Cognex Releases Hardware-independent Vison Software

　　Optimization for multicore PCs and other enhancements make VisionProTM software a smart choice

　　March 11,2009 -- Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine vision systems and vision sensors, announces new software expanding the powerful toolset of its hardware-independent VisionPro software. The VisionPro 5.2 release, provides an easier to use version of the patented PatMax? technology, enhanced color tools and an enhanced architecture to harness the power of multicore PCs.

　　The release includes new SearchMaxTM and ColorExtractorTM color tools. SearchMax uses color features to search for objects. It is extremely powerful in applications where geometrical data is insufficient to align the part. ColorExtractor locates colored regions in complex scenes, with very minimal training . It is optimized for high speed applications such as those required in the food and packaging industries.

　　Additionally, the new release includes multicore support for image filtering tools as well as for PatMax? and PatInspectTM. Customers can manually adjust the way cores are used, or rely on the operating system to get the best application speed regardless of the number of cores available.

　　VisionPro 5.2 also simplifies the acquisition from any imaging source. Now any combination of frame grabbers or direct connect cameras can be used in a single application. The Acquisition Alliance program, announced in January, provides Cognex customers with best-in-class, integrated machine vision solutions through access to major camera vendors.

　　“This latest VisionPro release continues to make ease-of-use for the customer a priority,” said Markku Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and Vision Software Business Unit Manager. “Optimizing for multicore systems, enhancing color vision tools and adding tools to help in complex applications, show the Cognex commitment to provide the most comprehensive vision software product on the market for all users.”

　　VisionPro 5.2 is currently available. Download the free trial VisionPro software at .

　　About Cognex

　　Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision sensors and systems, or devices that can "see." Cognex vision sensors are used in factories around the world to automate the manufacture of a wide range of items and to assure their quality. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 450,000 machine vision systems, representing over $2.5 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, Cognex also has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.