System and method for deploying a graphical program on an image acquisition device

• US 6,971,066 B2
• Filed: 09/10/2001
• Issued: 11/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: National Instruments Corporation (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: National Instruments Corporation (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Kodosky, Jeffrey L., Odom, Brian Keith, Butler, Cary Paul, Schultz, Kevin L., Andrade, Hugo
• Primary Examiner(s): Hailu, Tadesse
• Application Number:
  US09/949,783
• Publication Number:
  US 20020055947A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,541 Days
• Field of Search: 715/771, 715/763, 715/762, 715/765, 382/132, 382/302, 382/276, 382/305, 700/259, 348/211, 348/207.1, 348/207.11, 348/207.2, 348/222.1
• US Class Current: 715/771
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2733 Test interface between tester and unit under test
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/30 Circuit design
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/34 for reconfigurable circuits, e.g. field programmable gate arrays [FPGA] or programmable logic devices [PLD]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/343 Logical level
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/34 Graphical or visual programming
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/60 Software deployment

Abstract

A computer-implemented system and method for deploying a graphical program onto an image acquisition (IMAQ) device. The method may operate to configure an image acquisition (IMAQ) device to perform image processing or machine vision functions, wherein the device includes a programmable hardware element and/or a processor and memory. The method comprises first creating a graphical program which implements the image processing or machine vision function. A portion of the graphical program may be converted into a hardware implementation on a programmable hardware element, and a portion may optionally be compiled into machine code for execution by a CPU. The programmable hardware element is thus configured utilizing a hardware description and implements a hardware implementation of at least a portion of the graphical program. The CPU-executable code may be executed by a computer coupled to the IMAQ device, or by a processor/memory on the IMAQ device.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device comprises;

generating an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program; and

transferring the executable program to the memory on the image acquisition device;

the method further comprising;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object; and

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image, wherein said image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the image acquisition device executing the executable program from the memory.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the image acquisition device receiving an image present signal;

wherein the image acquisition device acquires the image of the object in response to receiving the image present signal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the image acquisition device performing a control operation after said executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the image acquisition device generating a pass/fail indication after said executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

5. The method of claim 1,

wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to a camera;

and

wherein the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object comprises the camera acquiring the image of the object and the image acquisition device receiving and storing the image.

6. The method of claim 1,

wherein said executing further comprises:

the image acquisition device determining characteristics of the image after performing the image processing function; and

the image acquisition device performing an operation based on the determined characteristics of the image.

7. The method of claim 1,

wherein the image acquisition device comprises a smart camera.

8. The method of claim 1,

wherein the image acquisition device comprises an image acquisition board coupled to or comprised in a computer system.

9. The method of claim 1,

wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion;

the method further comprising;

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

10. The method of claim 9,

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the image acquisition device.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

receiving user input to the user interface portion on the display to control the image acquisition device during the processor in the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

compiling the user interface portion into executable code for execution by a first processor and storing the executable code in a first memory; and

the first processor executing the executable code from the first memory to present the user interface portion on the display.

13. The method of claim 12,

wherein the image acquisition device includes the first processor and the first memory;

and

wherein the first processor in the image acquisition device executes the executable code from the first memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

14. The method of claim 12,

wherein the computer system includes the first processor and the first memory;

and

wherein the computer system executes the executable code from the first memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein said creating the graphical program includes:

arranging on a display of the computer system a plurality of nodes comprising the graphical program and interconnecting the plurality of nodes;

creating and storing data structures which represent the graphical program in response to said arranging and said interconnecting.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical program comprises a data flow diagram.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical program comprises one or more of data flow, control flow and execution flow constructs.

18. The method of claim 1,

wherein said creating the graphical program is performed on the computer system;

wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to the computer system over a network; and

wherein said deploying the graphical program comprises the computer system deploying the graphical program over the network to the image acquisition device.

19. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display;

wherein the memory stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program; and

wherein the memory also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor and a second memory;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to transfer the graphical program to the second memory on the image acquisition device; and

wherein the second processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the graphical program from the second memory.

20. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to receive an image present signal;

and

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to acquire the image of the object in response to receiving the image present signal.

21. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to perform a control operation after executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

22. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to generate a pass/fail indication after executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

23. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to a camera;

and

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to receive and store an image acquired from the camera.

24. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to determine characteristics of the image after performing the image processing function;

and

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to perform an operation based on the determined characteristics of the image.

25. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device comprises a smart camera.

26. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device comprises an image acquisition board coupled to or comprised in a computer system.

27. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion;

and

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the image acquisition device executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

28. The image processing system of claim 27,

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the image acquisition device.

29. The image processing system of claim 27,

wherein the computer system further comprises a user input device for receiving user input to the user interface portion on the display;

and

wherein the user input is operable to control the image acquisition device when the at least one functional unit in the image acquisition device executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

30. The image processing system of claim 27,

wherein the user interface portion is operable to be compiled into executable code for execution by the processor and stored in the memory;

and

wherein the processor is operable to execute the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display.

31. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program development program for creating the graphical program;

wherein the graphical program development program is executable to;

arrange on the screen a plurality of nodes comprising the graphical program and interconnect the plurality of nodes in response to user input; and

create and store data structures which represent the graphical program in response to said user input.

32. The image processing system of claim 19, wherein the graphical program comprises one or more of data flow, control flow and execution flow constructs.

33. The image processing system of claim 19,

wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to the computer system over a network;

and

wherein the computer system is operable to deploy the graphical program over the network to the image acquisition device.

34. An image acquisition device, comprising:

an input for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the input for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

analog to digital conversion logic coupled to the input and to the programmable hardware element for performing analog to digital conversion logic on an acquired analog image to produce a digital image.

35. The image acquisition device of claim 34,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

36. The image acquisition device of claim 34,

wherein the graphical program is created by assembling a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program in response to user input.

37. A method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

coupling the image acquisition device to a computer system, wherein the image acquisition device comprises at least one functional unit, wherein the functional unit is a processor and memory, wherein the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function; and

deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit in the image acquisition device to configure the functional unit, wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit comprises;

generating an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program; and

transferring the executable program to the memory on the image acquisition device

wherein the processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the executable program from the memory; and

wherein after said deploying the functional unit is operable to implement the graphical program.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising:

disconnecting the image acquisition device from the computer system after said deploying.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising:

creating the graphical program prior to said deploying, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

40. The method of claim 37,

wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit further comprises transferring the graphical program to the memory of the functional unit;

and

wherein the processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the graphical program from the memory.

41. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object; and

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the smart camera includes a processor and a memory;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the smart camera comprises;

generating an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program; and

transferring the executable program to the memory on the smart camera; and

wherein said smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the smart camera executing the executable program from the memory.

42. The method of claim 41,

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the smart camera comprises transferring the graphical program to the memory on the smart camera;

and

wherein said smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the smart camera executing the graphical program from the memory.

43. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

the smart camera receiving an image present signal;

wherein the smart camera acquires the image of the object in response to receiving the image present signal.

44. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

the smart camera performing a control operation after said executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

45. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

the smart camera generating a pass/fail indication after said executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

46. The method of claim 41,

wherein the smart camera acquiring an image of an object comprises the smart camera acquiring the image of the object and storing the image in a memory.

47. The method of claim 41,

wherein said executing further comprises:

the smart camera determining characteristics of the image after performing the image processing function; and

the smart camera performing an operation based on the determined characteristics of the image.

48. The method of claim 41,

wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion;

the method further comprising;

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

49. The method of claim 48,

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the smart camera.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising:

receiving user input to the user interface portion on the display to control the smart camera during the processor in the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

51. The method of claim 48, further comprising:

compiling the user interface portion into executable code for execution by a processor and storing the executable code in a memory; and

the processor executing the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display.

52. The method of claim 51,

wherein the processor in the smart camera executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

53. The method of claim 51,

wherein the computer system includes the processor and the memory;

and

wherein the computer system executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

54. The method of claim 41, wherein said creating the graphical program includes:

arranging on a display of the computer system a plurality of nodes comprising the graphical program and interconnecting the plurality of nodes; and

creating and storing data structures which represent the graphical program in response to said arranging and said interconnecting.

55. The method of claim 41, wherein the graphical program comprises a data flow diagram.

56. The method of claim 41, wherein the graphical program comprises one or more of data flow, control flow and execution flow constructs.

57. The method of claim 41,

wherein said creating the graphical program is performed on the computer system;

wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system over a network; and

wherein said deploying the graphical program comprises the computer system deploying the graphical program over the network to the smart camera.

58. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor and a second memory;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements as image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to transfer the graphical program to the second memory on the smart camera; and

wherein the second processor in the smart camera is operable to execute the graphical program from the second memory.

59. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the smart camera is operable to receive an image present signal;

and

wherein the smart camera is operable to acquire the image of the object in response to receiving the image present signal.

60. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the smart camera is operable to perform a control operation after executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

61. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the smart camera includes a memory for storing an acquired image.

62. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the smart camera is operable to determine characteristics of the image after performing the image processing function;

and

wherein the smart camera is operable to perform an operation based on the determined characteristics of the image.

63. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion;

and

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the smart camera executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

64. The image processing system of claim 63,

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the smart camera.

65. The image processing system of claim 63,

wherein the computer system further comprises a user input device for receiving user input to the user interface portion on the display;

and

wherein the user input is operable to control the smart camera when the at least one functional unit in the smart camera executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

66. The image processing system of claim 63,

wherein the user interface portion is operable to be compiled into executable code for execution by the processor and stored in the memory;

and

wherein the processor is operable to execute the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display.

67. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program development program for creating the graphical program;

and

wherein the graphical program development program is executable to;

arrange on the screen a plurality of nodes comprising the graphical program and interconnect the plurality of nodes in response to user input; and

create and store data structures which represent the graphical program in response to said user input.

68. The image processing system of claim 58, wherein the graphical program comprises one or more of data flow, control flow and execution flow constructs.

69. The image processing system of claim 58,

wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system over a network;

and

wherein the computer system is operable to deploy the graphical program over the network to the smart camera.

70. A smart camera, comprising:

a camera for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the camera for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, and wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

analog to digital conversion logic coupled to the input and to the programmable hardware element for performing analog to digital conversion logic on an acquired analog image to produce a digital image.

71. The smart camera of claim 70,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

72. The smart camera of claim 70,

wherein the graphical program is created by assembling a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program in response to user input.

73. A method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

coupling the smart camera to a computer system, wherein the smart camera comprises at least one functional unit, wherein the functional unit is a processor and memory, wherein the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function; and

deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit in the smart camera to configure the functional unit, wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit comprises;

generating an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program; and

transferring the executable program to the memory on the smart camera;

wherein after said deploying the functional unit is operable to implement the graphical program; and

wherein the processor in the smart camera is operable to execute the executable program from the memory.

74. The method of claim 73, further comprising:

disconnecting the smart camera from the computer system after said deploying.

75. The method of claim 73, further comprising:

creating the graphical program prior to said deploying, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

76. The method of claim 73,

wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit comprises transferring the graphical program to the memory of the functional unit;

and

wherein the processor in the smart camera is operable to execute the graphical program from the memory.

77. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device includes a programmable hardware element, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object; and

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device comprises;

generating a hardware description based on the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

wherein said image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

78. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device includes a processor and a memory and a programmable hardware element, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object; and

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device comprises;

transferring a first portion of the graphical program to the memory on the image acquisition device;

generating a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

wherein said image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the image acquisition device executing the first portion of the graphical program from the memory and the programmable hardware element executing the second portion of the graphical program.

79. The method of claim 78,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

80. The method of claim 79,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

81. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device includes a processor and a memory and a programmable hardware element, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object; and

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device comprises;

generating an executable program based on a first portion of the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the first portion of the graphical program; and

transferring the executable program to the memory on the image acquisition device;

generating a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

wherein said image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the image acquisition device executing the executable program from the memory and the programmable hardware element executing the second portion of the graphical program.

82. The method of claim 81,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

83. The method of claim 81,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

84. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device includes a first processor, a second processor, and at least one memory, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object; and

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

wherein said image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the first processor in the image acquisition device executing a first portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory and the second processor in the image acquisition device executing a second portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory.

85. The method of claim 84,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

86. The method of claim 84,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a first portion of the image processing function, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a second portion of the image processing function.

87. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object;

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image; and

the image acquisition device generating a pass/fail indication after said executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

88. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object;

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image; and

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the image acquisition device.

89. A computer-implemented method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the image acquisition device, wherein the image acquisition device is coupled to or comprised in the computer system;

the image acquisition device acquiring an image of an object;

the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

compiling the user interface portion into executable code for execution by a processor and storing the executable code in a memory; and

the processor executing the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display.

90. The method of claim 89,

wherein the image acquisition device includes the processor and the memory;

and

wherein the processor in the image acquisition device executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

91. The method of claim 89,

wherein the computer system includes the processor and the memory;

and

wherein the computer system executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the image acquisition device executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

92. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor and a second memory;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to

     1) generate an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program, and

     2) transfer the executable program to the second memory on the image acquisition device; and

wherein the second processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the executable program from the second memory.

93. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device; and

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to generate a hardware description based on the graphical program and configure the programmable hardware element based on the hardware description, wherein after being configured the programmable hardware element, implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is executable to perform an image processing function on an acquired image.

94. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a second memory, and a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to;

transfer a first portion of the graphical program to the second memory on the image acquisition device;

generate a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configure the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program;

wherein the second processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the first portion of the graphical program from the second memory; and

wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to implement the second portion of the graphical program.

95. The image processing system of claim 94,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

96. The image processing system of claim 94,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

99. The image processing system of claim 96,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

97. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a second memory, and a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to;

generate an executable program based on a first portion of the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the first portion of the graphical program;

transfer the executable program to the second memory on the image acquisition device;

generate a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configure the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program;

wherein the second processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute the executable program from the second memory to implement the first portion of the graphical program; and

wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to implement the second portion of the graphical program.

98. The image processing system of claim 97,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

100. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a third processor, and at least one memory;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device; and

wherein the second processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute a first portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory and the third processor in the image acquisition device is operable to execute a second portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory.

101. The image processing system of claim 100,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

102. The image processing system of claim 100,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a first portion of the image processing function, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a second portion of the image processing function.

103. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device; and

wherein the image acquisition device is operable to generate a pass/fail indication after executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

104. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device;

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the image acquisition device executes to perform the image processing function on the image; and

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the image acquisition device.

105. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

an image acquisition device coupled to the computer system, wherein the image acquisition device includes;

an input for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program; and

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the image acquisition device;

wherein the user interface portion is operable to be compiled into executable code for execution by the processor and stored in the memory;

wherein the processor is operable to execute the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display; and

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the image acquisition device executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

106. An image acquisition device, comprising:

an input for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the input for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

timer/counter logic, wherein the timer/counter logic performs one of timing/counting operations while the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

107. The image acquisition device of claim 106,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

108. An image acquisition device, comprising:

an input for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the input for storing data corresponding to the image of the object; and

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to perform an image processing function on the image, wherein the programmable hardware element comprises a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

109. The image acquisition device of claim 108,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

110. An image acquisition device, comprising:

an input for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the input for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

a non-volatile memory coupled to the programmable hardware element, wherein the non-volatile memory is operable to store the hardware description, wherein the non-volatile memory is further operable to transfer the hardware description to the programmable hardware element to configure the programmable hardware element.

111. The image acquisition device of claim 110,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

112. A method for configuring an image acquisition device to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

coupling the image acquisition device to a computer system, wherein the image acquisition device comprises at least one functional unit, wherein the functional unit is a programmable hardware element, wherein the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function; and

deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit in the image acquisition device to configure the functional unit, wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit comprises;

downloading a hardware configuration onto the programmable hardware element in the image acquisition device to configure the programmable hardware element, wherein the hardware configuration corresponds to a hardware implementation of the graphical program, wherein after said downloading the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program;

wherein after said deploying the functional unit is operable to implement the graphical program.

113. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

creating the graphical program prior to said deploying, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

114. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

disconnecting the image acquisition device from the computer system after said deploying.

115. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object; and

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the smart camera includes a programmable hardware element;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the smart camera comprises;

generating a hardware description based on the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the smart camera utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

wherein said smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the programmable hardware element in the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

116. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object; and

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the smart camera includes a processor and a memory and a programmable hardware element;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the smart camera comprises;

transferring a first portion of the graphical program to the memory on the smart camera;

generating a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the smart camera utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

wherein said smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the smart camera executing the first portion of the graphical program from the memory and the programmable hardware element executing the second portion of the graphical program.

117. The method of claim 116,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

118. The method of claim 116,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

119. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object; and

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the smart camera includes a processor and a memory and a programmable hardware element;

wherein said deploying the graphical program on the smart camera comprises;

generating an executable program based on a first portion of the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the first portion of the graphical program;

transferring the executable program to the memory on the smart camera;

generating a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configuring the programmable hardware element in the smart camera utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

wherein the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the processor in the smart camera executing the executable program from the memory and the programmable hardware element executing the second portion of the graphical program.

120. The method of claim 119,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

121. The method of claim 119,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

122. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object; and

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the smart camera includes a first processor, a second processor, and at least one memory; and

wherein said smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image comprises the first processor in the smart camera executing a first portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory and the second processor in the smart camera executing a second portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory.

123. The method of claim 122,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

124. The method of claim 122,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a first portion of the image processing function, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a second portion of the image processing function.

125. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object;

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image; and

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the smart camera.

126. A computer-implemented method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

creating a graphical program on a computer system, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

compiling the user interface portion into executable code for execution by a processor and storing the executable code in a memory

deploying the graphical program on the smart camera, wherein the smart camera is coupled to the computer system;

the smart camera acquiring an image of an object;

the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image;

the processor executing the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display; and

presenting the user interface portion on a display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

127. The method of claim 126,

wherein the smart camera includes the processor and the memory;

and

wherein the processor in the smart camera executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

128. The method of claim 126,

wherein the computer system includes the processor and the memory;

and

wherein the computer system executes the executable code from the memory to present the user interface portion on the display during the smart camera executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

129. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor and a second memory;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program; and

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to

     1) generate an executable program based on the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the graphical program, and

     2) transfer the graphical program to the second memory of the at least one functional unit; and

wherein the second processor of the at least one functional unit is operable to execute the executable program from the second memory of the at least one functional unit.

130. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program; and

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera; and

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to generate a hardware description based on the graphical program and configure the programmable hardware element based on the hardware description, wherein after being configured the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, and wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is executable to perform an image processing function on an acquired image.

131. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a second memory, and a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to;

transfer a first portion of the graphical program to the second memory the smart camera;

generate a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configure the programmable hardware element in the smart camera utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program;

wherein the second processor in the smart camera is operable to execute the first portion of the graphical program from the second memory; and

wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to implement the second portion of the graphical program.

132. The image processing system of claim 131,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

133. The image processing system of claim 131,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

134. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a second memory, and a programmable hardware element;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the software program is executable by the processor in the computer system to;

generate an executable program based on a first portion of the graphical program, wherein the executable program implements functionality of the first portion of the graphical program;

transfer the executable program to the second memory on the smart camera;

generate a hardware description based on a second portion of the graphical program, wherein the hardware description describes a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program; and

configure the programmable hardware element in the smart camera utilizing the hardware description, wherein after said configuring the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the second portion of the graphical program;

wherein the second processor in the smart camera is operable to execute the executable program from the second memory; and

wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to implement the second portion of the graphical program.

135. The image processing system of claim 134,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

136. The image processing system of claim 134,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion.

137. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image, wherein the at least one functional unit comprises a second processor, a third processor, and at least one memory;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program on the smart camera; and

wherein the second processor of the at least one functional unit is operable to execute a first portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory of the at least one functional unit and the third processor of the at least one functional unit is operable to execute a second portion of the graphical program from the at least one memory of the at least one functional unit.

138. The image processing system of claim 137,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises an image processing portion, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a control portion.

139. The image processing system of claim 137,

wherein the first portion of the graphical program comprises a first portion of the image processing function, and wherein the second portion of the graphical program comprises a second portion of the image processing function.

140. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera; and

wherein the smart camera is operable to generate a pass/fail indication after executing to perform the image processing function on the image.

141. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the smart camera executes to perform the image processing function on the image; and

wherein the user interface portion operates as a front panel for the smart camera.

142. An image processing system, comprising:

a computer system comprising a processor, memory and a display; and

a smart camera coupled to the computer system, wherein the smart camera includes;

a camera for acquiring an image; and

at least one functional unit coupled to the camera that is configurable based on the graphical program for performing the image processing function on the image;

wherein the memory of the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements an image processing function, wherein the graphical program includes a user interface portion, and wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program;

wherein the memory of the computer system also stores a software program which is executable to deploy the graphical program to the smart camera;

wherein the computer system is operable to present the user interface portion on a display when the at least one functional unit in the smart camera executes to perform the image processing function on the image;

wherein the user interface portion is operable to be compiled into executable code for execution by the processor of the computer system and stored in the memory of the computer system; and

wherein the processor of the computer system is operable to execute the executable code from the memory of the computer system to present the user interface portion on the display.

143. A smart camera, comprising:

a camera for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the camera for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, and wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

timer/counter logic;

wherein the timer/counter logic performs one of timing/counting operations while the programmable hardware element in the smart camera executes to perform the image processing function on the image.

144. The smart camera of claim 143,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

145. A smart camera, comprising:

a camera for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the camera for storing data corresponding to the image of the object; and

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, and wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to perform an image processing function on the image;

wherein the programmable hardware element comprises a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

146. The smart camera of claim 145,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

147. A smart camera, comprising:

a camera for receiving an image of an object;

a memory coupled to the camera for storing data corresponding to the image of the object;

a programmable hardware element coupled to the memory that is configured to implement an image processing function, wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is configured utilizing a hardware description generated from a graphical program, wherein the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program, and wherein the programmable hardware element in the smart camera is operable to perform an image processing function on the image; and

a non-volatile memory coupled to the programmable hardware element;

wherein the non-volatile memory is operable to store the hardware description; and

wherein the non-volatile memory is further operable to transfer the hardware description to the programmable hardware element to configure the programmable hardware element.

148. The smart camera of claim 147,

wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

149. A method for configuring a smart camera to perform an image processing function, the method comprising:

coupling the smart camera to a computer system, wherein the smart camera comprises at least one functional unit, wherein the functional unit is a programmable hardware element, wherein the computer system stores a graphical program, wherein the graphical program implements the image processing function; and

deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit in the smart camera to configure the functional unit, wherein said deploying the graphical program onto the functional unit comprises;

downloading a hardware configuration onto the programmable hardware element in the smart camera to configure the programmable hardware element, wherein the hardware configuration corresponds to a hardware implementation of the graphical program;

wherein after said downloading the programmable hardware element implements a hardware implementation of the graphical program; and

wherein after said deploying the functional unit is operable to implement the graphical program.

150. The method of claim 149, further comprising:

creating the graphical program prior to said deploying, wherein the graphical program comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes which visually indicate functionality of the graphical program.

151. The method of claim 149, further comprising:

disconnecting the smart camera from the computer system after said deploying.