NI Vision Development Suite

National Instruments Vision Development Module (www.ni.com/vision/vdm.htm) adalah tools yang sangat luar biasa untuk pengembangan aplikasi Machine Vision. Ini adalah sebuah development module yang sangat lengkap dengan berbagai library yang bisa di-porting ke VB.Net, Labview dan CVI/Labwindows dan C/C++, modul ini juga memiliki prototyping tool yang disebut Vision Assistant, dengan tool ini, kita dapat dengan mudah membuat prototype program machine vision dan mengganti-ganti image processing algorithm atau filter yang digunakan. Kalau kita mendevelop aplikasi computer vision sederhana menggunakan Matlab dengan Image Processing toolbox atau OpenCV, akan memakan waktu berjam-jam, dengan Vision Assistant hanya memakan waktu kurang dari satu jam.

Program ini mengakuisisi data, baik live image dari Frame board maupun static image, kemudian kita konversi ke 8 bit image atau binary. Dari situ kita bisa melakukan manipulasi image dengan mengganti-ganti filter untuk memperhalus image, merubah kontras, brighness, mendeteksi edge, segmentasi, transformasi ke domain frekuensi dan lain-lain . Selanjutnya setelah feature dari image kita dapatkan, kita bisa melakukan measurement, pattern classification/object detection dan blob/particle analysis.

Setelah puas dengan prototype program yang kita buat, kita bisa memporting prototype program ke Visual Basic, Labview, atau Labwindows/CVI untuk dimanipulasi lebih jauh atau digabung dengan library lain.

Sangat praktis.

Keys on Machine Vision Selection

Modern Production and manufacturing process now rely on the use of machine vision technology for test, measurement and inspection task. Nowadays there are many machine vision vendors offering products with different features and applications. This paper will highlight some of the key attributes we should look for in a machine vision supplier, and why taking the time to carefully assess a supplier’s capability and choosing the right partner will save the time and money in the long run.

There are many factors to be considered when choosing a machine vision technology from specific vendors. The factors are :

The Experience of the company.

1. Hardware Features. The parameter considered are :
1. Raw Image quality : Resolutions, Contrast/Sharpness, SNR, can be parameterized by MTF/SFR.
2. Speed.
3. Ability to manipulate image in subpixel level.

2. Software features.

1. OS supported.
2. Performance.
3. Reliability.
4. Hardware supported.
5. The modularity of the SDK (ex. COM, Activex).
6. The flexibility of the SDK to be customized.

4. Compatibility with other products, for example lighting systems, mechanical systems, control systems.

5. After Sales Service and support. Parameters considered :
1. Inventory reserve for emergency order fulfillment
2. Long-term product availability for a technology migration path
3. Advanced replacements for immediate failure replacement
4. Priority technical support
5. Flexible product training- on-site or at vendor’s training center
6. Customized hardware and software solutions
7. Vision system application engineering consulting
8. On-line logistical information for order tracking and account management
9. In-depth on-line knowledge base and training tools