Vision Run-Time Evaluation Period

[Brooks_LV]

HI NI,

I have an application that uses NI Vision functions which require a Vision Run-Time license.  When I distribute this application to potential customers they should be able to run the application with the Vision Run-Time license in "evaluation mode" for 30 days, or at least that used to be the case.  Now, when my potential customers install and run the application they get an error message "Error -1074396157 occurred at an unidentified location Possible reason(s): IMAQ Vision:  Unlicensed copy of NI Vision."

Why will it not allow me to run in evaluation mode?

Thanks,

B

[Knoxberry]

Hello Brooks,

Are you customers unchecking the "Activate NI Vision Run-Time Engine software now"?  If they do, VDMRTE should install in evaluation mode. I will test it out to see if it works on my computer.

Regards,

[jjbloomfield]

I am experiencing the same issue.  I installed a built application that uses IMAQdx and some vision analysis functions on a test computer and I get the same error.  I got the activation prompt on the first launch of the application and checked "do not show this again", hit cancel to close the window and get on with my testing.  I get error -1074396157 at IMAQ Convert Pixel to Real World.  Should this occur within the trial period?

[Brooks_LV]

Hi Ian & NI,
My customers are unchecking the "Activate NI Vision Run-Time Engine software now" checkbox and still getting the error. Any ideas on why? Customers need to be able to evaluate the software...

Thanks,
B

[Knoxberry]

Hello Brooks,

As of last year, you are no longer able to use the Vision Development Module Run-Time Engine in evaluation mode. In fact, all deployment and runtime licences are no longer evaluatable. The justification from our licensing group is as follows:

"[...] customers should be evaluating the development and seeing if they want to use it.  They should not have to evaluate the runtime, because they already purchased the development that supersedes the runtime." 

As of right now, to allow your customer to evaluate your software (which requires evaluating the VDMRTE), you would need to contact your sales representative to have them generate you a temporary license file. Our Vision team is currently in the process of reviewing our licensing procedure, if you have any feedback it would be appreciated. For now I would recommend contacting your sales representative.

Best Regards,

[Brooks_LV]

Hi Ian,

My customer sells software built on LabVIEW and the Vision Development module.  His potential customers often want to "evaluate" the software before purchasing it.  So, the evaluation period for the vision run-time license is very important.  I wonder if the licensing department has considered this scenario.  Not having an evaluation period for the vision run-time license will make it more difficult for him to sell his software which may trickle down to impact National Instruments sales as well.  I would appreciate it if you would communicate this back to the licensing department.

Here is my customers response to the new policy:

This is an Interesting justification for NI's decision....albeit misplaced.
If the development includes the Vision run time then how on earth is one
to evaluate the development ? If the development requires the Vision
run time license to execute how can that be perceived, by any rational
person, to supersede ( definition: Supersede: take the place of; supplant)
the Vision run time license ? It doesn't supersede it. it complements it.

Thanks for your consideration,

B

[rawlukn]

My company uses the Vision Module in a very similar way to Brooks_LV and will run into the same kind of issues if the evaluation period is removed. We sell our software based on the vision module to customers who want to demo/trial it as well.

If NI wants the LabVIEW language to be used to create commercial products and not just used to create internal software they need to reconsider their licensing approach.