Cognex introduces new surface inspection software

NATICK, MA, USA, 22 June, 2010, Cognex Corporation(NASDAQ: CGNX) today launched VisionPro® Surface, a vision software package for inspecting the surface of materials. VisionPro Surface combines a revolutionary new visual defect detection and classification technology with a simple user interface to enable accurate defect detection, classification, and surface texture assessment during the manufacturing process.

“VisionPro Surface makes the cost savings and quality improvements of automatic surface inspection available to production lines where more complex surface inspection solutions are not practical or economically viable,” said Dr. Markku Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Vision Software. “Manufacturers in industries such as solar energy, architectural glass, high-end plastics, material coating and other converting industries can achieve a quick return on investment by monitoring process efficiency, and identifying and eliminating defective material before it is shipped to customers.”

Unlike traditional surface inspection technologies that use signal processing to detect defects, VisionPro Surface works by monitoring the visual appearance of the material. Using statistical analysis, VisionPro Surface automatically identifies potential defects in the material’s surface, and classifies the defects into groups based on similarity in contrast, texture and/or geometry. During the training phase the user simply adjusts the system’s sensitivity for defect detection, and assigns names or values for defects to distinguish between different types. During production the system automatically classifies each defect according to the categories defined by the user.

VisionPro Surface comes with:

• Easy-to-use, self learning inspection software
• Point-and-click application configuration
• Visual self-learning defect classification tools
• Automatic web-based reporting tools that enable users to map, list, and view defects with just the push of a button.

Hardware components such as camera, I/O, lights and cabling can be purchased separately from Cognex, or from third party vendors.

VisionPro Surface is available now. More information about VisionPro Surface is available at www.cognex.com/vprosurface.

About Cognex
Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets machine vision sensors and systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision sensors and systems are used in factories around the world where they guide, inspect, gauge, identify and assure the quality of a wide range of items during the manufacturing process. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 500,000 machine vision systems, representing over $2.5 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, USA, Cognex has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia and Latin America. For details, visit Cognex on-line at http://www.cognex.com.