# Toolchain

The toolchain Contains a group of tools and the sequence of execution for each tool. is the machine vision inspection component of a project In OneVision, a project is a collection of images and vision tools that performs different tasks, such as inspection, measurement, or identification.. It consists of a group of linked vision tools and visualizes the order of execution and dependencies, placing upstream An upstream tool comes first in the toolchain and its output defines a downstream tool. An upstream tool can have several downstream tools. and downstream A downstream tool requires a previously configured upstream tool and its configuration as input. The tool is placed after its upstream tool in the toolchain. tools in relation to each other.

OneVision supports a maximum of 20 tools in any combination and layout, including one upstream tool having several downstream tools on the same level.

The system automatically navigates to the toolchain view when opening a project. If you are actively viewing or editing a project, you can return to the toolchain view by clicking the toolchain icon in the top level toolbar.

Image Management | Upstream tool | Downstream tool

The toolchain starts with Input Image The set of images used to train and test your vision application., which represents the image database The set of images used to train and test your vision application. in use and provides image management functions. Adding images and creating an image database is always the first step when creating a toolchain. For more information, see Image Management.

Each tool added displays in the toolchain view with the icon indicating the tool type, name, and color chosen when creating the tool. Tools are placed in relation to the Input Image and each other, as indicated by the lines connecting them.

Zoom in and out of the view using the scroll wheel of your mouse. Recenter and resize your toolchain by clicking the resize icon in the top right corner.

Finish configuring a tool completely before adding a downstream tool. For more detailed information, see Tool Setup and Configuration.

How to add a tool

Before adding a new tool, you need to have an image databaseThe set of images used to train and test your vision application. with at least one image and the upstreamAn upstream tool comes first in the toolchain and its output defines a downstream tool. An upstream tool can have several downstream tools. tool must have a complete configuration. You cannot insert a new tool in-between existing tools but the same upstream tool can have several downstreamA downstream tool requires a previously configured upstream tool and its configuration as input. The tool is placed after its upstream tool in the toolchain. tools.

To add a new tool:

1. Right-click on Input ImageThe set of images used to train and test your vision application. or the upstream tool that the new tool uses as input.

2. Select Add Tool and choose the tool type you want to add to the toolchainContains a group of tools and the sequence of execution for each tool.. If the options are unavailable, the upstream tool does not have a complete configuration and cannot have downstream tools added.

3. In the Add Tool window, optionally assign a color to the new tool and type in a tool name. The default name is the tool name with a numbered suffix, for example, Classifier_1.

4. Click Add and verify that the tool has the correct specified color, name, and placement in the toolchain.

OneVision supports a maximum of 20 tools in any combination and layout.

How to delete a tool

You can only delete tools at the end of the toolchainContains a group of tools and the sequence of execution for each tool. with no downstreamA downstream tool requires a previously configured upstream tool and its configuration as input. The tool is placed after its upstream tool in the toolchain. tool dependencies. To delete an upstreamAn upstream tool comes first in the toolchain and its output defines a downstream tool. An upstream tool can have several downstream tools. tool, you must first delete any dependent downstream tools.

Note: There is no recovery or undo option when deleting tools. If you delete a tool and you would like to add it to the toolchain again, you need to create and configure a new tool.

To delete a tool:

1. Right-click on the tool you want to delete.

2. Select Delete Tool from the drop-down.

How to rename a tool

To rename a tool:

1. Right-click on the tool you want to rename.

2. Select Rename Tool from the drop-down.

3. Type in the new name. You can also change the color assigned to the tool.

How to export a toolchain

The goal of creating a projectIn OneVision, a project is a collection of images and vision tools that performs different tasks, such as inspection, measurement, or identification. is to export its toolchainContains a group of tools and the sequence of execution for each tool. into another software.

To export a toolchain for use with Cognex PC-based products:

1. Click Projects to enter Project Management view.

2. Select the project you want to export and click the three-dot menu.

3. Click Export Runtime Toolchain and save the OVR file to the specified directory.

Note: In-Sight Spreadsheet users can connect directly to a project and download the runtime component to the spreadsheet. For more information on exporting to In-Sight, see Export Toolchain to In-Sight.