New Features in VisualApplets 3.6.0#

Python Scripting#

Added Python scripting which may be used as an alternative to Tcl scripting. Python scripting comes with a binary interface to simulation data so Python may be efficiently used to enrich the simulation process by generating stimuli and verifying the output. You find a complete list of all Python commands in topic Python Command Reference.

VisualApplets version 3.6.0 also provides examples for Python scripting.

You can now also use Python scripting in Script Collections.

This version of VisualApplets includes Python 3.13, which is installed in the /lib/python313 folder within the VisualApplets installation directory. You can add Python modules by running lib\python313\python.exe -m pip install <module_name>. For example, to install numpy, open the Windows Command Prompt, navigate to the python313 folder, and run python -m pip install numpy.

New Operators#

VisualApplets 3.6.0 provides the following new operators:

Memory Library:

FrameBufferMultiRoi for imaFlex platforms: This operator buffers input image data in the frame grabber RAM (DRAM) and outputs an arbitrary number of regions of interest (ROI) for each buffered image. This operator replaces the user library elements ImageBufferMultiRoI from the user library imaFlex_CXP12_Tools and FrameBufferMultiRoi from the user library imaFlex_CXP12_Tools_Advanced. The old user library elements are still delivered with VisualApplets for compatibility reasons.
CoefficientBufferMultiRoi for imaFlex platforms: The operator allows you to upload image data from the host PC to the frame grabber RAM (DRAM). It provides continuous data output for an arbitrary number of regions of interest (ROI). This operator can be used for ImaFlex platforms as a replacement for the CoefficientBuffer operator. The difference is that the CoefficientBuffer operator supports multiple output links, whereas the CoefficientBufferMultiRoi operator uses kernel components to output multiple images.

Blob Library:

The new operators BlobDetector1D and BlobDetector2D replace the former operators Blob_Analysis_1D and Blob_Analysis_2D. The new operators support higher clock frequencies and ensure deterministic output order of results. Additionally, error handling has been significantly improved. The new operators come with a set of new examples. The old operators, Blob_Analysis_1D and Blob_Analysis_2D, are retained for backward compatibility.

Examples#

The following new examples are now available:

Added a new example for handling image data from 3 tap mono cameras. See Tap Geometry Sorting Examples Documentation for a ist of all tap geometry sorting examples.
Added design examples for flat-field correction (Block FFC) that don't use DRAM for storing coefficient data. Instead, these examples use interpolation of a small amount of coefficient data to correct the image.
Added new HDR (High Dynamic Range) examples for the racer 2 L line scan camera. (Ticket ID: 336275)

GUI Improvements#

You can now undock diagram tabs in the Design Panel of the main window so that the design content appears in a floating window. With this new feature you can now edit a design using multiple screens.
Added the option to split the Design Panel within the main window, allowing two diagram tabs to be displayed side-by-side.
Added detailed notifications for link errors to help resolve conflicts with VisualApplets design rules. These notifications are available as tooltips in the link properties dialog, as tooltips for links in an error state, and as new messages in the DRC log.