ZEISS SmartPI

SmartPI performs self-diagnostic and auto-calibration routines before each auto-run and periodically during the run. This ensures system stability, and accurate, repeatable results. Should an interruption occur during the auto-run, for example when a filament replacement is required, an auto-recovery process is initiated.

SmartPI employs advanced image processing and analysis techniques to measure a variety of morphological characteristics for each particle detected. Subsequently, EDS analysis is used to determine the chemical composition of each particle. Analyze particles rapidly with either Spot Mode or in more detail using the advanced ZEISS Feature Scan Mode. This scans the complete particle shape to provide a more accurate classification.

In order to keep your particle dataset coherent and minimize runtime, SmartPI enables you to exclude particles that are not deemed of interest, from subsequent image and elemental analysis. This could, for instance, be the case for elongated fibers on the filter that may originate from dust in the environment, and hence are unrelated to particles originating from the manufacturing process.

A range of advanced stop criteria allow the auto-run to end the analysis when it reaches a predefined threshold. Stop criteria can include analysis time, number of particles or fields counted, particle size, a specific classification, or other criteria that you can specify. This feature can be applied to single or multiple samples, thereby significantly reducing the overall run-time. A live results window also allows the operator to monitor the progress and decide whether any intervention is required.

Use the Review Output mode to refine and improve the classification recipes by making a detailed examination of the results. You can also re-examine any particle by returning the stage to the appropriate particle coordinates. The Retrospective Analysis mode lets you re-evaluate existing results by using new classification criteria – without the need to re-analyze the sample.

This standalone application lets you browse or search the results for individual spectra, particle images, field images, border particles, or other filters you select. In addition, SmartPI Explorer includes options for archiving, as well as an image montage feature for creating a stitched image from the fields analyzed. Explorer also may be used offline to free up system time for analysis.

This standalone application has a number of built-in tools which allow you to construct dedicated reports. You can use drag-and-drop controls, modify an existing report template, or select an ISO or VDA standard report. Once you've defined your report, you can save it as a template for future reports. Use SmartPI Reporter online for immediate report generation or offline when you will be analyzing results at a later time.