Einführung
Machine vision systems have revolutionized manufacturing and logistics. With the help of robotics, they have enabled the automation of industrial tasks. Machine vision systems can perform product inspection, measurement, and tracing.
There are various kinds of machine vision systems available in the market today. We will go over each kind, along with its features and benefits. After reading this article, you will get a clear picture of what different vision systems have to offer.
What is Machine Vision?
The technology of analyzing real-world objects by imaging is known as machine vision. It is used in automated inspection, fault detection, and manufacturing. Machine vision makes industry automation possible by supplying real-time data to manufacturing devices such as robots, conveyor belts, and inspection tools. Machine vision is the technique through which digital technology interacts with the real world. It provides appropriate data to industrial control software for making the correct decisions.
Types of Machine Vision Systems
The number of dimensions analyzed by a machine vision system determines its category. We will now discuss the uses and benefits of each machine vision system in detail.
1D Machine Vision System
A one-dimensional machine vision system analyzes a single line at a time. It employs a line scan camera to capture pixels linearly. One-dimensional machine vision is excellent at analyzing the surface of continuous objects. It can identify deviations and patterns to perform edge detection and surface inspection. One-dimensional machine vision systems are ideal for capturing data on moving conveyor belts. Since objects are scanned in fragmented lines, there is no need to stop the belt’s motion.
2D Area Array Scan System
A 2D area array scan system captures a 2D image of the object with a CCD or CMOS camera. An array of pixels represents the image arranged in a 2D plane. Area array scan systems provide high-resolution imagery with precise measurements. The camera sensors can range from 5 to 30 megapixels and have various zoom levels. 2D scanners are efficient in defect detection, pattern recognition, and text analysis. They are ideal for slow-moving conveyor belts or stationary object scanning.
2D Line Scan System
A 2D line scan system builds an image by capturing data in linear sections. It captures the image using a line-scan camera comprising a single line of pixels. The image is built from a series of linear scans using synchronization software. They are ideal for high-speed tasks that require capturing data from moving objects. They are also efficient at sorting tasks and print inspection.
3D Machine Vision System
A 3D machine vision system models an object in three dimensions, effectively reporting its length, width, and height parameters. 3D machine vision systems operate on several techniques, like stereo systems, laser displacement sensors, structured light, and time-of-flight imaging.
Stereo systems consist of two cameras that capture an object at different angles. Synchronization software uses these images to build a 3D model of the object. Such a process requires solving a task known as the correspondence problem.
Laser displacement sensors consist of laser emitters and cameras. It casts a line of laser upon the object, and the reflected beam is analyzed to model the dimensional attributes.
Structured light scanners throw a grid of light beams on an object and analyze the reflected light with a camera. The software processes the disruptions in the captured image to recreate the 3D model of the object.
Time-of-flight sensors project infrared beams on an object and determine the distance by measuring the time it takes for the light to return. After several iterations of this process, the 3D model is prepared.
What is the Role of Machine Vision?
Defect Detection
Machine vision allows factories to detect defects in large samples quickly. This type of broad screening helps conserve manpower for special cases of unusual defects. Machine vision software enables assembly lines to make automated decisions, like pass/fail checks, that save a lot of production time and effort. By reducing defects, machine vision saves time, cost, and resources.
Object Detection and Counting
Object analysis through machine vision is much quicker than manual methods. It can determine batch quantity much faster and more accurately than a human can. Machine vision systems like line scanners are ideal for fast-moving assembly lines for object detection and counting.
Measurement and Metering
One of the key benefits of machine vision is contactless measurement. Machine vision systems utilize software tools to analyze the dimensions of an object from its image. Therefore, they are suitable for designing and inspecting all types of workpieces. Quick and efficient measurements allow faster product manufacturing and inspection, increasing the factory output overall.
Positioning and Guiding
Machine vision systems enable robots to make autonomous decisions based on their surroundings. Robot operations such as picking and placing, sorting, inspecting, and navigation depend on machine vision systems. In addition, machine vision software provides robots with real-time feedback. Machine vision helps improve manufacturing processes by recognizing low-efficiency patterns, faults, and irregularities.
Barcode Reading
Barcode reading is one of the most popular applications of machine vision. Line scanning sensors can read encrypted data from barcodes and update the information system. It helps factories recognize objects, warehouses catalog their products, and logistic companies track their shipments.
OCR/Visual Recognition
Through Optical Character Recognition techniques, machine vision systems extract text from an image and process it into a machine-readable format. It greatly benefits industries since it allows devices to recognize the information printed on products. OCR helps retrieve and store product information, image searching, robot navigation, and inventory management.
Best Machine Vision System for Investing in MXP
At MXP, we create machine vision systems to meet the highest industry standards. With over 15 core patents and 20 export countries, we are committed to providing quality tools for industry leaders. We have painstakingly crafted the Uranus, Saturn, Pluto, and Neptune machine vision systems to meet the diverse needs of global manufacturing.
We offer fully-automatic, semi-automatic, CNC, and manual control machines to suit all types of factories. Our machines are highly versatile and built to last, with add-on options for specialized use cases. Our devices come with External-Array RationalVue composite machine vision software that can handle all 2D and 3D measurements. Contact us to receive a free professional consultation!