With the operating concept of the TCA module, pre-defined measurement workflows are adapted by the supervisor for the everyday routine of the operator. The performance of a measurement can be automated to such an extent that only the project data need to be entered and the entire analysis process can run automatically. Due to these automated workflows, the operator's influence on the measurement results can be reduced to a minimum. In addition to the quality gained, the time necessary for the measurement is reduced as well. Supervisors and operators can focus on their specific tasks.

The operation of the module is based on the following operating concept:

  • Modifying and managing standard templates (Supervisor)
  • Copy and edit pre-configured standard templates in order to adapt the particle size classification. Define specific acceptance criteria for particle results based on allowed particle numbers per size class or individual mathematical conditions in terms of length and/or width.
  • Note that under Manage Templates you can edit the find pre-defined standard templates: one per standard and method.
  • For more information, see Standard Template Editor. For more information regarding available standards, see Introduction to Standards.
  • Note that for the initial operations you must select in the Standard Selection workbench (in the first step of your job template), the desired standard templates.
  • Modifying and managing job templates (Supervisor)
  • Copy and edit pre-configured TCA job templates in order to adapt the workflow to your needs and to the operator routine task, manage job templates, inspect and approve job results.
  • Note that under Job Mode you find pre-defined job templates for the assessment of particulate contamination according to the standards.
  • For more information, see Introduction to Standards.
  • Running Job templates (Operator)
  • Run TCA job templates created by the supervisor. Inspect and revise particle results if required by using the result views.

Note: In the role of a supervisor it is possible to perform functionalities of the operator.

General Workflow preparations

The following pre-defined job templates are included in the software, when you have licensed the TCA module. In this documentation, the procedure according to the existing, pre-defined job templates are described. The following job templates are available by default:

Parameter

Description

Component Cleanliness

You analyze loaded images or acquire images of filter membranes with particulate contamination originating from engine components or medical devices.

Oil Cleanliness

You analyze loaded images or acquire images of filter membranes with particulate contamination originating from fresh and used oils and lubricants, e.g. hydraulic, gear oils, or engine oils.

As a Supervisor, you can access/edit the job template in Job Mode.

The job templates always contain four major tasks:

  • Filling out an Input Form
  • In this step, the operator must fill out the input form with user and specimen specific information.
  • Image Acquisition
  • Image acquisition of the pre-defined specimen area.
  • Performing the Analysis
  • In this step, particles are extracted by image segmentation and analyzed according to the selected standards. The detailed workflow is described in the following sections.
  • Creating a Report
  • After the analysis, a report is generated containing the job results with characteristic values according to the selected standards.

Once you have finished the job, it is saved, and you can check it in the Browse Results view, see Browse Results.

For more information, see Job Mode.