ActiveX-based machine-vision software speeds application development

JANUARY 11--Cognex Corporation (Natick, MA; www.cognex.com), supplier of machine-vision systems, has introduced VisionPro, an ActiveX-based software-development environment that dramatically speeds the development of advanced vision applications. VisionPro provides a flexible, graphical programming environment in which applications can be prototyped and developed in a fraction of the time it takes with conventional programming.

"Going from the proof-of-concept stage to getting a completed system up and running on a customer's plant floor can take us up to a month with C++ programming," said John Lee of Zmation Inc., a Portland, OR-based automation systems integration firm. "With VisionPro, it will take less than a week due to its ActiveX compliance."

VisionPro provides a drag-and-drop graphical interface for prototyping vision applications using ActiveX controls. Once configured, these controls are easily converted into Visual Basic, where they can be used directly in a deployable application. Customized solutions can also be developed using Visual Basic or C++. VisionPro's COM/ActiveX software architecture enables third party components for process control, I/O, and machine control to be easily added to the vision application.

VisionPro is available on a variety of Cognex frame grabbers, including the company's new digital frame grabber with high-resolution CMOS camera, as well as packaged systems requiring no PC. Each system features a comprehensive library of Cognex vision software tools, including the company's PatMax technology for locating objects despite changes in angle, scale, or appearance.