Machine vision software
The software determines what a vision system can do: measure, read, inspect and decide. For each application we choose between proven standard software and custom AI.
What does machine vision software do?
Machine vision software turns a camera image into a decision. Depending on the application, it performs one or more of these tasks:
- Locate: find the product or part in the image, even when its position varies.
- Measure: determine dimensions, distances and angles.
- Read: recognise and verify text (OCR), barcodes and DataMatrix codes.
- Inspect: detect scratches, stains, missing parts and other defects.
- Classify: sort products by type, colour or quality.
Standard vision software from the manufacturer
Manufacturers such as Omron, Keyence and Cognex supply their cameras and controllers with their own vision software. An inspection is largely configured rather than programmed, using ready-made tools for measurement, code reading and pattern matching.
That makes standard software quick to deploy and easy to maintain for tasks with clear rules, such as dimensional checks, OCR and presence detection. You can see which brands we use on our page about brands & components.
Custom software with AI and deep learning
Rule-based software struggles as soon as products vary naturally: texture, subtle colour differences or defects that look different every time. For those cases we develop our own AI models, trained on images of your product, using techniques such as anomaly detection (for example Anomalib) and object detection (for example YOLOv8).
We have built models for defect detection on printed circuit boards, flaws in artificial turf and carpet production, and flatness checks on metal surfaces. Read more about this approach on our page about AI & deep learning.
How do you choose the right software?
Whether standard software is enough or a custom solution is needed depends on a few questions:
- Can the defect be described with fixed rules, or does the product vary naturally?
- How much time is there per product, and how many cameras must be processed at once?
- Which systems must the software talk to, such as a PLC, robot, MES or SCADA?
- Who will manage the system, and how often does the product range change?
Often the best solution is a combination: standard software for measuring and code reading, plus an AI model for the difficult defects.
Integration with your machine
Software only adds value when its result triggers an action. Our systems communicate with PLCs, robots, delta pickers and SCADA systems over protocols such as Profinet, Modbus and EtherCAT. How we match camera, optics and lighting is explained under technology & integration.
Not sure which software fits your inspection?
Send us a few sample images or describe the application. We will advise, free of obligation, on the approach that works best.