Tutorials

UniVision Tutorials – Chapter 1: Main Screen Overview

  1. Camera Status and Resolution
    Displays the status and resolution of the currently selected camera index.
  2. Object Position, Rotation, and Detection Result
    Shows the measured or detected object's position, rotation angle, and detection status/result.
  3. Hide/Show Menu Panel
    Toggles the visibility of the right-side menu panel for a full-window camera view.
  4. License Activation
    Opens the license activation window.
  5. Distance Measurement Tool
    Allows you to measure the X, Y distance and length between two points in the camera view.
  6. Gray Value Measurement
    Measures the grayscale value (0–255) at the clicked point in the camera image.
  7. Crosshair Display
    Draws a crosshair from the center of the camera window for alignment and reference.
  8. Manual Detection/Measurement (Debug)
    Runs the currently defined measurement or detection process manually, for debugging.
  9. Pixel Size Calibration
    Calibrates the pixel size for the selected camera index.
  10. Image Refresh (No Detection)
    Refreshes the camera image without running measurement or detection.
  11. Detection/Measurement Type Selector
    Allows manual (debug) selection of the measurement or detection type.
  12. Camera Index and Settings
    Selects the camera index and opens camera settings.
  13. Measurement/Detection Parameters
    Displays parameters for the selected measurement/detection type (for manual/debug adjustment).
  14. Save Parameters
    Saves the parameters for the selected measurement/detection type.
  15. Load Saved Parameters
    Loads previously saved parameters for the selected measurement/detection type.
  16. Load Default Parameters
    Restores the default parameters for the selected measurement/detection type.
  17. TCP/IP Communication Panel
    Displays TCP/IP communication status and settings. 

A free TCP/RS232 controller emulator program is included in the download package, allowing you to test and simulate communication without external hardware.

You can download the commands list from here.

UniVision Tutorials – Chapter 2: Object detections

Polygon object

Detects general objects based on their shape and area.
Use this mode for locating and measuring arbitrary parts, unregular shapes, labels, or features defined by clear edges and contours. Suitable for most standard object presence, size, and position checks.

Parameters:

  • Invert: Inverts the object polarity (white on black/black on white).
    Default: false (object is brighter than background). Allowed values: true or false.
  • Threshold: Sets the binarization threshold for object detection.
    Default: 140. Allowed range: 1–255.
  • Min area mm2: Minimum object area (in mm²) required for detection.
    Default: 20.00. Allowed range: 0.01–999999.
  • Max area mm2: Maximum object area (in mm²) allowed for detection.
    Default: 90.00. Allowed range: 0.01–999999.
  • Min Size mm: Minimum bounding box size (in mm) for detected objects.
    Default: 5.00. Allowed range: 0.01–9999.
  • MaxSize mm: Maximum bounding box size (in mm) for detected objects.
    Default: 20.00. Allowed range: 0.01–9999.
  • Max. objects Nr: Maximum number of objects to detect in one image.
    Default: 100. Allowed range: 1–1000.
  • Compare up/down brightness STATIC: Filter. Requires the top half of the object to be brighter or darker. Static, reference is the cmare window up/down poistion. Ideal for side light applications.
    Default: false. Allowed values: true or false. 
  • Polarity check DINAMIC: Filter. Enables side-by-side polarity check. Up/down side follow the detected angle.
    Default: false. Allowed values: true or false. Options (OK-NOK): Flips the angle by 180° when NOK or ignore detection.
  • Grayscale must be between: Filter. Minimum and maximum grayscale value for object acceptance.
    Default: 100. Allowed range: 0–255.
  • Show angle vectors: Shows angle vectors on the camera view.
    Default: false. Allowed values: true or false.

Fiducial

Detects small, high-contrast reference marks (fiducials) used for precise alignment or calibration.
Typically used in electronics, PCB, or pick-and-place applications to provide exact positioning references for further processing or inspection.

Parameters:

  • Invert: Inverts fiducial polarity (white on black/black on white).
    Default: false. Allowed values: true or false.
  • Threshold: Threshold for fiducial detection.
    Default: 140. Allowed range: 1–255.
  • ROI X size mm: Fiducial region of interest width (in mm).
    Default: 6.00. Allowed range: 0.1–100.
  • ROI Y size: Fiducial region of interest height (in mm).
    Default: 6.00. Allowed range: 0.1–100.
  • Min size mm: Minimum fiducial size (in mm).
    Default: 2.00. Allowed range: 0.01–9999.
  • Max size mm: Maximum fiducial size (in mm).
    Default: 6.00. Allowed range: 0.01–9999.
  • Grayscale must be between: Enables grayscale filter for fiducials.
    Default: false. Allowed values: true or false.

Corner detection

Locates intersection points of edges, such as corners of a rectangular or polygonal object.
Ideal for identifying key points, verifying alignment, or measuring the position and angle of features with sharp corners.

Edge detection

Finds straight edges within the region of interest, measuring their position and orientation. 

Parameters (for corner and edge detection):

  • ROI X size mm: Edge detection region of interest width (in mm).
    Default: 10.00. Allowed range: 0.1–100.
  • ROI Y size mm: Edge detection region of interest height (in mm).
    Default: 10.00. Allowed range: 0.1–100.
  • Lowest threshold: Low threshold for the Canny edge detector.
    Default: 50. Allowed range: 1–254.
  • Highest threshold: High threshold for the Canny edge detector.
    Default: 150. Allowed range: 1–254.
  • Hough threshold: Threshold for Hough transform line detection.
    Default: 20. Allowed range: 1–99.
  • Min line length (px): Minimum length for detected lines (pixels).
    Default: 8. Allowed range: 1–50.
  • Max line gap (px): Maximum gap for joining line segments (pixels).
    Default: 2. Allowed range: 1–20.
  • Vertical edge | Horizontal edge: Detects vertical or horizontal edges only.
    Default: Vertical edge.

UniVision Tutorials – Chapter 3: Camera Settings

The Camera Settings window allows you to register and manage camera profiles for your system. Each profile stores the camera index, resolution, and pixel calibration value. If a camera is not registered, the system will use default values (3840×2160 resolution, 0.02 mm/px pixel size).

Registered cameras

  • The list on the left shows all cameras currently registered in the system.
  • Each entry displays:
    • Index: The camera's unique index number (used to select the camera in the program).
    • Resolution: The width × height (in pixels) that the camera will use.
    • Calibration: The current pixel size (in mm/pixel) for the camera.
      Note: This value is automatically updated after performing a calibration in the main program.

Add new camera

To register a new camera profile:

  1. Camera index:
    • Set the index number for the new camera (e.g., 0, 1, 2, ...).
    • Each camera must have a unique index.
  2. Camera resolution:
    • Enter the desired resolution for the camera (width × height in pixels).
    • This should match the actual resolution supported by the hardware.
  3. Pixel size:
    • Enter the initial pixel size (mm/px).
    • This value is used for measurements and will be updated automatically after calibration.
    • If you don't know the pixel size leave it as 0.02 mm and later calibrate the camera. Calibration will update this value.

Click Add to register the new camera. The camera will appear in the list.

Remove

  • To delete a camera profile, select it in the list and click Remove.

Save

  • Click Save to store all changes permanently.

Default values

  • If you use a camera that is not in the registered list, the system will use the default resolution (3840×2160) and default pixel size (0.02 mm/px).

Calibration note

  • The pixel size (calibration) value is automatically updated after you perform a calibration in the main program.
    This ensures that all measurements are accurate for each camera.

Typical usage

  1. Register each camera you plan to use, setting the correct index and resolution (or leave it 0.02 mm).
  2. Enter an estimated pixel size, or use the default.
  3. After physical calibration (in the main window), the pixel size will be updated automatically for the selected camera.
  4. Save your settings to keep the profiles for future sessions.

UniVision Tutorials – Chapter 4: Remote Connection

A free TCP/RS232 controller emulator program is included in the download package, allowing you to test and simulate communication without external hardware.

The Remote connection panel allows the vision software to communicate with external devices (such as PLCs, microcontrollers, other PCs, or custom software) using either a TCP network connection or RS232 serial communication. All updated parameters via TCP/RS232 will save automaticaly and load back at next time.

  • Listening on TCP port 2222...
    Indicates that the software is waiting for incoming connections on the specified TCP port (in this case, 2222).
    This allows remote devices or software to connect and exchange commands and data.
  • Received Commands
    Displays the raw commands received from the remote device (e.g., PING, DETECT, or parameter-setting commands).
  • Received Parameters
    Shows the parameter values received and applied by the vision software.
  • Sent Results
    Lists the responses and results sent back to the remote device (such as detection results or status messages).

How TCP/RS232 Communication Works

  1. Connection Setup
    • The vision software can operate as a TCP server (listening on a specified port) or as a serial (RS232) device.
    • An external device (such as a PLC, microcontroller, or another PC) connects to the vision software using the configured TCP port or serial settings.
  2. Command Exchange
    • The external device sends commands to the vision software.
      Examples:
      • PING – checks communication status.
      • DETECT – triggers image processing and inspection.
      • PARAM:... – sets parameters remotely.
    • The commands are shown in the Received Commands box for monitoring and debugging.

You can download the commands list (xlsx) from here.

  1. Parameter Handling
    • If a parameter-setting command (PARAM:...) is received, the software parses and applies the new values.
    • The applied parameters are displayed in the Received Parameters box.
  2. Result Feedback
    • After processing a command (such as a detection request), the software sends a response or result back to the remote device.
    • These responses (e.g., PONG, PARAM_OK, or detection results) are shown in the Sent Results box.

Supported Remote Devices

  • PLC (Programmable Logic Controller):
    Used in industrial automation to control processes and request inspection results.
  • MC (Microcontroller):
    Embedded systems can trigger inspections or receive results for further processing.
  • PC/Software:
    Other computers or custom software can integrate with the vision system for advanced automation, data logging, or remote control.

Typical Workflow

  1. Configure the vision software for TCP or RS232 communication.
  2. Connect the remote device to the software (using the correct port or serial settings).
  3. Send commands from the remote device to trigger inspections or change parameters.
  4. The vision software processes the commands, updates parameters, runs inspections, and sends results back.
  5. All communication is logged in the Remote connection panel for transparency and troubleshooting.

Remote Connection Settings – Explanation

To configure how the vision software communicates with external devices (such as PLCs, microcontrollers, or other PCs), click the gear icon in the Remote connection panel.
This opens the Communication settings dialog. 

Communication Type

  • TCP:
    Use this option to communicate over a network using the TCP/IP protocol.
    This is recommended for most modern systems and allows connections from remote computers or controllers via Ethernet.
  • RS232:
    Use this option for traditional serial (COM port) connections.
    This is common for direct communication with PLCs or legacy equipment.

TCP Settings

  • TCP Port:
    Enter the port number on which the software will listen for incoming TCP connections.
    The default is 2222, but you can change it if needed (e.g., to avoid conflicts with other software).
    The external device must be configured to connect to this same port.

RS232 Settings

  • COM Port:
    Select the serial port (e.g., COM3) used for RS232 communication.
  • Baud Rate:
    Set the data rate for the serial connection (e.g., 9600 baud).
    These settings must match the configuration of the external device.

Enable active connection

  • Check this box to activate the remote connection using the selected communication type and settings.
  • If unchecked, the software will not accept remote connections.

How to use

  1. Click the gear icon to open the settings dialog.
  2. Select either TCP or RS232 as the communication type.
  3. Configure the TCP port or serial port and baud rate as required.
  4. Enable the active connection by checking the box.
  5. Click OK to apply the settings and start listening for remote commands.