National Instruments Releases Comprehensive Machine Vision Software Suite; NI Vision 8 Development Module Adds New Utilities for Enhanced Quality Inspections.

AUSTIN, Texas -- National Instruments (Nasdaq:NATI) today released the NI Vision 8 Development Module, a comprehensive suite of vision software tools that engineers, integrators and machine builders can use to improve system efficiency and save money by increasing quality control in the manufacturing process. The Vision 8 Development Module combines an extensive collection of vision libraries with acquisition software for thousands of cameras -- including those based on the IEEE 1394 (FireWire(R)) connection standard -- all optimized for common programming environments like NI LabVIEW and Microsoft C++, Visual Basic and .NET. In addition, the Vision 8 Development Module includes new algorithms for golden template comparison, optical character verification (OCV) and Data Matrix grading that are designed to help engineers identify packaging and assembly errors earlier in production.

"With the new tools included in the Vision 8 Development Module, NI has released one of the industry's most comprehensive software packages for acquiring and processing images," said Kevin Schultz, NI director of strategy. "The collection of tools includes drivers for IEEE 1394 cameras, world-class algorithms and easy-to-use software, all at an affordable price point, making it well-suited for end users and machine builders wanting to improve their system efficiencies and quality control."

Machine builders and integrators face unique challenges within the manufacturing process, including the need to recognize and correct errors earlier before more value is added to a product. For example, in a machine vision application, a mislabeled container could be identified and removed from the assembly line before product is added and additional resources wasted. The algorithms for golden template comparison and OCV inspection identify flaws in labels and defects in products, while the Data Matrix grading tool verifies that 2D bar codes are applied correctly in accordance to the ISO 16022 (AIM) standard.

Along with the hundreds of image processing and machine vision functions in the Vision 8 Development Module, engineers can take advantage of additional included software such as NI Vision Assistant and NI Vision Acquisition software. NI Vision Assistant is an image processing and application prototyping environment that automatically generates ready-to-run LabVIEW diagrams or LabWindows/CVI, C/C++ or Visual Basic code.

NI Vision Acquisition software offers a set of drivers and utilities for acquiring, displaying and saving images from any NI frame grabber or camera based on the FireWire connection standard. For engineers and scientists who visualize and save images instead of process them, NI Vision Acquisition software is also available separate of the NI Vision Development Module.

For more information on National Instruments machine vision software and hardware, visit www.ni.com/vision.

About National Instruments

National Instruments (www.ni.com) is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation -- a revolutionary concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists in industry, government and academia approach measurement and automation. Leveraging PCs and commercial technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs for test, control and design applications through easy-to-integrate software, such as NI LabVIEW, and modular measurement and control hardware for PXI, PCI, PCI Express, USB and Ethernet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 3,800 employees and direct operations in nearly 40 countries. In 2004, the company sold products to more than 25,000 companies in 90 countries. For the past six years, FORTUNE magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America.

Readers can obtain investment information from the company's investor relations department by calling 512-683-5090, e-mailing [e-mail] or visiting www.ni.com/nati.

Pricing and Contact Information

National Instruments Vision 8         11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin,
 Development Module                    Texas 78759-3504
Priced from $2,895                    Tel: [phone]
                                      Fax: [phone]
Web: www.ni.com/vision/vdm.htm        E-mail: [e-mail]

CVI, LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

FireWire is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.