Streamlining complex microscope-based manufacturing processes is possible using Olympus augmented reality SZX-AR1 stereo microscopes as they have the capacity to display annotations, such as text, videos, and gauges, directly into the oculars.
This groundbreaking technology allows users to focus on the eyepieces at all times while following operating procedures and documenting defects on the sample.
The AR1 system was developed with dedicated software to promote device assembly and other microscope-based tasks, including those in the medical device industry.
The AR1 module can be incorporated into any new or existing Olympus SZX series stereo microscope to boost the efficiency of various processes and enhance new user training and procedures.
Incorporating augmented reality into stereo microscopes offers a number of benefits, including improvement in employee training, more efficient assembly, and seamless microscope integration.
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More Efficient Assembly Process
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can be easily projected directly into the microscope field of view. This means workers are able to follow instructions while looking through the oculars, boosting efficiency and reducing errors. There are a number of different options of what the eyepieces are able to display, including reference images, videos, reticles, gauges, and shapes.
The integrated zoom sensor allows accurate measurements and updates gauges and reticles automatically so that dimensions are nearly always correct.
The AR1 improves efficiency further by expediting image sharing. Suppose a worker encounters a potential issue or has a question. In that case, they can point out the area of interest easily and share the image/screen with their manager to get immediate feedback on the sample.
Furthermore, a barcode scanner can be added to the AR1 system to quickly open specific SOPs, and the option for footswitch pairing allows for a hands-free method for going to a different step of an SOP.
Improved Employee Training
The AR1 microscope makes employee training a better experience by optimizing efficiency and reducing costs. Trainees no longer need to alternate between looking through the oculars and monitor, making it much easier to follow trainer instructions.
The use of Microsoft Teams facilitates remote training, reducing the travel and costs required for training. Moreover, it is possible to record training sessions for future training and refresher courses. Evident customers saw a significant reduction in the time it took to train new users from six weeks to four days.
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Seamless Integration
The AR1 system can be integrated seamlessly into existing and new Olympus SZX stereo microscopes. To add AR to an existing SZX microscope, only a few components are necessary: the AR1 tilting trinocular head, a monitor, a camera (DP23/27/28), and PC (if the system does not already have these).
To maintain the comfort and safety of the user, the microscope encourages proper ergonomics.
The AR1 assembly is comprised of a tilting trinocular head for minimal neck tilt, and can be paired with the eyepoint height adjuster to compensate for user height variability, which reduces unnecessary head and neck movement when it comes to looking back and forth from the oculars to a computer screen or printed SOP.
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AR1 Dedicated Software
The AR1 software is comprised of three software functions: start the task, start the training, and create operating procedures.
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Create Operating Procedures is where SOPs can be created. With a similar layout to Microsoft PowerPoint, users are able to generate a slide deck with the various steps needed for specific tasks.
There are multiple options for the digital overlay, such as shapes, including arrows, images, text, videos, reticles, and gauges. Once the SOP has been created, users are able to select it in Start the Task.
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In Start the Task, users have the ability to scroll through SOPs that were previously created to guide them through various processes. Start the Task has functions similar to Create Operating Procedures, using a pen tool to select areas of interest on the sample.
Users have several methods to switch to the next slide, such as using a footswitch, the keypad, or buttons on the zoom encoder. While carrying out the relevant task, the operator can record a video or take a snapshot for documentation purposes and share with their supervisor to raise any questions or highlight potential issues.
Finally, the software is equipped with Start the Training. Start the Training has the capacity to be used with or without an SOP. It also utilizes the pen tool so that the trainer is able to easily highlight features of the sample, and there is the option to delete pen drawings automatically after a few seconds.
Remote training is also possible as Start the Training can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Teams.
Image Credit: Evident Corporation—Industrial Microscopy
The addition of augmented reality equips the Olympus SZX series microscopes with a powerful tool for microscope-based assemblies and inspections. The AR1 boosts efficiency, streamlines training, and can be incorporated seamlessly into new and existing systems. Its user-friendly dedicated software can be used to create and follow operating procedures and lead training sessions.
For further information or demonstration, visit the Evident website at: www.EvidentScientific.com or contact your local sales representative.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Evident Corporation.
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