Creator

Image acquisition

Modular-X supports IDS uEye, Ximea CURRERA-R, USB, FireWire, GigE cameras, furthermore it is possible to simulate this step (loading image files from data storage). Upon request we can easily implement any other type of that National Instruments Vision Acquisition module supports. The cameras can be triggered or run in continuous mode. In case of simulation, the images loaded from the storage device, therefore by using images acquired from the cameras of the production line, programmers have the ability to develop a better solution to a problem without disturbing the process of production.

Image enhancement

There is a possibility to improve the quality of images and to extract the essential data from the image. Modular-X offers different grayscale filters for this task.

Smoothing - smoothing or blur filter:

Edge Detection - to enhance the edges on the image:

Convolution:

It is aslo possible to set contrast, brightness and gamma, to sharpen image, applying FFT and erode.

Binarisation:

Locate features

It includes different edge detection and object detection algorithms and other connecting programming tools such as coordinate system fitting.
Edge detection algorithms can be categorized into three groups according to their function:

With the help of object detector we can detect objects of approximately the same intensity (ie. homogeneous objects) appearing on the image.
Coordinate system is another programming tool connected to detection algorithms because we can fit a coordinate system to the detected edges and objects and can define their relative position on the image. Therefore if an object under inspection might not appear in the same position, thanks to the coordinate system fitting the ROIs (Region of Interests) of a function will be positioned.

Check of presence

In this menu you can find Pattern Matching algorithm, frequently used in industrial image processing that has the role of detecting a known feature, detail or pattern of an object. This algorithm is also used for the relative positioning of our measurements. For example if we want to inspect an object and there is a special pattern or shape on it, after teaching-in, we can fit a coordinate system to the coordinate results.

Measurement module

We can make measurements on the objects appear on image and on geometric objects like: measuring intensity, counting pixels of the same intensity, counting pixels within one interval, measuring the angle of two lines, gauge measurements etc. During measurements we can set limit values, so we can decide whether the measurement values are "good" ( PASS) or "bad" (FAIL).

Code reading

This module makes Modular-X capable of reading 1D and 2D codes, so it makes the identification and automatic sorting of the products possible, or implementing the optical inspection program according to the code. This way we get a fully automated measurement system.

Modular-X is capable of reading the following 1D codes:

Modular-X is capable of reading the following 2D codes:

Additional tools

Modular-X users can make complex mathematical calculations with measurement results or variables. We need to type in formula which contains the name of an optional variable regarding substituted measurement results.
Modular-X is able to run customised VIs developed in LabVIEW environment by which the users can create their individual steps.
The software offers three calibration possibilities in order to evaluate our measurements not only in pixel, but in real-world units (millimetre, metre etc.), furthermore with calibration it is possible to eliminate for example perspective distortion and other image distortions occurring during the measurement processes.

Communication

Modular-X supports the Digital I/O Devices produced by National Instruments and additionally the serial and industrial Ethernet communications.

Programming tools

Modular-X makes the use of For and While loops so that the engineers with minimal programming knowledge could be able to develop even a complex optical testing system. Additionally by using conditional statements, they can choose which procedure should be used in case of the detected failure. With this opportunity there is a possibility to manage different situations and implement more complex decisions.

Executor

The Executor is an independent software that is able to run Session files created in Creator. The difference between Creator and Executor is that while in Creator we put an emphasize on the development of measurement processes, in Executor the variety of applications, the standard and personal User Interface were in focus.

Client-server model

Executor can also be run through TCP/IP connections based on client-server model. It means it is able to serve PC-based or non-PC-based devices those focus on acquiring images from a camera. These devices must be able to communicate via networks then process the results coming from server and control the process of production with making decision.

The result format

The format type of the result data is formed by the customer requirements (e.g. XML, PDF, txt).

How to develop an application with Modular-X?

1. The process of development begins with Modular-X Creator software. Developers are able to build, test, debug their application in Creator. In fact in this software the input parameters of Machine Vision functions and steps are configured then make conditional steps by function results making possible to decide whether the result is PASS or FAIL of the object under inspection.

2. The Modular-X UI Builder provides an easy way to create customized User Interfaces for an application if it is needed.

3. Developers are able to build their User Interfaces by their own imagination those can be modified later without modifying the measurement file.

4. Once they have completed the UI and measurement they are able to export these methods.

5. The Modular-X Executor software is able to run these files but it has basically two advantages compared to Modular-X Creator. It is optimized to run and not to develop an application while it is able to run in client-server model.

6. Developers import their application to Executor which is able to run it and at the same time displays the customized UI.