Analytical Software
Goto XY & Store XYProbably the most obvious advantage of a computer-controlled stepper motor stage is the ability to store and retrieve XY coordinates. This is achieved through the GotoXY and StoreXY features of the TriTek operating software. Distance MeasurementsThrough the use of a standard pointing device, on-screen measurements are made quickly and easily. Simply point and click using the mouse on areas to be measured and the microscopic distance is displayed with horizontal, vertical, and hypotenuse definitions. Density CalculationsOnce again, by using a standard pointing device, on-screen measurements of "features-per-area", or density, are made quickly and easily. Simply point and click using the mouse to define the area to be measured and the features inside that area, and the count, area, and density are displayed. Rapid ScanTo rapidly scan large areas of a sample, one can invoke one of several scan modes. The stage will be moved in discrete increments initiated by the operator via mouse clicks, or will step & repeat automatically under program control. |
Sample RotationOnce the computer has control over the XY coordinates of the stepper motor stage, the software can correct for non-orthogonality of the sample. Theta-Correction algorithms are employed to virtually align the sample with the stage XY coordinate system. Auto-KoehlerWith computer control over the illumination iris diaphragms and substage condensor, the koehler settings for each objective lens can be stored and retrieved quickly and "behind the scenes". When the system magnification is changed by rotating the circum-ferous lens turret, the computer automatically adjusts the iris diaphrgams and substage condensor height to optimize illumination of the sample. Auto-FocusBy taking advantage of advanced image processing, the microscope can focus the sample automatically, and quickly. Analyzer/Polarizer RotationFor determining rotational reflectance properties of materials, the norm has been to insert polarizing filters in the illumination and imaging paths and rotate the sample about the optical axis. An alternative approach, rotating the polarizer (analyzer) in the imaging path, was presented by Bensley & Crelling at the 1991 meeting for The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP). Houseknecht and Weesner described the application of this approach in their paper Rotational reflectance of dispersed vitrinite from the Arkoma basin in 1996. TriTek designers have developed a polarized light option that employs a stepper motor controlled polarizer and analyzer where each can be rotated independently or in synchronization under computer control. Golden Sample ComparisonIn the quality control arena, yields are of the utmost importance. By displaying captured images of certified parts as a 'go / no-go' gauge, comparison time can be dramatically decreased. Voice ControlWhether your preference is simply verbal control or a physical condition has affected your efficiency in manipulating pointing devices, you can augment TriTek products with one of the standard voice control products on the market. Any or all commands can be activated via voice control. |
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