Additional Software for VK-X Microscopes
Software for automation and extended control
This software enables the integration of additional automation hardware. It also provides a variety of automated measurement functions, part alignment capabilities, and workflow improvements.
We call this software XpansionUI, and it was developed to extend the capabilities of Keyence’s standard VK Viewer software.
Watch the overview video to learn more. Or see the additional capabilities below.
A familiar interface
This interface is built on the robust functionality provided by Keyence’s VK microscope and our precision motion controller.
Our expertise in action
Let's walk through the additional capabilities offered in our software
Feature | Keyence Software (VK Viewer) | Additional Software (XpansionUI) |
|---|---|---|
Standard Autofocus, Mode Adjustment, and Lighting Controls | YES | YES |
Create Navigation Images (Map View) | YES | YES |
Stitching (Combining Individual Images) | YES | YES |
Teaching (Recipe Programming) | YES | YES |
Teaching Extended Z Stage and/or Rotational Stage Positions | YES | |
Extended Autofocus Range | YES | |
Lens Collision Prevention | YES | |
Fiducial Alignment (Automated Using Pattern Matching) | YES | |
Tech Point Centering (Using Pattern Matching) | YES | |
Programmable Retraction Moves and Safe Turret Rotation | YES | |
Global Position Registration (Using Stage Encoder Position) | YES | |
Load Unload Position for Part Handling | YES | |
Custom Programming (Scripting, Libraries, API, etc...) | YES | |
Integration with Robot or Material Handling | YES | |
User Access Control | YES | |
Automated Analysis with Data Export | YES | |
Raw Data Export | YES |
Automated part alignment
If you want to run a recipe based on your part’s geometry or coordinate frame, you will first need to align the part to the microscope. Our software will help guide your operators or completely automate the alignment process.
- Automated alignment using computer vision and pattern matching
- Precision cross-hair alignment for manual operator guidance
- Build directly into the teach recipe to make the process repeatable
Automated feature alignment
Are your features located at slightly inaccurate locations? If so, they will not be centered in your image, and your automated measurement templates may fail.
Our software uses pattern matching to locate the feature of interest and center it inside the Field of View of the microscope for perfect image alignment every time.
Robot Handling
Automate the loading / unloading of your parts using material handling systems and robots.
- Uses Peak's motion controller and software interface
- Multiple communication methods for interfacing with external handlers
- Automate the part loading, but also the data handling
Vision Pre-Inspection
Use a machine vision camera to identify points of interest for your microscope measurements to be made.
- Automatic creation of teach points based on vision output
- Integration of line or area scan vision cameras
- Automates identification AND measurement processes
Collision avoidance and autofocus range expansion
Are you concerned about crashing the microscope lenses during manual operation or because of part dimensions? Or, are your part surfaces wavy to the point where the standard autofocus range no longer works? We integrate height detection sensors alongside of the microscope to make sure that the lens is always in the right vertical position.
- Avoid collisions and crash conditions with microscope lenses
- Optimize starting measurement height to reduce measurement time
- Handle wavy or curved surfaces without needing manual operator time
Large, unique, and faster stage motion
Utilizing industrial servo motor driven stages allows us to build the motion systems into any configuration our customers need.
- Ideal for heavy payloads or complicated part geometries
- Servo stages can move up to 10x faster than standard microscope stages
- Available in long travels (> 2 meters in length)
Showing an encoder feedback device used to guarantee precise stage position in global space.
Global position measurement
Relate local measurements to global stage coordinates to enable global part measurements.
- A range of servo stage accuracies to choose from
- Uses high precision encoder feedback systems for precise location
- Eliminates the need to stitch large areas which is time consuming
Programmable rotary stages
Integration of rotary stages in various configurations to rotate, index, and align parts to the microscope field of view.
Multi-axis rotary stages
Program up to 3 motorized rotation stages to orient the part surface to the microscope.
- Fully integrated into the teach recipe functions of the software
- Pick from our diverse catalog of rotary stages
- Stages for most any payload and part size
Larger travel vertical stages
Use extended travel Z stages to increase the working range of your microscope.
- Fully integrated into the teach recipe functions of the software
- Creates additional clearance for part loading and unloading
- Enables parts of many thicknesses to fit under the microscope
Application Programming Interface (API)
Allows customers to program their own automation and software interfaces using the functions we have developed.
- REST architecture allows for language independent scripting
- Measurement, motion control, and data handling functions
- Standard responses through JSON
Raw data export
If you have your own data analysis software application, or you would like to export the VK’s native file formats as raw data, we can help.
- Exports the data as a human readable file
- The user does not need to manually export the file
User access control
Would you like to restrict operators from changing microscope settings? Do you need to make sure the same measurement conditions are used ever time? Our user access control defines what a person can edit via a login screen.
- Administrator, developer, and operator user roles
- Login credentials are stored in Windows Credential Manager
Faster Measurements
Our additional integration and software will improve the speed at which you measure parts.
Advanced Motion Controllers Optimizes Move Times
Height sensors eliminate time consuming focus routines
Operator Assist Tools
More automation features to assist your operators. Reduce your measurement risk.
Height Sensors Catch Lens Collisions Before They Happen
Extended Travel Z Stages Enable More Part Height Variability
Additional Resources
Educational articles, white papers, and videos to help you make more informed decisions about your equipment purchases.
Help files, CAD downloads, and installation videos. Get in touch with your peak representative for the password.