Image capture and processing in real-time for Windows
Kithara RealTime Vision is a modular real-time extension for Windows operating systems, with focus on image capture and image processing in real time with GigE Vision and USB3 Vision.
32-bit as well as 64-bit applications can be generated from a single uniform code base. Both versions are completely source code compatible—with a specially integrated function (KiK64) even binary compatible. The software offers immediate accessibility with program frameworks for programming languages and compilers listed below. Download the free
trial version now!
Supported programming languages
Kithara RealTime Suite supports C, C++, Delphi and C#, among others. In order to gain “hard” real-time capabilities, it is necessary to run hardware-dependent, time-critical application code in the kernel mode of the system. To do so, this code is transferred into a DLL, which is then loaded directly into the real-time context. In general, this requires programming languages that are able to generate native x86 or x64 machine code, such as C, C++ or Delphi. In the use case of C#, the DLL can be programmed, for example, in C++.
Code execution at kernel level with C, C++ and Delphi (native code generation required)
C# support by transferring code into a C++-DLL
Supports Windows and Windows Server (64-bit operating system only), each with Dedicated Mode
License management via online activation or USB dongle
Modules
Kithara RealTime Vision is a special selection of modules from
Kithara RealTime Suite. A customized combination is also possible.
Basic Functions
Base/Kernel Module
Supports Windows and Windows Server (64-bit operating system only), each with Dedicated Mode
Supports multi-core processors, hyper-threading and NUMA multi-processor PCs
Functions for: opening the driver, execution of real-time code at kernel level, real-time memory management, device handling, version information, debugging support, system information
Real-time tasks, events, callbacks, shared memory, data and message pipes, fast mutex objects
Kithara RealTime Vision comes with the following features:
Kithara RealTime Suite is built modularly and allows for creating an individually customized real-time operating system tailored to your needs.
The name of development and runtime files can can be chosen freely.
Solid API, no modifications necessary in case of new versions.
With the purchase of the module you will automatically receive a developer's license.
Favourable price scale conditions for runtime licenses.
Multiple updates provided over a period of 12 months after initial purchase
Update service extendable by an additional 12 months.
Extendable with additional modules at any time.
10 hours developer support included, beyond that various support support packages are available (20, 50, 100 hours)
Support is handled in the Kithara ticket system, enables fast and direct contact with developers.
Our qualified Support-Team provides you with the best possible solution for integrating the software into your project and our development support also assists you with questions (even beyond Kithara software).
Platforms
Real-time capability can only be achieved on the kernel level. For this purpose a programming language is required that is able to generate native machine code, e. g. C, C++ or Delphi and others. Nevertheless
Kithara RealTime Suite supports various platforms, for example a .NET environment. The solution is to transfer the time-critical code into a DLL, which will be loaded directly into the real-time context at the kernel level. A number of usable program frameworks for the aforementioned platforms are provided with every software purchase.
System Requirements
The products of Kithara RealTime Vision support a wide range of hardware and software combinations. If you have questions regarding the system support,
please contact us!
Operating system
The software supports the following operating systems:
Windows 10 (64 bit version only) and Windows 11
Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025
Hardware
The software runs on the following hardware:
CPU: x64-compatible CPU (Intel, AMD)
Multi-Core; optional Hyper-Threading usable, currently up to 48 logical CPUs, more on request
ACPI necessary (Advanced Control and Power Interface)
Regarding compatibility of communication interfaces see e.g.
here.
Compiler
Immediately usable program frameworks for the following programming languages / compilers are included in the supplied software (other programming languages can be supported on request):
Visual Studio 20xx C++ with MFC user interface (provided project files: VS 2010/12/13/15/17/19/22)
C++ Builder (Embarcadero, formerly Borland) VCL user interface
Delphi (Embarcadero, formerly Borland) VCL user interface
Visual Studio 20xx C# with WPF user interface (incl. C++ DLL for real-time execution, provided project files: VS 2010/12/13/15/17/19/22)
In order to execute code in a real-time context, any compiler that can generate a DLL with native machine code, is generally usable. Furthermore, the Windows application can also be generated with other programming languages, such as C#.
The deterministic reaction times of a real-time operating system can reliably ensure that the loss of image data packets is prevented. Kithara RealTime Suite achieves this with sufficiently large buffer memories and based on specially developed real-time drivers for Ethernet or USB. The reaction to received images occurs within the context of the real-time environment within a few microseconds.
Yes, processed image data can also be handled in the real-time context. This enables an immediate control reaction to processed images as well as their integration into automation systems using EtherCAT or CANopen. Kithara RealTime Suite thus offers a solution that seamlessly combines image acquisition, image processing, and automation within a single real-time operating system.
Within Kithara RealTime Suite, the camera interfaces GigE Vision and USB3 Vision can be used. Regarding image processing libraries, Halcon from MVTec or the open-source OpenCV can be utilized.
EtherCAT® and Safety over EtherCAT® are registered trademarks and patented technologies, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany. CANopen® is a registered trademark of the CAN in Automation e. V. GigE Vision® is a registered trademark of the Automated Imaging Association. USB3 Vision® is a registered trademark of the Automated Imaging Association.
