Surface Mask Tool - LMI Gocator

See the new Surface Mask Tool in action, introduced in Gocator Firmware 5.3.

The Surface Mask Tool gives users the ability to create a new surface by extracting specific surface data from a desired region (and excluding data from surrounding regions). See how this added capability is utilized in this connector flange flatness measurement example.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Profile Template Matching - LMI Gocator

This tool allows you to compare profiles to a master template and easily detect defects or nonconformity, even when the part shape is complex and orientation is variable.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Surface Barcode and OCR - LMI Gocator

The new Surface OCR tool allows you to recognize and extract a string of text from surfaces, using either 3D height map scan data (for embossed characters)  or 2D intensity scan data (for flat characters).

The Surface Barcode tool allows you to read data encoded in 1D (linear) and 2D barcodes from surface data, without the need for 2D vision cameras or specialized barcode readers.


Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Integrate HDevelop code into a C# application using the Library Project Export - MVTec Halcon

In this tutorial, you will learn how to integrate machine vision code developed with HDevelop into an existing C# Visual Studio application. For this, we use the Library Project Export, which simplifies the usage of HDevEngine. 

Thus, you can use HDevelop procedures as simply as HALCON operators in your C++ or C# application code.

0:30 The HDevelop machine vision code we want to integrate
1:35 Integrating the exported code into an existing C# application

In this video, HALCON 19.05 is used. You can download the used application here: 
https://www.mvtec.com/news-press/article/detail/integrate-hdevelop-code-into-a-c-application-using-the-library-project-export/


Find more information about Halcon here: https://mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Automotive Gap & Flush Inspection - LMI Gocator

In this video a team of synchronized UR robot-mounted Gocator® 3D smart sensors work to achieve fully automated inline gap & flush inspection.

Learn more at https://www.kibele-pims.com/

See more Automotive applications using Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/solutions/industries/automotive

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Multi-View 3D Scanning and Processing(Complete Article) - LMI Gocator

Part 1 here: https://lmi3d.com/company/digital-hub/blog/multi-view-3d-scanning-and-processing-part-1



Part 2 here: https://lmi3d.com/company/digital-hub/blog/multi-view-3d-scanning-and-processing-part-2



Part 3 here: https://lmi3d.com/company/digital-hub/blog/multi-view-3d-scanning-and-processing-part-3



Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Draw oriented rectangles with the MVTec Deep Learning Tool - MVTec Halcon

Many computer programs often offer the option to draw axis-aligned rectangles but not to draw oriented rectangles.  Thus, we developed a method that enables you to label training data for deep learning efficiently with oriented rectangles. 

This video shows you how to do this with the MVTec Deep Learning Tool. In this video, version 0.2 of the Deep Learning Tool is used.

Free Download: Deep Learning Tool here: https://www.mvtec.com/products/deep-learning-tool/

Find more information about Halcon here: https://mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Multi-View 3D Scanning and Processing(Part 1) - LMI Gocator

In applications where the scan target is larger than a single sensor’s field of view, or has a complex shape, multi-view scanning and processing are required in order to capture the complete geometry of the part.

Multi-view scanning and processing are used to:

Cover larger fields of view while maintaining high resolution



See more of the part (360º ring layout or opposing layout to measure thickness)



See past occlusions (undercuts, gaps, steep edges)



Perform absolute measurement between two or more features separated by a large distance (where both sensors must be calibrated to a world coordinate system)



Multi-View Processing in Gocator®

What makes Gocator® unique among 3D sensors is its built-in multi-view 3D scanning and processing capability, which can be executed in one of two ways:

Using multiple networked sensors to scan all the different views of a part to build a fully digitized 3D model



Using an XY stage and a single sensor to scan and stitch several views into a single surface

And that's just the beginning of the story ...

Stay tuned for part 2 next week, when we’ll cover the details of multi-view 3D scanning and processing using sensor networking.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Shrimp Sorting - MVTec Halcon

MVTec HALCON makes shrimp sorting fast and efficient. The shrimp sorting system from De Boer RVS uses our machine vision software HALCON to distinguish relevant catch (shrimps) from not-relevant by-catch in real-time. 

As a consequence of this highly efficient sorting, this application does not only improve the fishing outcome, but also helps to protect the environment, as the alive by-catch is conveyed back to the sea immediately.

Find more information about Halcon here: https://mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Sweet Pepper Robot detects and picks ripe crops - MVTec Halcon

The Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands developed a greenhouse harvesting robot, which is able to pick ripe crops. The shape- and color-based detection algorithm for this task was implemented using MVTec HALCON.

The organization
The WUR Agro Food Robotics initiative is a joint program by several research groups of the Wageningen University & Research. The program tries to bring new knowledge to practice by carrying out feasibility studies, functional designs, prototype development, testing, validation and by supporting new product implementations.

The challenges
In the past decades the food production in greenhouses has been confronted with the increasing size of production facilities, increasing labor demands and increasing product quality demands by the consumers. Many operations are still done manually, for example the harvesting. 

However, the availability of a skilled workforce that accepts repetitive tasks in the harsh greenhouse climate conditions is decreasing rapidly. Robotics and sensing technologies are an alternative solution, which makes crop production more efficient and more sustainable.

The solution
Within the scope of the the European research project "Clever Robots for Crops" (CROPS), later the "Sweet Pepper Robot"-project (SWEEPER), the WUR developed a robot to pick sweet peppers. The prototype comprises the following modules: a tool to cut and catch the pepper; a combined color and 3D camera; an industrial six degrees of freedom robot arm, computers and electronics, all assembled on a battery powered platform that moves the robot autonomously through the greenhouse. 

Once the camera system has found a ripe pepper, the robotic arm positions the tool on top of the crop stem. The arm then moves the tool a few centimeters down with a vibrating knife and cuts off the pepper crop near the main plant stem.

Object detection with MVTec HALCON
A central function in the SWEEPER robot is detection of ripe crops. For successful operation, the 3D location of each crop must be determined with high accuracy. The chosen solution is based on an RGB-D camera that simultaneously reports color and depth information. 

Using this camera and a custom built LED-based flash-light illumination system, RGB images of the plant are acquired from both overview distance and close range. In order to facilitate high frame-rate operation, a straight forward shape- and color-based detection algorithm was implemented using HALCON. The algorithm scans each acquired image for regions matching the target color thresholds. 

Detected regions are refined by removing detections exceeding predefined minimum/maximum sizes. To further remove misdetections additional shape parameters are calculated. Finally, depth information from the camera is used to compute the volume of the detected regions. This information is then used to further prune false detections, avoid non-harvestable crop clusters, and define harvest priorities. 

The exact 3D location of the point of mass is calculated using the depth information extracted from the detected region and a standard procedure of pixel-to-world transformation of the region. Given the subsets of regions that are classified as peppers to be harvested, a methodology for harvesting sequencing was defined. The robot arm then approaches the target by visual-servo control that keeps the target in the middle of the images until it is reached.

You can download the full success story here.

Find more information about Halcon here: https://mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Windshield Loading in Automative Assembly Lines - LMI Gocator

TopEagle displays Bluewrist EzRG robot guidance solution with the LMI Technologies Gocator Sensors for windshield loading in assembly lines.

Gocator laser line profile sensors are used to locate and measure the gap between the frame and windshield.

For more applications in the automotive industry check out:
https://lmi3d.com/solutions/industries/automotive

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Surface Circular Edge Tool - LMI Gocator

The Surface Circular Edge tool provides easy and powerful measurement of circular surface features, including sophisticated roundness measurement.

The tool can be quickly adapted to measure inside or outside features, as well as rising or falling edges.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Mercury USB3 Camera - Daheng Imaging

Daheng Imaging’s industrial cameras are on average 30% to 50% cheaper than comparable products, due to our smart business model, which for example includes low margin per product. 

We also focus on low overhead costs, no unnecessary features, scale advantage, and labor costs. This results in less development time, less expensive hardware, lower cost price, and lower development costs per product. 

Of course; it helps that labor costs are lower in China and that Daheng Imaging is one the largest machine vision camera manufacturer in China.

Reliable and High-Quality Industrial Camera

Daheng Imaging tests every industrial camera before leaving the factory, whereby quality is guaranteed. The vision cameras have to withstand a 7-day aging test in warm and cold temperatures and a 72-hour full load test. 

The industrial cameras are CE certified by TUV Rheinland, making sure we meet and exceed the European quality standards.

Note: "Daheng Imavision" is the old name for DAHENG IMAGING.



The Mercury USB3 series (MER-U3) camera are for industrial, pharmaceutical and machine vision applications. Our cameras comply with the industrial “USB3 Vision” standard. The industrial USB camera is equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor.

The dimensions of the camera are 29x29x29mm. You can choose between an industrial USB camera with or without digital in and output (I/O). The USB camera without I/O is indicated with an article number that ends with (“-L”).

If you need to loan the camera for performance testing and benchmarking purposes, please contact us. Contact information here: https://advanceultravision.blogspot.com/p/contact.html

Find more information about Daheng Imaging here: http://www.daheng-imaging.com/en/

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Halcon Deep Learning Sample Application - Teknix(South Korea), MVTec Halcon

Find more information about Halcon Deep Learning here: https://www.mvtec.com/services-solutions/technologies/deep-learning/

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Latest Camera Interface Revisions & Maintenance Releases - MVTec Halcon

The following HALCON interfaces have recently been updated:

USB3Vision 13.0.8

GigEVision2 13.0.4 

GenICamTL 13.0.6

Hilscher-cifX 13.0.3

OPC_UA 13.0.7

AlkUSB3 13.0.1

You can download the latest interface here: https://www.mvtec.com/products/interfaces/

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

LMI Gocator 3210 integrated with a UR robot - LMI Gocator

Engineers using UR robots can now easily integrate Gocator® smart 3D snapshot sensors into their applications. Gocator® is able to provide the UR robot not only with the “eyes” it needs in order to "see", but also the “mind” it needs in order to “think” and “do.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

How to integrate HDevEngine into a C++/C# application - MVTec Halcon

In this tutorial, you will learn how to integrate machine vision code that you developed with HDevelop into an existing C++ or C# Visual Studio application. For this, we use the Library Project Export, which simplifies the usage of HDevEngine.

Thus, you can use HDevelop procedures as simple as HALCON operators in your C++ or C# application code.

1:01 How to structure your HDevelop code
1:51 The ‘Export Library Project’ dialog
3:00 Configure Visual Studio to use HALCON
3:45 Integrate the exported HDevelop functionality
4:53 Easily adapt the machine vision code in HDevelop

In this video, HALCON 19.05 is used. You can download the used application here:
https://www.mvtec.com/news-press/video/detail/hdevengine-poject-library-export

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Edge-supported Surface-based 3D-Matching with MVTec HALCON

In this tutorial, you will learn how to extend the functionality of surface-based matching with MVTec HALCON by also using edges of objects in the 3D scene. 

Using the procedure debug_find_surface_model, we will optimize the used parameters and check the matching result. 

0:54 Train 3D edges
1:53 Requirements on XYZ-mappings
2:25 Checking the 3D edges and the viewpoint
3:41 Further functionality, using 2D images

In this video, a preview version of HALCON 19.05 is used. You can download the used program here: https://www.mvtec.com/news-press/video/detail/surface-based-matching-with-halcon-3

Find more information about Halcon here: https://www.mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Optimize your 3D Data for Surface-based 3D-Matching with MVTec HALCON

In this tutorial, you will learn how to optimize your surface-based matching results with MVTec HALCON by properly preparing the 3D input data. 

By working with 2D XYZ-mappings, we can optimize the matching process robustly and fast. For example, removing the background of a 3D scene often can both speed up the matching and help avoiding false matches. 

Additionally, we take a quick look at additional options like defining symmetries or restrict the range of rotations of searched matches.

0:50 Requirements of create_surface_model
2:42 Working with XYZ-mappings
3:50 Requirements of find_surface_model 
4:22 Removing the background of a 3D scene

In this video, a preview version of HALCON 19.05 is used. You can download the used program here: https://www.mvtec.com/news-press/video/detail/surface-based-matching-with-halcon-2

Find more information about Halcon here: https://www.mvtec.com

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Control 2019 Recap with LMI Technologies

From May 7 to 10, 2019 LMI Technologies exhibited at Control 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. With 871 exhibitors from 33 countries, Control is the world's leading trade fair for quality assurance.

Visitors were able to experience LMI's flagship Gocator 3D smart sensors for inline inspection, including interactive sensor playgrounds with LIVE demos of laser line profilers and snapshot sensors as well as a brand new multi sensor networking demo with full 360 views of the scan target, and a Gocator-powered robotic solution for the automative industry.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

PLC Integration with MVTec Merlic

MVTec Merlic is the all-in-one software for machine vision without the need for programming. Merlic is able to communicate with many common industrial protocols, like EtherCAT, PROFINET etc. 

Thus, users can easily integrate their Merlic-based vision solution into their production lines Watch this clip to learn more about Merlic’s process integration.

Find more information about MERLIC here: https://www.mvtec.com/products/merlic/

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/

Tire 3D Inspection with Gocator 2400/2500 Series

With 3400+ attendees visiting, and 200+ exhibitors showcasing the latest developments in the rubber & tire industry, Tire Technology Expo is an important industry event. 

See one of LMI's features, Gocator 2400 series, and newly launched Gocator 2500 series in action and find out why people love working with Gocator.

Find more information about LMI Gocator here: https://lmi3d.com/products/gocator-3D-smart-sensors

Find more information about Machine Vision here: http://advanceultravision.com/