User guide

Chapter 1: Introduction

Microscan MS-3 Laser Scanner Device Driver User Guide

Advantages of distributing device drivers as plug-ins are:

❑ You only need to install the plug-ins for the devices you use

❑ When new plug-ins become available, they can be easily added.

There is no need to re-install the VWorks or BenchWorks software

application

IWorks interface The device driver plug-ins and VWorks or BenchWorks software use

IWorks software as a common interface to communicate with each

other. Using a common interface allows the creation of a device driver

plug-in without the necessity of changing the software.

!! IMPORTANT !!

Both VWorks or BenchWorks software and the

device driver must be using the same version of IWorks to work

properly.

Writing your own

device driver

If you are a lab automation system integrator who writes software and

configures hardware controlled by VWorks or BenchWorks software, you

can write your own driver plug-in for a new device. Contact the

Velocity11 Technical Support for information about how to do this.

What functions do

the device drivers

provide?

Once installed, the following items are enabled:

❑ Tasks associated with the device.

Device-specific tasks appear in the Protocol Tasks list and are

available for use in protocol editor processes.

❑ Task parameters associated with the device.

Device-specific task parameters appear in the Protocol Task

arameters toolbar. These determine the conditions with which to

execute the tasks of the device.

❑ Diagnostic commands specific to the device.

Device-specific diagnostic commands and options appear in the

vice Diagnostics dialog box. These commands enable direct

control of the device.