Tools add more functions to machine vision

DT Vision Foundry's powerful new functionality for image-processing, measurement, analysis and data transfer let users create fast, production-ready inspection programs and customised vision tools.

DT Vision Foundry's powerful new functionality for image-processing, measurement, analysis and data transfer operations let users create fast, production-ready inspection programs and customised vision tools.

The 2D data matrix tool analyses 2D barcodes in 360 degrees rotation, no matter if the images are distorted, blurred or water damaged with processing speeds between two to nine milliseconds.

Applications built with DT Vision Foundry can now network with other DCOM-based applications using Data Translation's Information Exchange (DTiX).

Included in DTiX is the DT remote feature, which loads and unloads a DT Vision Foundry executable running in the background behind the user interface (created with Visual Basic or Visual C++).

DT Remote also lets users start and stop scripts remotely.

This is critical in industries where remote start and stop is preferred because of safety and contamination concerns.

The polar unwrap tool remaps images with round objects into linear or rectangular objects for fast computation.

The point and click script tool features 38 powerful tools to graphically create scripts.

Users can also code custom tools or custom applications using API calls.

The match tool correlates a percentage score between two images (such as product and golden) and compares that score to the golden standard.

The tool reports the percentage of the difference between the two images.

The enhanced digital I/O tool enables external pass/fail event control.

This tool supports current and new Data Translation digital I/O boards, such as the PCI DT351 and the high-speed, multifunction DT3162 Mach II frame grabber, for easier access to all digital I/O capabilities of the hardware.

The device manager feature lets users set up device settings for all input devices in one central location for easy maintenance.

The option to add third-party settings is also included.

Dockable toolbars allow users to place the tools anywhere within the application for easy access.

"The objective in machine vision is to increase the quality of goods inspected", said Fred Molinari, president, founder and CEO of Data Translation.

"The latest release of DT Vision Foundry adds powerful new tools for a variety of inspection challenges.

The most appealing aspect of DT Vision Foundry is that anyone can use it whether the customer is a non-programmer who needs an easy solution for an inspection problem, or a sophisticated programmer who wants to create custom vision tools".

Data Translation's DTiX is a peer-to-peer communication system that simplifies the complexity of integrating both vision and sensor-based measurements.

It has been enhanced with distribution capabilities via the DT remote feature so users can start or stop DT Vision Foundry applications over a network.

Because of safety and contamination issues, this feature is very important in certain industries such as semiconductor manufacturing where operations must take place inside cleanrooms.

In addition, users can create custom GUIs using Visual Basic or Visual C++ on top of DT Vision Foundry applications and activate their application from one button.

Industries such as telecommunications, semiconductor and PCB manufacturing are using 2D barcode technology to condense more packaging information in the form of a matrix, rather than a vertical bar.

DT Vision Foundry's 2D data matrix tool lets users build applications that can read this next-generation technology.

The 2D data matrix tool also performs more accurate readings of distorted images such as blurred or water-damaged images from any 360-degree angle.

Working at high speeds, the tool can process images between two to nine milliseconds.

Included in the 2D matrix tool is DT Vision Foundry's autocorrection feature.

This feature flags and corrects 2D barcode errors detected on product packaging that are not related to the packaging itself.

For example, the effects of ambient lighting can obscure images during inspection.

This feature provides users with a built-in level of intelligence, so manufacturers can make adjustments to the production line environment for increased accuracy.

These images can also be processed within 7-9ms.

The polar unwrap tool converts circular images into linear ones for easy measurement.

For example, labels on circular bottle caps can be difficult for existing tools to read.

This tool allows users to unwrap the letters into a straight line for easy scanning.

The new match tool compares two images and correlates their accuracy.

This capability is important during production time - for example - when the images on the golden master must match the images processed on the production line.

The enhanced digital I/O tool is a universal tool for all Data Translation digital I/O boards.

In particular, this new release of DT Vision Foundry supports Data Translation's PCI DT351 digital I/O board and the company's recently released DT3162 Mach II high-performance frame grabber.

The new device manager centralises the device settings of all input devices, such as frame grabbers, digital and serial I/O boards, channels and settings, pixel rates, clocks etc for easy maintenance.

Once saved, these settings can be easily changed to include different devices.

DT Vision Foundry 3.5 also comes with an extensive library of vision and image processing tools to quickly build ready-to-run graphical applications.

Users can also code their own scripts using API calls and add them to the toolbar.

They can also dock the toolbar anywhere on the desktop to increase productivity.

DT Vision Foundry 3.5 is available for immediate order with delivery within 30 days, and is priced at $3495.

System requirements are: IBM PC compatible (Pentium with Triton PCI chipset or better recommended); Windows 2000/XP operating systems; 32Mbyte RAM; SVGA monitor 100Mbyte of free hard disk space; PCI interface slots required for frame grabber support; CD-ROM drive; sound card (optional for multimedia online help); and Visual C/C++ 5.0 (optional for creating custom tools and applications).

Data Translation provides complete technical support for all its products.

Support is also available 24x7 via Data Translation's website.

DT Vision Foundry includes an extensive library of application examples and tutorials as well as online help.

Also on the website is the Machine Vision Solution Centre, which includes application examples, tutorials, white papers, feasibility studies and links to Data Translation's frame grabbers.

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 18 June 2002).

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