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transmitted light inspection has now become standard, and accuracy requirements in the micrometer range can be implemented here with no problems. “At the end of the day, this means that
customers who have the appropriate systems and software are now independently able to perform many of the tasks that were still reserved for specialised industrial image processing providers just a few years ago,” Toth explains. “In spite of – or actually, because of – these achievements, expectations of the performance and operability of new software are very high – and the focus is now shifting onto more complex tasks. As we continue to develop our software, our claim and our objective will be to simplify the difficult problems faced by users to such a degree that they can eventually accomplish the tasks themselves, just as if they were standard procedures,” Toth adds. For surface inspection with reflected light, achieving this goal involves a particular challenge: complex algorithms must be translated into software that is easy to interpret and simple to operate. As an example: it might be necessary to identify extremely small scratches on sheet metal parts but, on the other hand, to disregard flaws such as blemishes on the fittings if they are not relevant for the quality of the manufactured parts. “In situations such as these, the focus is not only on the software as the control centre but also on optimal interaction between illumination, optics, camera, interfaces and the computer,” Toth notes.
Integrated, extendable and straIghtforward KiVision image processing software is integrated into all Kistler testing stations, but it is also used outside of test automation and can be combined with other measuring systems from Kistler. KiVision is Windows- based; just a few hours of training will enable operators on the factory floor to use the software independently and carry out their first measurement tasks. Aided by a comfor table, intuitive user interface, a wide choice of well-structured test commands and visualisation of parameters, new users can even program testing tasks for entirely new par ts with no outside suppor t. Complex testing sequences (which mainly occur in connection with surface inspection) can be made much simpler thanks to reusable subprograms and function blocks. The integration of Vester’s parameterisation software KVC Visu and the image processing software KiVision enables operators to manage machine, program and statistical data using the same interface and to store them specific to the plant or workpiece. KiVision also suppor ts all major camera
interfaces and fieldbuses, and can be extended without problems. For example: customers can use the KiVision Software Development Kit to integrate special sensors or their own algorithms, with no need to disclose
Instrumentation Monthly October 2019
proprietary algorithms – a critical advantage, especially if patent applications are planned. Data transmission to external CAQ systems and integration into the customer's own corporate network are also possible. These features allow external test programming at a PC workstation as well as central management of program data and measured values. In response to customers' requests, additional software modules can be integrated to enable remote diagnosis and remote maintenance of automatic testing and sor ting systems.
fast and relIable In every sItuatIon Modern high-performance processors in PCs contain ever-increasing numbers of CPU cores for ultra-fast processing of large data volumes. KiVision's basic architecture is designed for parallel access to the power of the cores so as to utilise increased PC performance for faster image processing. One essential factor in quality testing of safety-critical par ts is reliable separation of
Above: Optoelectronic sensors from Kistler are deployed to meet diverse requirements for end- of-line testing of series parts including turned, punched, pressed and plastic components
The Vision Centre in Karlsruhe ensures the ongoing development of Kistler's image processing systems in the long term. Customised routines can be added to the software
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