B&R expands vision capabilities with image processing functions

By Staff Report April 1, 2025 5:57 pm IST

B&R Vision Functions are new image processing tools that simplify automation programmers’ tasks.

B&R vision functions perform specific image processing tasks, either individually in a vision sensor or as a sequence of functions in a smart camera. By encapsulating sophisticated HALCON program code in an intuitive interface, the new vision functions make it easy for automation programmers to configure advanced vision functionality and incorporate the results in the machine application. The Simple Matching function is easier to train because it has fewer argument possibilities. When a picture is being trained directly from the application, it serves as an alternative to the edge-based standard matching algorithm. The Clutter Matching function can be used to define an area within or around a matching hit where no clutter is allowed, which is important in pick-and-place applications.

The calibration function corrects errors resulting from perspective or optical distortion by converting pixel values into metric values. These are needed for metric data from a camera or when precise measurement of the subpixel range is needed. The image manipulation function makes it possible to apply added filters and image manipulations for tasks such as reading curved fonts. With the Simple Logic & Mathematics function, the intermediate results from one or more vision functions can be used directly on the camera to control later image processing steps. These five new vision functions make image processing more flexible and productive than ever.