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Machine vision is a
technology that extracts useful information from digital images automatically
in an industrial setting. In industries, the useful information could be about
confirmation of correct assembly of components, part orientation and location
for robot, filling level confirmation, or part identification reading optical
characters or machine readable codes.
Human workers visually
inspect a process or parts for the quality. On the other hand, machine vision
systems use advanced hardware, i.e. cameras, and software components, i.e.
image processing to perform similar functions with greater precision,
reliability and high speeds.
How
Does Machine Vision Work?
Machine vision uses
digital cameras and image processing to automate the functions. The operation of
a machine vision system consists of a few steps including imaging, processing
and analysis, communication and action. A digital camera takes an image, then
image processing analyzes the image to obtain results. Results are sent to the
system controlling the process, then it takes the action depending on the
results obtained.
Benefits
of Machine Vision
The technology of
machine vision offers a variety of benefits, including quality assurance and
increased productivity by replacing manual inspection to automatic visual
inspection. The automated process checks correct mounting, completeness and
position of even small parts, checks dimensional shapes and tolerances, and
detects the presence of parts making the process objective and reliable. This
system also allows automatic recognition of components that can be categorized
in predefined groups on the basis of patterns, shape, codes and dimensions.
Applications
of Machine Vision
Some of the several
applications of machine vision include inspection, gauging, guidance and
identification. Common application examples include wafer positioning, sub
assembly verification, quality checking, color matching, robotic guidance, package
integrity, etc.
Machine vision system
is used for inspecting narrowly defined task, such as searching for surface
defects, reading serial numbers and counting objects on a conveyor. It is often
preferred by manufacturers for visual inspections that require repeatability of
measurements, high magnification or high speed. For example, machine vision
system is used in semiconductor fabrication to inspect processor chips,
sub-components and silicon wafers with accuracy and precision at high speeds.
References
http://www.sick.com/uk/en-uk/home/products/product_portfolio/Documents/Machine%20Vision%20Introduction2_2_web.pdf
http://www.microscan.com/en-us/technology/machinevisionsystems.aspx
http://www.microscan.com/en-us/technology/machinevisionsystems/whatismachinevision.aspx
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Re: Machine Vision – Replacing Manual Vision with Automatic
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