IDS NXT ocean: Create an intelligent industrial camera without prior knowledge
Where rule-based machine vision has not been attempted or has reached its limits, there is a high potential for deep learning algorithms to support employees and drive forward automation. AI solutions usually require specialist knowledge, development effort, and investment in computing and data storage hardware. With the rise of cloud-based computing and dedicated training services, however, deep learning becomes more and more accessible. Lowering this threshold is the main focus of the new all-in-one AI vision system IDS NXT ocean. It requires neither special knowledge in deep learning nor camera programming in order to create and execute individual neural networks. Users only need to provide sample images and knowledge on how to evaluate them (e.g. “good” / “bad”). This makes the start into AI-based image processing particularly quick, easy and user-friendly. The concept is based on three essential components: An easy to use training software for neural networks and an intelligent camera platform including an AI accelerator that executes the neural networks.
Train neural networks without prior knowledge
With the help of the IDS NXT lighthouse cloud software, even non-experts without prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or camera programming can train an AI classifier with their own image data. Since it is a web application, all functions and the necessary infrastructure for creating the neural network are immediately available. This means that users do not have to set up their own development environment first, but can start training their own neural network right away. This involves three basic steps: To upload sample images, to label the images and then to start the fully automatic training. With a few configuration settings, the user specifies the speed and accuracy requirements for his application in simple dialogs. IDS NXT lighthouse then selects the network and sets up the necessary training parameters completely independently. The generated network can then be executed directly on the IDS NXT industrial cameras, turning them into powerful inference cameras.
Inference cameras for industrial use
An inference camera can apply the “knowledge” acquired through deep learning to new data. This makes it possible to automatically solve tasks that would either not be possible with rule-based image processing, or would require great effort. Since IDS NXT industrial cameras have a special AI core, neural networks are hardware-accelerated and run directly on the devices – enabling inference times of just a few milliseconds. With features such as C-mount, robust housing, GigE network connection with RJ45 or M12 connectors, RS232 interface and REST web interface, they are also fully-fledged industrial cameras. The IDS NXT rio and rome models are now available as serial cameras with different sensors and protection classes.
Get started with the Design-In Kit
IDS also offers an IDS NXT ocean design-in kit which is particularly useful for anyone who wants to test the potential of AI for individual vision tasks. It provides all the components a user needs to create, train and run a neural network in his productive environment. In addition to an IDS NXT industrial camera with 1.6 MP Sony sensor, lens and cable, the package includes six months of access to the AI training software. The use of deep learning-based image processing for individual applications can thus be realized in a short time.
IDS NXT ocean: User-friendly all-in-one AI vision system for industrial use
IDS NXT ocean Design-In Kit
IDS NXT industrial camera with powerful AI core
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