• Object detection as a new deep learning feature in MERLIC 5.3 • Expansion of easy-to-use functionalities • Available from April 20, 2023

Munich, March 30, 2023 - With MVTec MERLIC, a software for machine vision, it is possible to both develop and solve complete machine vision applications even without any programming knowledge. On April 20, 2023, MVTec Software GmbH (www.mvtec.com), a leading international software manufacturer for machine vision, will launch the latest version 5.3 of its easy-to-use machine vision software MERLIC. For one thing, customers can look forward to a new deep learning feature. Secondly, user-friendliness has been further enhanced. These improvements are in line with the company's goal of offering powerful machine vision software for beginners as well.

Making the latest technologies easy to use in practice
"Since version 5.0, we have established a regular release cycle at MERLIC. This means that our customers can use a new MERLIC version with the latest machine vision technologies every six months. We make sure that all features are easy-to-use. This means that even complex machine vision applications can be implemented with our software without any programming knowledge," explains Dr. Maximilian Lückenhaus, Director Marketing + Business Development at MVTec Software GmbH. The new version of MERLIC includes the deep learning feature object detection. It enables the finding and identification of objects. The new tool complements the deep learning technologies already integrated in MERLIC, namely anomaly detection and classification, Deep OCR and Global Context Anomaly Detection.

New tool for deep-learning-based object detection
The deep learning technology for object detection is now also available in MERLIC. The "Find Object" tool locates trained object classes and identifies them with a surrounding rectangle (bounding box). Touching or partially overlapping objects are also separated, which allows counting of objects. Labeling and training are possible without programming knowledge using the free MVTec Deep Learning Tool. The trained network can then be loaded into MERLIC and used with a single click.

Plug-in for Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC PLCs
With MERLIC 5.3 it is possible to communicate directly with the widespread Mitsubishi Electric PLC via the MC/SLMP protocol. This is made possible by a newly developed plug-in included in MERLIC. This plug-in supports the Mitsubishi Electric iQR, iQF, L- and Q-series. MERLIC thus offers significant added value for customers working with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs.

Training functionalities in the MERLIC Frontend
With the new version 5.3 it is now possible to use training functionalities in the MERLIC Frontend even during runtime. For example, new matching models or code reading parameters can be trained. This means that the end customer can also perform training for other products directly on the production line in the MERLIC Frontend. This significantly increases flexibility and application possibilities.

Tool grouping for clearer workflows
MERLIC helps solve complex machine vision applications, even without programming knowledge. The visual Tool Flow supports this. To maintain an overview even with complex applications, it is now possible to group several tools into a virtual tool inside the Tool Flow.

Concise startup dialog for easy access to functions and machine vision applications
Usability is one of MERLIC's unique selling points. To further strengthen this ease-of-use approach, a start dialog with thumbnails was integrated into the MERLIC Creator. This allows users to get an overview of their most recently opened MVApps. All standard examples are clearly displayed. Especially for new users, these offer an orientation to reliably create their own applications. In addition, helpful introductory material as well as the documentation can be easily accessed via quick links.

About MVTec Software GmbH
MVTec is a leading manufacturer of standard software for machine vision. MVTec products are used in all demanding areas of imaging: semiconductor industry, surface inspection, automatic optical inspection systems, quality control, metrology, as well as medicine and surveillance. By providing modern technologies such as 3D vision, deep learning, and embedded vision, software by MVTec also enables new automation solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things aka Industry 4.0. With locations in Germany, the USA, and China, as well as an established network of international distributors, MVTec is represented in more than 35 countries worldwide. www.mvtec.com

About MVTec MERLIC
MVTec MERLIC is an all-in-one software product for quickly building machine vision applications without any need for programming. It is based on MVTec's extensive machine vision expertise and combines reliable, fast performance with ease of use. An image-centered user interface and intuitive interaction concepts like easyTouch provide an efficient workflow, which leads to time and cost savings. MERLIC provides powerful tools to design and build complete machine vision applications with a graphical user interface, integrated PLC communication, and image acquisition based on industry standards. All standard machine vision tools such as calibration, measuring, counting, checking, reading, position determination, as well as 3D vision with height images are included in MVTec MERLIC. Furthermore, the software is able to execute tools in parallel, increasing overall efficiency and improving the implementation of multi-camera-setups. MERLIC's features are all based on the latest state-of-the-art machine vision technologies, such as matching or deep learning. The software is available for Windows-based PC and embedded platforms, making it ideally suited for use in smart cameras. www.merlic.com