All new licenses are delivered without dongle hardware copy protection. The loss or defect of the dongle is now impossible. The copy protection is established by soft licenses and verified online. Advantage: The licenses can be delivered and installed just-in-time.

Important note: In an industrial environment, the licenses can also be operated offline.

New optional module: True-Shape-Nesting Pro: With this module, nesting results are up to 25% more efficient than with the module: True Shape Nesting Standard (IBE).

Important note: If you are interested, please contact your dealer or EUROSYSTEMS.

The Material Database Server is now a standard feature of OptiScout V. 9 and is therefore an integral part of every OptiScout version. Additionally, the server features an interface for feedback of job data post-production. This information can be reported to an MES / MIS system or saved as JSON / XML job tickets. Products like Caldera PrimeCenter and Prepare-it offer now also an interface to the OptiScout Material Database. Material names and methods are automatically queried, QR codes are generated, and OXF 2.0 files for the cutting plotter are produced.

The Production Information System is now a standard feature of OptiScout V.9 and is therefore an integral part of every OptiScout 9 version. In conjunction with the Material Database, technical operating data is logged and clearly presented in a database.

The Production Information System (PIS) interface has been provided with some important new Features.

New: The + sign

The + sign opens a new level (line) with additional information, such as the status of the output jobs.

New: Show device with computer name option

If this option is activated, the computer name is displayed in the device column in addition to the device driver. This makes it easier to clearly assign production data in environments where several output devices are in use.

New: The Column buttons

These buttons switch the display columns ON/OFF. This allows the display to be arranged individually and generally improves clarity.

The two variants Production & Design and Front-End & Design are no longer available from version 9. They will be replaced by a combination of Front-End or Production and an additional Prepare license. This Prepare license can be used both on the production computer and in Job preparation.

Important note: One OptiScout Prepare license can be used on 2 computers. This does not apply when updating from previous versions.

The dialog has been optimized both visually and functionally (New: Inlay / Intarsia).

What are Inlays?

Inlays are intarsia where different materials, usually wood, are placed inside or next to each other on a flat surface in such a way that a flat surface with an ornamental character is created.

Inlay option with preview

Preview here: Red for inner part and Green for outer part.

New: A gap specification (e.g.: for glue) is possible for the Inlay function.

New: The Inlay layer can be determined individually.

New: Layer info field e. g.: Name Inlay, if the method name should not be used.

In the File Manager, some additional information from RIP files can be displayed for OXF / XML / ZCC files (if available). The display must be set to Thumbnail View (see figure). This additional information, such as material name, copies and methods, is of interest, for example, if jobs are to be processed first that require a specific method or if the tool that is currently in the machine is to be used.

Special import settings often have to be used in the Production Manager profiles, e.g. to realize an additional rotation, a mirroring. OptiScout V. 9 allows the creation of user-defined setup profiles. This allows individual import scenarios to be defined in terms of device, output, macro execution and camera settings relating to production. The "normal" import should not use these settings. These special profiles overwrite the settings from the Settings/Import dialog during import.

Why Layer Mapping?

The mapping ensures that imported layer names,  tools, methods are integrated into the database structure. The purpose of the layer mapping is the manual assignment of unknown layer names to tools or methods existing in the OptiScout database.

Note: The assignment applies to all filters. Multiple assignments (mappings) are allowed.

Example:

This option can be found under: Settings, Standard Settings, Import..., Conversions, Use Layer Mapping. A click into the Number of assignments field opens the following dialog:

Target layer column

In the Target layer column, select the desired database layer(s) on which the mapping is to act. Here: Kiss-Cut and/or Thru-Cut (see figure above).

Root layer column

The layer name from the import file is to be entered in the Root layer column. Here: CutContour; Kiss; Cut; is assigned to the Kiss-Cut Target Layer (see figure above).

Problem: There are unfavorable positions of object starting points that also have a negative effect on the cutting quality. For example, if the starting points are located exactly in a small curve. It would be better if the starting points were located on a straight line (if available).

Optimize starting points function

The Optimize starting points function scans the object contours, evaluates the position of the start points and attempts to move the start points so that they are located at advantageous positions for the cut. If the result is not optimal, it is still possible to intervene manually using the Move starting point function. As a result, this function can significantly increase the output quality.

Previously		After

The function has additional routines, such as: if there is a pointy outer corner, the starting point is moved to this point if possible.

Exp. with pointy outer corner

 If there is no pointy outer corner, then move the starting point to the middle of a long line.

Previously, the starting points of a contour could only be changed in Node mode. This is now also possible in Arrow mode with a mouse click using the move start point function. The function is activated via the context menu of the right mouse button. Another click with the crosshairs of the cursor directly on the new starting point changes the direction of rotation of the object.

The fast move cursor

Note: The starting point cannot be moved using drag & drop.

Context menu with open job

Waste Cut is about cutting materials that are too large for regular disposal in the waste garbage can into manageable sizes. This is especially handy when shredding sheet materials. Similar to the weeding frame, an outer frame is created. Individual guide lines are drawn, which are then cut. Unlike the weeding aid, the outer frame is not cut as well, but only the welded parts.

The waste objects can be placed in a separate layer; thus the waste layer can be different from the tool layer.

The Line option has been added to the options in the universal placement tool. A one-dimensional object can now also be defined by default, as well as its rotation angle.

Files in XML or JSON format can be used for the transmission of production data to the production data acquisition module (PDA). The function is activated via the Generate Job ticket option.

The Folder field is used to specify the target folder to which the data is to be written. The File mask field can be used to specify which data is to be written to the Job Ticket. In the Format field, the file format to be used is specified - XML or JSON.

PDA settings for the data export

New: With Distance options

The Arrows

Clicking on the desired arrow determines whether duplication is from right to left, left to right, bottom to top, or top to bottom.

Distance beginning

The Distance beginning option specifies that the object distance, starting from the bounding box, is to be calculated from the bottom left box node in each case.

Distance between

The Distance Between option specifies that the object distance, starting from the bounding box, should be calculated from the box node at the top left and bottom left.

Fill Working Area

If this option is activated, then you can specify the number of parts with which the working area will be filled.

Number of parts

An additional function to the Fill Working Area option, a certain number of parts can be defined. If the Fill Working Area option is activated, then the maximum number of objects is calculated under Number in X and Number in Y. The total number of parts is then displayed in the Number of parts field. The number can be changed at any time.

Example:

For example, if 10 in X and 11 in Y = 110 are calculated - but only 69 parts are to be duplicated and placed - then the user can set the number to 69. The preferred direction should therefore be Y in columns. In this example, an incomplete column is created at the end.

Note: This option applies only to the Fill working area option.

Create clone option

If this option is activated, then no identical vector objects are duplicated, but so-called clones. These are objects that reference the original and carry its properties. The processing of a large number of objects on the desktop is significantly accelerated by using clones!

Group result option

If this option is enabled, then after duplicating the individual objects, a group object is created from all of them.

Optimization

Preferred optimization

The button creates the duplicates in Y-axis direction - "column-wise".

The button sorts the benefits preferably in X-axis direction - "row by row".

New and optimized routines for finding files more quickly have been integrated. This means that the import is carried out significantly faster.

New: Additional rotation to the rotation code in the file name

The RIP file extension determines the rotation during import. If you want to rotate differently from the RIP file extension, you can do this manually using the additional rotation during import.

RIP file extension
 

B ending in RIP file name ==> all objects will be rotated by 0° during import - not rotated
L ending in RIP file name ==> all objects will be rotated by +90° during import
T ending in RIP file name ==> all objects will be rotated by +180° during import
R ending in the RIP file name ==> all objects will be rotated by +270° during import

Note: The rotation direction is counterclockwise and thus positive values in the coordinate system

New: "All" barcode type

The introduction of the "All" barcode type restricts the selection of a specific RIP to exceptional cases.

New: Use first match option

This option ensures that the first file found, that matches the desired criteria, is imported.

New: Search by file extension option: [List of possible file formats]

This option allows you to restrict the search to a specific file format and results in a significantly faster file search.

The REST API communication interface for external applications has been implemented. This enables efficient communication between different applications and systems.

What is a REST API?

A REST API is a programming interface that enables the exchange of data between systems. Specifically, it enables interactions with RESTful web services between client and server. In a REST API request, the server transmits the resource status as a representation to the requester.

OptiScout V. 9 supports line scanners from Capturon. Line scanners can increase productivity as the captured image has absolutely minimal distortion at the outer edges compared to standard camera solutions. This in turn leads to greater precision when positioning the tool.

Important note: Hardware connection is required. If you have any questions about integration, please contact sales@eurosystems.lu.

The Layer settings dialog is divided into 2 windows, each of which can be selected with a tab - Color tab and Output tab.

Color tab with eyedropper button

The Eyedropper function has been added to the Color tab.

The Eyedropper function

The Eyedropper function makes it possible to adjust the color palette and material color almost exactly to the actual conditions. 

The eyedropper button

The Eyedropper function, also known as the color picker, can pick up colors from vector objects or from any point in an image (bitmap) and thus be added to the palette colors.

After clicking on the Eyedropper button, the mouse cursor turns into an eyedropper. You can now use the eyedropper tip to pick up the color of an outline, a fill or a pixel of a bitmap. The recorded color is then displayed in the display field at the top right of the dialog and the color value is entered in the color value fields (CMYK and RGB).

You can then save the layer color value using the Layer / Palette button. You can either save the individual layer (Save...) or the entire color palette (Save palette...).

The Eyedropper function is ended by pressing the ESC key or by clicking on the Eyedropper button.

The output tab with tool parameter window

The Tool parameter window displays the tool parameters from the driver and allows you to correct the default values.

The dialog has been optimized both visually and functionally (tab structure). The result is improved usability. If the desired tool is selected, all standard parameters from the device driver are displayed. If required, the values can be adapted to the current application. As a result, you have full transparency with regard to the tool parameters.

Leibinger has developed an intelligent Direct Coding & Marking System for industrial marking tasks. This direct coding and marking system for products and packaging is used in the consumer goods and food 
industry (FMCG), as well as in the industrial sector.

OptiScout 9 supports the Leibinger Coding & Marking system and provides integrated subtasks.

Important note: Hardware connection is required. If you have any questions about integration, please contact sales@eurosystems.lu.

Open paths in object contours often cause problems when cutting or sorting. The new View open parts function marks open paths with circles (see illustrations below). Indicating open paths helps to identify problem areas and makes it much easier to deal with them.

Open paths indication in outline mode

Open paths indication in node mode

Arrow tool

1. Object marking with dashed frame + ALT key

If you draw a frame in arrow mode by holding down the ALT key, all objects that are touched by the dashed frame are marked. This makes it easier to select objects - especially for nested objects with internal parts.

Note: This type of object marking works both in full-surface mode and in outline mode.
 

Left: Dashed line in arrow mode over 3 objects;		Right: Selection of the 3 objects

2. Selection of closed objects in outline mode + ALT key

If you click on a closed object in outline mode! while holding down the ALT key, this object will be selected.

ALT+click to select the object outlined in green

A new parameter has been added that makes file import even more flexible. The user can create an individual list of layers that are to be ignored during import: this helps to improve clarity.

When importing i-cut jobs [*.CUT], the material names stored in them are taken into account. If available, these materials can be transferred to the Material Database. 

In various scenarios, you need a function that groups or combines each individual outer contour with the corresponding inner parts in jobs that have already been nested, for example. These functions are useful, for example, when a new roll width is to be nested. The function can be used both when importing files and as a function in the object menu. Of course, it is possible to cancel the groups/combinations before grouping or combining them again.

The Apply color name as layer name function is activated in the Settings/Basic settings/Import... Setup Import dialog. Activation is possible for PDF as a file format. If spot colors are defined in a file, a layer with the name of the spot color is automatically created during import.

Settings dialog with activated option

New: Context-dependent buttons are displayed for functions that were previously only accessible via the right mouse button or a context menu. This increases the operating transparency for the user.

Options Button

A click on the Options button opens the following dialog:

Reset Button

Prerequisite: The driver is selected - here: Device Driver. Clicking the Reset button ensures that all temporary files of this driver are deleted from the queue of the machine.

Note: The cutters have buffer memories that must be emptied on the machine itself if it is to be ensured that all data has been deleted.

Activate / Delete Buttons

These buttons become visible when a job is selected. This can be an active, a passive or a saved job.

Activate Button

Clicking the Activate button activates a passive job or a job that has already been given out. Jobs that have already been given out can be repeated identically as often as desired.

Delete Button

The Delete button deletes the selected job from the list.

Pause Button

A click on the Pause button interrupts the data flow of the selected job to the device.

Note: The output devices have buffer memories that ensure that data transfer can take place without interruption. Only when the buffer memory has been manually emptied at the machine output is actually stopped.

Continue button

Clicking the Continue button continues the data transfer.

Summary: Depending on what was selected in the Output Status area, additional appropriate buttons appear.

Plugins for CorelDRAW 2023 / 2024 / 2025, CorelDesigner 2022, Adobe Illustrator 2023 / 2024 / 2025, AutoCAD 2024 / 2025 and Adobe InDesign 2023 implemented.

Now with Symbolic Preview and Info Text field with explanations for each segmentation type.

Segmentation Type

Vinyl Optimization

In Vinyl Optimization, the segments are created so that the maximum segment size determines the dimension. The last segment contains the rest.

Plate Optimization

During Plate optimization, the segments - starting at the end - are created with maximum segment size. The first segment contains the remaining size.

Smartfeed

Smartfeed ensures that the object contours are not unraveled as far as possible. The segmentation lines are used to dynamically shift the device feed so that no unraveling occurs.

Exception: The object to be cut is larger than the existing machine table.

Smartfeed + Plate Optimization

With this option, an attempt is made to place a short segment at the beginning

Segment Optimization

In the Segment Optimization mode, all segments are created with the same size.

Info Text Field

This area comments on the selected segmentation type.

Overlapping

In these Overlap fields - if it can be activated for the selected segmentation type - the overlap between adjacent overlapping segments in X and in Y direction can be defined.

Preview (Symbolic)

The preview is symbolic and only figuratively indicates the effect of the activated sectioning type.

Pressing and holding the mouse wheel switches to Hand Mode  for moving the workspace. When you release the mouse wheel, the previous cursor (node or normal) becomes active again. Additionally, the Zoom function is activated when the hand wheel is moved. This facilitates the operation.

In the Production Manager camera window, you can use the mouse cursor to mark the position to which the tool head should move. With each click, the head automatically moves to the cursor position. This type of positioning is significantly faster than the alternative control with the cursor keys!

The settings are made in the Material Database Client (see figure below).

Objective: To save the selected material with all methods / devices / tools / inserts including the respective tech parameters in a PDF file.

Note: With the option of PDF export, it is possible to document changes, especially in the technical parameters of sampling processes, and to make them readable and thus traceable. This function is primarily used to create a structure for sampling. If, for example, tech parameters of a certain sampling process are changed later in the database, then this can be easily traced back with this function.
 

Right mouse menu with Save as PDF file… menu item.

Clicking the Save as PDF file... menu item opens the Windows file dialog for saving the material dataset.

New macro: Generate tracking sheet

A Job Info sheet can be additionally provided with a barcode and printed. The sheet can be exported to a PDF file.

Advantage: The barcode can be read in using a barcode scanner: the corresponding file is then loaded automatically. The Import file / Barcode macro can be used for manual import.

PDF Print

New: System status tab and Settings tab

The settings dialog of the material database now allows direct switching between System status information and Settings.

Under the System status tab, information concerning the Material Database Server is provided: IP address, start time, run time, version status and the number of client connections.

The Settings tab allows the definition of database parameters, but also the generation of Job tickets and MES Server tickets - both important interfaces for Production Data Acquisition (PDA).

If there are several network cards in a computer, it can happen that the DB server selects a network that cannot be reached by other computers. This happens, for example, if a network card is only connected to a cutter or an IP camera and is located in its own address range.

A list for selecting the network interface in the settings dialog allows you to select the desired interface and therefore the correct network.

Selection of network interface

A driver update is always required when activated tools are to be added to the database or deactivated tools are to be removed. This function prevents a conflict from occurring when updating. The driver update dialog can be opened by pressing the <CTRL key> + right mouse button on the database button.

Note: Forcing is always necessary if the local driver and the driver in the material database have the same version number.

Database button

The Align dialog has been visually and functionally refreshed with colored preview icons.