What is Machine Vision?
Machine vision encompasses computer science, optics, mechanical engineering, and industrial automation. Unlike computer vision which is mainly focused on machine-based image processing, machine vision integrates image capture systems with digital input/output devices and computer networks to control manufacturing equipment such as robotic arms. Manufacturers favour machine vision systems for visual inspections that require high-speed, high-magnification, 24-hour operation, and/or repeatability of measurements.
Machine vision is an interdisciplinary subfield of engineering. It has to do with engineering the necessary hardware and software for a machine vision system that has useful industrial applications. The most frequent applications are quality control and product counting. As machine vision advances as a field, it automates some of the most boring industrial jobs, permitting human employees to serve in more interesting positions. Machine vision is considered a subfield of computer vision in general, which includes neurocomputational investigations into human vision and the development of flexible vision systems for autonomous robotics. “Machine vision” has the connotation of application in industrial settings. Machine vision is used in any industrial setting with a significant degree of automation, where product specs are well-defined and products are mass produced. This includes the automobile industry, the semiconductor industry, and the electronics industry in general. Sometimes, a ma
A machine vision system consists of computer hardware and software working together with cameras and lighting to capture images of objects for the purpose of making a quality control decision. When the image is captured and stored in memory, it is algorithmically compared to a predefined image or quality standard in an effort to detect defects or anomalies. This machine vision technology can be applied in a number of different applications. However, PPT VISION works exclusively developing and applying machine vision technology for manufacturing applications. Using machine vision technology for purposes of inspection and quality control enables manufacturing companies to prevent defective products from being shipped to customers and to improve their manufacturing processes and reduce costs. Commercial use of machine vision technology for manufacturing quality control began to emerge in the early 1980s. Machine vision systems at that time were complex in programming and maintaining, diff
Machine vision technology uses a imaging system and a computer to analyze an image and to make decisions based on that analysis. There are two basic types of machine vision applications – inspection and control. In inspection applications, the machine vision optics and imaging system enable the processor to “see” objects precisely and thus make valid decisions about which parts pass and which parts must be scrapped. In control applications, sophisticated optics and software are used to direct the manufacturing process. Machine vision-guided assembly can eliminate any operator error that might result from doing difficult, tedious, or boring tasks; can allow process equipment to be utilized 24 hours a day; and can improve the overall level of quality. The following process steps are common to all machine vision applications: • Image acquisition: An optical system gathers an image, which is then converted to a digital format and stored into computer memory. • Image processing: A computer
Machine vision systems are devices that capture and analyze visual information, and are used to automate tasks that require “seeing”. A camera lens and image sensor are used to capture images. Vision software analyzes what is being seen and communicates information to other equipment. Vision systems also require lighting and are configured by connecting them to a display device such as a computer monitor. Vision systems can have a variety of physical forms, depending on the user’s need. Users can purchase vision software to use with their own camera and processor, or they can purchase a standalone unit that combines camera, processor and software into a single package.
