On closer inspection: A sneak peek at Vision's DRV-Z1

Assistant editor Ian Bolland went along to Vision Engineering’s headquarters in Woking where he was given a sneak peek of the company’s new product – the Deep Reality Viewer – which was launched at Control in Stuttgart earlier this year.

Ease of use, deep analysis and vivid perception are the three priorities that went into the development of the company’s new Deep Reality Viewer (DRV).

Vision’s new 3D imaging microscope is designed to work across several sectors, not least the life science and medtech industries.

Unlike traditional mono digital microscopes, Vision Engineering’s Deep Reality Viewer creates stereo high definition 3D images, without using a monitor or requiring operators to wear headsets or specialist glasses: images ‘float’ in front of a mirror.

Using Vision Engineering’s patented TriTeQ³ digital 3D display technology, the DRV-Z1 (Zoom model 1) incorporates a microscope and is the first device of its class to be launched by the manufacturer.

The DRV can be used for both detailed analysis and quality control. During the demonstration, implantable medical devices such as pacemakers were used as an example to illustrate the importance of quality control in the sector.

It can also be used during a host of other processes, including measurement, polishing and finishing, bonding and joining, approval or liability testing, soldering, alignment and positioning, marking, etching, coating, and dissection and cutting.

Its industrial applications include aerospace, automotive, plastics, precision engineering, electronics, analysis, precision instrumentation, MEMS, polymers, medical devices and security.

Vision designed the DRV using its core TriTeQ³ technology, which aims to exclude sensory isolation, in turn allowing the product to exploit the user’s peripheral vision.

TriTeQ³ is the firm’s stereo image presentation system designed to provide fully interactive real time natural 3D visualisation with outstanding depth perception.

The company has also received two Innovate UK grants for optical and digital technical development in 2018-19, totalling £750,000 – helping to support the development of the DRV. The name came about because the company says it “sees the commonality between augmented reality and virtual reality”.

Managing director Mark Curtis said: “It essentially provides real-time, full HD stereo images. It then gives you full communicability, full sensory stimulus. So if you’re on the production line, you see something you don’t like, you get your supervisor to look at it. It’s as simple as that.”

Part of the company’s strategy was to exploit potential interest in the latest trends emerging in the sector – such as virtual reality, augmented reality, the internet of things, blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Curtis explained that the split between the optical systems and digital systems that Vision develops is currently at 50/50, but with the trend moving in a more digital direction, he foresees a 70-30 split in favour of digital within the next two-to-three years.

The most fascinating demonstration was an analysis of the spine of a dog – using 3D imaging of a CT scan of the animal. The image could be moved around with ease allowing for a more detailed examination – not only could the facility allow for improved insight from healthcare professionals.

The ease of which the spine could be analysed at all angles, and the technology allowing the user to analyse certain parts within a body, almost makes the standard x-ray feel dated.

Ahead of the product’s launch, Paul Newbatt, sales and marketing director said: “TriTeQ blends Vision Engineering’s long-established, industry-proven and award-winning optical stereoscopic technologies and digital monoscopic technologies. DRV-Z1 delivers a technological breakthrough, and is a game changer for inspection and quality control processes.”