Deep Learning
With HALCON 18.11 users are able to train their own classifier using CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks) based on pretrained networks that are included in HALCON. These have been highly optimized for industrial applications and are based on hundreds of thousands of images. HALCON 18.11 offers a seamlessly integrated, comprehensive set of deep learning functions for
- classifying entire images
- object detection
- semantic segmentation.
Deep-learning-based image classification allows to easily assign images to trained classes. The low labeling effort enables particularly short set-up times, and applying the classifier to new data is especially fast.
With semantic segmentation, trained defect classes can be localized with pixel accuracy. This allows users to, e.g., solve inspection tasks, which previously could not be realized, or only with significant programming effort.
Object detection localizes trained object classes and identifies them with a surrounding rectangle (bounding box). Touching or partially overlapping objects are also separated, enabling object counting.
To maximize its potential in industrial environments, HALCON’s deep-learning-based image classification, semantic segmentation and object detection inference can all be performed on GPUs, as well as on x86 CPUs.
ECC 200 Code Reader Improvements
The overall recognition rate of the ECC 200 data code reader could be increased by 5 % (data based on our internal benchmark consisting of more than 3,700 images from various applications). In addition, the ECC 200 reader is now able to read codes with a disturbed quiet zone. Also, codes against complex backgrounds can now be read faster and more robustly.
Improved Bar Code Reader
HALCON’s bar code reader now features optimized edge detection, which improves the ability to reliably read bar codes with very small line widths as well as strongly blurred codes. Moreover, the quality of the bar codes is also verified in accordance with the most recent version of the ISO/IEC 15416 standard.
Improved Automatic Text Reader
HALCON now features an improved automatic text reader, which now detects and separates touching characters more robustly.
Dictionaries
HALCON now includes a new data structure “dictionary”, which is an associative array that opens up various new ways to work with complex data. This enables developers to bundle arbitrary data into a single variable, making it easier to structure complex procedures. Dictionaries can also be read from and written to a file.
Handle Variable Inspect
HDevelop can now display detailed information on most important handle variables. This allows developers to easily inspect the current properties of complex data structures at a glance, which is extremely useful for debugging. Double-clicking a handle variable now returns all parameters associated with the handle and their current settings.
HDevEngine Improvements
HDevelop provides a new library export that makes the use of HALCON procedures from C++ and .NET as easy and intuitive as calling any other C++/.NET function. This is possible via a wrapper that encapsulates the necessary HDevEngine API calls. This new library export also generates CMake projects which can easily be configured to output project files for many popular IDEs, such as Visual Studio. The new functionality is accessible from the HDevelop GUI and via command line interface.
Automatic Handle Clearing
HALCON now makes it much more comfortable to work with handles by clearing these automatically once they are no longer required. This significantly reduces the risk of creating memory leaks because you no longer have to manually release unused memory. This way, writing “safe code” is now much simpler.
3D Fusion
HALCON now offers a new method that fuses multiple 3D point clouds into one watertight surface. This new method is able to combine data from different or even various 3D sensors, like a stereo camera, time of flight camera, or fringe projection. The data from these sensors get fused into one highly optimized 3D point cloud. This technology is especially useful for reverse engineering.
3D Improvements
HALCON now offers optimized functions for surface-based 3D matching: These can be used to determine the position of objects in 3D space more reliably, making development of 3D applications easier. In addition, HALCON now also includes a new helper procedure that allows developers to quickly inspect and debug parameters and results of a surface-based matching application.
Support for Hypercentric Lenses
A new camera model within HALCON now allows the corrections of distortions in images that were recorded with hypercentric (also known as pericentric) camera lenses. These lenses can depict several sides of an object simultaneously, thus enabling a 360-degree view of the test object. With this technology, users only need a single camera system to inspect, for example, cylindrical objects.
Deflectometry
HALCON 18.11 includes a new method for inspecting specular and partially specular reflecting surfaces to detect defects like dents or scratches which can hardly be identified using conventional surface inspection techniques. Deflectometry uses specular reflections by observing mirror images of known patterns and their deformations on the surface.
Support for 64-bit Arm-based platforms
HALCON now also supports 64-bit Arm®-based platforms out of the box. The Linux installer, which can be downloaded from the MVTec website, has been extended by the option to additionally install the components necessary for 64-bit Arm-based platforms.
GigEVision2
HALCON now provides the new GigEVision2 interface which supports devices complying with the GigE Vision 2.x standard and replaces the old GigEVision interface. In particular, this new interface supports the transmission of chunk data and additional payload types including the multipart payload. In combination with a 3D sensor that supports the multipart payload type the GigEVision2 interface is now able to directly create an ObjectModel3D when using grab_data or grab_data_async.
Enhanced field bus communication
HALCON 18.11 introduces the Hilscher-cifX interface. This allows HALCON to communicate with almost all industrial field bus protocols via Hilscher PC cards. Among others, CC-Link, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, and PROFINET are supported.