X Marks the Spot: Matrox Imaging Announces Major Software Update with Deep Learning, 3D Sensor Interfacing

Matrox Design Assistant X features CNN-based image classification, photometric stereo tool, support for 3D sensors, and multiple run-times

MONTREAL, Quebec — Today, Matrox® Imaging proudly announces Matrox Design Assistant X, the latest edition of its renowned flowchart-based vision application software. This integrated development environment (IDE) lets developers build intuitive flowcharts instead of writing traditional program code, and also enables the development of a graphical web-based operator interface for modifying the vision application.

This update integrates a host of new features and functionality, including image classification using deep learning, a photometric stereo tool that highlight surface imperfections, and the ability to interface directly with third-party 3D sensors.

To see these latest tools in action, visit Matrox Imaging at Vision 2018 in Stuttgart (booth 1E17; November 6-8, 2018).

Deep learning for image classification
The classification tool leverages deep learning—specifically, convolutional neural network (CNN) technology—to categorize images of highly textured, naturally varying, and acceptably deformed goods. All inference is performed on a mainstream CPU, eliminating the dependence on third-party neural network libraries and the need for specialized GPU hardware. Matrox Imaging handles the intricate design and training of the neural network, utilizing the deep technical experience, knowledge, and skill of its machine learning and machine vision experts.

Photometric stereo for emphasizing surface irregularities
A new registration tool features photometric stereo technology, which creates a composite image from a series of images taken with light coming in from different directions. Creation of these images utilizes directional illumination light controllers, such as the Light Sequence Switch (LSS) from CCS, LED Light Manager (LLM) from Smart Vision Lights, or others similar. This composite image emphasizes surface irregularities, such as embossed or engraved features, scratches, or indentations.

Third-party 3D sensor interfacing
Matrox Design Assistant X makes it possible to capture and process depth-map data by interfacing with third-party 3D sensors. Initially, the software will support LMI Gocator® line profilers and snapshot sensors and Photoneo® PhoXi® scanners, with other scanner options to be added in the future.

Other updates and additions include multiple run-times for running multiple independent projects simultaneously on the same platform; dedicated shape-finding tools for locating circles, ellipses, rectangles, and line segments; and addition of a code-grading step.

Field-proven Matrox Design Assistant X software is a perfect match for the Matrox 4Sight EV6 vision controller or the Matrox Iris GTR smart camera.

"This new version delivers on the three cornerstones of our development methodology," said Fabio Perelli, product manager, Matrox Imaging. "These are to extend Matrox Design Assistant’s capabilities while incorporating recent evolutions to the underlying vision library and also striving to simplify the overall user experience."

Availability
Matrox Design Assistant X will be officially released in Q2 2019.

About Matrox Imaging
Matrox Imaging is an established and trusted supplier to top OEMs and integrators involved in machine vision, image analysis, and medical imaging industries. The components consist of smart cameras, vision controllers, I/O cards, and frame grabbers, all designed to provide optimum price-performance within a common software environment. For more information, visit www.matrox.com/imaging.