Machine vision: NI embedded vision system adds inspection speed with multicore processing

NI EVS-1464RT Embedded Vision System is multicore controller that can process images from multiple IEEE 1394 and GigE Vision cameras. System gives manufacturing engineers and system integrators the ability to build high-speed real-time machine vision systems for applications such as sorting products, verifying assembly and inspecting packaging.

By Control Engineering Staff July 8, 2009

National Instruments has introduced the NI EVS-1464RT Embedded Vision System, a high-performance, multicore controller capable of processing images from multiple IEEE 1394 and GigE Vision cameras. The new Embedded Vision System gives manufacturing engineers and system integrators the ability to build high-speed real-time machine vision systems for applications such as sorting products, verifying assembly and inspecting packaging.

“In our industrial inspection machines, we prefer embedded devices with real-time operating systems because they are dependable and often do not require IT department intervention,” said Ivan Meissner, general manager of Qualimatest Technologies. “By standardizing on the NI Embedded Vision System, we are able to achieve the multicore performance of an industrial PC with the reliability and security of a real-time embedded system.”

Because it’s based on NI’s LabVIEW software, the EVS-1464RT takes advantage of its multicore processor by automatically balancing the computational load on each core. According to the company, machine vision applications can run deterministically and reliably with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, which users can use to implement low-level control for prioritizing crucial tasks, such as putting visual inspection before video display.

A variety of connectivity options let engineers choose to use many types of cameras to perform simultaneous inspections—from high-resolution area scan to high-speed line scan, and from color to infrared. The EVS-1464RT also is designed for harsh industrial environments, featuring an extended temperature range, solid-state hard drive, and fanless cooling.

With the National Instruments machine vision software approach, users can configure inspection applications with stand-alone NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (AI) software, or program more advanced applications using the NI Vision Development Module and NI LabVIEW. Both options take advantage of hundreds of built-in machine vision and image processing functions to enhance images, check for presence, locate features, identify objects, and measure parts. Because both software packages work with all NI vision hardware, engineers easily can choose the appropriate hardware for new applications and switch between both software options with minimal effort, company says.

The system includes a wide range of digital I/O and industrial communication options that facilitate integration with programmable automation controllers, programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, sensors and actuators to perform faster inspections. A webcast covers the features of the NI EVS-1464RT and provides a tour of how to setup and program the system using NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection.

Readers can view the white paper “ What Is the NI Embedded Vision System? ” in the NI Developer Zone.

Visit www.ni.com/vision to learn more about NI vision hardware and software products.

See systems in action at NIWeek 2009, Aug. 4–6, in Austin, TX.

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– Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor

Control Engineering News Desk