Viscom Optimizes Inspection System Operation

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Viscom AG has released vVision 2.4, successfully delivered since mid-2017 for its modern operating software. Among the most important optimizations are a time-saving inspection program creation – especially for new components and special component types – and comprehensive 3D advancements like the 3D solder joint inspection for chips.

Rapid product change-overs and various component manufacturers in the electronics production demand a flexible automatic optical inspection in double respects: Simple switch between existing inspection programs and easy development of new inspection programs. With the new vVision 2.4 software version, these tasks are much easier and significantly faster. This is why a new inspection pattern tool for NPI (new product introduction) was developed to handle new component types. This tool effectively uses existing libraries as well as the 3D technology of AOI systems to automatically assign components in the new layout to existing inspection patterns. With this approach, time for inspection program creation is reduced to a minimum.

Dipl.-Ing. Robert Döhring-Köhler, manager of vVision software development at Viscom, says, "This advanced development also contains the automatic adaptation of the geometry parameters. The geometry settings of the currently used components are transferred during the automatic inspection pattern assignment from the library. Another innovation is the Quick Select function, with which the user can smoothly switch back and forth between the inspection programs."

"Solutions that arose from the requirement for a more efficient and flexible personnel deployment were integrated into our new vVision update," adds Döhring-Köhler. On the verification station (vVerify), the visual inspectors are supported by the software so that the inspection results can be correctly confirmed without extensive previous knowledge or longer orientation periods.

In addition to an evaluated defect image in the center, optional good and bad examples are presented for comparison to aid decision. Further, the defect site and further additional information can be displayed on a second monitor or with the shift key. Based on the images from the (up to nine) cameras and the 3D height measurement, with the 360-degree viewing function (360View), the components can be examined from all perspectives. This avoids inaccuracy on the sides or shadowing; the texture from all viewing directions – including the side views – ensures that the inspected component is represented as fully modeled and true to life. Inspection results from special components can be visually checked for detected defects and faulty solder joints, without errors.

To support traceability, now screenshots and 3D images can be directly saved at any time with the integrated Live Snapper so that they can be logged and, for example, used in a quality report. Clearly identifiable character recognition of component designations is indispensable for unambiguous identification of correct components. vVision 2.4 solves this task through the integration of new, ultra-modern OCR recognition, which uses intelligent algorithms to ensure automatic reading and a reliable evaluation.

With the release of vVision 2.4, Viscom sets a new standard for clear and dependable assessment of detected defects with simplified inspection program creation. Thanks to Viscom's know-how, false calls in the three-dimensional inspection can be drastically reduced. For vVision customers, Viscom provides a no-cost update for installation on inspection system operation stations and on verification stations. The prerequisite is software version vVision 2.2. The Release Trainings can be conducted on-site at customer facilities by the applications experts from Viscom.

The true-to-life 3D display from vVision 2.4 guarantees a fast, clear-cut verification of the inspection.

About vVision

VVision from Viscom represents development of a completely new software platform which drastically simplifies programming for automatic inspection systems and keeps the training effort for the operator as low as possible. At its heart is a graphic surface in drag & drop design, which facilitates a very intuitive operation. Extensive standard configurations in different inspection methods can be individually adapted with ease. The user-friendly inspection program creation delivers the basis for superb inspection results, which can be reliably evaluated with the integrated vVerify verification software. The development of vVerify follows a rigorous component-oriented approach and offers a comprehensive IPC-compliant inspection library. The vVision software is used in all Viscom AOI systems, including the systems for 3D solder paste inspection (SPI) and successively in the X-ray inspection systems (AXI). The user can select between eleven languages in the vVision software. 

About Viscom

Viscom AG develops, manufactures and sells high-quality inspection systems. The portfolio encompasses the complete bandwidth of optical and X-ray inspections. In the area of assembly inspection for electronics manufacturing, the company is among the leading suppliers worldwide. Viscom systems can be configured specifically to the customer and can be interlinked. The company headquarters and manufacturing location is in Hanover, Germany. With a wide network of branches, applications centers, service support points and representatives, Viscom is represented internationally. Founded in 1984, Viscom has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE0007846867) since 2006. For additional information, click here.