Guide
AutoMeasure Fundamentals
📋 Guide Contents
- Introduction & Key Concepts
- Section 1 — Starting Up the System
- Section 2 — Understanding the Interface
- Section 3 — Pre-Measurement Setup
- Section 4 — Creating Your First Recipe (Teaching File)
- Section 5 — Running a Measurement (Replay)
- Section 6 — Viewing Results & Generating Reports
- Section 7 — Shutting Down Safely
- Section 8 — Common Problems & Solutions
- Quick Reference Card
Welcome to NEXIV AutoMeasure
NEXIV AutoMeasure 2020 is Nikon's CNC Video Measuring System software. It controls a precision vision CMM that uses a high-resolution camera and advanced optics to measure parts without physical contact. This guide covers the complete workflow from first startup to your first inspection report.
What You Will Be Able to Do After This Guide
- Start up the NEXIV system safely and log in
- Navigate the AutoMeasure software interface confidently
- Configure measurement units and set the coordinate system
- Create a basic measurement recipe (teaching file) for a real part
- Run automatic replay measurements on production parts
- View pass/fail results and generate a formatted inspection report
- Shut down the system properly
Based on the official Nikon NEXIV AutoMeasure 2020 Instruction Manual (Tutorial), Ver. 13.0.0, document E203E. Written in plain language for operators and engineers new to the system.
How AutoMeasure Works: Teach Once, Run Forever
AutoMeasure uses a teach-then-replay workflow. You guide the machine through a measurement procedure one time, and it records every step. Those steps are saved as a recipe. The machine can then repeat the exact same measurement automatically on any new part.
Key Terms You Need to Know
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Teaching File (.nmp) | Your saved measurement recipe—every step the machine takes, stored as a reusable file |
| Replay Measurement | Automatically running a saved recipe on a new part |
| Probe | The on-screen sensor cursor that detects edges and features in the camera image |
| Measurement Tool | One individual measurement step (e.g., "measure this circle" or "find this edge") |
| Lot Number | A required batch identifier. e.g., "LOT-2026-001". Groups related measurements together. |
| Sample Number | A required part identifier within a lot. e.g., "1" for the first part in the batch. |
| Initial Coordinate System | The part's measurement origin—tells the machine where X=0, Y=0 is on your part |
| DRO Panel | Digital Readout—shows current X, Y, Z stage position in real time |
| Joystick (VMZ-RJS) | The hardware controller used to manually move the stage during teaching |
| Dongle | A physical USB license key required to run the software |
| List Panel | The panel showing all measurement tools in the recipe, in order |
| Teaching Support | An automated feature that selects optimal probe position and lighting for a measurement tool |
The Five Operating Modes
| Mode | Purpose | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Start Teaching | Create or edit a recipe manually | Building new recipes; editing existing ones |
| Teaching Navigation | Guided, wizard-style recipe creation | Recommended for beginners creating their first recipe |
| Run Measurement Starts | Load a recipe and run automatic measurement | Daily production—measuring parts every day |
| Confirm Results | Review results, generate reports, export data | After measurement is complete |
| Calibration | Calibrate the vision system optics and sensors | Initial setup; after hardware changes |
Starting Up the System
Startup must follow a specific sequence. Powering on out of order can cause communication errors between the PC and controller that require a full restart to resolve.
Always power on the PC first and wait for Windows to fully load. Then power on the controller. Never reverse this order.
Power on the measurement PC and wait for the Windows desktop to fully load. Do not launch AutoMeasure yet.
Power on the NEXIV system controller. Wait until all the lamps on the joystick box (VMZ-RJS) go dark. This signals that the controller has finished its startup sequence and is ready.
During controller startup, all joystick button lamps will be illuminated. When they all go dark, the controller is ready. This typically takes 15–30 seconds.
NEXIV AutoMeasure requires a physical USB license dongle. Confirm it is plugged into the PC. Without it, the software will fail to launch and display a license error.
Double-click the NEXIV AutoMeasure icon on the desktop, or find it in the Start menu. The login screen will appear after a brief loading period.
Enter your User name and Password, then click OK. Leave the password blank if none has been configured.
| Account Level | Default Username | What They Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | NEXIV3-MGR | Full access: user management, system configuration, recipe creation, running measurements |
| Engineer | NEXIV3-ENG | Create, edit, and run recipes; access all measurement features |
| Operator | NEXIV3-OP | Run existing recipes only. Cannot create or edit recipes. |
Ask your supervisor for credentials if you don't have them. Default passwords are blank unless configured by the Manager account.
After login, the System Initialization dialog appears automatically. Click the Auto detect button.
The machine moves each axis (X, Y, Z) to its mechanical limit position to establish the origin. Watch the three axis status fields in the dialog. When all three show success (they turn green or stop moving), the dialog closes automatically and the main window opens.
Manually home each failed axis using the joystick:
X axis: Tilt the joystick knob to the left until the stage reaches the mechanical limit.
Y axis: Tilt the joystick knob toward you until the stage reaches the limit.
Z axis: Turn the joystick knob clockwise to move the head up to its upper limit.
If manual homing also fails, restart both the controller and PC in the correct order. If the problem persists, contact your Nikon service representative.
When homing completes successfully for all three axes, the System Initialization dialog closes and the AutoMeasure main window opens. The system is ready for use.
Understanding the Interface
AutoMeasure uses a panel-based interface. Panels can be moved, resized, docked, tabbed, or hidden. Your screen layout may differ from others at your facility, but the panels contain the same information.
Key Interface Panels
| Panel | What It Shows | How You Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Video Panel | Live camera feed of the stage and whatever is under the measurement head | View your part; position probes; right-click on the image to detect edges |
| Main Panel | Controls for the currently active mode (buttons, settings, tabs) | Select modes, choose measurement tools, trigger actions like Run and Save |
| List Panel | All measurement tools in the current recipe, in order | See the recipe contents; select items to edit or replay individually |
| DRO Panel | Current X, Y, Z stage coordinates (updated live) | Monitor the exact stage position while moving with the joystick |
| Measurement Result Panel | Results: nominal value, actual value, deviation, pass/fail status | Check results during teaching and after replay. Has a Detail tab and a Result Table tab. |
| Graphics Panel | Visual map of measured features plotted in coordinate space | See the spatial arrangement of all measurements on your part |
| Information Panel | Status messages, error alerts, and system notifications | Check here when something goes wrong—error messages appear here first |
| Equipment Status Panel | Status of hardware components (LED ring light, zoom, laser AF) | Confirm hardware accessories are connected and functioning |
Reading the Title Bar
The window title bar shows the current recipe (teaching file) name. An asterisk (*) next to the name means you have unsaved changes. When you see [Untitled], you are working on a new, unsaved recipe.
Watch for the asterisk (*) in the title bar. Use File → Save frequently while building a recipe. Teaching a complex part can take significant time—don't lose your work.
The Measurement Tool Tab and Probe Selection
In Start Teaching mode, the Main Panel shows three tabs: Measurement tool, Macro code, and Edit. Most of the time you will work on the Measurement tool tab.
Tool categories available on the Measurement tool tab include:
| Category | Contains |
|---|---|
| Point | Single edge point tools (Average, Basic, etc.) |
| Basic Element | Circle, Line, Arc, Rectangle |
| Distance | Distance between two features |
| Angle | Angle between two lines |
| Coordinate System | Origin, Axis Setting, Origin-Z (for alignment) |
| Comparison | Nominal value comparison tools |
Probes Available
Select your probe from the Probe menu in the menu bar. The probe determines how edge detection works:
| Probe Type | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Basic | General-purpose edge detection. Good starting point for most features. |
| Average | Averages multiple edge detection points. Better accuracy on rough or noisy edges. |
| Scan | Sweeps across a line to detect multiple edges. Good for profiles. |
| Train | Template matching. Finds a feature based on a learned image pattern. |
| Laser (AF) | Auto-focus using the laser sensor. Used to set Z-height reference. |
| Vision (AF) | Auto-focus using the camera image. Alternative to laser AF. |
After selecting a probe type, you can adjust its size and angle in the video panel by dragging the probe handles. Position the probe so it crosses the edge you want to measure perpendicularly for the most accurate results.
Pre-Measurement Setup
Before creating or running a recipe, configure two critical settings: the unit of measurement and the initial coordinate system. These ensure your measurements are reported in the correct units and from the correct reference origin.
Step 3A: Setting the Measurement Unit
The unit set here is used in all measurements, result panels, and exported reports. Set it to match your engineering drawings before starting any work.
Click Unit → Detail setting in the menu bar. The detail setting pane opens.
For a quick switch with default decimal places, click Unit → mm (or your preferred unit) directly. No need to open Detail setting unless you need a specific number of decimal places.
Click the radio button for your desired unit. Select mm for most industrial and manufacturing applications.
| Unit | Default Decimal Places | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| mm | 4 digits (0.0000) | General precision manufacturing |
| µm | 1 digit (0.0) | High-precision optics, semiconductor |
| inch | 5 digits (0.00000) | Imperial measurement drawings |
| mil | 4 digits (0.0000) | Electronics, thin-film applications |
Select the number of decimal digits from the digit list if you need a different precision than the default.
Click OK to confirm. The unit setting is now active throughout the software.
Step 3B: Setting the Initial Coordinate System
The initial coordinate system establishes your part's measurement origin—where X=0 and Y=0 is on your part. This is critical. If the coordinate system is not set correctly, the machine will search for features in the wrong locations during replay.
You set the origin by touching specific points on your part with the crosshair probe. The number of points determines what gets defined:
| Points Input | What Gets Established | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 point | Origin only (X=0, Y=0). Axes align with the machine coordinate axes. | Part is always fixtured in exactly the same orientation |
| 2 points | Origin at point 1, axis direction along the line through both points | Part needs rotation alignment in one axis |
| 3 points | Axis direction from points 1–2; origin projected from point 3 onto that axis | Full 2D coordinate system alignment for any part orientation |
Click Coordinate → Initial coordinate setting in the menu bar. The Initial Coordinate Setting pane opens on the main panel.
On the pane, set the Axis direction radio button to X or Y. This defines which axis the line between your first two points will become. (Not applicable for 1-point input.)
The crosshair probe should appear in the video panel. If it does not, select Probe → Crosshair from the menu bar.
Use the joystick to move the stage until the crosshair probe is centered on your first reference point (typically a datum hole, corner, or fiducial mark on the part).
Right-click on the video panel to input the point. The coordinates are recorded. For 2-point or 3-point input, move to the next reference point and right-click again.
When all required points have been input, click OK on the Initial Coordinate Setting pane. The coordinate system origin is now established.
When using 2-point or 3-point input, choose reference points that are as far apart as possible on your part. A larger distance between points means any small error in clicking has less angular impact on the coordinate system.
Always set the initial coordinate system before adding measurement tools to your recipe. If you change the coordinate system after adding tools, nominal values may be automatically updated—which can cause unexpected changes to your tolerances.
Creating Your First Recipe (Teaching File)
A recipe is the heart of AutoMeasure. It is a sequence of measurement steps that the machine will execute automatically on every part. This section guides you through creating a basic recipe using the Start Teaching mode.
Start Teaching mode (covered in this section): Full manual control. You choose every tool and measurement. Best once you are familiar with the interface.
Teaching Navigation mode: A wizard guides you step by step. Excellent for absolute beginners on their very first recipe. Access it by clicking the Teaching navigation button on the main panel.
Overview: What You Will Build
In this section, you will create a recipe that:
- ✓ Sets a coordinate system (origin) on the part
- ✓ Measures at least one feature (e.g., a circle or edge point)
- ✓ Saves as a teaching file (.nmp)
Step 4.1: Enter Start Teaching Mode
The main panel changes to the Start Teaching mode, showing the Measurement tool, Macro code, and Edit tabs. The List Panel is now ready to receive measurement tools.
Follow the procedure in Section 3B to establish your part origin. This must be done before adding measurement tools.
Step 4.2: Set Zoom Magnification and Illumination
Use a low magnification to move the stage to the general area of your part. Low magnification gives you a wider field of view and makes navigation easier.
Use low magnification (wide view) to move the stage and navigate to features. Use medium to high magnification for actual measurement to get the best edge detection accuracy.
Use the joystick to move the X and Y axes until the feature you want to measure is visible in the video panel. Increase the zoom magnification once you are close.
Turn the joystick Z-knob slowly while watching the video panel. Adjust until the part edge is as sharp and clear as possible. Sharp edges = better detection.
Set the ring light (episcopic) intensity for a clear, high-contrast image. The edge should be clearly visible against the background. Too bright or too dark will cause detection errors.
Step 4.3: Select a Probe and Measurement Tool
Click Probe in the menu bar and select the probe type. For your first recipe, select Basic or Average.
On the Measurement tool tab in the Main Panel, click the appropriate tool category, then click the tool you want. Common choices for a first recipe:
| If you want to measure... | Use this tool | Found in category |
|---|---|---|
| A single edge position (one point) | Average... or Basic... | Point |
| A hole or round feature | Circle... | Basic Element |
| A straight edge | Line... | Basic Element |
| The distance between two features | Distance... | Distance |
When you click a tool, the main panel changes to that tool's measurement pane.
Step 4.4: Position the Probe and Detect the Edge
In the video panel, drag the probe with your mouse so that it crosses the edge you want to measure. The probe should cross the edge perpendicularly (at a right angle to the edge).
Right-click on the video panel. The software analyzes the image and places an edge mark (+) at the detected edge position.
No edge found: Check the Information Panel for the error message. Try adjusting the illumination intensity, zoom magnification, or probe size. Make sure the probe actually crosses the edge.
Wrong edge detected: Change the Detection or Selection setting on the tool pane to specify which edge in the profile to use. You can also adjust the detection threshold.
On the measurement pane in the Main Panel, click the Input button. The count in the "No. of input pts." area increments by one. Some tools require multiple input points (e.g., a circle needs at least 3 points). Repeat steps 1–3 for each required point.
When all required points have been input, click OK on the measurement pane. The measurement tool is added to the List Panel—this confirms it is now part of your recipe.
You can add up to 199,999 measurement tools to a single recipe. For most production parts, you will use far fewer. Typical simple recipes have 5–50 tools.
Step 4.5: Add More Measurement Tools
Repeat Steps 4.3 and 4.4 for each feature you need to measure on the part. Build your recipe feature by feature. Each tool you add appears in the List Panel in the order it will be executed during replay.
After adding tools to the recipe, click the Teaching Support - Measurement Tool Execution button on the main panel. This automatically optimizes the probe position, illumination, and light intensity for every tool in the recipe. Click Run all to process all tools automatically. This step significantly improves replay reliability and should be done before saving.
Step 4.6: Save the Teaching File
Click the Save file button in the toolbar, or use File → Save. If this is a new recipe, the Save As dialog opens.
Navigate to your teaching file folder. The default location is C:\NEXIV3\Teach\. Create a subfolder for your part type if one does not exist. A well-organized folder structure saves time when looking up recipes later.
Type a descriptive file name. Use a name that identifies the part number, revision, or job. Example: PART-12345-REV-B. The file will be saved with a .nmp extension.
Click Save. The file is saved and the title bar updates to show the new file name without the asterisk (*). Your recipe is now saved.
Use a consistent naming convention your team agrees on. Examples:
Good: PN-12345-RevB • GEAR_COVER_2026
Avoid: test • new file • part1
A clear name means anyone on the team can find the right recipe without guessing.
Step 4.7: Editing an Existing Recipe
If you need to change a measurement position or condition after creating it, use the Retry measurement function:
- Select the tool you want to edit in the List Panel.
- Double-click the tool in the List Panel, or go to Edit → Retry measurement...
- The measurement pane opens with the original settings loaded. Change the probe, position, zoom, or illumination as needed.
- Re-detect the edge and click OK to save the updated tool.
- Save the teaching file again.
Running a Measurement (Replay)
Once a recipe has been created and saved, you can run it automatically on any production part. This is called replay measurement. Replay requires a teaching file and at minimum a lot number and sample number to identify the measurement batch.
Moving the joystick during replay measurement will cause the stage to move to an unintended position, resulting in measurement errors or a failed run. Keep your hands off the joystick once replay starts.
Step 5.1: Enter Run Measurement Starts Mode
The main panel changes to the Run Measurement Starts mode. If you have unsaved teaching data, the Save As dialog appears first—save your work before proceeding.
Click the Run button on the main panel. The Specify Measurement Result pane opens.
Step 5.2: Load the Teaching File and Set the Lot Number
In the Specify Measurement Result pane, click the Browse button next to the Teaching File field. Navigate to your teaching file (.nmp) and select it.
Teaching files are typically stored in C:\NEXIV3\Teach\ or a subfolder your team has organized.
Type a lot number in the Lot number field. This is required. Replay will not start if the lot number is blank. The lot number appears on all reports and exported results for this batch of measurements.
Example: LOT-2026-001 or BATCH-A
Type a sample number in the Sample number field. This is also required. For the first part in a lot, enter 1. Increment this for each subsequent part.
If you want an inspection report generated automatically at the end of replay, check the Create inspection report checkbox and set the lot and sample range. See Section 6 for details on reports.
Step 5.3: Optional Settings (Initial Coordinate and Repeat)
Click Next to proceed through optional settings:
| Optional Step | What It Does | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Coordinate Setting | Sets the part origin before replay (same as in Section 3B) | When the part is not fixtured to a precise known location and needs origin alignment at runtime |
| Repeat Setting | Measures multiple parts automatically in a grid or at arbitrary positions | When measuring multiple identical parts in a tray or fixture |
Grid coordinates: Measures parts arranged in a regular grid. Set the X and Y offsets and the number of repeats in each direction.
Arbitrary coordinates: Move the crosshair probe to each part position and right-click to add each position to the list. Good for irregularly placed parts.
Step 5.4: Start the Replay Measurement
If you set the initial coordinate system to a known fixture position in your recipe, place the part in that fixture. If you are setting the coordinate at runtime, place the part anywhere accessible within the stage travel range.
Click the Start Run measurement button. The replay begins. A progress display shows the current measurement step and overall progress.
The machine runs all measurement tools in sequence, automatically moving to each position. Do not touch the joystick. The stage will move on its own.
When replay finishes, the results are displayed. If the measurement completed without errors, you will see results in the Measurement Result Panel. If errors occurred, the Information Panel will describe what happened.
Stopping and Resuming Replay
| Button | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Stop | Suspends replay. The current measurement step is paused. You can resume from this point. |
| End | Terminates replay entirely. Results up to that point are saved. |
| Resume | Resumes a stopped replay. A dialog asks whether to resume from the current position or restart from the beginning. |
Viewing Results & Generating Reports
After replay measurement completes, you can view the measurement results and generate formal inspection reports. AutoMeasure offers several ways to access and output results.
Step 6.1: View Results in the Measurement Result Panel
Immediately after replay, the Measurement Result Panel shows the results. It has two tabs:
| Tab | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Detail | Detailed results for a single selected measurement tool: nominal value, actual value, deviation, and pass/fail status. Select a tool in the List Panel to see its details here. |
| Result Table | A summary table of multiple tools. Check the checkboxes in the Detail tab for the items you want, then switch to Result Table to see them all at once. |
Pass/fail status is indicated visually: green for pass, red for fail (when nominal values and tolerances have been set for each tool).
Step 6.2: Enter Confirm Results Mode
The main panel changes to the Confirm Results mode, showing options for reporting and data output.
Step 6.3: Create an Inspection Report
The inspection report is a formatted printed or PDF document showing all measurement results, nominal values, tolerances, and pass/fail status. It is generated by the NEXIV Report software that is included with AutoMeasure.
The Create Inspection Report pane opens.
Specify the lot number and the sample number range (From, To) for the report. These must match the lot and sample numbers used during replay.
If your facility has a custom report layout, enter the layout file path and filename in the Layout file field. A layout file defines the format, company logo, and fields shown on the report.
Check the Print checkbox to automatically send the report to the printer when it is created.
Click OK. The NEXIV Report software launches and displays the measurement results in its Graphic view. If the Print checkbox was selected, printing starts automatically.
You can also set up the inspection report to generate automatically when replay finishes. In the Specify Measurement Result pane (before starting replay), check the Create inspection report checkbox and set your lot and sample range. The report launches automatically when the replay completes.
Step 6.4: Export Results to Excel or CSV
In addition to the printed inspection report, you can export results as data files:
| Export Option | What It Does | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Open Excel | Launches Excel with measurement results (comment, nominal, upper tolerance, lower tolerance, actual value) and graphics images | Confirm Results → Open Excel |
| File Conversion (CSV) | Converts replay results to a CSV file for database import or custom reporting | Confirm Results → File Conversion |
| Save Measurement Result | Saves results to a file without re-running replay. Also saves manually edited results. | Confirm Results → Save Measurement Result |
| Load Measurement Result | Loads previously saved results for review | Confirm Results → Load Measurement Result |
| Print Measurement Result | Sends results to a printer via the standard Windows Print dialog | Confirm Results → Print Measurement Result |
If you use "Open Excel" to view results and then run another replay measurement, the Excel sheet will not update automatically. Always close the Excel file before running a new replay, then re-open it after the new replay completes.
Shutting Down Safely
Always shut down AutoMeasure before powering off the controller. Turning off the controller while the software is running can corrupt open files and leave the system in an inconsistent state.
Check the title bar for an asterisk (*) indicating unsaved changes. Save any open teaching files using File → Save.
Click File → Exit, or click the X button on the main window. If prompted to save unsaved changes, save them before closing.
After the AutoMeasure software has fully closed, power off the NEXIV system controller.
If you are done for the day and need to power off the PC, shut it down through Windows after the controller is off. If the PC will remain on, no further action is needed.
Remove the USB license dongle only after AutoMeasure has been fully closed. Removing it while the software is open may cause an immediate software shutdown without saving open files.
Common Problems & Solutions
This section covers the most common issues beginners encounter. For problems not listed here, check the Information Panel for error messages and consult the NEXIV Reference Manual, or contact your Nikon service representative.
Startup Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Software crashes immediately on startup | Corrupted application layout file | Open C:\NEXIV3\AppUsers\[your username]\ and rename or delete the file ((private)).layoutx. Restart the application. |
| Software hangs during origin position detection | Axis failed to reach its limit; controller communication error | Manually home the failing axis using the joystick (see Section 1, Step 6). If that fails, restart both controller and PC in correct order. |
| No image on the Video Panel | Camera settings not configured correctly | Check the NEXIV.cfg file camera setting. Verify the camera USB cable is connected. Contact your system administrator. |
| Light intensity varies from session to session | Secular change in illumination; inter-device differences | Perform Light Amount Calibration from the Calibration mode. This corrects illumination drift over time. |
| A panel has disappeared from the screen | Panel was accidentally closed or tabbed behind another panel | Go to View menu and select the missing panel to reopen it. Use View → Back to original window layout to reset all panels. |
Teaching / Recipe Creation Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Edge detection finds no edge | Illumination too bright or too dark; probe not crossing the edge; low contrast | Adjust lighting intensity. Check that the probe visually crosses the edge in the video panel. Increase zoom magnification. Try a different probe type. |
| Edge mark appears in the wrong place | Multiple edges in the probe path; wrong edge selected | Change the Selection setting on the measurement pane to specify the correct edge (first, last, nearest, etc.). Narrow the probe so it only crosses one edge at a time. |
| Nominal values change unexpectedly when setting the coordinate system | This is normal behavior—the coordinate system change updates nominal values automatically | Always set the coordinate system BEFORE creating measurement tools. Do not change nominal values manually before finalizing the coordinate system. |
| A selected tool keeps getting recalled automatically when creating new tools | "Recall measurement tools selected in a list" option is enabled | Go to Settings → Application Settings → Option 2 and uncheck "Recall measurement tools selected in a list". |
Replay Measurement Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Replay cannot start; "Start Run Measurement" button is grayed out | Lot number or sample number field is blank | Enter a lot number and sample number in the Specify Measurement Result pane. Both are required. |
| Replay measurement error occurs | Part not positioned correctly; feature not visible at the expected location | Check that the part is in the same orientation as during teaching. Re-run the initial coordinate system setup if the part placement is variable. Verify that the initial coordinate system in the recipe is correct. |
| Replay runs at wrong position; measurement error | Joystick was touched during replay | Do not touch the joystick during replay. Restart replay with the part in the correct position. |
| AF (auto-focus) detection fails during replay | AF cannot find focus at the start point of a measurement tool | Edit the NEXIV.cfg file: set StopWithAFError=0 to allow measurement to continue even when AF detection fails (if the feature can still be calculated). Or increase the AF scan range for that tool. |
| Excel results don't update after replay | Excel file was left open from a previous replay session | Close the Excel file completely. Run replay again. Then use "Open Excel" to view updated results. |
| Measurement results file shows 9999.9999 | Attempting to save results before any measurement has been run | Run a replay measurement first. Then use "Save Measurement Result". |
Report and Results Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection report shows no data | Lot number or sample number entered does not match the replay data | Check the lot number and sample number that were set during replay. Enter the same values when creating the report. |
| NEXIV Report software does not launch | NEXIV Report software is not installed, or the path is not configured | Contact your system administrator to verify the Report software is installed and the layout file path is configured correctly. |
Quick Reference Card
Print this page and keep it at the machine for fast reference during your first weeks on the system.
Startup Checklist
- Power on PC → wait for Windows desktop
- Power on Controller → wait for joystick lamps to go dark
- Verify USB dongle is installed
- Launch NEXIV AutoMeasure → log in
- Click Auto Detect → wait for homing to complete
- Set unit (mm) and initial coordinate system
Creating a Recipe—Minimum Steps
- Click Start Teaching
- Set unit and initial coordinate system
- Select probe type (Probe menu)
- Select measurement tool from the Measurement tool tab
- Move stage to feature; adjust zoom and lighting
- Right-click in video panel to detect edge
- Click Input → click OK
- Repeat steps 4–7 for each feature
- Run Teaching Support - Measurement Tool Execution (optional but recommended)
- Save file (Ctrl+S) with a clear name
Running a Measurement (Replay)—Minimum Steps
- Place part on stage
- Click Run Measurement Starts
- Click Run
- Select teaching file, enter Lot Number and Sample Number
- Click Start Run Measurement
- Do not touch the joystick
- Wait for completion
Generating a Report—Minimum Steps
- Click Confirm Results
- Click Create Inspection Report
- Enter lot number and sample range
- Click OK → NEXIV Report software launches
Key Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Save teaching file | Ctrl+S |
| Open teaching file | Ctrl+O |
| Undo last action | Ctrl+Z |
| Function keys (customizable) | F1–F12, Shift+F1–Shift+F12 |
Key File Locations
| What | Default Path |
|---|---|
| Teaching files (recipes) | C:\NEXIV3\Teach\ |
| Measurement results | C:\NEXIV3\Result\ |
| System config file | C:\NEXIV3\INIT\NEXIV.cfg |
| User layout files | C:\NEXIV3\AppUsers\[username]\ |
| Calibration data | C:\NEXIV3\INIT\ |
The Most Important Rules to Remember
PC first → Controller second. Always.
Never touch the joystick. The machine moves on its own.
Both are required. Replay will not start without them.
Set the initial coordinate system BEFORE adding measurement tools.
Watch for the asterisk (*) in the title bar. Save often. Teaching a part takes time—protect your work.
Continue Your Learning
You have completed the AutoMeasure Guides guide. You now have the foundation to start and operate the NEXIV system, create basic recipes, run replay measurements, and generate inspection reports.
When you are ready to go further, here are the logical next topics to explore:
| Next Topic | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| Local Coordinate System | How to set a local coordinate origin mid-recipe to handle part tilt, datum shifts, and multi-feature parts with different reference origins |
| Teaching Support — Auto Tool Creation | How to let AutoMeasure automatically create measurement tools from a camera image or CAD drawing, dramatically speeding up recipe creation for complex parts |
| Circle, Arc, and Rectangle Measurement | How to measure round holes, partial arcs, and rectangular features accurately—the most common geometric features in manufacturing |
| Nominal Values and Tolerances | How to enter nominal dimensions and tolerances into your recipe so that replay results automatically show pass/fail against your drawing requirements |
| Calibration | How and when to run Vision Processor Calibration, Light Amount Calibration, and Vision AF Calibration to maintain system accuracy |
| Barcode Integration | How to use a barcode reader to automatically load the correct teaching file for a part—ideal for high-mix production environments |
| Macro Codes | How to use macro codes in your recipe to add conditional logic, loops, prompts, and automated reporting workflows |
Return to Precision Path Academy Downloads for additional training materials and reference guides.