Axtel has created the next generation of Machine Vision specific development tools. Machine Vision Express™ enables computers to “see” like a human. What used to be a very complex task was greatly simplified and is now affordable for everyone. Applications run on PCs or smart cameras, they may address such tasks as: inspection, counting, gauging, positioning, identification, selection, surveillance and access control.

Machine Vision Express™ offers three development platforms, GUI, Python and C++. Each platform accommodates individual experiences, from simple drag and drop of functions with editor and visual simulator, to Python based scripting, as well as complex C++ programming. The library includes such advanced features as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Pattern Matching and Barcode Recognition.

Machine Vision Express™ enables computers to "see" like a human.

Machine Vision - FAQ - Live Images

Can I use live images when fine-tuning Python scripts or C++ programs?

Note: It should be noted here that Python scripts and C++ programs are all built based on certain expectations as it comes to image content. Therefore, when fed an image with other than expected content a script, or application, may get fooled and cause random results, or in a worst case scenario it may even crash. To avoid such confusion a live test image should always meet the expectations embedded in the script or program.

Answer: Machine Vision Express™ is divided into three development sections: Graphical User Interface (GUI), Python and C++. The answer to this question is different for each of these sections.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

The Machine Vision Express™ GUI editor allows for: On the fly modification of variables, single script runs and the use of canned or live images. Follow these two steps to use live images:

To select a camera click on "Options" in the toolbar. A tree display appears, here you click on Camera. Then activate the "Use Camera" radio button and from the subsequent menu choose your desired camera.

To select canned or live images click on "pFilename", which is the first "Input cell" in the step named "Construct Image from File". Here it is assumed that your target script is already "Open" and that it does contain a step called "Construct Image from File", which associates an image source with this script. Within that step, the first cell under "Input cells" is named "pFilename". Click on "pFilename" to choose between canned images on your hard-drive or a live image from the selected camera.

Python

The Python Editor is used to create, edit, debug, and test a script. Subsequently scripts are tested in the Axtel Run Time Module, where some helpful features are provided to find out what has happened the last time a script was run. The Run Time Module allows for a new camera image to be captured every time a script is run. The script may then be modified with the help of the Python Editor followed by a new test in the Run Time Module.

C++

It is impossible to support live images within Machine Vision Express™ as C++ programs are created outside Machine Vision Express™. Programmers mostly use either a Microsoft or Borland environment to create programs that accesses the Library contained within Machine Vision Express™. However, some helpful features are provided in the Axtel Run Time Module from where the C++ programs may be run. There it is possible to find out what has happened when the program was run, furthermore the Run Time Module allows for a new image capture every time a program is run.