AMICS 5.2.1 Release Notes

AMICS 5.2.1 introduces significant new capabilities for measurement setup, image processing, segmentation, and automation. This page summarizes all user-facing changes since AMICS 5.1.

A new guided wizard for setting up measurements, replacing the need to configure individual settings dialogs separately. The wizard provides a unified interface with tabs for Image, X-Ray, Search, Drive-back, Triggers, and Properties.

{{FIG: Data Collection Wizard with Image tab selected showing quality and resolution settings | IDD_WIZARD_MAIN}}

See [Data Collection Wizard] for full documentation.

A pixel-level and grain-level reclassification tool for correcting classification results directly on the map. Includes a pen tool with configurable brush size and shape, eraser, pipette for picking materials, and fill feature mode for flood-filling grains or particles.

{{FIG: Manual Touchup ribbon context tab showing pen, eraser, pipette, and fill tools | Process Manual Touchup ribbon}}

See [Manual Touchup] for full documentation.

A new preset-based interface for fine-tuning segmentation parameters. Adjust Grey Factor, Smoothing, Gradient Scales, and Connectivity, and choose between Toboggan and Watershed segmentation algorithms. Save custom presets for different specimen types.

{{FIG: Advanced Segmentation Editor dialog showing preset dropdown and parameter sliders | IDD_ADVANCED_SEGMENTATION_DIALOG}}

See [Advanced Segmentation Editor] for full documentation.

Corrects vignetting artifacts and photometric drift in BSE images across large datasets. Optimized for computational and memory efficiency on specimens with many fields.

{{FIG: Before/after comparison showing vignetting correction on a multi-field dataset | BSE field correction result}}

See [BSE Field Correction] for full documentation.

Integration of the MIST (Microscopy Image Stitching Tool) algorithm for improved field stitching. Includes a Stage Position Only mode for low-texture samples and automatic fallback from image-based to stage-coordinate stitching when image features are insufficient.

See [Mosaic Field Adjustor] for full documentation.

A suite of real-time monitoring windows for use during measurement setup and acquisition:

{{FIG: Live View windows showing primary image, histogram, and stage controller arranged on screen | Live View panel arrangement}}

See [Live View and SEM Control] for full documentation.

A multi-page wizard for automating sample holder exchange procedures. Configure holder layouts, run automated surveys, calibrate FOV standards, and save exchange presets for repeatable workflows.

{{FIG: Sample Exchange Wizard showing the Survey page with hole ordering options | IDD_SAMPLE_EXCHANGE_SURVEY}}

See [Sample Exchange Wizard] for full documentation.

A tabbed standards management system for maintaining consistent imaging conditions across measurements. Define BSE image references, EDS reference spectra, and beam current monitoring points. The system automatically adjusts brightness/contrast during acquisition when drift is detected.

{{FIG: Standards Setup dialog with FOV tab showing BSE reference items | IDD_STANDARD_SETUP}}

See [Image and EDS Standards] for full documentation.

Run custom Python, Node.js, or other scripts as part of your processing pipeline. The script library supports folders, packages, and individual scripts with configurable command-line templates. Scripts can be attached to batch processing workflows for automated execution.

{{FIG: External Script Library dialog showing folder tree with scripts | IDD_EXTERNAL_SCRIPT_LIBRARY_DIALOG}}

See [Classification Scripting] for full documentation.

A new Match as 20 keV option enables compatibility with legacy XRF standard libraries that were collected at 20 keV excitation. AMICS now auto-detects whether a BCF file originates from an SEM or M4/XRF system during import. A 20keV Ref display toggle is available for viewing legacy reference spectra at their original energy scale.

Connect an Xbox-style gamepad to control the SEM stage, zoom, and focus. All controller inputs (joysticks, bumpers, triggers, D-pad, buttons) are configurable through a dedicated setup dialog.

{{FIG: Xbox Controller Setup dialog showing button mapping configuration | IDD_XBOX}}

Manage specimen run order with drag-and-drop sorting. Import specimen lists from text files and use barcode scanner integration for production-level sample management.

{{FIG: Run List dialog showing specimen ordering with import/export buttons | IDD_RUN_LIST}}

Customize the order in which measurements are executed. Drag-and-drop reordering is available even during active acquisition, and measurements can be sorted by specimen or experiment grouping.

{{FIG: Measurement Run Order dialog with drag-and-drop list | IDD_MEASURE_ORDER_DIALOG}}

Perform deagglomeration in real time during measurement. Configure the deagglomeration level in measurement extra settings. Investigator adds deagglomeration by BSE and crash options for post-processing.

Define flexible stop conditions for measurements by combining particle count, frame count, and time limits. Settings are stored in JSON format and can be saved with measurement templates.

{{FIG: Termination Settings dialog showing combined stop conditions | IDD_MEASUREMENT_TERMINATE_SETTING_DIALOG}}

A new interactive periodic table control for selecting elements in elemental mapping and other contexts. Available in Big, Small, and Compact display modes with color-coded element states.

{{FIG: Periodic Table dialog in Big mode with selected elements highlighted | IDD_PERIODIC_TABLE_DIALOG}}

AMICS 5.2.1 uses the KeyGen cloud-based licensing system, replacing the previous license manager. Features include:

See [Investigator Settings] for license configuration details.

If you are upgrading from AMICS 3.3, please review the [AMICS 5.1 Release Notes] as well. Major changes since 3.3 include:

See the full feature comparison in the [AMICS 5.1 Release Notes].