Software solutions for machine vision and AOI
OCvis, CV-Inspect and OCTUMISEr – matched to the inspection task, camera concept and production environment
Reliable machine vision requires more than high-performance cameras and suitable lighting. Software connects image acquisition, evaluation, operation, data processing and communication with the production equipment into a complete inspection system.
OCTUM develops its own software solutions for different machine and application concepts:
- OCvis as a browser-based platform for rule-based machine vision and deep learning
- CV-Inspect as system software for PC-based multi-camera inspection systems
- OCTUMISEr as centralized operating and management software for Cognex In-Sight sensors
The right software depends on more than the inspection task. The number of cameras, system architecture, cycle time, user management concept, existing hardware and regulatory requirements also matter.
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All three OCTUM software solutions support reliable optical quality control in industrial production. They differ significantly in architecture, application and technical focus.
OCvis – a platform for rule-based machine vision and deep learning
OCvis is OCTUM’s current software platform for machine vision and automated optical inspection.
The software combines rule-based image processing and deep learning within a single inspection workflow. Inspection programs are built graphically from more than 70 modules. A client-server architecture separates processing from operation, while visualization is browser-based.
OCvis is particularly suitable for new, flexible vision systems where different inspection methods, a choice of GenICam cameras, multi-user operation and future expansion are priorities.
Typical applications:
- Surface and anomaly inspection using deep learning
- Assembly and completeness inspection
- Geometric measurement
- OCR, OCV and code inspection
- Combined rule-based and AI-assisted inspection
- Browser-based access for multiple users
- New systems and future-oriented retrofit projects
- Applications requiring customized dashboards and extensive data integration
CV-Inspect – configurable software for complex multi-camera systems
CV-Inspect is OCTUM’s established modular system software for PC-based vision systems.
The software is built from reusable modules, control elements and inspection sequences. It supports up to ten fixed or robot-guided cameras, which can operate synchronously or asynchronously.
CV-Inspect is particularly suitable for demanding inspection stations that use a proven, configurable system architecture for complex geometry, assembly, surface or marking inspections. Its functions are based in part on Cognex VisionPro and OCTUM algorithms.
Typical applications:
- PC-based multi-camera inspection systems
- Robot-guided machine vision
- Geometric measurement with metric calibration
- Multi-stage position correction
- Assembly and completeness inspection
- Surface and contour inspection
- Storage and simulation using OK and NOK images
OCTUMISEr – centralized management of Cognex In-Sight sensors
OCTUMISEr is not conventional PC-based vision software. The inspections themselves run locally on the connected Cognex In-Sight smart sensors.
OCTUMISEr brings together up to 99 networked In-Sight sensors in a centralized operating and management interface. The software handles visualization, user management, image storage, job management, backup and integration with the production equipment.
OCTUMISEr is particularly suitable when several existing or planned Cognex In-Sight sensors in a machine or production line need to be operated and managed consistently.
Typical applications:
- Systems with multiple Cognex In-Sight sensors
- Centralized visualization of numerous inspection stations
- Consistent user and access rights management
- Centralized storage of NOK images
- Management and backup of In-Sight jobs
- Backup and restore for camera systems
- Adding a centralized operating interface to an existing system
Which software is suitable for which application?
| Requirement | OCvis | CV-Inspect | OCTUMISEr |
| Operation | Browser-based application | WinForms application | WinForms application with touch support |
| Inspection workflow concept | Graphical | Sequential | Spreadsheet-based |
| Vision library | Halcon | Cognex VisionPro | Cognex In-Sight Explorer & In-Sight Vision Suite |
| Deep Learning | Yes | No | Yes |
| GenICam standard | Yes | Yes | No; proprietary Cognex In-Sight standards |
| 3D-Sensors | Yes | No | Yes |
| Robot control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sequence control | Synchronous and asynchronous | Synchronous and asynchronous | Synchronous and asynchronous |
| Measurement data storage | PostgreSQL, CSV | PostgreSQL, CSV | No storage |
| User operation | Multiple users | Single user | Single user |
| Operator display | Configurable dashboards | Freely configurable station visualization | Centralized overview of Cognex In-Sight sensors |
| Audit Trail | Yes, optional | Yes, optional | Yes, optional |
| Operating System | Windows or Linux | Windows | Windows |
| Password management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Languages | German, English, and selectable local language | German, English, and selectable local language | German, English, and selectable local language |
| Particularly suitable for | Innovative solutions combining rule-based and AI-assisted algorithms | Complex PC-based multi-camera systems using Cognex software | Centralized management of many Cognex In-Sight sensors |
The final choice is always project-specific. Camera resolution, image data volume, inspection algorithms, cycle time and communication requirements affect the necessary hardware and software architecture.
You are planning a new inspection system that can be expanded flexibly
OCvis is particularly suitable for building a modern, open platform that combines rule-based machine vision, deep learning, browser-based operation and different cameras and libraries.
Typical selection criteria:
- Developing a new vision system
- Using deep learning
- Freedom to choose cameras from different manufacturers
- Browser-based operation
- Simultaneous access for different users
- Customized dashboards
- Future functional extensions
You need a complex PC-based multi-camera inspection system
CV-Inspect is suitable for applications with several fixed or robot-guided cameras, extensive geometric inspections and customized inspection sequences.
Typical selection criteria:
- Up to ten cameras
- Synchronous or asynchronous inspection sequences
- Robot-guided inspection
- Metric measurement
- Multi-stage position correction
- Combining numerous individual inspections
- Extending existing CV-Inspect systems
You use Cognex In-Sight smart sensors
OCTUMISEr is suitable when image processing already runs on individual In-Sight cameras and a centralized platform is needed for operation, data and management.
Typical selection criteria:
- Multiple Cognex In-Sight sensors
- Centralized display of all sensor images
- Consistent user management
- Centralized image and job backups
- Quick analysis of the most recent NOK images
- Backup and restore concept for sensors
- Centralized editing of sensor jobs
- Up to 99 sensors in one system
You want to modernize an existing system
The right solution depends on the existing architecture:
- Existing In-Sight sensors can be brought together centrally with OCTUMISEr.
- Existing complex PC applications based on CV-Inspect can be expanded or modernized using CV-Inspect.
- OCvis may be the right platform for a new, open system architecture with deep learning and browser-based operation.
Before making a recommendation, OCTUM assesses the existing cameras, computer hardware, operating systems, inspection programs, interfaces and regulatory requirements.
Shared application areas
Depending on the system architecture and cameras used, the three software solutions can cover various industrial inspection tasks.
In pharmaceutical and medical device production, inspection results, user actions and relevant changes must be documented in a traceable manner. Depending on the version and project, all three OCTUM software solutions can be configured for regulated production environments:
- OCvis supports an audit trail, user and group management, and role-based access rights, among other functions.
- CV-Inspect is optionally available with functions supporting 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and domain integration.
- OCTUMISEr CFR offers an audit trail, role-based user management, centralized archiving and job versioning.
The specific regulatory configuration depends on the inspection task, user requirements specification, system configuration and the customer’s validation concept.
We support the project from the initial feasibility assessment through long-term operation:
- Analysis of the inspection task
- Selection of the appropriate software platform
- Feasibility study and sample inspection
- Camera, optics and lighting design
- Development and configuration of inspection programs
- Machine and interface integration
- Commissioning and training
- Support, expansion and modernization
The software is therefore selected as part of a complete, reliable inspection system for production.
When is CV-Inspect the right choice?
CV-Inspect is particularly suitable for complex PC-based inspection stations with several fixed or robot-guided cameras, geometric measurements and customized inspection sequences. Where Cognex vision libraries are central to the application, CV-Inspect provides the corresponding tools through Cognex VisionPro.
Are the software solutions suitable for pharmaceuticals and medical devices?
Yes. Functions or variants for regulated production environments are available for all three software products. The specific implementation under EU GMP, GAMP 5 or 21 CFR Part 11 is determined by the project and the customer’s validation requirements.
The inspection task determines the software
Not every application needs deep learning. Not every multi-camera system requires the same architecture. And not every existing smart camera needs to be replaced with a PC-based system.
Together, we assess which OCTUM software solution fits your product, production equipment and quality requirements.
