Selecting the right machine vision software is crucial for reliable, scalable machine vision solutions. STEMMER IMAGING offers three core software lines that cover a range of requirements - from maximum flexibility for developers to modular AI libraries and intuitively configurable inspection systems.
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Which machine vision software is right for your application?
Choosing the right machine vision software depends heavily on the requirements of your application - and on how much flexibility, functionality, or ease of use you need. While some projects require a fully programmable development environment, others rely on modular libraries or intuitive no-code tools that are ready to use without any programming.
To help you get started, below is an overview of our three main software lines - Common Vision Blox, Open eVision, and Teledyne DALSA - and their respective strengths. This will help you quickly determine which product family best suits your project before moving on to selecting specific solutions.
Common Vision Blox (CVB)
Common Vision Blox is the most technically flexible and comprehensive development platform in the portfolio. It is designed for users who want to delve deep into their systems and develop their own customized vision applications. The platform includes powerful modules for virtually any vision task: from the CVB Image Manager for handling a wide variety of camera technologies, to the CVB Foundation Package with robust classic algorithms, to specialized components such as CVB Polimago for high-precision pattern recognition, CVB Minos for OCR, or CVB Match3D for demanding 3D pose detection.
CVB is therefore ideal for OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators who require maximum control, hardware independence, and a scalable architecture.
Open eVision is particularly well-suited for applications that require both traditional vision and modern Deep Learning methods. The libraries cover a wide range of applications: EasyGauge for precise measurements, EasyFind for robust position detection, and EasyMatrixCode for reliable reading of 1D/2D codes.
Of particular note is the Deep Learning Suite, which, with EasySegment, EasyClassify, and DeepOCR, steps in where traditional algorithms reach their limits - such as with varying surfaces, irregular defects, or complex fonts.
Open eVision Studio also provides a free, visual development environment that enables prototyping without programming. This allows algorithms to be tested, parameters adjusted, and workflows validated before they are transferred to production applications.
Teledyne’s iNspect and Sherlock software products are fully configured vision systems that require no programming knowledge. While iNspect was developed primarily for simple, standardized inspection tasks in manufacturing, Sherlock offers a significantly wider range of features and supports even sophisticated workflows - including AI models, 3D capabilities, and complex multi-camera setups.
Both solutions are designed to be quickly deployable and to integrate seamlessly into production environments. Thanks to integrated industrial protocols and user-friendly interfaces, they are particularly well-suited for users who need robust yet easily configurable vision systems without having to develop software themselves.
Which software is best suited for which application?
Now that you have a basic overview of the differences between the software lines, the following comparison table shows which solution is best suited for each specific task, process situation, and requirement. This allows you to see at a glance which software modules - from traditional vision tools to Deep Learning functions - are the best fit for your project.
Maximum flexibility, API access, scalable development environment
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Vision Software
Can I combine traditional machine vision and AI in a single project?
Yes. Many modern systems use a combination of rule-based methods and Deep Learning models. Traditional algorithms handle stable, deterministic tasks (e.g., measurement, position detection), while AI is used where variability or defects that are difficult to describe occur.
Open eVision enables this combination in a shared environment, and CVB workflows can also be expanded accordingly.
Can the machine vision software be integrated into existing machine controls or PLC systems?
Yes. CVB, Open eVision, and the Teledyne platforms all support industrial interfaces such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, or digital I/O.
Sherlock and iNspect offer integrated communication modules.
CVB and Open eVision can be integrated into PLC, SCADA, or MES environments via APIs.
This allows inspection results to be reliably transferred to higher-level systems.
What software is suitable for multi-camera or high-speed applications?
For demanding multi-camera systems or fast production processes, we recommend solutions with flexible architecture and high processing efficiency:
Sherlock for complex multi-camera setups without programming
CVB SDK for fully integrated, high-performance OEM solutions
CVB Image Manager for synchronized recording, streaming, and triggering
These systems are designed for industrial 24/7 applications and support a wide range of camera and transmission standards.
What role does camera hardware play in selecting the right machine vision software?
The choice of software always depends on the camera technology used.
While CVB and Open eVision are hardware-independent and support a wide variety of cameras and frame grabbers, no-code systems such as iNspect or Sherlock are often optimized for specific Teledyne DALSA devices.
For applications with high-speed line scan cameras, SWIR imaging, or multiple synchronized cameras, an SDK like CVB is often the better choice, as it offers maximum control over triggering, streaming, and GenICam functions.
