FAQ - Delivery, Development, Support
 | What happens when I switch on my computer for the first time? |
Usually, a program is started automatically by the computer - as an example. This program supports the grabbing of images and is connected to all interfaces. If this program does not start automatically, a more general program called "GENERAL" is started by the computer. This gives you an overview of the Flash EPROM files and the compact flash card. It also switches on cameras, displays temperature and sets the time. The program "GENERAL" is delivered in the source code and can be modified for own applications.
| How does a Ethernet communication proceed? |
The same way other computers communicate via Ethernet. A socket connection is activated per TCP/IP and data can be transmitted. A few orders are enough. From the outside, the user can access the compact flash card per FTP - e.g. for copying data. With JAVA Applet it is possible to run the program per Ethernet instead of monitor/keyboard. For you, we tested and found out the following: Whether C++, Excel, LabView - per TCP/IP, data can be exchanged with almost every program.
| Do I need a PC for display and appliance? |
No. The VisionBox works stand-alone. Applications are handled per keyboard and graphics are shown on the monitor. Since operating per touch monitor becomes more common, we offer adequate driver or the VisionBox Touch. A PC that handles applications per Ethernet is recommended, if applications of databases are run with that PC. For many applications of machine vision a stand-alone vision is totaly sufficient.
| How long does it take to become aquainted with the VisionBox? |
A software engineer who has knowledge of C++ and image processing is able to start after a few hours. The application development system is up to date and easy to handle. A provided sample project permits to start with main tasks right away. In addition, there are workshops and workshop slides for a quick overview.
| How is the support organized? |
Direct, quick and competent: You will recieve an answer from one of our engineers. Per email, telephone or online.
| Am I bound to a certain producer? |
You are not bound to a certain type of computer, as long as it works with C++. There is a range of DSP based hardware solutions - a bonding will certainly happen. Usually, this also applies to illumination, optics and cameras. Many special features of a camera are used for applications - like quality of color, dynamics or some kind of preprocessing done by the camera. Also, a bonding to a producer happens because of choosing an image processing library. The VisionBox as a product is available since 1998. Our company deals with image processing since 1994. Innovative solutions in the field of vision - from optics to applications - use the know-how of component suppliers. Why should this not be valid for computers? Our customers deliver long-lasting machines and rely on the quality of our VisionBox. It is our goal to establish a positive customer-supplier relationship, as a benefit for both.
| What happens in the field of multi-computer technology? |
Since 2007 VisionBox Quad was presented. Four autaic image processing computers are places in a box. These have a performance of 32.000 MIPS. Texas Instruments work on a multi-core processor for image processing - future products will use this technology. The investment in the development of software is secure. Already today, VisionCam CH as an intelligent high speed color line scan camera impresses with form and energy consumption. Future multi-computer technology is going to decrease in size - the DSP will remain the choice for embedded vision systems. (c) 2009
