The "last opportunity to upgrade" analog inspection equipment

I went to the site to update the PCs on the inspection equipment equipped with FlexInspector that we delivered in 2008.

The configuration at that time was as follows:

• Windows XP
• Galaxy++M2
• Analog camera

In other words, it is what is known as a first-generation imaging system.

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■ The limitations of the software are becoming apparent

A key feature of this update is "supported operating systems for Galaxy++M2."

Although Galaxy++M2 is compatible with Windows 10,
Windows 10 is already entering its end-of-life phase, and in particular,

• Declining Availability of Windows 10 IoT
• Future security concerns

Such challenges are becoming apparent.

In other words, the time we can keep the current setup running is quite limited.

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■ Changing the camera means you have to start all over again

Another major issue is the camera.

Although this system uses analog cameras,
they differ from the CMOS cameras that are currently mainstream.

• Cell size (pixel size)
• Field of view and resolution

...are different.

Because of this difference, if you replace the camera with a digital (CMOS) one,

👉 Existing test data cannot be used as-is
👉 Test conditions and thresholds need to be redesigned

This means we will essentially have to rewrite the inspection program.

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■ The Last Chance to Update "Only on a PC"

As in this case,

• The software still works (compatible with Windows 10 and earlier versions)
• The camera will remain as is (analog)

As long as these conditions are met, you can extend the system's lifespan simply by updating the PC at
.

However,

• The OS continues to evolve
• It is becoming difficult to obtain and maintain analog cameras

Once you go past that point,

👉 A PC update won’t be enough
👉 A complete system overhaul is needed

will be.

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■ Summary

In inspection systems that use analog cameras and older-generation software,

"Right now, when you can only update your PC," is actually your last chance

It can be said that...

If you postpone equipment upgrades,
in the future

• Significant cost increase
• Reconstruction of Inspection Data

Replacement involving this will become unavoidable.

If your site has equipment with a similar configuration, now might be a good time to review your upgrade plan:
.