Machine vision systems: basic things you need to know

If you are interested in visual inspection systems, you will find this article quite informative. This article will allow you to learn the basic concepts of a machine vision system and other important aspects of it. To know more, you may want to read the article.

Basically, machine vision refers to computer vision. In other words, it uses one or more computer-based cameras, digital processing (DSP), and analog-to-digital conversion. The data captured by the cameras is sent to a robot controller or computer.

When it comes to complexity, both computer vision and speech recognition are almost equally complex. In speech recognition applications, artificial intelligence is used to convert speech into text. So, complexity is present in both systems.

In simple words, machine vision refers to the ability of a computer system to see. A visual inspection system uses one or multiple cameras to scan and identify defects on an object.

Like other machines, machine vision systems also have specifications. The two most important specifications include resolution and sensitivity. By sensitivity, we mean the system’s ability to identify objects and defects in low light conditions.

It can also identify weak pulses even when the wavelengths are invisible. On the other hand, resolution refers to the extent to which a machine can find the difference between different objects. As a general rule, the field of view can be more limited depending on the resolution.

It is important to note that resolution and sensitivity depend on each other. In other words, even if you hold other factors constant, if you increase the sensitivity, you will decrease the resolution and vice versa.

Our eyes can see electromagnetic wavelengths if the range is between 390 and 770nm. On the other hand, video cameras are much more sensitive than the human eye and can detect X-ray, UV, and IR wavelengths.

With binocular machine vision, the system uses a computer to perform the scan. Apart from this, if you need depth perception, you need to implement AI, RAM and high-resolution cameras.

Additionally, visual inspection systems are also used in many medical and industrial applications. Some common examples are given below:

• Currency inspection

• Analysis of electronic components

• Handwriting recognition

• Material inspection

• Medical image analysis

• Object recognition

• Optical character recognition

• Pattern recognition

• Signature ID

This is not a complete list of industries that can benefit from visual inspection. The use of these systems is increasing and more and more industries are beginning to use them.

Often the term visual inspection machine is related to the ability of a computer to perform scans in different industries. On the other hand, “computer vision” refers to any technology that involves scanning and imaging and then processing the data contained within it.

In short, this was an introduction to machine vision and the functions it can perform in different industries. If you have a business that involves scanning objects, identifying defects, and classifying different objects, you may want to try a machine vision system.