Iris GTR with Design Assistant | Smart Camera with IDE

Matrox Iris GTR with Design Assistant X PNG (1.04 MB)

Compact, capable smart cameras with an intuitive, versatile, and extendable IDE for machine vision applications

Matrox® Iris GTR is a line of compact, capable smart cameras paired with Matrox Design Assistant® X, an intuitive, versatile, and extendable integrated development environment (IDE)¹. Manufacturing engineers and technicians can easily and quickly configure and deploy machine vision applications on a highly integrated platform without the need for conventional programming. Video capture, analysis, location, measurement, reading, verification, communication, and I/O operations—as well as a web-based operator interface—are all set up within the single IDE.

Free trial

Buy

Datasheet

Product Tabs

Overview

Matrox Iris GTR at a glance

Install comfortably in confined and dirty industrial environments by way of a compact IP67-rated design
Run typical vision jobs efficiently using an Intel® dual-core embedded processor
Capture images at high speed through a choice of CMOS sensors
Simplify vision setup and upkeep via integrated lens focusing and illumination intensity control
Interact with vision and automation devices by way of real-time digital I/Os
Synchronize to the manufacturing line through the support for incremental rotary encoders
Communicate with automation controllers and enterprise networks via a Gigabit Ethernet interface
Take on Human-Machine Interface (HMI) function by way of VGA and USB connectivity
Configure with ease for vision inspection and guidance using Matrox Design Assistant X flowchart-based vision software

Application development and deployment

Matrox Design Assistant X

Matrox Design Assistant X¹ is an IDE for Microsoft® Windows® where vision applications are created by constructing an intuitive flowchart instead of writing traditional program code. In addition to building a flowchart, the IDE enables users to design a graphical web-based operator interface for the application.

Matrox Design Assistant X can operate independent of hardware, allowing users to choose any computer with CoaXPress®, GigE Vision®, or USB3 Vision® cameras and get the processing power needed. Image capture from CoaXPress cameras requires the use of a Matrox Rapixo CXP frame grabber. This field-proven software is also a perfect match for a Matrox Imaging vision controller or smart camera. Matrox Design Assistant X offers the freedom to choose the ideal platform for any vision project.

Matrox Design Assistant X at a glance

Solve machine vision applications efficiently by constructing flowcharts instead of writing program code
Choose the best platform for the job within a hardware-independent environment that supports Matrox Imaging smart cameras and vision controllers and third-party PCs with CoaXPress, GigE Vision, or USB3 Vision cameras
Tackle machine vision applications with utmost confidence using field-proven tools for analyzing, locating, measuring, reading, and verifying
Use a single program for creating both the application logic and operator interface
Rely on a common underlying vision library for the same results with a Matrox Imaging smart camera, vision system, or third-party computer
Maximize productivity with instant feedback on image analysis and processing operations
Receive immediate, pertinent assistance through an integrated contextual guide
Communicate actions and results to other automation and enterprise equipment via discrete Matrox I/Os, RS-232, and Ethernet (TCP/IP, CC-Link IE Field Basic, EtherNet/IP™², Modbus®, and PROFINET®, and native robot interfaces)
Test communication with a programmable logic controller (PLC) using the built-in PLC interface emulator
Maintain control and independence through the ability to create custom flowchart steps
Increase productivity and reduce development costs with Matrox Vision Academy online and on-premises training
Protect against inappropriate changes with the Project Change Validator tool

Application design

Flowchart and operator interface design are done within the Matrox Design Assistant X IDE hosted on a computer running 64-bit Windows. A flowchart is put together using a step-by-step approach, where each step is taken from an existing toolbox and is configured interactively. The toolbox includes steps for image analysis and processing, communication, flow-control, and I/O. Outputs from one step—which can be images and/or alphanumeric results—are easily linked to the appropriate inputs of any other step. Decision-making is performed using a conditional step, where the logical expression is described interactively. Results from image analysis and processing steps are immediately displayed to permit the quick tuning of parameters. A contextual guide provides assistance for every step in the flowchart. Flowchart legibility is maintained by grouping steps into sub-flowcharts.

In addition to flowchart design, Matrox Design Assistant X enables the creation of a custom, web-based operator interface to the application through an integrated HTML visual editor. Users alter an existing template using a choice of annotations (graphics and text), inputs (edit boxes, control buttons, and image markers), and outputs (original or derived results, and status indicators). A filmstrip view is also available to keep track of and navigate to previously analyzed images. The operator interface can be further customized using a third-party HTML editor.

Why a flowchart?

The flowchart is a universally accessible, recognized, and understood method of describing the sequence of operations in a process. Manufacturing engineers and technicians in particular have all been exposed to the intuitive, logical, and visual nature of the flowchart.

Create custom flowchart steps

Custom Step SDK

Users have the ability to extend the capabilities of Matrox Design Assistant X by way of the included Custom Step software development kit (SDK). The SDK, in combination with Microsoft Visual Studio® 2017, enables the creation of custom flowchart steps using the C# programming language. These steps can implement proprietary image analysis and processing, as well as proprietary communication protocols. The SDK comes with numerous project samples to accelerate development.

Latest key additions and enhancements

Image classification coarse segmentation that leverages deep learning to detect defects in highly textured materials
CC-Link IE Field Basic communication to connect directly to Mitsubishi Electric® PLCs
PLC interface emulator to test communication with a PLC without needing one

Application deployment

Deployment

Once development is complete, the project—with flowchart and operator interface—is deployed either locally or remotely. Local deployment is to the same computer or Matrox Imaging vision controller as was used for development. Remote deployment is to a different computer, including Matrox Imaging vision controllers, or a Matrox Imaging smart camera.

Project templates for quicker start-up

Project templates

Matrox Design Assistant X includes a series of project templates and video tutorials to help new developers get up and running quickly.

These templates serve as either functional applications or application frameworks intended as a foundation for a target application. Templates also permit dynamic modifications, allowing users to tweak functionality at run-time and immediately see the outcome of any adjustments. The project templates address typical application areas, with examples for:

Barcode and 2D code reading
Measurement
Presence/absence
Recipes
Robot guidance (Pick-and-Place)
Dot-matrix text reading (SureDotOCR®)
Color checking

More information on templates can be found on the Quick Start page of Matrox Design Assistant X software.

Interface

Integrated Development Environment

Customizable developer interface

The Matrox Design Assistant X user interface can be tailored by each developer. The workspace can be rearranged, even across multiple monitors, to suit individual preferences and further enhance productivity.

Operator view

Operator interface viewable anywhere

The web-based operator interface, or Operator View, can be accessed locally or remotely through a HTML-5-capable web browser such as Google Chrome™ and Chromium, Mozilla Firefox®, and Microsoft Internet Explorer® and new Edge. Local viewing is done on the same computer or Matrox Imaging vision controller as was used for development. Local viewing is also available with a Matrox Imaging smart camera through a simple touch screen connected to its video output and USB interface, which eliminates the need for an additional computer. Remote viewing is done from any computer, including dedicated HMI or touch-panel PCs.

A stand-alone HMI application can be created using Microsoft Visual Studio to run on the local or a remote computer as an alternative to the web-based operator interface.

Design a customized Operator View

Resulting Operator View as seen in a web browser

Security features

Access to specific Operator Views can be made to require user authentication (i.e., username and password) so only authorized personnel can modify key parameters of a running project. A project can be locked to a specific Matrox Imaging smart camera or vision controller when deployed, preventing it from running on an unauthorized platform. A project can also be encrypted during deployment to a platform, insuring that the project cannot be read or changed by unauthorized users. Projects locked to a platform are automatically encrypted.

Tools

Field-proven vision tools

Image analysis and processing

Central to Matrox Design Assistant X are flowchart steps for calibrating, enhancing, and transforming images; locating objects; extracting and measuring features; reading character strings; and decoding and verifying identification marks. These steps are designed to provide optimum performance and reliability.

Utilities

Matrox Profiler

Matrox Design Assistant X includes Matrox Profiler, a separate utility to post-analyze the execution of a vision project for performance bottlenecks and timing issues. It presents the flowchart steps executed over time on a navigable timeline. Matrox Profiler permits searching for and selecting specific steps and their execution times for analysis. It computes statistics on execution times and presents these on a per-step basis.

Project Change Validator

Project Change Validator is a utility employing a client-server architecture for ensuring that changes made to a deployed project are not detrimental to the functioning of that project. It provides the ability to record reference images—along with the associated inspection settings and results, for a given project.

This archived reference data is then used to validate changes made to the project. Changes are validated by running the modified project with the reference data and comparing the projects’ operation against this data. Validation is performed by the server—typically running on a separate computer—which is reachable over a network.

The Matrox Design Assistant X portal provides access to the validation data for management as well as the validation results. Validation requests are made on demand from the Matrox Design Assistant X portal, an automation controller, or an HMI panel.

Project Change Validator (view from portal)

Project Change Validator

PLC interface emulation

While developing a project in Matrox Design Assistant X, the PLC interface emulator is to be used to test communication in instances when a physical one is not connected. Values can be changed and viewed dynamically to test the communication between the project and the PLC. The PLC interface emulator supports CC-Link IE Field Basic, EtherNet/IP², MODBUS over TCP/IP, and PROFINET protocols for communication; these can be activated and controlled from the portal pages.

Connectivity

Connect to devices and networks

The Matrox Iris GTR features a 10/100/1,000 Mbit Ethernet interface for connecting over factory-floor and enterprise networks. Communication over these networks is configured through Matrox Design Assistant X; the software can communicate over Ethernet networks using the TCP/IP as well as the CC-Link IE Field Basic, EtherNet/IP², Modbus over TCP/IP, and PROFINET protocols, enabling interaction with programmable logic/automation controllers. Its QuickComm facility provides ready-to-go communication with these controllers.

Direct communication can be established with robot controllers for 2D vision-guided robotic applications. Supported robot-controller makes and models currently include the ABB IRC5; DENSO RC8; Epson RC420+ and RC520+; Fanuc LRMate200iC and LRMate200iD; KUKA KR C2; and Stäubli CS8, CS8C HP, and CS9 controllers. The Matrox Iris GTR can also be configured to directly interact with automation devices through seven industrial digital I/Os (four inputs and three outputs).

Connect to devices and networks using Matrox Iris GTR with Design Assistant

Supported environments

For Windows

64-bit Windows 7 with SP1 and Windows 10 (versions 1607 to 20H2)

Dimensions

Matrox Iris GTR

Matrox Iris GTR dimensions

Training

Training and support

Matrox Vision Academy

Matrox Vision Academy provides all the expertise of live classroom training, with the convenience of on-demand instructional videos outlining how to get the most out of Matrox Design Assistant X vision software. Available to customers with valid Matrox Design Assistant X maintenance subscriptions, as well as those evaluating the software, users can seek out training on specific topics of interest, where and when needed. Regularly scheduled live classroom training is also offered at Matrox Imaging Headquarters.

Matrox Vision Academy aims to help users increase productivity, reduce development costs, and bring applications to market sooner. For more information, contact Matrox Vision Academy.

Matrox Professional Services

Matrox Professional Services delivers deep technical assistance and customized trainings to help customers develop their particular applications. These professional services comprise personalized training; assessing application or project feasibility (e.g., illumination, image acquisition, and vision algorithms); demo and prototype applications and/or projects; troubleshooting, including remote debugging; and video and camera interfacing.

Backed by the Matrox Vision Squad—a team of high-level vision professionals—Matrox Professional Services offer more in-depth support, recommending best methods with the aim of helping customers save valuable development time and deploy solutions more quickly. For more information on pricing and scheduling, contact Matrox Sales.

Matrox Design Assistant X maintenance program

Matrox Design Assistant X users have access to a Maintenance Program, renewable on a yearly basis. This maintenance program entitles registered users to free software updates and entry-level technical support from Matrox Imaging, as well as access to Matrox Vision Academy.

For more information, please refer to the Matrox Imaging Software Maintenance Programs.