AI vision, i.e. image processing with artificial intelligence, is a topic that is much discussed. While there are some embedded vision systems on the market that allow AI to be used in industrial conditions, many facility operators are still hesitant to implement one of these platforms and upgrade their applications. Although AI has already shown pioneering new possibilities where rule-based image processing has run out of rules and remained without a solution until now. So what prevents the new technology from spreading faster?
Used correctly, AI vision has the potential to improve many vision processes. Providing hardware alone is not enough to infect the industry with AI across the board. Manufacturers are challenged to support users by sharing their expertise in the form of user-friendly software and built-in processes. Compared to best practices, which have evolved over years and built up a loyal customer base with a lot of documentation, knowledge transfer and many software tools, there is still a lot of catching up to do for AI, but it is already under development. Standards and certifications are also currently being worked on to further increase acceptance and explainability and to bring AI to the big table. IDS Imaging Development Systems is helping with this. With IDS NXT, an embedded AI system is available that can be used quickly and easily as an industrial tool by any user group with a comprehensive and user-friendly software environment – even without in-depth knowledge of machine learning, image processing or application programming.
Taking image analysis to the NXT level
IDS NXT is a comprehensive system with a wide range of workflows and tools for realising your own AI vision applications. The intelligent IDS NXT cameras can process tasks “OnDevice” and deliver image processing results themselves. The tasks of the cameras are determined by apps that are loaded onto the cameras and executed there. Their functionality can thus be changed at any time. This is supported by the AI Vision Studio IDS lighthouse, with which users can not only train neural networks, but now also create their own vision apps. The system offers both beginners and professionals enormous scope for designing AI vision solutions.
Anomalies? Detected!
How can a camera be taught to reliably detect deviations from the norm if they are not or not completely predictable? Rule-based image processing would have to capitulate – with the AI vision system IDS NXT, on the other hand, such a challenge can be easily solved from now on. In the recent software release, IDS is making anomaly detection available to all customers as a third AI method, in addition to object detection and classification. It is even possible to only use “GOOD” training images. In addition, relatively little training data is required compared to the other AI methods. This simplifies the development of an AI vision application and is well suited for evaluating the potential of AI-based image processing for new projects.
Get started with the IDS NXT ocean Creative Kit
Anyone who wants to test the system and evaluate it for their applications should take a look at the IDS NXT ocean Creative Kit. Users receive all the components they need to create, train and run a neural network. In addition to an IDS NXT industrial camera with 1.6 MP Sony sensor, lens, cable and tripod adapter, the package includes, among other things, six months’ access to IDS lighthouse.
The kit is available from IDS Imaging Development Systems, one of the leading industrial camera manufacturers and pioneers in industrial image processing. The owner-managed, eco-friendly company develops modular, high-performance USB, GigE and 3D cameras as well as the IDS NXT complete system with AI. The almost unlimited range of applications for the products extends across a wide variety of industries. With visionpier, IDS also operates an online marketplace that brings together suppliers of image processing solutions and interested customers. Please find more information on the IDS website.
