Be creative, break the rules – AI-based imaging without prior knowledge

The application possibilities based on intelligent cameras are almost limitless. They support everything from laboratory analysis, automation and logistics to the visual monitoring of products and the processing of goods. Since traditional vision solutions work with a fixed set of rules, organic or rapidly changing objects are a huge challenge for them. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, can handle such situations with ease. It is therefore a popular choice when it comes to identifying objects or defects as well as quality control. However, the hurdle for the implementation of an AI-based image processing solution is still usually quite high. IDS shows that there is another way: The all-in-one AI system IDS NXT comes with all required tools and workflows, which means that users can set up their intelligent vision solution without any 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 a neural network 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. Users do not have to set up their own development environment, 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. The generated network can then be executed directly on the IDS NXT industrial cameras, turning them into powerful inference cameras. But there is also another way: customers can also upload their own neural networks, previously trained with TensorFlow Backend, to the open platform. IDS provides special tools for the conversion into the correct format. In both cases, the neural network then runs on the industrial cameras and enables them to provide the desired information or pass on commands to machines, e.g. via REST or OPC UA.

Get started: With the IDS NXT ocean Creative Kit

Anyone wishing to test the potential of AI for their applications should take a closer look at the IDS NXT ocean Creative Kit. It provides all 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. For more information, please visit our website.