One highlight of the new version is the parallel processing and execution of different tools. This simplifies the implementation of multi-camera setups and allows for a more efficient use of the system's computing power.

Munich, January 15, 2019 - MVTec Software GmbH (www.mvtec.com), the leading provider of machine vision software, will issue its new MERLIC 4 software release on February 15. It contains many new and improved features that make the creation of machine vision applications even easier, more efficient, and more user-friendly. The range of functions has also been streamlined with regard to obsolete technologies and thereby optimized for users developing real-world solutions.

One highlight of the new version is the parallel processing and execution of different tools. This simplifies the implementation of multi-camera setups and allows for a more efficient use of the system's computing power. Different machine vision tasks can now be performed in one single instance.
The software also offers 3D vision tools based on height images which, for example, enable users to read embossed text and perform other 3D machine vision tasks. For this, four new tools are included that make it possible to prepare images from 3D sensors or 3D cameras so that inspections can be subsequently carried out using MERLIC's existing 2D tools.

Greatly improved process integration and usability
Moreover, MERLIC 4 provides optimized process integration via Hilscher cifX cards of all current form factors. The software can thus communicate with common fieldbus and real-time Ethernet industrial protocols, such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, and many others, via Hilscher PC cards. This makes it possible to seamlessly integrate machine vision systems running MERLIC with a programmable logic controller (PLC).
Besides, MERLIC now supports "recipes" which allow for the rapid reconfiguration of different machine vision tasks.
Thanks to a completely redesigned tool flow with an even more intuitive user interface, users can easily arrange and handle tools and elements with the aid of parallel strands and buttons. A "branch trigger" also allows branches between the strands (Branch on Condition) to be displayed more transparently.
In addition, MERLIC 4 allows customized translations of standard texts in the frontend for all languages.

Meeting the customer's exact requirements
"In MERLIC 4, we provide many new features that will be extremely beneficial to machine vision users, including parallel tool execution, improved process integration, and 3D vision with height images. In this way, we meet a wide range of specific customer requirements that are in greater demand than ever before, not just today but also in the future," explains Sonja Schick, Product Manager MERLIC at MVTec.

"The user-friendliness and usability of machine vision software remains a significant concern in the industry. This is also due to a shortage of skilled labor and the inherently greater flexibility of processes in the Industrial Internet of Things. And this is exactly what we're aiming for with MERLIC 4," adds Dr. Olaf Munkelt, MVTec Managing Director.


About MVTec
MVTec is a leading manufacturer of standard software for machine vision. MVTec products are used in all demanding areas of imaging: Semi-conductor industry, web inspection, quality control and inspection applications in general, medicine, 3D vision, and surveillance. MVTec, with its head office in Munich (Germany), has more than 30 established distributors worldwide and in addition, MVTec, LLC works out of Boston, MA (USA). www.mvtec.com

About MVTec MERLIC
MVTec MERLIC is the 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