Display & visualization
In the context of industrial automation, vision systems or machine vision refer to the use of cameras, sensors, and software to enable machines to “see” and interpret visual information, much like the human eye. These vision systems are a key component of automation because they allow machines to perform tasks that require precision and decision-making based on visual inputs, such as inspecting products, guiding robots, and ensuring quality control.
Key Aspects Of Vision System in Industrial Automation
Cameras: These are used to capture high-quality images or videos of objects and processes. Different types of cameras (e.g., monochrome, color, 3D) may be used depending on the application.
Illumination: Proper lighting is crucial for capturing clear images, and industrial vision systems often use controlled lighting like LEDs or lasers to reduce shadows and highlight specific features of objects.
Processors and Software: The captured images are processed using specialized algorithms. Vision systems often use machine learning, edge computing, or other advanced algorithms to analyze visual data in real-time.
Application Of Vision System In Industrial Automation
Quality Control and Inspection: Vision systems are widely used for inspecting products for defects, such as cracks, misalignments, or incorrect assembly. For example, a vision system can check the presence of parts in an assembly line or verify that a product meets size or color specifications.
Barcode and QR Code Reading: Vision systems can read barcodes or QR codes for traceability, inventory management, and data collection, ensuring that the right parts or materials are used in the production process.
Robot Guidance: Vision systems can help robots navigate their environment by recognizing objects, determining the position of parts, or guiding them to pick up or place items.
Assembly Verification: Machine vision can verify that parts are correctly assembled by inspecting shapes, sizes, and placements. This is critical in industries like automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, where precision is crucial.
Measurement and Metrology: Vision systems can be used for precise measurements, including dimensional accuracy or geometric positioning, to ensure that parts meet tight tolerance
Types Of Vision System
2D Vision Systems: These systems capture flat images of objects and are used for applications like defect detection, part identification, and positioning in a plane.
3D Vision Systems: 3D vision involves capturing depth information and can detect and analyze objects in three dimensions. It’s used for tasks like robotic bin picking, assembly verification, and even sorting based on shape or size.