Controlling machines with smart vision sensors
Whether in equipment, plant and mechanical engineering, food processing, quality control or logistics – image processing solutions are used in a wide variety of industries and scenarios to accelerate, control and optimise processes. When artificial intelligence comes into play, the range of applications becomes even wider. Systems such as IDS NXT ocean, that have integrated computing power, artificial intelligence and are also characterised by a compact, cost-efficient design are becoming the most sensible solution even outside of classic industrial applications. The application possibilities based on such cameras are almost limitless. To make the most of this technology, companies need knowledge about the capabilities of the current technological state of the art on the one hand, and vision systems that are equally flexible, easy to use and powerful on the other.
Where rule-based machine vision has not been attempted or has reached its limits, there is a high potential for deep learning algorithms to support employees and drive forward automation. AI solutions usually require specialist knowledge, development effort, and investment in computing and data storage hardware. With the rise of cloud-based computing and dedicated training services, however, deep learning becomes more and more accessible. Lowering this threshold is the main focus of the new all-in-one AI vision system IDS NXT ocean. It requires neither special knowledge in deep learning nor camera programming in order to create and execute individual neural networks. Camera hardware, software, infrastructure and support come from a single company. Users only need to provide sample images and knowledge on how to evaluate them (e.g. “good” / “bad”). This makes the start into AI-based image processing particularly quick, easy and user-friendly.
Train and execute individual neural networks
Thanks to the IDS NXT lighthouse training software, even non-experts without prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or camera programming can train an AI classifier with their own image data. It only requires three essential steps: to upload training images, to label these images and to train the desired net. Access is easy: users simply need to call up the web application, log in – and are able to start training a neural network right away. Instead of first having to set up an individual development environment, they have immediate access to all functions as well as the required infrastructure. The generated network can then be executed directly on the IDS NXT industrial cameras, turning them into powerful inference cameras with industrial-proof interfaces such as REST and OPC UA.
Get started: With the IDS NXT ocean Design In-Kit
Anyone wishing to test the potential of AI for their applications should take a closer look at the IDS NXT ocean Design-In Kit. It provides all components a user needs to create, train and run a neural network in his productive environment. In addition to an IDS NXT industrial camera with 1.6 MP Sony sensor, lens and cable, the package includes six months of access to the AI training software. The use of deep learning-based image processing for individual applications can thus be realized in a short time. For more information, please visit www.ids-nxt.com. For even more insights into AI-based vision and its potential for industrial applications, you can also access the extensive media library of www.ids-vision-channel.tech and watch lots of explanatory videos, free and on-demand.
Contact details:
IDS Imaging Development Systems Limited
Landmark House, Station Road
RG27 9HA Hook
United Kingdom
T: +44 1256 962910
uksales@ids-imaging.com
www.ids-imaging.com
