The machine vision system is based on optical devices and non-contact sensors. It can automatically receive and process an image of a real object to obtain the required information or the device used to control the movement of the robot. The machine vision system uses machines instead of human eyes for measurements and judgments. Essentially, the machine vision system is the application of image analysis technology in factory automation. It uses optical systems, industrial infrared cameras and image processing tools to simulate human visual capabilities and make corresponding decisions. In the end, these decisions are executed by directing a specific device.
In the modern automated production process, the machine vision system has gradually replaced artificial vision. It has been widely used especially in the fields of working condition inspection, finished product inspection, quality control, etc. The trend is irreversible with the advent of the Industry 4.0 era.
There are many reasons and the main ones are listed as follows:
1. From the perspective of production efficiency, the quality of artificial vision is low and the accuracy is not high because operators can easily get tired after working for a long time. However, the machine vision system can greatly improve production efficiency and automation.
2. From the perspective of cost control, enterprise managers need to spend a lot of manpower and material resources to train a qualified operator. However, training is far from enough, and a lot of time is required to improve the level of operators in practice. The machine vision system can be used uninterrupted for a long period of time while ensuring the production effect as long as it is properly designed, debugged and operated.
3. Artificial vision may have threats to the personal safety of operators in some special industrial environments, such as welding, gunpowder manufacturing, etc. However, the machine vision system can effectively avoid these risks to some extent.
A machine vision system is composed of different functional modules. A successfully designed machine vision system is very demanding for engineers.
In general, the professional fields covered by machine vision systems are as following:
1. Electrical engineering: the design of hardware and software of the machine vision system.
2. Engineering mathematics: the basis of image processing technology.
3. Physics: the basis of lighting system design.
4. Mechanical engineering: It has the most widely used application field of the machine vision system. A good machine vision system can better provide more technical support to improve product quality and production efficiency for the manufacturing industry.
English