Software boosts machine vision systems

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 24, 2003

Cognex has expanded the functionality of its VisionPro PC-based machine vision systems with the addition of new high-performance vision software tools.

Cognex has expanded the functionality of its VisionPro PC-based machine vision systems with the addition of new high-performance vision software tools.

The new tools join a library of proven Cognex vision software for general-purpose inspection, measurement, identification and guidance.

VisionPro now includes a suite of geometric measurement tools that make it easier than ever for users to gauge parts, including measuring the distance between circles, points, and lines.

This specialised software can significantly reduce machine vision development time by eliminating the need to apply numerous individual edge detection tools to perform measurements.

The VisionPro data analysis tool enables users to quickly and easily perform statistical analysis of vision tool results without having to first write a custom program.

It automatically computes various statistics over time, such as the average and standard deviation of result values, which can be analysed to better understand manufacturing process trends.

"Since its introduction in early 2002, the Cognex VisionPro Series has become the premier choice for PC-based vision among system integrators, OEMs, and advanced manufacturing engineers", said Peter Neve, Director of Marketing, International Operations for Cognex.

"Users find its fast prototyping environment allows them to take vision projects from start to finish in a very short period of time".

"The addition of these new vision tools will enable users to solve complex vision tasks more efficiently using easy-to-configure ActiveX-based controls".

VisionPro vision systems feature Cognex's QuickStart drag-and-drop graphical interface for prototyping vision applications using ActiveX controls.

Once configured, these controls are easily brought into Visual Basic, where they can be used directly in a deployable application.

Customised solutions can also be developed using Visual Basic or Visual C++.

VisionPro systems offer users a choice of Cognex MVS-8100 frame grabbers, which provide high-speed, PC-based vision processing and support a wide range of analogue and digital cameras.

Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and NT 4.0 operating systems are supported.

Vision Pro software development licenses are available upon purchase of a VisionPro starter system.