 Increased performance and robustness  Deep learning optimizes OCR  Improved reading of bar and data codes

Munich, March 01, 2017 - MVTec Software GmbH (www.mvtec.com), the leading supplier of machine vision software, will issue the new MERLIC 3 software release on April 3. Along with the proven range of functions, the latest version also contains a number of new and improved features. These improvements make it even easier and more convenient to create machine vision applications. MERLIC 3 is based on a cutting-edge software library that meets complex technological requirements.

Existing customers can download the software from www.merlic.com/download. They will receive a free upgrade that works with their existing license. A free trial version of MERLIC is available at www.merlic.com/now.

The new release further improves the optical character recognition (OCR) technologies. For example, MERLIC 3 comes with an OCR classifier that is based on deep learning and can be applied to a wide range of fonts. This new function offers unprecedented detection rates for number and character combinations, e.g., on workpieces, for reliable identification. MERLIC 3 now also enables a more robust reading of dot print fonts.

More robust bar and data code reading
The new MERLIC release also further improves the reading of bar and data codes, thus making the recognition of blurry, overexposed, distorted, or low-contrast QR codes more robust. Moreover, QR codes with uneven column widths can now be read without problems. Furthermore, the software can also read partially occluded or partially defective bar codes. The recognition of ECC 200 codes with missing finder patterns as well as the robustness against false positives were also optimized.

"Our new release meets specific market needs and thus takes MERLIC to the next level. Thanks to even easier operability and new, deep-learning-based features, MERLIC 3 is now prepared to handle imaging tasks in all industry sectors," explains Thorsten Daus, Product Manager MERLIC at MVTec Software GmbH.

Dr. Olaf Munkelt, Managing Director of MVTec Software GmbH, adds: "With MERLIC 3, we again demonstrate that we do not see deep learning and applications of the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 as mere buzzwords. Rather, we have been incorporating them into our software for many years. MERLIC users can now create machine vision applications more cost-effectively, and for a broader range of applications."

To sign up for our free MERLIC newsletter, please visit www.merlic.com/newsletter.

About MERLIC
MERLIC is an all-in-one software product for quickly building machine vision applications without any need for programming. It is based on MVTec's extensive machine vision expertise and combines reliable, fast performance with ease of use. An image-centered user interface and intuitive interaction concepts like "easyTouch" provide an efficient workflow, which leads to time and cost savings. MERLIC provides tools to design and build complete machine vision applications with a graphical user interface, integrated PLC communication and image acquisition based on industry standards. All standard machine vision tools such as calibration, alignment, measuring, counting, checking, reading, position determination, and defect detection are included in MERLIC. www.merlic.com

About MVTec
MVTec is a leading manufacturer of standard software for machine vision. MVTec products are used in all demanding areas of imaging: Semi-conductor industry, web inspection, quality control and inspection applications in general, medicine, 3D vision, and surveillance. MVTec, with its head office in Munich (Germany), has more than 30 established distributors worldwide and in addition, MVTec, LLC works out of Boston, MA (USA). www.mvtec.com