Best upgrade path for multi-image inspection with Vision Builder for Automated Inspection 2.5

[Rich Puhek]

I'm looking for information on my best upgrade path to performing an advanced image acquisition.

Currently my situation is:

* Running VBAI 2.5
* Taking a single image of an LCD (external trigger, IEEE 1394 to Basler 601 camera)
* Inspecting the LCD to determine that all the elements are at the proper intensity.
* Read a Code 39 barcode to find the serial number of the unit under test.

I need to modify the program to:

* Use an external trigger to start the inspection (ideally with a USB-6008, currently a no go with VBAI due to not being able to assign global channels to the 6008, thanks NI)
* Use a software trigger to acquire the first image (fairly easy to do in all methods).
* After performing the same inspection as before, delay a set interval (~ 2 sec) for the LCD to change state, then obtain another image from the camera.
* Process the second image for a similar pattern as the first one.

I'm trying to determine the most economical way to do this upgrade, based on the fact that I already have VBAI 2.5, VB6, VB.NET, as well as Labview 7.1 and Labview 8.0 available. I'd tend to prefer to code in VB6, since that's been an in house standard, plus that will work the best with some misc. external data logging I may need to do.

I don't believe that we have a license for the Vision Development Module (AKA "how many ways can we use 'IMAQ' in a product name before everyone gets really confused").

At the moment, I can obtain an image, and even do the required intensity inspections, all within VB6. I thought I was home free, but I cannot modify the overlay (to highlight the areas I'm inspecting) and I cannot read the barcode on the part.

Any thoughts from those more familiar with the product line?

Thanks,

--Rich

[Brooks W.]

Hi Rich,
If I understand your post correctly you should be able to do everything with VBAI 2.5 and the USB 6008.  You need to upgrade your daq driver to 8.0 for the 6008 to work with global channels.  Here is the link to download the new driver:

http://digital.ni.com/softlib.nsf/websearch/4C9E45F6EE5C29F98625708900712CBC?opendocument&node=132070_US

You will not be able to do everything in VB if you don't have the Vision Development module.  But, VBAI 2.5 will allow you to do everything.


If you have further questions about any of the modification bullets you mentioned, please post back.

Best Regards,
Brooks W.
National Instruments

[Rich Puhek]

Thanks for the tip on the 6008.

Next question/clarification: It appears that VBAI (at least version 2.5, 2.6 may be different) cannot do multiple acquisitions with the same IEEE-1394 camera. If I try to add a second step, my camera is grayed out. The VBAI online help indicates that you can only do one acquisition in an inspection as well. But... I do recall seeing a post on the boards indicating that multiple acquisitions are possible with one IEEE1394 camera.

Thanks for the help!

--Rich

[ryanm]

Hi Rich,

VBAI 2.6 will allow you to acquire multiple images within a VBAI script.  Unfortunately this is not possible in VBAI 2.5.  Please let me know if I can futher assist you with this issue.

Regards,

Ryan M.

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[Rich Puhek]

Ryan,

Looks like 2.6.1 will do what I need. Thanks for the tip.

--Rich