|
|
Product Assessment |
 |
Overview |
In the highly specialised
area of optical metrology it is often useful for instrument
manufacturers to obtain independent advice on the performance of
their products. A number of clients have used OMC to analyse their
products both to improve performance, benchmark against competition,
or plan future developments.
|
Illustration of two
consultations:
 |
A
company had a product under development for a major
multi-national. The instrument was producing higher noise than
was expected and this was likely to be unacceptable to the
customer. Details of the instrument and design considerations
were discussed on site. At the end of the consultation the
source of the increased noise was found and alternative
strategies were suggested. |
|
A
company had a highly successful product that was being sold to
national and international markets. However, some recent
results suggested that they could improve the performance of
their system but they were unsure whether they could trust the
results. All of the pertinent information concerning the
instrument was provided. Various aspects of the operation of
this instrument were then analysed and a number of
recommendations were made concerning improvements in the
performance. In particular a few errors were found that were
easy to deal with and an improved calibration procedure was
recommended. The major outcome was a clear indication that
their improved results were likely to be genuine. |
|
|
What types of
instrument does OMC specialise in? |
The instruments that OMC
has most knowledge and expertise of, are those that involve images
from linear or area cameras and produce 1-D, 2-D or 3-D information
by means of triangulation principles.
|
How can I get my
instrument assessed? |
To perform this service it
is usually necessary to supply documentation concerning the
instrument in question. The operation of the instrument is then
compared to its competition and to the estimated theoretical
performance. A report is then provided that lists the key areas
where improvements might be made and future options.
|
|
