Introducing HALCON 22.11 Steady – This release will further improve machine vision processes with a number of new and revised features.
HALCON 22.11 latest version will be available in both the Steady and Progress editions of HALCON, which means Steady edition users will now have access to all the features released in the past three Progress versions:
NEW 22.11 HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
3D GRIPPING POINT DETECTION
HALCON 22.11 combines 3D vision and deep learning for the first time. The 3D Gripping Point Detection can be used to robustly detect surfaces on any object that is suitable for gripping with suction. In contrast to classic bin-picking applications, the 3D Gripping Point Detection is a CAD-less approach, hence no prior knowledge of the respective objects is required. This increased flexibility opens up completely new application fields, such as those in the logistics industry or warehouses.
NEW DATA TYPE “MEMORY BLOCK”
As of HALCON 22.11, users can store and transfer binary data (e.g., images) in HALCON as well as further process it with other applications. This increases the software’s compatibility with machine communication protocols, such as OPC UA or image acquisition interfaces.
PROTECTION OF TRAINED DEEP LEARNING MODELS
For machine vision applications, the protection of intellectual property is getting more and more important. This is particularly relevant in the field of deep learning. The special aspect regarding this technology is that compared to traditional methods, the quality depends not only on the algorithm itself but also significantly on the quality of the training data. A large part of the effort of deep learning applications is in collecting the data and training the models. Therefore, HALCON 22.11 includes a new encryption mechanism for HALCON data types. One major use case is the encryption of deep learning models. This allows customers to protect their investment and know-how. Thanks to this, it is ensured that only authorized users can use and view their deep learning model.
BETTER TRACEABILITY OF DEEP LEARNING DECISIONS
A heatmap gives an indication of which areas of an image were decisive for the result of the deep learning model’s classification. This can shed more light into the black box of deep learning, thereby increasing the traceability of corresponding processes. Guided Grad-CAM is a new method that now provides even more precise clues as to which regions of the image are relevant for the decision made by the deep learning network. For example, misclassifications can be investigated more precisely in a post-processing step.
NETWORK LICENSES
With HALCON 22.11, MVTec expands the licensing possibilities by adding the option to license HALCON via a network. A license server allows the use of floating licenses. Here, developers share a predefined number of licenses using a network connection. Customers benefit from cost savings due to multi-usage and greater flexibility in user allocation, developers enjoy greater independence and flexibility regarding their work location.
Especially for distributed or remotely working development teams, this is the perfect way to effectively make use of HALCON’s powerful machine vision algorithms. Besides this, the new mechanism enables users to work in virtualized environments without permanent physical host ID.
HALCON Progress Vs HALCON Steady – What’s the difference?
The HALCON Progress Edition:
Nothing else presents “the power of machine vision” more than our Progress Edition. Thanks to its six-month release cycle, it always offers state-of-the-art-features. HALCON Progress is provided on an annual subscription that automatically renews.
The HALCON Steady Edition:
HALCON Steady offers high compatibility, long-term support and is available as one-off purchase. It receives maintenance updates related to bug fixes. The perfect edition for all those customers whose business model does not require shorter release cycles. Every two years there is a new version.
