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What is the Difference Between Vision Software VDM, VBAI, and VAS?

Primary Software: LabWindows/CVI Add-ons>>Vision Development Module
Primary Software Version: 7.1
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Vision Builder for Automated Inspection

Problem:
I am interested in the capabilities of NI Vision software, but I am unclear on which product I should use. What are the differences between the following pieces of software?
  1. Vision Development Module (VDM)
  2. Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (VBAI)
  3. Vision Acquisition Software (VAS)


Solution:
  1. The Vision Development Module (VDM) provides machine vision & image processing functions for LabVIEW, C/C++, Visual Basic, and .NET. In general, VDM functions are to be used for post processing images. Some example functions are: pattern matching, particle analysis, edge detection, thresholding, histograms, and optical character recognition. In addition, VDM includes Vision Assistant, a prototyping and code generation tool similar to VBAI in its menu-driven interface. Vision Assistant is a useful tool for developing and testing a series of image processing steps from which code can then be generated. VDM is supported on Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time. This means you can use VDM on remote targets such as the CVS (Compact Vision System) and the Smart Camera provided you are also using the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.

  2. Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (VBAI) is a stand-alone, configurable machine vision development environment that requires no programming. VBAI includes over 100 of the most commonly used VDM tools including: pattern matching, optical character recognition, and particle analysis. VBAI can run programs (called inspections) on remote targets, and also has the ability to configure those remote targets.

  3. Vision Acquisition Software (VAS) a set of drivers and utilities with functions to acquire, display, and save images from any NI frame grabber, GigE Vision camera, or IEEE 1394 (Firewire) camera. VAS is included in both VDM and VBAI and is a bundle of three drivers:
      • NI-IMAQ - acquisition from National Instruments frame grabbers, as well as general display, file saving and acquisition functions
      • NI-IMAQdx - acquisition from GigE Vision and IEEE-1394 cameras
      • NI-IMAQ I/O - configuration of FPGA included in the PCI-8254R, PCI-8255R, Compact Vision System

You can preform basic image acquisition, display, and save applications with just the drivers included in the VAS, but for any processing or manipulation you will need either VBAI or VDM in addition to VAS.

Visit Products & Services: Vision Software from the related links section below for more information and a side by side comparison of features.

Related Links:
Products & Services: Machine Vision
Products & Services: Vision Software
Products & Services: Vision Development Module
Products & Services: Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
Drivers & Updates: Vision Acquisition Software 8.6

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Report Date: 04/06/2007
Last Updated: 08/25/2009
Document ID: 485EP5L6

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