Software targets machine vision applications.

Press Release Summary:




NI Vision 7.1 Development Module features vision tools for users of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create applications that inspect, align, identify, and measure objects. Geometric matching enables location of objects that are described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even under poor lighting conditions or when partially obstructed. Suite of tools for part identification, tracking, and sorting is also included.



Original Press Release:



National Instruments Software Speeds Machine Vision with Advanced Algorithms



Vision 7.1 Development Module Features Tools for Geometric Matching, Object Classification and 2D Bar Codes

NEWS RELEASE - Jan. 25, 2005 - National Instruments today announced the NI Vision 7.1 Development Module, which features hundreds of vision tools for engineers and scientists using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic to create powerful vision applications that inspect, align, identify and measure objects. With the software, engineers and scientists can access new algorithms such as geometric matching, object classification, optical character recognition (OCR) and 2D bar code readers to quickly locate, sort and track objects even under poor imaging conditions.

With geometric matching, engineers and scientists now can locate objects that are best described by edges and shapes rather than textures and shades, even when under poor lighting conditions or partially obstructed. Geometric matching also is effective at locating objects that appear to change scale. This occurs in applications such as robotic guidance and product assembly where the distance between the camera and object varies.

The Vision 7.1 Development Module also includes a suite of tools for part identification, tracking and sorting. With trainable OCR tools as well as Data Matrix and PDF 417 code readers, engineers can identify and track parts by reading information applied through ink jets, thermal transfer, laser etching or dot peen. In addition, the software features a specialized object classification tool for sorting products at high speeds or for cataloging defects such as scratches, dents and markings.

For creating applications, the Vision 7.1 Development Module includes NI Vision Assistant, which gives engineers and scientists the ability to prototype their applications before writing any code. Once they develop and benchmark a working script, Vision Assistant automatically converts the script to LabVIEW diagrams or ready-to-run NI LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic code. Engineers and scientists can run the code by itself or add it into a larger machine vision, industrial control or data acquisition application.

About National Instruments

National Instruments (www.ni.com) is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation - a revolutionary concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists in industry, government and academia approach measurement and automation. Leveraging the PC and its related technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs through easy-to-integrate software, such as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, and modular hardware, such as PXI modules for data acquisition, instrument control and machine vision. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 3,100 employees and direct operations in 41 countries. In 2003, the company sold products to more than 25,000 companies in 90 countries. For the past six years, FORTUNE magazine named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America.

Pricing and Contact Information

NI Vision 7.1 Development Module

Web: www.ni.com/vision

Priced from $2,595

Reader Contact: Ernest Martinez, (800) 258-7022

E-mail: info@ni.com

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