With MERLIC 26.03, the transition to the unified MVTec versioning nomenclature in the format Year.Month (YY.MM) takes place. Additionally, customers benefit from a new licensing model. It is simpler and more flexible, as there are now only two packages available: "MERLIC" and "MERLIC Professional."
The "MERLIC" package offers an ideal entry point into the machine vision world. It includes all rule-based features and functions of MERLIC, as well as the two tools “Read Text and Numbers with Deep Learning” and “Count with Deep Learning”. With MERLIC Professional, users gain access to all remaining deep learning functionalities, as well as all features included in the base package. Additionally, MERLIC Professional allows for the integration of custom MERLIC tools.
For even more customization, MERLIC 26.03 offers two add-ons that can be added to the "MERLIC" package as needed: "MERLIC Deep Learning Add-On" & "MERLIC Custom Tools Add-On". This allows users to select exactly the features they need. The previous limitation on the number of cameras has been removed. Both packages now support an unlimited number of cameras, within technical limits. For users, this means maximum flexibility, easy scalability, and complete future-proofing – regardless of how the application evolves.
MERLIC 26.03 introduces a new feature that enables complete observability for certain user interactions in the MERLIC Frontend. Users benefit from seamless traceability, knowing who made which changes and when. This ensures secure and transparent operation during ongoing processes and provides all information required to create an audit trail.
MERLIC provides an open interface through which activities like parameter changes or user logins can be automatically transferred to existing observability or audit systems. This not only enhances transparency but also supports compliance and quality requirements in regulated production environments.
MERLIC 26.03 makes working with write permissions in the Frontend easier and more secure. The write access widget now clearly indicates whether changes are permitted and whether unsaved changes are pending. This ensures users always maintain full visibility.
Additionally, two new approval actions are available: automatic saving or a save dialog to confirm or discard changes. In combination with user management, different roles can be configured with appropriate approval options – ideal for professional and regulated production environments.
The result: greater usability, enhanced transparency, and controlled, traceable change management during ongoing operations.
As part of the MERLIC 26.03 release, a communication plug-in for data exchange and device control via the TwinCAT Automation Device Specification (ADS) protocol will also be introduced. The plug-in enables MERLIC applications to seamlessly and efficiently interact with TwinCAT systems. The plugin is provided as a separate installation package for MERLIC through the MVTec Software Manager (SOM).
MERLIC 26.03 introduces the new concept tool “Tile Images.” It allows users to tile two images with the same number of channels into a single composite image – either horizontally or vertically. By applying the tool multiple times, larger image compositions can be created step by step. This helps structure image data clearly and supports efficient downstream processing.
In combination with acquisition sequences, images acquired from line scan or area cameras can be combined into a continuous overall image.
As a concept tool, “Tile Images” is still in an early stage of development. Users are invited to test the functionality and contribute feedback to help shape future MERLIC versions.
The tool "Read Text and Numbers with Deep Learning" now provides a compact, high-performance, and memory-efficient deep learning model. In addition, models optimized for one of MVTec’s AI² interfaces can be used. Advanced parameters provide users with more control over recognition and reading behavior.
