contain 1 or more gauge or numerical displays. It
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can only be used to display tacho or static channel values online in Signature
workbook.
When right-clicking on a display, the following functions are available:
Gauge / Numerical
Select the type of display.
Linear / dB
Select the format of the data. dB is calculated on the absolute values.
Color Scale
Define the limits for the gauge and allows to define 3 different colors
corresponding to 3 range of data.
Decimals...
Define the number of decimals to be displayed.
Options…
Automatic font size
Font size automatically resizes, i.e. the name will be auto fitted.
Display: name only
For large names, e.g. CAN channel names, only the part after the last ‘::’ will be
displayed.
When there are several displays in 1 numerical display panel, it is possible to
rearrange them by dragging and dropping them.
Section 4.2.3.29 Options - Curve

These options are only available for Waterfall displays.
Hidden lines
When this option is on, then front blocks will hide the lines of blocks that are
behind them.
Line Style...
Clicking on this button schedules a dialog in which you can choose a color,
pattern and width for the curves to be displayed in the window. The same style
will be applied to all curves.
Section 4.2.3.30 Options - View

These options are only available for Waterfall displays.
Scale
This is the percentage of the total height of the current window used for the X-Y

plane. This value can range from 0.01 (1%) to 0.99 (99%).
Angle
This is the angle at which the Z axis is set. Values from 0.01° up to 65° are
possible.
Section 4.2.3.31 Tool

Zoom
When selected, zooming can be done by left clicking and dragging a square on a
curve. It modifies the display menu obtained by right clicking in the display
area of the window. Unzooming can be done by double clicking in the display
area or by selecting “Undo” from the modified display menu.
General
When selected, the standard display menu is obtained by right clicking in the
display area of the window.
Section 4.2.4 The Data menus
These operations relate to the data traces that are on display.
Section 4.2.4.1 Remove

Clicking on this item removes the selected curve from the display.
Section 4.2.4.2 Move to Front/Back

Only available in a Front/Back display. Clicking on this item moves the selected
curve either to the back or the front of the display.
Section 4.2.4.3 Cut

Clicking on this item cuts the selected curve from the display. You can paste the
curve in any compatible display by clicking on Paste menu item in the Display
popup menu.
Section 4.2.4.4 Copy

Clicking on this item copies the selected curve from the display. You can paste
the curve in any compatible display by clicking on Paste menu item in the
Display popup menu.
Section 4.2.4.5 Copy values

This option is not available for Colormap or Waterfall displays. It allows you to
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copy the values of the selected curve for pasting purposes.
[All]
Copies all the values of the selected curve.
[Between X limits]
Copies only the values of the selected curve between the X limits of the display.
Section 4.2.4.6 Status Message

Clicking on this item schedules a message box indicating the status of the block.
This item becomes only sensitive when a message is available.
Section 4.2.4.7 Data Properties

This option is not available for Colormap or Waterfall displays. It opens the
“Properties” dialog presenting a table of the identification details for the
selected data. Columns can be hidden from view by right clicking on the header
field and then choosing Hide from the popup menu that appears.
Section 4.2.4.8 Curve Properties

This option schedules the Curve Properties dialog in which you can define the
properties of the curve used to draw the traces. It is not available for Colormap
Waterfall or Matrix displays.
Line
You can choose styles for the lines from the Trace style, Color, Pattern and
Width dropdown menus.
Fill
This allows you to select the color used for the selected curves from the Fill
Color dropdown menu.
Marker
This allows you to use markers, cross, cross (pre-10A) or dots, on the selected
curves You can then select the size of the markers from the MarkerSize
dropdown menu.
The marker style cross (pre-10A) differs from the cross markers in setting its
markers on the minimum and maximum values per pixel. With multiple data
values per pixel this gives a reduced min-max view in comparison with the
regular cross marker.
Annotation
An annotation can be added to the legend.

Section 4.2.4.9 Replay

This option allows you to replay audio data when the Replay Add-in is
included. More explanation in the Audio replay & filter dialog chapter.
Section 4.2.4.10 Select

This option is not available for Colormap or Waterfall displays. Selecting is
performed by left clicking on the data trace or by clicking on the curve
identification box inside the floating legend (see "The Curve Legend menus"
on page 180). The selection is indicated by a series of small square markers
appearing on the curve. Selection is important when you are using cursors. A
displayed cursor value is that of the selected function. As you move the cursor
over the selected function the cursors snaps to a data point and displays the
corresponding X and Y values.
You can add curves to the current selection by left clicking on a curve with the
Shift key depressed.
You can remove a single curve from the selection by left clicking on it with the
Shift key depressed. Simply left clicking on a curve selects that curve and
deselects all others.
Section 4.2.5 The Cursor menus
These operations relate to the cursors that are on display. All of the cursor
options found in the complete set of displays are described or referred to here.
However, all of the options do not apply to all of the displays.
Cursors are added to a display using the Display menu (see "The Display
menus" on page 165).
Right clicking on a cursor brings up a popup menu.
Section 4.2.5.1 Remove cursor

This removes the cursor from the display.
Section 4.2.5.2 Zoom

This relates to double cursors only and expands the display between the cursor
values. The X axis now has fixed limits, with the minimum and maximum
values defined by the cursor values. To return to the original settings use the
Limits menu (see "Limits" on page 146) to reset the X axis limits.
Note: The following sub-menu entries concern the X-axis in the Bode,
FrontBack and UpperLower windows and are only seen if one or more curves
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are linked.
Section 4.2.5.3 Move to…

The user will be asked for the value, where the cursor will be moved to.
Section 4.2.5.4 Move to next Sample

The cursor will move to the next sample.
Section 4.2.5.5 Move to previous Sample

The cursor will move to the previous sample.
Section 4.2.5.6 Move to next local maximum / minimum

This option is not available for Colormap, Octave or Waterfall displays. It
causes the cursor to jump to the next maximum (peak) or minimum (dip) in a
positive X direction found on any of the selected curves.
Section 4.2.5.7 Move to previous local maximum / minimum

causes the cursor to jump to the previous maximum (peak) or minimum (dip) in
a negative X direction found on any of the selected curves.
Section 4.2.5.8 Move to global maximum / minimum

causes the cursor to jump to the overall maximum or minimum value of all of
the selected curves.
Section 4.2.5.9 Snap to Data Values

If on, the cursor can only be placed at a sample of the data (and not in between).
It is not possible to snap a coupled cursor to data samples.
Section 4.2.5.10 Lock position

This option locks the cursor to its current position. It cannot be moved anymore
until the "lock position" option is disabled again via the same menu.
Section 4.2.5.11 Calculations

This option is available for double cursors and single X cursors. It specifies
which calculated values should be shown in the cursor legend, in addition to the
cursor position(s) and crossing values.

Section 4.2.5.11.1 General cursor calculations in all Functions

displays
In general, next calculations are possible (depending on the cursor type and
display type): axis range, RMS, min, max, average, and range.
Section 4.2.5.11.2 Modal Cursor calculations in Front/Back and

Bode display
Next to these general calculations, in a Front/Back and a Bode display also the
calculation of the damping factor - damping ratio – loss factor is available for a
single cursor.
The damping factor, damping ratio, and loss factor can be easily calculated from
the two 3dB frequency values: the left and right crossvalues of the line, 3dB
lower than the local peak value:
where:
Q :damping factor
:damping ratio
:loss factor
Section 4.2.5.12 Processing…

When clicking this, an overview of some derived processing on the current
cursor is shown – e.g. an order section on order cursor of a waterfall.
Section 4.2.5.13 Properties…

This schedules a dialog in which you can adapt a number of characteristics of
the selected cursor.
These are the same options as previously documented for the Cursor tab in the
Options dialog (see "Options" on page 171) accessed through the Function
Display menu.
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Section 4.2.6 The Curve Legend menus
Section 4.2.6.1 Show
This allows you to show the legend of 5, 10, 15 or all the curves that are
selected. You can also choose an other number of curves to be shown by
clicking custom.
You can then scroll through the different curves by clicking the up or down
arrows next to the curve legend .
Section 4.2.6.2 Copy Legend Values

This allows you to copy the complete content of the legend and to paste it in a
MS Word document, MS Excel, … .
Section 4.2.6.3 Size to fit

This automatically sets the optimal size of the legend box in the display.
Section 4.2.6.4 Options...

This opens the “Curve Legend Options” dialog containing five tabs.
Custom Content
This tab lets you choose custom content for your legend from a list of all the
possible information available for the legend box. The available attributes
depend on which Origin and Type you have selected. In the list of attributes you
can navigate to the desired attribute by using the keyboard and typing the first
letter.

As the number of all available attributes is quite extended, we provide the

possibility to define a “Favorite list” of the attributes which you plan to use on a
regular base.
When an attribute is highlighted you can press the “Add to Favorites” button.
This will make sure you create a “Favorite List” which can be visualized by
enabling the “Show Favorites” checkbox. Multiple attributes from different
origin and type can be added to this “Favorite List” when this “Show Favorites”
option is disabled. On the other hand you can only remove items by pressing the
“Remove from Favorites” when the “Show Favorites” is enabled.
In the right panel you define the attributes that can be visualized in either the
legend or title legend. This list can receive input from the general list or the
Favorites. So, when switching the view of the Favorite List on or off, the
selected attributes will remain the same.
There is also the possibility to choose where the attributes common to all curves
are shown. Either the can be shown in the title legend or the legend or even
both. Note that you first need to enable to title legend first in the popup menu if
you would like the attributes to be visible.
Standard Content
This tab lets you choose, from a list of suggested standard content items, what
you wish to display as standard information in your legend box.
Calculated Content
This tab lets you choose from a list of single values which can be reported in the
legend. A single value is a calculated value from the data block. Those values
will be calculated after the visualization processing (i.e. window corrections,
weighting…)
The following single values are available. Some more explanation can be found
in the manual which is referred to.
Sound Metric: (all in the LMS Test.Lab Sound Diagnosis manual > The LMS
Test.Lab Sound Diagnosis workbook > The Sound Diagnosis worksheet > The
Metrics Panel > Metrics table)
 Sound Pressure Level
 Loudness ISO523B Free Field
 Loudness ISO523B Diffuse Field
 Articulation Index
 Open Articulation Index
 Sharpness Free Field
 Sharpness Diffuse Field
 Loudness Stevens 6 (ISO532A)
 Loudness Stevens 7
 Tone-to-noise Ratio
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 Prominence Ratio
 Tonality
 ANSI Speech Interference Level
 Preferred Speech Interference Level
 Noise Rating (NR)
 Noise Criterion (NC)
 Balanced Noise Criterion (NCB)
Note: The acoustical metrics will not be supported for time data, they will only
be useful for frequency spectra or 3rd octave spectra. To be able to perform
some sound Metrics calculations the 'sound diagnose license' is also required. If
not available, all previously added values will still be displayed in the legend.
Statistical Value: (all in the LMS Test.Lab Signature Acquisition manual >
Functions > Frame statistics)
 Variance
 Range
 RMS
 Average
 Maximum
 5% percentile
 10% percentile
 50% percentile
 90% percentile
 95% percentile
 Last Value
Note: All the calculations for statistical single values on complex-valued

spectra are performed on the amplitudes. Percentiles are not supported on
throughput data. Statistical value calculation on throughput data is dependent
on the application setting: Tools>Options>Data>Time Data Options>Max.
number of samples used for calculations. The calculation is not supported
above this limit.
The format in which the single values are reported can be adapted.
 Prefix: the name that appears in the Legend (i.e. to enter "AI" for
Articulation Index) Decimal: the number of decimals can be specified
(0-12)
 dB: selecting this option will represent the data in dB in stead of linear
format. If you want to add the log reference of this dB value, you can do so
by adding this for the involved unit(s) in the unit editor.

 Unit Label: you can optionally append the data with the unit label.
Layout
This tab lets you change the appearance of your legend box, including the box
itself (border and background colors, size and visibility) and the fonts used to
display its contents (font color, size, effects...).
For the Multi-trace and the Upper/Lower display, the legend can be ‘Split per Y
axis’.
Title Content
This tab enables you to give the display a title. This will be shown in the title
legend. There is also the possibility to choose where the attributes common to
all curves are shown.
Title Layout
This tab lets you change the appearance of your title legend box, including the
box itself (border and background colors, size and visibility) and the fonts used
to display its contents (font color, size, effects...).
Section 4.2.7 The Single (cursor) menus
Section 4.2.7.1 Single X

This schedules a single vertical line, with an arrowhead handle, that can be
dragged with the mouse. The X value corresponding to the cursor position is
annotated just above the lower x-axis. If any of the functions are selected, then
the corresponding values on those traces are also annotated.
Octave
In an Octave Display, the cursor is placed on the center frequency of the octave
band.
UpperLower
In an UpperLower Display, the cursor line covers both windows.
Waterfall
In a Waterfall Display, this item schedules a YZ plane that can be dragged
along the X-axis.
Section 4.2.7.2 Single Y

This schedules an Y cursor on the display i.e. a single horizontal line, with an
arrowhead handle, that can be dragged with the mouse).
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Colormap
In a Colormap display, this item schedules a single horizontal line in the color
scale area to the right of the data display area. It can be moved with the mouse
and the Y value corresponding to the cursor position is annotated.
FrontBack
In a FrontBack display, the entry that you obtain from the Y menu item depends
on where you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The left half of the
window relates to the left (front) axis, and the right half of the window relates to
the right (back) axis.
These entries schedule a single horizontal line that can be moved with the
mouse. The Y value on the corresponding axis is annotated next to the axis. If
any of the functions on that axis are selected, then up to 20 X values
corresponding to this Y value will be annotated.
UpperLower
In an UpperLower display, The entry that you obtain from the Y menu item
depends on where you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The upper
window relates to the top display, and the lower window relates to the bottom
display. These entries schedule a single horizontal line that can be moved with
the mouse. The Y value on the corresponding axis is annotated next to the axis.
If any of the functions on that axis are selected, then up to 20 X values
Waterfall
In a Waterfall display, this item schedules an XZ plane that can be dragged
along the Y axis with the mouse. The Y value corresponding to the cursor
position is annotated.
Section 4.2.7.3 Single Z

These are only available on Colormap and Waterfall displays.
Colormap
In a Colormap display, this item schedules a single horizontal line in the display
area. It can be moved with the mouse or the arrow keys and the according Z
value to the cursor position is annotated.
Waterfall
The Z-cursor will schedule a XY-plane that can be moved along the Z-axis. The
block at the cursor position will be highlighted. Even when the trace density is
modified (reduced) the block at the Z-position will be shown and highlighted. A
cross-hair cursor indicates the peak value of the spectrum.
Section 4.2.7.4 Order

These are available in Colormap and Waterfall windows.

Colormap
In a Colormap display, an order cursor is a radial line rotating about the point X
= 0, Z = 0. It can be used for examining “orders” when the Z axis values are
rpm.
The line can be moved with the cursor or you can use the ‘Move to …’ cursor
menu option.
The ‘order’ value displayed is the ratio of the X (frequency value) and the Z
(frequency value) :
X (frequency value) = Order * Z (frequency value)
Or when the Z axis values are rpm:
X (frequency value) = Order * Z (rpm) / 60
Order cursor in a Colormap display
You can give the order cursor an ‘offset’ on the X-axis. In this case the radial
line is rotating about the point X = offset, Z = 0.
The offset can be moved with the cursor at the location of the offset point.
The displayed values are the ‘offset’ and the ‘order’ value:
X (frequency value) = Offset + Order * Z (frequency value)
Also the Mirrored order is shown:
X (frequency value) = Offset - Order * Z (frequency value)
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Order cursor with offset in a Colormap display
Waterfall
In a Waterfall Display, an order cursor is a radial plane rotating about the point
X = 0, Z = 0. Dragging can move it and the value X/Z of its current position is
displayed.
Order cursor in a Waterfall display
The exact value will of course depend on the values that are being displayed
along the Z axis. This cursor can be used for examining orders when the Z axis
values are rpm. The value displayed is the ratio of the X (frequency value) and
the Z rpm *60 (frequency value).
Section 4.2.7.5 Frequency

This type of cursor will schedule a YZ-plane that can be dragged along the
X-axis when the axis is a frequency axis. Even when switching to another
available X-axis (for example order), the frequency cursor will annotated the
according frequency. As a consequence, the shape of the cursor will change
also.
A regular single X cursor will always schedule a YZ-plane.

Section 4.2.7.6 Power

This type of cursor represents the result of the product of the X and the Z axis
values. The power cursor is only available (not grayed out) when the resulting
product of the X axis and the Z axis quantity cases equals the ‘Power’ quantity
case, e.g. MomentOfForce (Nm) x RotationalSpeed (rpm) equals Power (W).
Section 4.2.7.7 Single cross

This schedules a vertical and horizontal line in the window. The crossed pair
can be moved with the mouse. The X and Z coordinates corresponding to the
position of the crossing point in the display area are annotated as (X, Z).
FrontBack
In the FrontBack display, what you obtain from this menu depends on where
you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The left half of the window
relates to the left (front) axis, and the right half of the window relates to the
right (back) axis. These entries schedule a vertical and horizontal line in the
window. The crossed pair can be moved with the mouse by dragging the
crossing point. The X and Y coordinates corresponding to the position of the
crossing point in the display area are annotated as (X, Y). The Y value relates to
the selected axis.
UpperLower
In the UpperLower Display, what you obtain from this menu depends on where
right (back) axis. These entries schedule a vertical and horizontal line in the
window. The crossed pair can be moved with the mouse by dragging the
crossing point. The X and Y coordinates corresponding to the position of the
crossing point in the display area are annotated as (X, Y). The Y value relates to
the selected axis.
Section 4.2.8 The Double (cursor) menus
Section 4.2.8.1 Double X

This schedules a pair of vertical lines that can be moved with the mouse. The X
values corresponding to the cursor positions are annotated. Drag the left line to
move the cursor pair. Drag the right line to change the distance between the
lines.
Octave
For an Octave Display, it is the same as two single cursors, except for the
coherence between them.
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Waterfall
For a Waterfall Display, this schedules a pair of YZ planes that can be dragged
along the X-axis with the mouse. Dragging the left plane moves the cursor pair.
Dragging the right plane changes the distance between the cursor planes.
Section 4.2.8.2 Double Y

This places a double Y-cursor on the display.
Colormap
For a Colormap Display, this schedules a pair of horizontal lines in the color
scale area to the right of the data display. They can be moved with the mouse
and the Y values corresponding to the cursor positions are annotated.
Waterfall
For a Waterfall Display, this schedules a pair of XZ planes that can be dragged
along the Y axis with the mouse. The Y values corresponding to the cursor
positions are annotated. Drag the bottom plane to move the cursor pair. Drag the
top plane to change the distance between the cursor planes.
FrontBack
In the FrontBack Display, the exact entry that you obtain from this menu
depends on where you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The left half of
the window relates to the left (front) axis, and the right half of the window
relates to the right (back) axis. These entries schedule a pair of horizontal lines
that can be moved with the mouse. Drag the bottom line to move the cursor
pair. Drag the upper line to change the distance between the lines.
The Y values on the corresponding axis are annotated. If any of the functions
associated with the same axis are selected, then up to 20 X values
UpperLower
In the UpperLower Display, the exact entry that you obtain from this menu
depends on where you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The upper
window relates to the top display, and the lower window relates to the bottom
display. These entries schedule a series of horizontal lines, each of which is
separated by a constant distance. The separating distance corresponds to the
distance between the zero value and first line, which is annotated. Dragging a
cursor line across the zero line moves all the harmonic lines to the opposite side.
The distance between all the lines can be adjusted by dragging any one of the
lines up or down.
Section 4.2.8.3 Double Z

These are only available in colormap and waterfall windows.
Colormap
For a Colormap Display, this schedules a pair of horizontal lines in the data

display area that can be moved with the mouse along the Z axis. The Z values
corresponding to the cursor positions are annotated. Drag the bottom line to
move the cursor pair. Drag the upper line to change the distance between the
lines.
Waterfall
For a Waterfall Display, this schedules a pair of XY planes that can be dragged
along the Z axis with the mouse. The Z values corresponding to the cursor
positions are annotated. Drag the front plane to move the cursor pair. Drag the
back plane to change the distance between the cursor planes.
Section 4.2.8.4 Double Order

Colormap
In a Colormap Display, a double order cursor is a pair of radial lines rotating
about the point X = 0, Z = 0. The pair can be moved together by dragging the
left hand line (black in the figure). The angle between them can be adjusted by
dragging the right hand line (red in the figure). In each case, the value X/Z
corresponding to the positions of the two lines is annotated.
Double Order cursor in a Colormap Display
This exact values will of course depend on the values that are being displayed
Waterfall
For a Waterfall Display, a double order cursor is a pair of radial planes rotating
about the point X = 0, Z = 0. The pair can be moved together by dragging the
left plane. The angle between them can be adjusted by dragging the right plane.
In each case, the values X/Z corresponding to the positions of the two planes is
annotated.
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Section 4.2.8.5 Double Cross

This schedules two crossed vertical and horizontal cursor lines. The X and Z
values corresponding to the two crossing points are annotated. Drag the
lower/left cross in order to move the pair. The distance between them can be
adjusted by dragging the upper/right cross.
FrontBack
For a FrontBack Display, what you obtain from this menu depends on where
right (back) axis. These entries schedule two crossed vertical and horizontal
cursor lines. The X and Y values corresponding to the two crossing points are
annotated. The pair can be moved by dragging the lower/left cross and the
distance between them can be adjusted by dragging the upper/right cross.
UpperLower
For an UpperLower Display, what you obtain from this menu depends on where
you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The upper window relates to the
top display, and the lower window relates to the bottom display. These schedule
a series of crossed vertical and horizontal cursor lines at fixed intervals. The X
and Y intervals can be adjusted independently. The separating distance
corresponds to the distance between the zero-value and the first line. Dragging
the first horizontal line across the zero line moves all the horizontal lines to the
opposite side. The distance between all the lines can be adjusted by dragging
any one of the crossing points in any direction.
Section 4.2.9 The Harmonic (cursor) menus
Section 4.2.9.1 Harmonic X

This schedules a series of vertical lines, at equal intervals. The distance between
each line is that of the basic frequency range, i.e. the distance between the first
line and the starting frequency.
X Harmonic cursor
Moving any one of the lines will cause the others to adjust and so maintain a

constant distance between them all. The basic frequency range is annotated on
the X axis. When the limits are free or optimized.
Section 4.2.9.2 Harmonic Y

This related to a Waterfall Display and schedules a series of YZ planes, at equal
intervals. The distance between each plane is the basic frequency range, i.e. the
distance between the first line and zero.
Moving any one of the planes will cause the others to adjust and so maintain a
constant distance between them all. The basic frequency (if it lies within the
displayed limits) is annotated on the X axis.
FrontBack
right (back) axis. These entries schedule a series of horizontal lines, each of
which is separated by a constant distance. The separating distance corresponds
to the distance between the zero value and first line, which is annotated.
Dragging a cursor line across the zero line moves all the harmonic lines to the
any one of the lines up or down.
UpperLower
For an UpperLower Display, what you obtain from this menu depends on where
you are bringing up the Display popup menu. The upper window relates to the
top display, and the lower window relates to the bottom display. These entries
schedule a series of horizontal lines, each of which is separated by a constant
distance. The separating distance corresponds to the distance between the zero
value and first line, which is annotated. Dragging a cursor line across the zero
line moves all the harmonic lines to the opposite side. The distance between all
the lines can be adjusted by dragging any one of the lines up or down.
Section 4.2.9.3 Harmonic Z

This item schedules a series of XY planes, each of which is separated by a
constant distance. The distance between all the planes can be adjusted by
dragging any one of them up or down. The Z value of the lowest plane is
annotated on the left (Z) axis.
Section 4.2.9.4 Harmonic Order

Colormap
In a Colormap Display, a harmonic order cursor is a set of radial lines rotating
about the point X = 0, Z = 0. The whole set can be moved together by dragging
any of the lines. The ratio X1/Z1 of the first line is annotated. Each of the
following lines is a multiple of this first ratio.
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Harmonic Order cursor in Colormap Display
This exact values will of course depend on the values that are being displayed
Waterfall
For a Waterfall Display, a harmonic order cursor is a set of radial planes
rotating about the point X = 0, Z = 0. The whole set can be moved together by
dragging any of the planes. The ratio X/Z of the first plane is annotated. Each of
the following planes is a multiple of this first ratio.
This cursor can be used for examining orders when the Z axis is displaying rpm
values.
Section 4.2.9.5 Harmonic Cross

This item schedules a series of crossed vertical and horizontal cursor lines at
fixed intervals. The X and Z intervals can be adjusted independently by
dragging any of the cross points in the required direction. The separating
distance corresponds to the distance between the lowest value and zero and
these values are annotated.
FrontBack
right (back) axis. These entries schedule a series of horizontal lines, each of
which is separated by a constant distance. The separating distance corresponds
to the distance between the zero value and first line, which is annotated.
Dragging a cursor line across the zero line moves all the harmonic lines to the
any one of the lines up or down.
UpperLower
What you obtain from this menu depends on where you are bringing up the

Display popup menu. The upper window relates to the top display, and the
lower window relates to the bottom display. These schedule a series of crossed
vertical and horizontal cursor lines at fixed intervals. The X and Y intervals can
be adjusted independently. The separating distance corresponds to the distance
between the zero value and first line. Dragging the first horizontal line across
the zero-line moves all the horizontal lines to the opposite side. The distance
between all the lines can be adjusted by dragging any one of the crossing points
in any direction.
Section 4.2.10 The Automatic (cursor) menus
Section 4.2.10.1 Add Automatic Cursor

This allows you to add an automatic peak cursor or an automatic valley cursor.
They cannot be moved. They indicate the peak or valley of the selected curve
within the range of the display. Throughput data is not supported.
The ‘Automatic Peak/Valley parameters’ can be accessed by clicking on the

popup menu of the cursor.
Section 4.2.10.1.1 Source data

This parameter indicates which curve will be used for the peak or valley
calculations. The possible values are: First curve, All curves or Selected curve.
Section 4.2.10.1.2 Maximum number of extrema

This parameter indicates the maximum number of valleys/peaks that is shown.
Extra valleys/peaks are not indicated.
Section 4.2.10.1.3 Amplitude threshold

This parameter determines the band in which the obtained peaks and valleys can
be considered as real peaks or real valleys. The threshold is expressed in dB
below the highest value in the curve for peaks and in dB above the lowest value
in the curve for valleys.
For example: Take an averaged time block with a peak value of 1 g. Choose the
threshold at 6 dB. In this case, the local maxima which have a value less than
1g/(10^(6/20)) = 0.501g will be ignored, its amplitude being too low to be
considered as a real resonance peak.
Section 4.2.10.1.4 Gate

This parameter determines how much amplitude variation there should be after
a change in direction of the signal in order for the change to be considered as a
peak or valley. The gate is expressed in % of the dB range.
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Note: They can only be used on 2D displays, not on a waterfall or colormap.
Section 4.2.11 The Processing (cursor) menus
Section 4.2.11.1 Add Processing Cursor

All different kinds of processing cursors are available on waterfalls and
colormaps. You can insert a Z-, Order-, Frequency and Cross-cursor in a
display. The corresponding processed block can be dragged and dropped into
another display. While moving the processing cursor the view is instantaneously
updated.
An X-processing cursor is also available in a Front/Back display. The start

There is also the ability to adjust the processing parameters. For example, the
width unit of an order section can be determined by order, percentage,
frequency or number of lines.
The processing cursors can also be used in semi-embedded active pictures.
Section 4.2.11.2 Processing X

Front/Back
A Processing X-cursor is only available in a Front/Back display. The start
Section 4.2.11.3 Processing Z

Colormap
In a Colormap display, this item schedules a single horizontal line in the display
area. A Cursor Processing dialog will allow you to drag and drop the according
Frequency Spectrum into one or several displays. Moving the cursor with the
mouse or the arrow keys will ensure that the according view is updated
instantaneously. The Cursor Processing dialog can always be accessed by

clicking on [processing…] in the popup menu of the cursor.
Waterfall
In a Waterfall display, this item schedules a XY-plane in the display area. A
Cursor Processing dialog will allow you to drag and drop the according
Frequency Spectrum into one or several displays. Moving the cursor with the
mouse or the arrow keys will ensure that the according view is updated
instantaneously. The Cursor Processing dialog can always be accessed by
clicking on [processing…] in the popup menu of the cursor.
Section 4.2.11.4 Processing Order

Colormap
In a Colormap display, a Processing Order cursor is a radial line rotating about
the point X = 0, Z = 0 when the X-axis is a frequency axis. (If the X-axis is set
to order the cursor will schedule a vertical line) .
The ‘order’ value displayed is the ratio of the X (frequency value) and the Z
(frequency value) :
X (frequency value) = Order * Z (frequency value)
Or for Z-axis values in rpm:
X (frequency value) = Order * Z (rpm) / 60
The Cursor Processing dialog will allow you to drag and drop the according
Order into one or several displays. Moving the cursor with the mouse or the
arrow keys will ensure that the according view is updated instantaneously.
The Cursor Processing dialog can always be accessed by clicking on

[processing…] in the popup menu of the cursor. Even the parameters which
determine the width of the order can be modified by right clicking on the block
in the Cursor Processing dialog. The width unit can be specified in order, %,
frequency and number of lines.
You can give the order cursor an offset on the X-axis. The radial line is then
rotating about the point X = offset, Z = 0. In this case the Cursor Processing
dialog will allow you to drag and drop the according ‘off-zero order section’
into one or several displays. You can also drag and drop the ‘mirrored off-zero
order section’.
Waterfall
In a Waterfall Display, a Processing Order cursor is a radial plane rotating about
the point X = 0, Z = 0 when the X-axis is a frequency axis. (If the X-axis is set
to order the cursor will schedule a YZ-plane) The value displayed is the ratio of
the X (frequency value) and the Z rpm *60 (frequency value). The Cursor
Processing dialog will allow you to drag and drop the according Order into one
or several displays. Moving the cursor with the mouse or the arrow keys will
ensure that the according view is updated instantaneously.
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determine the width of the order can be modified by right clicking on the block
in the Cursor Processing dialog. The width unit can be specified in order, %,
frequency and number of lines.
Section 4.2.11.5 Processing Frequency

Colormap
In a Colormap display, a Processing Frequency cursor will schedule a line that
indicates the center of a Frequency or Octave section. The value displayed is the
center frequency value of the section. The Cursor Processing dialog will allow
you to drag and drop the according Frequency or Octave Section into one or
several displays. Moving the cursor with the mouse or the arrow keys will

determine the width of the section can be modified by right clicking on the
block in the Cursor Processing dialog. The width unit of a Frequency section
can be specified in frequency, % and number of lines. For an Octave section
you can specify the band type.
Waterfall
In a Waterfall display, a Processing Frequency cursor will schedule a plane that
indicates the center of a Frequency or Octave section. The value displayed is the
center frequency value of the section. The Cursor Processing dialog will allow
you to drag and drop the according Frequency or Octave Section into one or
several displays. Moving the cursor with the mouse or the arrow keys will

block in the Cursor Processing dialog. The width unit of a Frequency section
can be specified in frequency, % and number of lines. For an Octave section
you can specify the band type.
Section 4.2.11.6 Processing Cross

Colormap
In a Colormap display, a Processing Cross cursor will schedule a cross-cursor
indicating the values of the X and Z-axis. The Cursor Processing dialog will
allow you to drag and drop the according Frequency Section, Frequency
Spectrum, Octave Section and Order Section into one or several displays.
Changing the position of the vertical line of the cross-cursor will update the
Frequency and Octave. The position of the horizontal line of the cross-cursor
will determine which Frequency Spectrum can be shown. And the value of the
Order Section is the ratio of the X and Z values of the cross-cursor.


block in the Cursor Processing dialog. The width unit of a Frequency Section
can be specified in frequency, % and number of lines. In an Order Section you
can define the width unit in order, %, frequency and number of lines. For an
Octave section you can specify the bandtype.
Section 4.2.12 The Coupled (cursor) menus
The coupled cursor menu lists all visible units in a display on which coupled
cursors can be created. On all compatible quantity axes, for all displays within a
picture, a coupled cursor will be created. In case of a time coupled cursor there
are three possibilities of adding a coupled cursor, depending on the visible unit
in the display, i.e. on y-m-d h:m:s (Absolute), on s (Throughput) and on s. If a
conversion is possible between the time axes and even to the rpm axis, an entity
of the coupled cursor will also be added on these axes with the conversion
applied. Visually a converted cursor is indicated by a circle cursor handle. A
filled circle means the conversion is possible in both directions and the cursor is
movable. An empty circle means the conversion is possible in one direction and
the cursor in not movable. Below table summarizes the expected behavior. The
Default coupled cursor color is 'grey'. Coupled cursor layout settings are shared,
e.g. setting a certain color for a specific coupled cursor; all related coupled
cursors get the same color.
Adding a cursor y-m-d s (Throughput) s rpm

on:
h:m:s(Absolute)
Places a cursor on:
y-m-d
h:m:s(Absolute)
s(Throughput)
rpm
An example to illustrate:
Adding cursor on y-m-d h:m:s (Absolute) gives a movable cursor on s

(Throughput) and s and an un-movable cursor on rpm.
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Section 4.3 Mouse and keyboard tips in function displays
Shortcut Action
Key For which
display
Mouse
Drag horizontally zoom in x-direction all function

displays
Drag vertically zoom in Y-direction all function

displays
Drag diagonally zoom in XY-direction all function

displays
Shift-drag horizontally pan in x-direction all function

displays
Shift-drag vertically pan in Y-direction all function

displays
Shift-drag on overview pan over x-axis upper/lowe

r -
overview
Shift-click on overview pan over x-axis - shifts 1 upper/lowe

range forward or backward r -
overview
Shift-scrollwheel on axis scroll over axis all function

displays
Ctrl-scrollwheel on axis zoom in/out on axis all function

displays
Ctrl-drag on axis move axis position all function

displays
Ctrl-drag on splitter move splitter Bode +

between upper and lower Upper/Low
of a BODE er with 2
views
Ctrl-double click on Y-axis expand axis upper/lowe

r (with
more than
2 views)

Right-click on axis/curve/cursor/legend/de all function

axis/curve/cursor/legend/e fault popup menu displays
mpty space
Scrollwheel Panning up/down Table
Shift-scrollwheel Panning left/right Table
Ctrl-scrollwheel Zooming (font sizing) Table
Ctrl-right click (anywhere) default popup menu of the all function

display displays
Double click on axis "set fixed limits" menu all function

comes up displays
Double click on curve "adjust curve properties" all function

menu comes up displays
Double click on cursor "move to position" menu all function

comes up displays
Keyboar
d
Backspace UNDO last axis setting (up all

to 20) functions
display
Cursor keys (no curves move selected cursor all

selected) (normal interval) functions
display
Shift-cursor keys (no move selected cursor (small all

curves selected) interval) functions
display
Cursor keys (with one or move selected cursor to all

more curves selected) next/previous sample functions
display
Ctrl-cursor keys (with one move selected cursor to X axes

or more curves selected) next/previous local only
maximum
Shift-O keys (with the Switch between Upper/Low

display selected) Overlaid/Stacked mode er +
Multi-trace
display
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Section 4.4 Geometry display windows
Geometry windows are used to display the geometric representation of a

structure and the modes that operate on that structure. The display window can
be used to manipulate the undeformed and the deformed model of the structure.
Section 4.4.1 [Procedure] To use the displays
Step 1
Open a Geometry display by clicking on one of the three icons that refers to the
Geometry display that you wish to open or by using a Geometry display from
the Select a layout dropdown menu.
Step 2
Load the undeformed model into the display, by dropping a geometry into it
from the browser window.
Note: components can be dropped in the geometry display.
Step 3
Load your modes into the chosen display by either, dragging the modes from
the browse tree and dropping them into the window, or by doing a copy/paste
operation.
Step 4
The animation is achieved using a number of frames in which the deformation
steps through a cycle of values defined by a cosine function. The geometry
model and the modes can be manipulated through a set of three icons and a
popup menu in the display.

Geometry
The following types of Geometry (or 3D) displays are available:
Single Geometry display for the visualization of the nodes, lines and surfaces of
a geometry model, and the animation of one or two mode shapes.
The Geometry (3D Display) icon represents it.
To use a single mode shape, just drag and drop it from the detail panel on the
left-hand side to the geometry on the right-hand side. The animation will then
automatically start and the mode shape will be visible. Click the right mouse
button to change the settings of the animation and to start or stop it. In the lower
left or the lower right corner of the display window, you can see what mode
shape is active.
It is also possible to use a second mode shape on the same time on top of the
already existing first mode shape. To do this, just drag the second mode shape
on the geometry on which the first mode shape is active. However it is
important that you drop the second mode shape on the outer-right side of the
geometry display. When you move the mode shape over the display while
holding the mouse button pressed, the text ‘main’ or ‘overlaid’ will appear on
under the mouse arrow. When the text ‘overlaid’ appears, you are in the right
area of your display. Here you can drop the second mode shape.
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You will notice that the ‘main’ area is much larger than the ‘overlaid’ area. This
is because most user only wish to see one mode shape at a time and drop the
mode shape in the middle of the display. If the first mode shape is already active
on the ‘overlaid’ area (on the right side), just drag and drop the second mode
shape on the ‘main’ area (on the left side) to see the two mode shapes at the
same time.
If you wish to see only one mode shape when two different mode shapes are
active, you can drop the mode on each side of the display. On the lower left and
the lower right corner you can see what mode shape is active on what side.
To see another mode shape, just drag and drop the new mode shape and drop it
on the area (overlaid or main), the mode that was already active, will then be
overwritten by the new one.
UL Geometry
The UL Geometry or Upper Lower 3D Display has two Geometry displays, one
above the other, and both displays have their own action buttons. Therefore, the
phase control of the animations in both sides of the display can be different, and
this window can be used for comparing different mode shapes.
The Upper Lower Geometry (3D Display) icon represents it.
In order to visualize a mode shape, select the ModeSet of the current geometry

in the navigator panel and drag and drop the mode shape you want to see in the
upper or lower half of the display window. You can visualize a maximum of 2
mode shapes simultaneously, one in the upper half of the display window and
one in the lower half.
To change the mode shape, just drag and drop the new mode shape onto the
existing mode shape to replace it.
Options for the mode shapes are available by clicking the right mouse button.
LR Geometry
The LR Geometry or Left Right 3D Display window has two geometry displays
alongside each other, and both displays have their own action buttons.
Therefore, the phase control of the animations in both sides of the display can
be different, and this window can be used for comparing different mode shapes.
The Left Right Geometry (3D Display) icon represents it.
In order to visualize a mode shape, select the ModeSet of the current geometry
in the navigator panel and drag and drop the mode shape you want to see in the
left or right half of the display window. You can visualize a maximum of 2
mode shapes simultaneously, one in the left half of the display window and one
in the right half.
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To change the mode shape, just drag and drop the new mode shape onto the
existing mode shape to replace it.
Options for the mode shapes are available by clicking the right mouse button.
Quad Geometry
This is a geometry display that shows four views at once. One of them has
exactly the same features as the single geometry display. The three other views
have a fixed orientation and translation, meaning the point of view cannot be
changed and the model cannot be moved.
To switch the projection of the views from European to American, select “Quad
Projection American” in the Tools Options Displays dialog.
The Quad Geometry (3 Display) icon represents it.
To use a single mode shape, just drag and drop it from the detail panel on the
left-hand side to the geometry on the right-hand side. The animation will then
automatically start and the mode shape will be visible. Click the right mouse
button to change the settings of the animation and to start or stop it. In the lower
left or the lower right corner of the display window, you can see what mode
shape is active.

It is also possible to use a second mode shape on the same time on top of the
already existing first mode shape. To do this, just drag the second mode shape
on the geometry on which the first mode shape is active. However it is
important that you drop the second mode shape on the outer-right side of the
geometry display. When you move the mode shape over the display while
holding the mouse button pressed, the text ‘main’ or ‘overlaid’ will appear on
under the mouse arrow. When the text ‘overlaid’ appears, you are in the right
area of your display. Here you can drop the second mode shape.
You will notice that the ‘main’ area is much larger than the ‘overlaid’ area. This
is because most user only wish to see one mode shape at a time and drop the
mode shape in the middle of the display. If the first mode shape is already active
on the ‘overlaid’ area (on the right side), just drag and drop the second mode
shape on the ‘main’ area (on the left side) to see the two mode shapes at the
same time.
If you wish to see only one mode shape when two different mode shapes are
active, you can drop the mode on each side of the display. On the lower left and
the lower right corner you can see what mode shape is active on what side.
To see another mode shape, just drag and drop the new mode shape and drop it
on the area (overlaid or main), the mode that was already active, will then be
overwritten by the new one.
Acoustic Geometry
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This is a geometry display which is used to show acoustic data: sound intensity,
sound pressure, and sound power data:
 Sound intensity data: interpolated color display in dB format and arrows
 Sound pressure and sound power data: interpolated color display in dB
format.
The color scale in dB is shown at the right side of the display.
Rotating Pointers Geometry
This geometry display is used to animate torsional vibrations. Rotating pointers

represent the rotational motion in torsional nodes in which discs have been
added.
Section 4.4.2 The Geometry display functions
The geometry model and the modes can be manipulated using the manipulation
icons, your mouse and a popup menu in the display.

Section 4.4.2.1 The Geometry model manipulation icons
Section 4.4.2.1.1 Move
This icon allows you to interactively move the model in the X and Y
dimensions of the screen. Press on the icon and drag the mouse to move the
model to the required position.
You can restore the model to its original position by selecting Views Default
view from the popup display menu available when you right click anywhere in
the display.
Section 4.4.2.1.2 Zoom in / zoom out
This icon allows you to interactively increase or decrease the size of the model
in the window. Press on the icon and drag the mouse to zoom in or zoom out as
required.
You can restore the model to its original size by selecting Views Default
view from the popup display menu. You can also size the model to fit neatly in
the window by selecting Fit model from the popup display menu.
Note: You can also zoom in and zoom out by turning the mouse wheel.
Section 4.4.2.1.3 Rotate model

You can interactively rotate the model on display. The way to do this is by
pressing down the left mouse button in the geometry display, and moving the
mouse. You can then rotate the model to the preferred view whilst keeping the
mouse button depressed. To restore the model to its original rotation, select
Views Default View from the popup display menu available when you right
click anywhere in the display.
Note: You can also use the mouse wheel to rotate the model. To rotate the
model about the horizontal axis of the screen, hold down Shift while turning
the mouse wheel. To rotate the model about the vertical axis of the screen,
hold down Ctrl while turning the mouse wheel. To rotate the model in the
plane of the screen, hold down Shift and Ctrl while turning the mouse
wheel.
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Section 4.4.2.2 The Geometry display menu
Section 4.4.2.2.1 Deformed Model

This is the model on which deformations can be performed.
4.4.2.2.1.1 Nodes
Marker
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes of the model.
Names
This toggles the display of names on the nodes of the model.
Euler Angles
This toggles the display of axis triads depicting the orientation of the Euler
angles of the node of the model.
4.4.2.2.1.2 Lines
This toggles the display of line elements.
4.4.2.2.1.3 Surfaces
This toggles the display of surface elements.
4.4.2.2.1.4 Solids
This toggles the display of solid elements.
4.4.2.2.1.5 Edges
This toggles the display of the edges of the model. This amounts to a wire frame
representation, e.g. a triangle has three edges while a line has one.
4.4.2.2.1.6 Faces
This toggles the display of the faces of the model, e.g. a cube has six faces
while a triangle has one.
4.4.2.2.1.7 Show All
This switches on the visibility of all the items.
4.4.2.2.1.8 Show None
This switches off the visibility of all the items.
Section 4.4.2.2.2 Selection

Selectable elements of the deformed model will be highlighted when the mouse
passes over them. Clicking on these selectable elements will select them. You
can also select more than one element at the same time by left clicking on them
while pressing the Shift key or dragging the mouse over the model with the
middle mouse button depressed.
4.4.2.2.2.1 Select All
Selects all the displayed elements.

4.4.2.2.2.2 Clear Selection

Clears the selected elements.
4.4.2.2.2.3 Select Deform Maximum
This option is available only when a mode (with mode shapes) is used in the
geometry.
X
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes with the maximum X direction
deformation.
Y
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes with the maximum Y direction
deformation.
Z
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes with the maximum Z direction
deformation.
Length
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes with the maximum vector
length deformation.
4.4.2.2.2.4 Node
Names
This toggles the display of names on the selected nodes of the model.
Euler Angles
angles of the selected node.
Section 4.4.2.2.3 Undeformed Model

The undeformed model serves as a reference only. No actions like deformation
or selection are possible on it. The deformed model must not be in the display.
Select Show None from the Deformed Model menu entry to remove the
deformed model from the display.
4.4.2.2.3.1 Nodes
Marker
This toggles the display of markers on the nodes of the model.
Names
This toggles the display of names on the nodes of the model.
Euler Angles
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angles of the node of the model.

4.4.2.2.3.2 Lines
This toggles the display of line elements.
4.4.2.2.3.3 Surfaces
This toggles the display of surface elements.
4.4.2.2.3.4 Solids
This toggles the display of solid elements.
4.4.2.2.3.5 Edges
This toggles the display of the edges of the model. This amounts to a wire frame
representation, e.g. a triangle has three edges while a line has one.
4.4.2.2.3.6 Faces
This toggles the display of the faces of the model, e.g. a cube has six faces
while a triangle has one.
4.4.2.2.3.7 Show All
This switches on the visibility of all the items.
4.4.2.2.3.8 Show None
This switches off the visibility of all the items.
Section 4.4.2.2.4 Model scale

This entry allows you to select relative or absolute model scale. When you have
several geometry and you want to compare them by using the same geometry
display, then you can use these options.
4.4.2.2.4.1 Relative
When this option is “on”, if you drop a geometry into a geometry display, the
model will be resized to fit the geometry display, so that you can see the
complete geometry.
4.4.2.2.4.2 Absolute
When this option is “on”, if you drop a geometry in the geometry display, the
model scale is not modified. This is useful when you want to compare 2
geometries.
Section 4.4.2.2.5 Show Model Scale

This shows the geometry model scale in the geometry display.
Section 4.4.2.2.6 Animation

This option switches the animation of a vector on or off. The deformed model is
frozen in the current position.

Section 4.4.2.2.7 Animation settings

4.4.2.2.7.1 Delay (ms)
The entries in this sub menu set the time in milliseconds between the displays of
consecutive frames. The total time to complete the animation cycle is the
{delay} x {the number of frames per cycle}. The delay is a minimum rather
than a maximum time.
4.4.2.2.7.2 Frames per cycle
The entries in this sub menu set the number of frames that are used during the
animation cycle. The more frames used, the smoother the animation appears.
The frames that appear are defined by an even distribution of the selected
number from the complete animation cycle, though this depends on the
deformation format that you are using too. The figure below illustrates the
effect of using four frames in the animation cycle.
Frames per animation cycle
4.4.2.2.7.3 Expand
These options allow you to choose whether the mode shapes will be expanded
and how they are expanded.
Note: These expand options are not available if there is no mode used in the
geometry display.
None
When this option is “On”, the mode shapes will not be expanded.
Slave DOFs
When this option is “On”, the mode shapes will be completed with the
animation of the slave DOFs.
Note: when a component is dropped in the geometry display, in stead of a full

geometry, the slave DOF information will not be used.
Protect Measured
When the “Slave DOFs” option is “on”, the “Protect Measured” option will be
available. If you have defined some slave DOFs which are also measured DOFs,
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you can either choose to use the result of slave DOFs (“Protect Measured”
option “off”) or the measured data (“Protect Measured” option “on”) for
animation.
Automatic Geometrical
When this option is “On”, the mode shapes will be expanded in a automatic
way. In this case an algorithm is used to automatically search for master nodes
which is bases on the Cartesian distance.
Automatic topological
When this option is “On”, the mode shapes will be expanded in a automatic
way. In this case an algorithm is used to automatically search for master nodes
which is based on the topological distance.
Smoothing
In case of automatic expansion, smoothing of the animation is applied. The
level of smoothing can be low, medium, or high.
Section 4.4.2.2.8 Animation Control
This dialog enables you to stop, start and adjust the animation of the results.
The animation is based on a cosine function varying from + max to - max

deformation. When the format of the displayed vector is Amplitude/Phase, then
the displacement for each point (Dp) for a complex value (Vp) = Rp + iIp is
given by and is illustrated below.
Displacement for each point
The Play button starts the continuous and repetitive animation of the results.
The Stop button halts the continuous animation.
The From Backward and the From Forward buttons are only sensitive when
the continuous animation is “off”. They allow you to step to the next or

previous frame in the cycle. This will be indicated in the “Phase” field. The
increment depends on the number of “Frames per cycle”.
Section 4.4.2.2.9 Remove animation

Main/Overlaid
When the geometry display is selected, the main or overlaid animation can be
removed.
Upper/Lower
When the upper lower geometry display is selected, the upper or lower
animation can be removed.
Left/Right
When the left/right geometry display is selected, the right or the left animation
can be removed.
Section 4.4.2.2.10 Deformation

Enable Deformation
This option switches on or off the deformation animation.
Direction type
In case of vectors with mixed direction types, the user can choose which
direction type is animated as deformation: translational, rotational, or scalar. In
case of automatic, the translational direction type is taken if available (if not,
any other direction type is taken which is available).
4.4.2.2.10.1 Edit deformation Scale...
This entry allows you to adjust the scale of the deformation displayed. A dialog
appears in which you can choose to use a relative or an absolute deformation
scale.
When you choose a relative deformation scale, you can drag a slider to increase
or decrease the scaling factor applied to the current mode shape. The
deformation scale is always relative to the model and the current mode.
When you choose an absolute deformation scale, you have 2 options:
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 Per m model: this is still actually a 'relative' scale. The scale is kept fixed
relative to the model. If you zoom in on the model or resize the workbook,
this value is kept the same. The deformation will always stay the same
relative to the model.
 Per cm screen: this is an absolute value compared to the screen. The value
you supply here (X), means that a deformation of 1 cm on your screen
corresponds to amplitude of X in the mode shape. The deformation scale
you can display on the screen is related to this. A distance is shown on the
screen and the corresponding amplitude of the mode shape.
Note: The relation between the distance shown on the screen and amplitude
of the mode shape is correct, but the relation between the deformation scale
shown in the display and the absolute value you enter per cm screen, is not
exact. It is impossible to make this absolute exact.
Link
If you use Left/Right or Upper/Lower geometry, this option will be available.
Use the “Absolute” deformation scale, check the “Link” check box, the
deformation scale of the Left or Upper will be the same as the one of the Right
or Lower. When you change the deformation scale for the Left or Upper, the
one of the Right or Lower will be adapted automatically.
4.4.2.2.10.2 Show Deformation Scale
This shows the deformation scale in the geometry display.
4.4.2.2.10.3 Deformation Format
This sub menu determines the format in which the animated vectors are
displayed.
When a modeshape is animated in a geometry window, it is first scaled to unity

modal A. After scaling to unity modal A, a physical complex mode has a
rotation of around 45 degrees towards the imaginary axis. (A pure normal mode
has a rotation of exact 45 degrees after unity modal A scaling.) For this reason
the modeshape gets an extra rotation of 45 degrees after this scaling.
As a result, the main vector components of the modeshape will be shown as the
imaginary part.
The real part will show the rest vector.
Real
The movement of a particular node is proportional to the real part of the
corresponding vector element. Nodes for which the corresponding vector
elements have real parts with identical signs move in phase, whereas other
nodes move 180° out of phase.
Imag (Imaginary)
The movement of a particular node is proportional to the imaginary part of the
corresponding vector element. Nodes for which the corresponding vector
elements have imaginary parts with identical signs move in phase, whereas

other nodes move 180° out of phase.
Amplitude/Phase
The movement at a particular node is proportional to the amplitude of the
corresponding vector element. The phase relationship between the movements
of different nodes is determined by the phase difference of the corresponding
vector elements.
Amplitude
This is the same as Amplitude/Phase but the nodes move in phase if the absolute
value of the phase difference between the corresponding vector elements is less
than 90°, otherwise they move 180° out of phase.
Absolute
Same as Amplitude but only the first half of the animation cycle is used. This
does not mean, however, that all points move in phase.
4.4.2.2.10.4 Deformation Scalar Transform
If you drop a scalar rather than a vector quantity into the display, then it will be
converted to a vector, in the direction selected from this menu and with its
scalar value as the length. Each of the directions is shown in the top right corner
of the display.
4.4.2.2.10.5 Deformation Directions
This entry allows you to choose in which direction the deformation will be
animated. You can either choose one of these directions (X, Y or Z) or one of
their combinations.
X
The deformation will only be in the X direction. If you have a mode shape of Y
and Z direction, you will see that the deformation is 0.
Y
The deformation will only be in the Y direction. If you have a mode shape of X
Z
The deformation will only be Z direction. If you have a mode shape of X and Y
direction, you will see that the deformation is 0.
Section 4.4.2.2.11 Coloring

4.4.2.2.11.1 Enable Coloring
This option switches on or off the color animation.
4.4.2.2.11.2 Direction type
direction type is animated as color: translational, rotational, or scalar. In case of
automatic, the scalar direction type is taken if available (if not, any other
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direction type is taken which is available).

4.4.2.2.11.3 Edit Color Scale...
This entry allows you to adjust the color scale of the color displayed. It
schedules a dialog where you can select the spectrum type (Temperature,
Magenta, Gray Scale, Hue, Hue Scale, Abaqus, Ansys, Patran and Rainbow)
and the number of colors.
Note: For some spectra, the number of colors cannot be modified.
4.4.2.2.11.4 Show Color Scale

This shows the color map of the defined color scale in the geometry display.
4.4.2.2.11.5 Color Format
The entry in this menu determines the format in which the results are displayed.
Remember that a vector quantity must first be transformed to a scalar using the
Vector transform option. A result can be animated through a cycle by
multiplying it with a cosine function.
Real
The real part of the result is displayed as a color value.
Imaginary
The imaginary part of the result is displayed as a color value.
Ampl/Phase
The color animation is often used to visualize acoustic data, like sound
intensities. The format type “Amplitude/Phase” of the color drop area in the
geometry display is used to show the data with phase information. In case of
sound intensities all vectors are in phase, except for the sign (+/- 180 degrees).
So, for showing sound intensities with sign information, the “Amplitude/Phase”
format of the color animation is to be used (together with the “Arrow” type).
Amplitude
The color at a particular node is proportional to the amplitude of the
corresponding result.
Absolute
Same as Amplitude but all values are shown as positive.
Phase
The color at a particular node is proportional to the phase of the corresponding
result.
Amplitude/dB Real/dB Imag/dB

The particular aspect of the result is displayed on a dB scale. Animation is not
possible.

4.4.2.2.11.6 Color Interpolation

This option is used to interpret the visual color animation with either the
“Banded” or the “Smooth” option.
Banded
Colors are interpolated in the discrete domain of the color map, every color
shown will be in the color map and the result is that you see discrete bands of
colors.
Smooth
Colors are smoothly interpolated in the RGB domain.
Isolines
Colors are interpolated in the discrete domain of the color map as is the case
with the Banded option. However, not the color bands themselves are shown
but the color lines at the borders of these bands.
4.4.2.2.11.7 Color Vector Transform
This option is used to transform a vector into a scalar value. It will either have
the value “length” derived from the components in the three directions [ (x2 +
y2 + z2)] or just the value of a single component.
Section 4.4.2.2.12 Arrows

4.4.2.2.12.1 Enable Arrows
This option switches on or off the arrow animation.
direction type is animated as arrow: translational, rotational, or scalar. In case of
automatic, the translational direction type is taken if available (if not, any other
direction type is taken which is available).
4.4.2.2.12.3 Edit Arrows Scale...
This entry allows you to adjust the scale of the arrows displayed. A dialog
appears in which you can choose to use a relative or an absolute deformation
scale.
or decrease the scaling factor applied to the current mode shape. The
deformation scale is always relative to the model and the current mode.
When you choose an absolute deformation scale, you have 2 options:

 Per m model: this is still actually a 'relative' scale. The scale is kept fixed
relative to the model. If you zoom in on the model or resize the workbook,
this value is kept the same. The deformation will always stay the same
relative to the model.
 Per cm screen: this is an absolute value compared to the screen. The value
you supply here (X) means that a deformation of 1 cm on your screen
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corresponds to amplitude of X in the mode shape. The deformation scale

you can display on the screen is related to this. A distance is shown on the
screen and the corresponding amplitude of the mode shape.
Note: The relation between the distance shown on the screen and amplitude of
the mode shape is correct, but the relation between the arrow scale shown in
the display and the absolute value you enter per cm screen is not exact. It is
impossible to make this absolute exact.
4.4.2.2.12.3.1 Link
Use the “Absolute” arrow scale, check the “Link” check box, the arrow scale of
the Left or Upper will be the same as the one of the Right or Lower. When you
change the deformation scale for the Left or Upper, the one of the Right or
Lower will be adapted automatically.
4.4.2.2.12.4 Limits
The arrow limits can be set in free or fixed mode. In case of fixed mode, the
user has to specify the lower and upper limits.
4.4.2.2.12.5 Show Arrows Scale
This shows the arrows scale in the geometry display.
4.4.2.2.12.6 Arrows Format
A result can be animated through a cycle by multiplying it with a cosine
function.
Real
The real part of the result is displayed as an arrow with a certain size and
direction.
Imaginary
The imaginary part of the result is displayed as a arrow with a certain size and
direction.
Amplitude/Phase
The arrows animation is often used to visualize acoustic data, like sound
intensities. The format type “Amplitude/Phase” of the arrows drop area in the
geometry display is used to show the data with phase information. In case of
sound intensities all vectors are in phase, except for the sign (+/- 180 degrees).
So, for showing sound intensities with sign information, the “Amplitude/Phase”
format of the arrows animation is to be used (together with the “Arrow” type).
Amplitude
The color at a particular node is proportional to the amplitude of the
corresponding result.

Absolute
Phase
The color at a particular node is proportional to the phase of the corresponding
result.
Amplitude/dB Real/dB Imag/dB

The particular aspect of the result is displayed on a dB scale. Animation is not
possible.
4.4.2.2.12.7 Arrows Scalar Transform
If you drop a scalar rather than a vector quantity into the display, then it will be
converted to a vector, in the direction selected from this menu and with its
scalar value as the length. Each of the directions is shown in the top right corner
of the display.
4.4.2.2.12.8 Arrows Directions
This entry allows you to choose in which direction the deformation will be
animated. You can either choose one of these directions (X, Y or Z) or one of
their combinations.
X
The deformation will only be in the X direction. If you have a mode shape of Y
Y
The deformation will only be in the Y direction. If you have a mode shape of X
Z
The deformation will only be Z direction. If you have a mode shape of X and Y
direction, you will see that the deformation is 0.
4.4.2.2.12.9 Arrows Decompose
Instead of displaying the resulting vector as arrow, the user can decide to
display the X, Y, and Z component as 3 separate arrows.
Section 4.4.2.2.13 Nodal Lines

4.4.2.2.13.1 Enable Nodal Lines
This option switches on or off the nodal lines.
direction type is displayed as nodal lines: translational, rotational, or scalar. In
case of automatic, the translational direction type is taken if available (if not,
any other direction type is taken which is available).
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4.4.2.2.13.3 Nodal Lines Properties

This entry allows you to adjust the Nodal Line Properties of the deformed main
model and the overlaid model, if available.
Adjustable options are the Line Color, Line Style and Line Thickness.
Press the default button to reset al values to their original ones.

4.4.2.2.13.4 Nodal Lines Format
The entry in this menu determines the format in which the nodal lines are
displayed: Real, Imaginary, Amplitude/Phase, or Amplitude (default).
4.4.2.2.13.5 Nodal Lines Directions
This entry allows you to choose for which direction the nodal lines will be
displayed. You must choose one of these directions (X, Y, or Z).
Section 4.4.2.2.14 Rotating Pointers

The torsional animation will use rotating pointers in the corresponding nodes.
The rotating angles of these pointers correspond with the rotational shape values
in the displayed RX, RY, or RZ direction. A general display option decides
which rotational directions to show: default all rotational directions are shown.
Of course, scaling is supported because typical torsional vibrations are very low
level. The default scale could be +-60 degrees (a range of 120 degrees) for the
node with the maximum rotation.
The length of the rotating pointers will be determined by the radii of the discs in
the related points.
4.4.2.2.14.1 Zero line marker and positive direction
A line marker is drawn in each corresponding node, to show the “zero degree”
position. The zero degree position itself corresponds with one of the local
directions X, Y, or Z, related to the disc orientation (rotation axis). Also the
positive rotation direction depends on this orientation. This leads to:
Disc orientation Zero line Positive rotation
+Z Y X->Y
+X Z Y->Z
+Y X Z->X
4.4.2.2.14.2 Range marker

A range marker around the zero marker is used the show the full range of
motion when the animation is going on, but especially when it is frozen or
inserted into a report.

4.4.2.2.14.3 Disc translations

When the data contains also translational mode shapes values, the discs
themselves will be animated according to these translations.
4.4.2.2.14.4 Color animation of the disc
In nodes in which a disc is defined, the disc takes over the color of the node
marker. In this way the amplitude of the torsional vector could be displayed as
color (of the disc).
4.4.2.2.14.5 Enable Rotating Pointers
This option switches on or off the rotating pointers.
direction type is animated as rotating pointers: translational, rotational, or
scalar. In case of automatic, the rotational direction type is taken if available (if
not, any other direction type is taken which is available).
4.4.2.2.14.7 Edit Rotating Pointers Scale…
This entry allows you to adjust the angle scale of the rotating pointers which are
animated. A dialog appears in which you can choose to use a relative or an
absolute angle scale.
or decrease the scaling factor applied to the current mode shape. By default 60°
is used for the maximum rotation.
When you choose an absolute deformation scale, you can specify the value of
the scale factor per degree model.
4.4.2.2.14.8 Link
Use the “Absolute” scale, check the “Link” check box, the scale of the Left or
Upper will be the same as the one of the Right or Lower. When you change the
rotating scale for the Left or Upper, the one of the Right or Lower will be
adapted automatically.
4.4.2.2.14.9 Show Rotating Pointers Scale
If wanted, the scale legend for the torsional animation is shown in the geometry
display. This is a disc with the range marker of +- 60 degrees around the line
marker of the zero rotation and the annotation of the values of the real rotations.
4.4.2.2.14.10 Rotating Pointers Format
A result can be animated through a cycle by multiplying it with a cosine
function.
4.4.2.2.14.11 Real
The real part of the result is displayed as a rotating pointer.
4.4.2.2.14.12 Imaginary
The imaginary part of the result is displayed as a rotating pointer.
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4.4.2.2.14.13 Amplitude/Phase
The format type “Amplitude/Phase” is used to show the data with phase
information.
4.4.2.2.14.14 Amplitude
The angle of the rotating pointer at a particular node is proportional to the
amplitude of the corresponding result.
4.4.2.2.14.15 Absolute
4.4.2.2.14.16 Rotating Pointers Directions
This option decides which rotational directions to show: default all rotational
directions are shown.
4.4.2.2.14.17 Screen projection
In case of this option, all discs are projected in the plane of the screen. The zero
line corresponds with the Y axis of the screen and the positive rotation
corresponds with: X screen axis -> Y screen axis.
Section 4.4.2.2.15 Fit Model

This resizes the model, so that it fits comfortably into the display window. This
operation has no effect on the particular view of the model or the deformation.
Section 4.4.2.2.16 Views

Model
When the view is saved in the Geometry application, this will be used as the
Model view. Otherwise, the isometric view will be used.
Note: When the model view is saved in the Geometry application, this will be
used as the default view in the Navigator sheet and in all built-in geometry
displays.
Isometric
This shows the isometric view of the model as shown in the figure below.

Model with three axes
The other options in this menu allow you to view the model along one of the
major axes, see figure above.
XY
This shows the top view of the model, looking at it from the positive Z
direction, with the positive Y axis horizontal and the positive X axis vertical.
XY view of the model
YX
The YX view shows the bottom view of the model.
YZ
This shows the end view of the model, looking at it from the positive X
direction, with the positive Y axis horizontal and the positive Z axis vertical.
YZ view of the model
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ZY
The ZY view shows the start view of the model.
ZX
This shows the side view of the model, looking at it in same direction as the
positive Y direction, with the positive X axis horizontal and the positive Z axis
vertical.
ZX view of the model
The ZX view shows the other side view of the model.
XZ
The XZ view shows the other side view of the model.
Views…
In the Views dialog the 8 pre-defined views are available.
Besides, the model rotation can be defined in 3 ways:
 We can use buttons to rotate around the 3 model axes.
In this case the rotation step can be defined.
 We can use short cut keys to rotate around the 3 screen axes:
To rotate the model about the horizontal axis of the screen, hold down Shift
while turning the mouse wheel.
To rotate the model about the vertical axis of the screen hold down Ctrl
To rotate the model in the plane of the screen hold down Shift and Ctrl
 We can specify the 3 euler angles of the model view point.
The angles can have values from -180 degrees till +180 degrees. The values
can be specified in edit fields which contain two digits. In this case, the
rotation is only performed after pushing the Apply button.
Sound maps
This view menu is used to tune the animation settings for displaying acoustic
data:
 Sound intensity data: interpolated color display in dB format and arrows

 Sound pressure and sound power data: interpolated color display.
Mode shape animation

This view menu is used to tune the animation settings for displaying mode
shapes:
 Deformation display in Amplitude/Phase format.
Torsional animation
This view menu is used to tune the animation settings for displaying torsional
vibrations:
 Rotating pointers display in Amplitude/Phase format.
Section 4.4.2.2.17 Visual Extensions

The entries in this menu provide a number of facilities to improve the
visualization of the model.
ZX / XY /YZ Plane
These options display the corresponding plane of the global axis system of the
model. Each plane extends symmetrically around the model.
Bounding Box
This option draws a box in which the model fits completely.
Origin
Toggles the display of an axis triad depicting the model origin.
Show all
This switches all the visual extensions “on”.
Show none
This switches all the visual extensions “off”.
Section 4.4.2.2.18 Pre-fix Node - Name with Component

Check this option “on” when you want the node name to be shown in the
component:node format, for example, ROOF:67. If this option is “off”, you will
only see “67”. This option is used only when the toggle of node name of the
model is “on”.
Section 4.4.2.2.19 Use Component Visualization

Components are shown in distinctive colors to identify them. This option
enables you to use the defined components visualization. If this option is not
checked, all the components are shown in the geometry display. Click on the
“Component Visualization...” option for defining the components that you want
to see in the display.
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Section 4.4.2.2.20 Component Visualization...

Components are shown in distinctive colors to identify them. This option
enables you to remove components from the display completely.
Click on the “Component Visualization...”, the “Component Visualization”

dialog will popup and list all the components contained in the model.
To make components visible, check the “visibility” checkbox. This component

will become invisible if the checkbox is unchecked.
To move components along an axis (either X, Y or Z), define the distance that
you want to move the component.
If you want to define different ways of viewing the geometry, you can use
“Preset”. Change the visibility and/or translation of the components, then push
the Add button, and a dialog will popup and you can define the name of the
“Preset”. The available “Preset” will be shown in the Preset list, then select one
of them, push the Use button, and the defined preset will be used.
Note: The preset information is not related to the geometry, the presets are
stored as configuration information.
Pushing the Defaults button returns the selection to the default selection, that is
all the components are visible.
Section 4.4.2.2.21 Display size

Maximize
This option causes the geometry window in which you are working to fill the
entire desktop space. Use the Restore option to return to the layout setting.
Restore
This option can be used after the Maximize operations to restore the active
geometry window to its rightful size within the worksheet.
Section 4.4.2.2.22 Copy To Clipboard

Copies the current picture to the clipboard so that it can be pasted elsewhere as
a graphical object.
Section 4.4.2.2.23 Export To Video...

This enables you to export a moving image of the animation cycle to a video
(.avi) file. A dialog is scheduled in which the name and the location of the file
are to be defined. If the animation is running, then the complete cycle (360°) is
recorded, starting at the beginning (0°). If the animation is not activated, then it
is started for the recording.

Section 4.4.2.2.24 Options...

This schedules a dialog in which the appearances of different features of the
geometry display are set. 3D Display options can be set by first clicking on the
required tab, defining the settings and then clicking on OK to view the results.
4.4.2.2.24.1 Background
The options here define the background appearance.
Top color
The color at the top of the geometry display.
Bottom color
The color at the bottom of the geometry display.
Text annotation color

The color of the text of the geometry display.
Lighting
Enables or disables Lighting in the background.
Alpha Blended Transparency

Enables or disables the Alpha Blended Transparency.
4.4.2.2.24.2 Visual Extensions
The options here define the visual extension appearances.
Bounding Box
Bounding box is a box surrounding the model, it can be transparent or outline.
A different color can be used for the bounding box.
Planes
The color and the appearance of each plane (XZ, XY and YZ) can be defined
individually. The plane can either be solid, transparent or grid. If you use grid,
then you can define the density of the grid by using the slider.
4.4.2.2.24.3 Node Marker
The options here define the marker appearance. A different marker appearance
can be used for the deformed model and the undeformed model.
Type
Box, sphere, hourglass etc. are the different marker types.
Size
The size of the markers can be defined by moving the slider.
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Font Size
The font size of the node annotation can be defined as Medium (default), Small,
or Large.
4.4.2.2.24.4 Models
The options here define the model appearance. A different model appearance
can be used for the deformed model and the undeformed model.
Shade color
If a surface does not belong to a specific component, the shade color will be
applied to that surface in the model.
Note: A surface created with nodes coming from different components does
not belong to a specific component.
Line color, style, and thickness

If a line does not belong to a specific component, the line color will be applied
to that line in the model. Defining the line style will affect the appearance of all
the lines in the model, also of the lines belonging to a specific component.
Note: A line between 2 nodes coming from 2 different components does not
belong to a specific component. When animating a main and an overlaid
mode, the component coloring is switched off for all the lines and surfaces.
Arrow color and style

The color and the style of the arrows can be specified.
4.4.2.2.24.5 Modifications
Modification Tab is only useful when there is modification (see LMS
Modification Prediction).
Scale Factor
The slider defines the size of the modifications.
Relate Size to Magnitude

The modifications can be drawn with respect to the magnitude of mass, stiffness
and damping defined in the dialog. If the modification is defined with more than
one of these values, the order as shown in the dialog will be used.
4.4.2.2.24.6 Discs
The Discs Tab is only useful when torsional nodes (discs) are defined.
Scale Factor
A relative or absolute scale can be used to specify the scale of the radii of the
discs. In case of a relative scale, a slider defines the size of the dics.

Use Geometry Radius

By default the radii of the discs are used. If not, all discs are displayed with the
same radius.
Section 4.4.2.2.25 Legend

The first line of the geometry legend is fixed: ‘Mode X: frequency, damping,
mode description’, where X is the number of the mode.
Section 4.4.2.2.26 Legend Options

The second line of the geometry legend can be customized by the user.
Show Favorites
Show your favorite properties if selected and if you have already defined your
favorite properties.
Origin
Here you can select the origin where you wish to select the properties you wish
to add to the legend.
Type
Here you can select the type of properties you wish to use in the legend.
Available List
This list shows all available properties.
Selected List
This list shows the properties you have selected for the legend.
Add to/Remove from Favorites

Use these buttons to add or remove properties from the list of Favorites.
Selection order buttons

On the right side of the dialog, there are 4 buttons which allow you modify the
order in which the properties will appear.
Section 4.4.2.2.27 Display Format

Align Single – Quad displays and Align UpperLower –
LeftRight displays
In a picture containing multiple geometry displays, the settings of one Single or
Quad display can be taken over by the other Single and Quad displays via the
‘Align Single – Quad displays’ menu. In a similar way, the settings of one
UpperLower or LeftRight display can be taken over by the other UpperLower
and LeftRight displays via the ‘Align UpperLower – LeftRight displays’
command.
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In general, all geometry display settings are aligned except for the Component
Visualization settings and the Display Size.
Copy and Paste

The settings of a geometry display can be copied and pasted into another
geometry display. In this way, the settings of Single and Quad displays can be
exchanged and also the settings of UpperLower and LeftRight displays.
In general, all geometry display settings are copied and pasted except for the
Component Visualization settings and the Display Size.
Section 4.5 Mouse and keyboard tips in geometry

displays
You can zoom in and zoom out by turning the mouse wheel.
You can also use the mouse wheel to rotate the model:
 To rotate about the horizontal screen axis, hold down Shift while turning
the mouse wheel.
 To rotate about the vertical screen axis hold down Ctrl while turning the
mouse wheel.
 To rotate in the plane of the screen hold down Shift and Ctrl while turning
the mouse wheel.
Section 4.6 Display pane
The display pane contains the preview picture and all user pictures.
Section 4.6.1 General picture options
Section 4.6.1.1 Copying pictures

A picture is a display layout with data. A complete picture can be copied (and
pasted) to any application that accepts the type of file selected. Left click on the
picture tab to schedule the picture popup menu and access the copy options.
There are four types of copy that can be made here, each of which is described
below.

Section 4.6.1.1.1 Copy to Metafile

A Metafile is a picture format where the individual elements in the picture are
retained as such and can be edited individually. These files can be pasted into
Word and PowerPoint, and the contents (text strings, fonts, lines and colors,
etc.) of the picture can be edited within these applications.
This option is also available from the display popup menu that appears when
right clicking in a display window.
Section 4.6.1.1.2 Copy to Bitmap

A bitmap is picture format with a fixed number of pixels and colors. It can be
pasted into Word and PowerPoint, and the picture can be re-sized and formatted
within these applications.
It can also be pasted into a suitable graphic editing application where it can be
edited to a certain extent as a graphic file.
Section 4.6.1.1.3 Copy as Active Picture (embedded data)

In this case, not only is the picture copied, but the functionality in the display is
available too. It can then be pasted into Word and PowerPoint and changes
made directly to how the data is displayed.
This means that you have access directly to the popup menus that are used to
control both the format of the data function on display as well as the
characteristics of the window in which it appears. Even if no Reporting Seat
Client is installed on your system, you can install a plug-in that allows you to
activate and edit the pictures that are embedded in the document. This can result
in a very large document however.
Section 4.6.1.1.4 Copy as Active Picture (linked data)

Documents containing active pictures with embedded data can be large. In order
to reduce the size of the document, active pictures can be copied with links to
the data. These pictures can then be pasted into Word and PowerPoint. Now
when the picture is activated, the link is activated and used to load the data and
the functionality of the display. This means that you can now make changes to
how the data is displayed using the popup menus available in the display
windows.
Section 4.6.1.2 Editing pictures

The edit mode can be activated by the picture context menu option Edit…
When the edit mode is active, the grey borders separating each display area
within the picture, become visible. Exiting the edit mode can be done by saving
the changes via the OK button or by discarding all changes via Cancel.
Preview picture
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At least two displays are needed to edit a preview picture. The preview picture
layout can be changed by dragging and dropping displays to another location in
the grid or by resizing them via their separating borders.
User picture
A user picture can always be edited. The user picture banner lists all favorite
displays. Each favorite display icon from this banner can be dragged and
dropped to create a user picture layout with multiple displays. Besides adding
displays, replacing displays can be done by dragging and dropping a favorite
display in the middle drop target of an existing display.
Section 4.6.1.2.1 Snap to data grid

The grey borders can be dragged to any desired location. When the Snap to grid
option is set, the dragging of the borders is limited to fixed locations determined
by the grid points.
Section 4.6.1.2.2 Change orientation

The orientation of the displays within a picture can be changed. Depending on
the starting picture, display window rows will be transformed to columns and
vice versa, display window columns to rows.
Section 4.6.1.3 Setting axis limits
Section 4.6.1.3.1 Restore Limits

The axis limits for all display windows within a picture can be restored to the
default Optimized limits.
Section 4.6.1.3.2 Coupled Limits

Within a picture it is possible to couple axis limits, i.e. Free, Optimized and
Fixed… based on compatible quantities. This setting can be toggled. The
coupling of limits affects all compatible quantity axes within a picture.
Section 4.6.2 Preview Picture
The Preview picture serves to preview selected data automatically.
Section 4.6.2.1 How to use the Preview picture

The Ctrl+ Up or Down arrow can be used to scroll the selection of data within a
dataset. Multiple data traces can be selected and this selection can be used to
scroll grouped wise through the dataset while previewing. The Preview picture
settings can be set for individual function classes or a combination of function

classes. Changes made within the Preview picture will be automatically saved.
Example:
Selecting a number of different function classes gives an equal number of

display windows within the Preview picture. Per display window all data with
the same function class is displayed. The next time a similar combination of
function classes is selected, the last viewed Preview picture layout will be used.
The order in which the different function classes are selected has no influence
on the used preview picture layout. Changes made for an individual selected
function class will not be applied for the function class combinations which
contain that particular function class.
Section 4.6.2.2 Restore Settings

The settings of the preview picture can be restored to the default settings.
Section 4.6.3 User Picture
User pictures can be used to configure default pictures, to create combinations

of display windows within a picture. A drag-and-drop action is needed to view
data.
Section 4.6.3.1 Managing User pictures

User pictures can be created by duplicating existing pictures or by using the
plus symbol located at the right of the last picture tab to Create a picture…
Clicking on the plus symbol pops up a menu in which favorite display windows
(function and geometry display windows) can be selected. At the bottom of this
list an Other pictures menu can be folded out which lists custom created picture
layouts as well as commonly used picture layouts.
A Rename and a Delete is possible for individual User pictures. A Delete All…
deletes all User pictures.
Section 4.6.3.2 Save as Layout…

All settings and also data within a picture can be saved as a picture layout. The
saved picture layout can be re-used to create new user pictures.
Section 4.7 Reporting
Reports can be made manually by copying active pictures (embedded or linked

data) from the display pane and pasting them directly in Word or PowerPoint.
The size of the original copied picture will be pasted if space is available within
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the document margins. In the office application of choice the pasted pictures
can be edited (double clicking) via in-place-activation. The display options
which are available within the application become available within the office
document.
Note: In Word2013 the ‘picture layout wrapping style’ needs to be different

than ‘In line with text’ for in-place-activation and editing of pictures.
Section 4.7.1 Reporting options
Step 1
Go to the Home page and activate the Report tab. In this tab all automatic
reporting options are listed.
Step 2
Set the Office application as either "Word" or "PowerPoint". Besides the
default, factory delivered templates for reporting with Word or Powerpoint can
be used. Reported pictures will fill the template documents (normal margins, A4
or letter, portrait or landscape) available space.
Step 3
As Report type or output of the reporting action three options can be chosen of
which the first one opens the Office application of choice for direct previewing
of the created report. As second option an Automatic saving can be chosen, the
reporting process will run in the background and the reports will be stored in a
folder which can be specified. As last option Automatic printing to paper
(default printer) to print on your default printer can be chosen.
Step 4
You can specify the Picture format as either Active pictures or Static images.
The latter uses a “Windows Metafile” format.
When you choose “Windows Metafile”, you will not be able to edit the picture
in the resulting document.
Step 5
As last step the Picture range needs to be defined to create the report from. For
this picture range only the Current picture can be reported. Or All user pictures
can be reported into a single document. As last option the Preview picture with
all data can be chosen, which includes the full range of the dataset to be
reported in a single document, each page contains a snapshot of the preview
picture while scrolling (grouped wise) through the dataset, referring to the
section How to use the Preview picture.

Animation settings • 219
Index Annotation • 184
Annotation visible • 156, 164, 169
[ Anomaly library add-in • 108
Append to value • 181
[All] • 184 Arrow color and style • 237
[Between X limits] • 184 Arrows • 226
[How to] Perform an audio chain calibration • Arrows Decompose • 228
48 Arrows Directions • 228
[How to] Replay time data and build playlist • Arrows Format • 227
47 Arrows Scalar Transform • 227
[How to] Replay time data from processed data Aspect ratio • 178
• 47 Audio chain settings • 41
[How to] Start Video Replaying • 33 Audio device • 42
[Procedure] To use cursors in the display • 137 Audio Replay
[Procedure] To use the displays • 208 F.A.Q. • 49
Audio replay control • 46
3
Audio Replay Properties • 40
3D Effect • 179 Audio replay range • 44
Auto • 176
A Auto repeat • 32
About • 18 Auto repeat and Auto advance • 46
Absolute • 219, 223, 225, 227, 230 Automatic Geometrical • 220
Accept /Reject • 66 Automatic topological • 221
Acoustic full scale range • 45 Available Add-ins • 32
Acoustic Geometry • 214 Available List • 238
Add a Method • 54 Axis options • 178
Add Automatic Cursor • 174, 201
Add Coupled Cursor • 174 B
Add Double Cursor • 173 Background • 236
Add Harmonic Cursor • 174 Banded • 225
Add Processing Cursor • 174, 202 Base Quantity • 113
Add Single Cursor • 173 Base Resolution • 156, 157, 164, 168, 169
Add to/Remove from Favorites • 238 Basic Principles of Counting Methods • 89
Add-ins • 15 Basic Principles of the Autopower Spectrum •
Add-ins and Methods • 50 104
Advanced Audio Replay • 34 Bode • 141
Advanced Audio Replay Add-in • 36 Bottom color • 236
Advanced Audio Replay overview • 34 Bounding Box • 234, 236
Align Direction • 160 Building a playlist in displays • 35
Align Single – Quad displays and Align
UpperLower – LeftRight displays • 238 C
Alpha Blended Transparency • 236 Calculate • 74
Always show intersections • 180 Calculated Content • 189
Ampl/Phase • 225 Calculations • 186
Amplitude • 160, 223, 225, 227, 230 Calibrated output voltage • 43
Amplitude threshold • 201 Can I replay everywhere? • 49
Amplitude/dB Real/dB Imag/dB • 225, 227 Change orientation • 241
Amplitude/Phase • 223, 227, 230 Clear Selection • 217
Anatomy of the application • 5 Color animation of the disc • 229
Angle • 183 Color Format • 224
Animation • 219 Color Interpolation • 225
Animation Control • 221 Color Scale • 166, 182
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Color Vector Transform • 226 Deformation Format • 223
Coloring • 224 Deformation Scalar Transform • 224
Colormap • 142, 192, 193, 196, 197, 200, 203, Deformed Model • 216
204, 205 Delay (ms) • 219
Columns selection • 125 Derived Frequency • 172
Combined Methods • 67 Derived Frequency / Order • 171
Component Visualization... • 235 Derived number • 172, 173
Concept of the LMS Configurations System • Deselect All Curves • 175
109 Differentiate • 77
Concept of the LMS Unit System • 112 Direction type • 222, 224, 226, 228, 229
Copy • 183 Disc translations • 229
Copy and Paste • 239 Discretization • 93
Copy as Active Picture (embedded data) • 240 Discs • 237
Copy as Active Picture (linked data) • 240 Display Area Color • 179
Copy Legend Values • 188 Display Control • 30
Copy to Bitmap • 240 Display Format • 178, 238
Copy To Clipboard • 235 Display pane • 239
Copy to Metafile • 176, 240 Display size • 235
Copy values • 183 Display Size • 177
Copying pictures • 239 Displays • 16
Counting • 88, 89 Documentation • 130
Counting parameter definition • 101 Documentation and Presentation • 137
Coupled Limits • 241 Double Cross • 198
Create a Combined Method • 68 Double Order • 197
Create a Process • 53 Double X • 195
Creating a template within an application • 128 Double Y • 196
Cross (back) • 176 Double Z • 197
Cross (front) • 176 Drift & Offset Correction • 77
Cumulative • 161
Cursor • 179, 180 E
Cursor Legend • 176 Edges • 217, 219
Cursors • 179 Edit => Add label… • 119
Curve Properties • 184 Edit => Add rule… • 119
Curve Property Schema • 181 Edit => Add unit… • 119
Curve scrolling (prev/next on function Edit => Delete… • 120
displays) • 143 Edit => Edit… • 120
Custom Content • 188 Edit => Find • 119
Custom Grid • 157, 168 Edit a Combined Method • 72
Cut • 183 Edit Arrows Scale... • 226
Edit Color Scale... • 224
D
Edit deformation Scale... • 222
Data and its management • 127 Edit Rotating Pointers Scale… • 230
Data management • 131 Edit…/Add... Labels panel • 124
Data Properties • 184 Edit…/Add... Unit Rules panel • 126
Data Source Control • 19 Edit…/Add...Unit Cases panel • 123
Data suitability for audio replay • 36 Editing LMS Units • 114
dB • 160 Editing pictures • 240
Decades • 153 Empty combined method • 77
Decimals • 157, 158, 165, 169, 170, 180 Enable Arrows • 226
Decimals... • 182 Enable Coloring • 224
Define Data Stream • 54 Enable Deformation • 222
Deformation • 222 Enable Nodal Lines • 228
Deformation Directions • 224 Enable Rotating Pointers • 229

Engineering notation • 157, 158, 165, 170, 180 H
Euler Angles • 217, 218
Expand • 220 Harmonic count • 181
Export To Video... • 235 Harmonic Cross • 200
Exporting data • 132 Harmonic Order • 200
Exposed Parameters • 70 Harmonic X • 198
Harmonic Y • 199
F Harmonic Z • 199
Hatching • 162
Faces • 217, 219
HEAD • 135
Favorites • 18
Header area • 7
File => Exit • 119
Headphone • 44
File => Import dynamic units • 118
Headphone sensitivity • 44
File => Save • 118
Help => About LMS Configuration and Unit
File => Save as… • 119
System tool • 120
File => Select active unit system • 116
Help => LMS Configuration and Unit System
File => Upgrade unit system • 117
Help • 120
File =>Configuration • 116
Hidden lines • 182
Fill • 184
Hold samples • 79
Filter • 78
Home page • 14
Fit Model • 231
How to use the Preview picture • 242
Fixed... • 153, 159, 167
Hysteresis filter • 79
Font • 156, 158, 159, 165, 166, 169, 170, 171,
Hysteresis Filtering • 92
180
Font Size • 237 I
Format • 158, 166, 170
Imag • 160
Format of the Level String • 123
Imag (Imaginary) • 223
Format specific export options • 133
Format X • 153 Imaginary • 225, 227, 230
Format Y • 159 Import • 79
Format Z • 167 Importing TRP data • 132
Frame-based Analysis • 79 Index processing • 80
Frames per cycle • 219 Integrate • 80
Integrate/Differentiate • 161
Free • 153, 159, 167
Frequency • 194 Interactive zooming • 177
Front/Back • 202 Interpolate samples • 81
FrontBack • 145, 192, 195, 196, 198, 199, 201 Intersection • 180
Function display windows • 140 Introduction • 49
Isolines • 225
G Isometric • 231
IST RigSys • 134
Gate • 202
Gauge / Numerical • 182 K
General • 183
General cursor calculations in all Functions KML (Keyhole Markup Language) • 134
displays • 187 L
General export options • 133
General picture options • 239 Label • 181
General… • 155, 163, 167 Label Unit • 113
Geometry • 209 Layout • 179, 191
Geometry display windows • 208 Left/Right • 222
Get licenses from • 17 Legend • 175, 238
GPS • 134, 151 Legend Options • 238
Graphic Area Color • 179 Length • 218
Grid • 157, 163, 168 Level crossing • 81
16A 237
Level Crossing • 102 • 239
Level crossing (DIN and Symmetrical) - Move • 215
Theory • 100 Move to Front/Back • 183
Lexade • 134 Move to global maximum / minimum • 186
Licensing • 17 Move to next local maximum / minimum • 186
Lighting • 236 Move to next Sample • 186
Limits • 153, 158, 159, 165, 166, 170, 185, 226 Move to previous local maximum / minimum •
Line • 184 186
Line color, style, and thickness • 237 Move to previous Sample • 186
Line style • 179 Move to… • 186
Line Style • 156, 157, 164, 168, 169 MTS RPC III • 133
Line Style... • 182 Multi-Trace display • 148
Linear • 153
Linear / dB • 182
N
Linear trend removal • 81 Name • 158, 166, 170
Lines • 217, 218 Names • 216, 218
Link • 222, 226, 230 NCode DAC • 134
List / Pivot View • 60 New project • 15
LMS ASCII • 134 NI DIADEM DAT • 134
Load Data Analysis add-in • 87 NI DIADEM TDM • 134
Lock position • 186 NMEA (National Marine Electronics
Log • 160 Association) • 135
LR Geometry • 211 Nodal Lines • 228
Nodal Lines Directions • 228
M Nodal Lines Format • 228
Main panel logic • 115 Nodal Lines Properties • 228
Main/Overlaid • 221 Node • 218
Major upgrade • 117 Node Marker • 236
Managing User pictures • 242 Nodes • 216, 218
Marker • 184, 216, 218 Non-acoustic target range • 45
MATLAB • 135 None • 220
Matrix • 144 Non-linear calibration • 82
Maximize • 177, 235 Normalized • 160
Maximize to Picture • 177 Nyquist • 146
Maximum number of extrema • 201
Mean removal • 82
O
Measurement annotation • 129 Octave • 147, 191, 196
Menu bar • 116 Octave bands • 154
Message area • 14 Octaves • 154
Methods • 74 Offset and increment • 156, 157
Minor upgrade • 118 On all Harmonics • 180, 181
Miscellaneous • 181 Open project • 15
Modal Cursor calculations in Front/Back and Opening a project directly • 128
Bode display • 187 Opening a project within an application • 127
Mode shape animation • 233 Optimized • 153, 159, 167
Model • 231 Options • 16, 155, 163, 168, 171, 179, 187
Model scale • 219 Options - Curve • 182
Models • 237 Options - Numerical Display • 181
Modifications • 237 Options - View • 182
MOOG • 134 Options... • 188, 236
Mouse and keyboard tips in function displays • Options… • 182
206 Order • 192
Mouse and keyboard tips in geometry displays Order map, spectrum waterfall, individual

spectra of a waterfall • 171 Range Pair • 83
Origin • 234, 238 Range Pair Cycles • 102
Other folders • 130 Range Pair Cycles – Theory • 95
Output mode • 43 Rate Independent Counting Methods • 91
Overall Level Options... • 178 Read strategy • 111
Reading external file formats • 131
P Ready (or Idle or Stopped) • 33
Panes • 18 Real • 159, 223, 225, 227, 230
Paste • 175 Relate Size to Magnitude • 237
Paste to Front / Back • 175 Relative • 219
Paste to Upper / Lower • 175 Remove • 183
Paused • 33 Remove All Cursors • 174
Peak/Valley Filtering • 92 Remove All Curves • 175
Phase • 160, 225, 227 Remove animation • 221
Planes • 236 Remove cursor • 185
Playing • 33 Remove Curve • 175
Power • 195 Replay • 185
Pre-fix Node - Name with Component • 234 Replay controls • 38
Presentation of unit cases per Quantity • 121 Replay Controls • 33
Presentation of unit cases per quantity case • Replay Metrics • 33, 39
122 Replay mode • 44
Presentation of unit rules per resulting quantity Replay Properties • 32
case • 125 Replay State Control • 32, 37
Preview Mode • 177 Replay States • 37
Preview Picture • 241 Report • 15
Process Designer • 51 Reporting • 243
Process Designer add-in • 49 Reporting options • 243
Process Layout Controls • 57 Requirements of Data Reduction Methods • 89
Processing • 89, 160 Resample • 84
Processing Cross • 205 Reset All • 162
Processing Frequency • 204 Restore • 177, 178, 235
Processing Order • 203 Restore Limits • 241
Processing X • 202 Restore Settings • 242
Processing Z • 203 Restriction on quantities • 36, 49
Processing… • 187 Restriction on sample rate • 36
Project data • 17, 127 Results of a process • 60
Project templates • 128 Reverse • 155, 163
Projects • 127 Rotate model • 216
Properties… • 187 Rotating Pointers • 229
Property Control • 28 Rotating Pointers Directions • 230
Protect Measured • 220 Rotating Pointers Format • 230
PSD • 83 Rotating Pointers Geometry • 215
Rows selection • 125
Q Run • 60
Quad Geometry • 212 Run a Process • 58
Quantity • 113 Runs • 129
Quantity Case • 114
S
R Save as Layout… • 242
Rainflow • 83, 101 Scale • 182
Rainflow - Theory • 94 Scale Factor • 237
Range marker • 229 Scaling • 84
Screen projection • 231
16A 239
Second X Axis • 154 Spike filter • 84
Second X-axes • 172 Split • 85
Sections • 129 Split Data • 56
Sections, (orders, frequency sections, octave Standard Content • 189
sections, overall level, ...) • 171 State control area • 13
Select • 185 Status Message • 184
Select All • 217 Style • 179
Select All Curves • 175 Subdivisions • 156, 157
Select Data • 58 Surfaces • 217, 218
Select Deform Maximum • 217
Selected List • 238
T
Selecting the time segment to replay • 35 Table • 152
Selection • 217 Tacho channel (rpm), Derived Tacho channel
Selection order buttons • 238 and Static channel • 172, 173
Set Parameters • 56 Text annotation color • 236
Setting axis limits • 241 The Add-in • 87
Shade color • 237 The Automatic (cursor) menus • 201
Sharing Combined Methods • 72 The Axis menus • 153
Shift and pad samples • 84 The Coupled (cursor) menus • 205
Show • 179, 188 The Cursor menus • 185
Show all • 234 The Curve Legend menus • 175, 185, 188
Show All • 217, 219 The Data menus • 183
Show Arrows Scale • 227 The Data Selection • 87
Show Color Scale • 224 The Display menus • 173, 185
Show Deformation Scale • 223 The Double (cursor) menus • 173, 195
Show Favorites • 238 The General Acquisition Desktop workbook •
Show Handle • 180 5
Show Model Scale • 219 The Geometry display functions • 215
Show none • 234 The Geometry display menu • 216
Show None • 217, 219 The Geometry model manipulation icons • 215
Show Rotating Pointers Scale • 230 The Harmonic (cursor) menus • 174, 198
Single cross • 195 The LMS Configuration and Unit System •
Single X • 191 109
Single Y • 191 The Processing (cursor) menus • 202
Single Z • 192 The Single (cursor) menus • 173, 191
Size • 236 Ticks • 155, 164, 169
Size to fit • 188 Time • 171, 173
Slave DOFs • 220 Time (Throughput) • 172, 173
Smooth • 225 Time at level • 85, 103
Smoothing • 161, 221 Time data editing • 86
Snap to data grid • 241 Time mode • 32, 47
Snap to data values • 180 Timer options • 17
Snap to Data Values • 186 Title Content • 191
Solids • 217, 218 Title Layout • 191
Sorting according to base quantities • 121 Title Legend • 176
Sorting according to name • 122 Tool • 183
Sorting of the Unit Cases • 120 ToolTip Style • 180
Sorting of the Unit Rules • 125 Top color • 236
Sound maps • 233 Torsional animation • 234
Source data • 201 Transition • 166
Spectra • 88, 104 Type • 156, 164, 169, 236, 238
Spectra parameter definition • 106
Spectrum & Section Scaling • 162

U X
UL • 147 X • 176, 217, 224, 228
UL Geometry • 210 X axis • 146, 150
Undeformed Model • 218 X Axis • 154
Undo • 177 X-axes • 171
Unit • 112, 154, 158, 162, 165, 167, 170 X-axis • 153
Unit Case • 114 XY • 150, 231
Unit Cases panel • 120 XZ • 233
Unit Rules panel • 125
Unit system • 18, 114
Y
Upper/Lower • 222 Y • 218, 224, 228
UpperLower • 191, 192, 195, 196, 198, 199, Y (back) • 176
201 Y (front) • 176
Use Component Visualization • 234 Y back axis • 150
Use Geometry Radius • 238 Y front axis • 150
User Picture • 242 Y horizontal axis • 146, 150
Using a template within an application • 128 Y vertical axis • 146
Using an LMS Tecware Process • 51, 73 Y-axis • 159
Using Combined Methods • 73 YX • 232
Using cursors in displays • 137 YZ • 232
V Z
Value • 180 Z • 218, 224, 228
Versioning of LMS Unit System • 115 Z-axes • 173
Video Replay • 32 Z-axis • 166
way or working • 33 Zero line marker and positive direction • 229
Video Replay Add-in • 32 Zoom • 183, 185
View => Show • 120 Zoom in / zoom out • 216
View => Sort • 120 ZX • 232
View => Toolbar • 120 ZX / XY /YZ Plane • 234
Views • 231 ZY • 232
Views… • 233
Visibility Checkboxes of the Unit Cases tab •
125
Visible • 155, 157, 158, 159, 163, 164, 165,
166, 168, 169, 170, 171
Visual Extensions • 234, 236
Visualization of Results • 64
W
Waterfall • 149, 191, 192, 194, 196, 197, 198,
200, 203, 204
Weighting • 161
Where is the video replay supported? • 33
Which axis will be replayed? • 33
Which data can be replayed? • 49
Windows caption • 6
Workflow area • 9
Worksheet area • 10
Worksheet layout area • 12
Write strategy • 111
16A 241

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LMS Test.

Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Copyright Siemens Industry Software NV

Chapter 1 The General Acquisition Desktop workbook .............................................. 5

Chapter 2 The LMS Configuration and Unit System ................................................ 101

Chapter 3 Data and its management ......................................................................... 121

Chapter 4 Documentation and Presentation ............................................................ 131

4 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Chapter 1 The General Acquisition Desktop workbook

Section 1.1 Anatomy of the application

Section 1.1.1 Anatomy of the application

Application anatomy with different elements

Section 1.1.1.1 Windows caption

Section 1.1.1.2 Header area

6 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Project management fly out

General operations that are application independent are accessible through

Section 1.1.1.3 Workflow area

Workflow: combination of major and minor worksheets

8 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Section 1.1.1.4 Worksheet area

Worksheet area: collection of panes

Double clicking on the pane header maximizes and restores a pane.

 A minimized pane will appear at the right side of the application as a

Section 1.1.1.5 Worksheet layout area

10 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Worksheet layout area

Section 1.1.1.6 State control area

State control area example

Section 1.1.1.7 Message area

messages displayed to the user, progress indication and a notification area

Section 1.1.2 Home page

Home page icon in the Header area

The offered functionality is grouped into tabs:

Home page tabs

Section 1.1.2.1 Open project

12 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

 All: complete list

The application supports a single document interface. This means that

In all views a user can promote or demote a project as a favorite project by

Section 1.1.2.2 New project

In all views a user can promote or demote a template as a favorite template by

Section 1.1.2.3 Report

Section 1.1.2.4 Add-ins

Section 1.1.2.5 Options

Section 1.1.2.5.1 Displays

It is possible to switch between Sample Frequency, Bandwidth and Span. The

The 2D Correction type is applied when showing data in displays.

Note: This option is not used for measurement.

Functions measured in Test.Lab, automatically get the 'correct' window

Note: The default setting for the correction method is automatic.

14 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop

Section 1.1.2.5.2 Project data

LDSF Saving Mode

Section 1.1.2.5.3 Licensing

Note: The Timer option has no effect when measuring or processing.

Section 1.1.2.5.4 Unit system

Section 1.1.2.5.5 Favorites

Section 1.1.2.6 About

Section 1.1.3 Panes

As stated before a worksheet consists of different panes. There are different

Section 1.1.3.1 Data Source Control

16 User manual LMS Test.Lab General Acquisition Desktop