Machine vision

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Early Automatix (now part of Microscan) machine vision system Autovision II from 1983 being demonstrated at a trade show. Camera
on tripod is pointing down at a light table to produce backlit image shown on screen, which is then subjected toblob extraction.

Machine vision (MV) is the technology and methods used to provide imaging-based automatic
inspection and analysis for such applications as automatic inspection, process control, and robot
guidance in industry. The scope of MV is broad.
MV is related to, though distinct
from, computer vision.
[1][2]

[2][3][4]

[2][how?]

Contents
[hide]

1Applications

2Methods
o

2.1Imaging

2.2Image processing

2.3Outputs

3Market

4See also

5References

6External links

Applications[edit]
The primary uses for machine vision are automatic inspection and industrial robot guidance.
Other machine vision applications include:
[5]

Automated Train Examiner (ATEx) Systems

Automatic PCB inspection

Wood quality inspection

Final inspection of sub-assemblies

Engine part inspection

Label inspection on products

Checking medical devices for defects

Final inspection cells

Robot guidance and checking orientation of components

Packaging Inspection

Medical vial inspection

Food pack checks

Verifying engineered components

Wafer Dicing

Reading of Serial Numbers

Inspection of Saw Blades

Inspection of Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs)

Surface Inspection

Measuring of Spark Plugs

Molding Flash Detection

Inspection of Punched Sheets

3D Plane Reconstruction with Stereo

Pose Verification of Resistors

Classification of Non-Woven Fabrics

[4]

Methods[edit]
Machine vision methods are defined as both the process of defining and creating an MV solution,
and as the technical process that occurs during the operation of the solution. Here the latter is
addressed. As of 2006, there was little standardization in the interfacing and configurations used
in MV. This includes user interfaces, interfaces for the integration of multi-component systems
and automated data interchange. Nonetheless, the first step in the MV sequence of operation
is acquisition of an image, typically using cameras, lenses, and lighting that has been designed
to provide the differentiation required by subsequent processing. MV software packages then
employ various digital image processing techniques to extract the required information, and often
make decisions (such as pass/fail) based on the extracted information.
[6][7]

[8]

[9][10]

[11]

Imaging[edit]
While conventional (2D visible light) imaging is most commonly used in MV, alternatives include
imaging various infrared bands, line scan imaging, 3D imaging of surfaces and X-ray imaging.
Key divisions within MV 2D visible light imaging are monochromatic vs. color, resolution, and
whether or not the imaging process is simultaneous over the entire image, making it suitable for
moving processes. The most commonly used method for 3D imaging is scanning based
triangulation which utilizes motion of the product or image during the imaging process. Other 3D
methods used for machine vision are time of flight, grid based and stereoscopic.
[12]

[5]

[13]

[14]

The imaging device (e.g. camera) can either be separate from the main image processing unit or
combined with it in which case the combination is generally called a smart camera or smart
sensor.
When separated, the connection may be made to specialized intermediate hardware,
a frame grabber using either a standardized (Camera Link,CoaXPress) or custom interface.
MV implementations also have used digital cameras capable of direct connections (without a
framegrabber) to a computer viaFireWire, USB or Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
[15][16]

[17][18][19]

[20]

[20][21]

Though the vast majority of machine vision applications are solved using two-dimensional
imaging, machine vision applications utilizing 3D imaging are a growing niche within the industry.
One method is grid array based systems using pseudorandom structured light system as
employed by the Microsoft Kinect system circa 2012.
Another method of generating a 3D
image is to use laser triangulation, where a laser is projected onto the surfaces of an object and
the deviation of the line is used to calculate the shape. In machine vision this is accomplished
with a scanning motion, either by moving the workpiece, or by moving the camera & laser
imaging system. Stereoscopic vision is used in special cases involving unique features present in
both views of a pair of cameras.
[14][22]

[23][24]

[25]

Image processing[edit]
After an image is acquired, it is processed. Machine vision image processing methods
include
[19]

[further explanation needed]

Stitching/Registration: Combining of adjacent 2D or 3D images.

Filtering (e.g. morphological filtering)

[citation needed]

[26]

Thresholding: Thresholding starts with setting or determining a gray value that will be
useful for the following steps. The value is then used to separate portions of the image, and
sometimes to transform each portion of the image simply black and white based on whether
it is below or above that grayscale value.
[27]

Pixel counting: counts the number of light or dark pixels

[citation needed]

Segmentation: Partitioning a digital image into multiple segments to simplify and/or

change the representation of an image into something that is more meaningful and easier to
analyze.
[28][29]

Inpainting

Edge detection: finding object edges

[30]

Color Analysis: Identify parts, products and items using color, assess quality from color,
and isolate features using color.
[5]

Blob discovery & manipulation: inspecting an image for discrete blobs of connected
pixels (e.g. a black hole in a grey object) as image landmarks. These blobs frequently
represent optical targets for machining, robotic capture, or manufacturing failure.
[31]

Neural net processing: weighted and self-training multi-variable decision making

[32]

Pattern recognition including template matching. Finding, matching, and/or counting

specific patterns. This may include location of an object that may be rotated, partially hidden
by another object, or varying in size.
[33]

Barcode, Data Matrix and "2D barcode" reading

Optical character recognition: automated reading of text such as serial numbers

[34]

[35]

Gauging/Metrology: measurement of object dimensions (e.g. in

pixels, inches or millimeters)
[36]

Comparison against target values to determine a "pass or fail" or "go/no go" result. For
example, with code or bar code verification, the read value is compared to the stored target
value. For gauging, a measurement is compared against the proper value and tolerances.
For verification of alpha-numberic codes, the OCR'd value is compared to the proper or
target value. For inspection for blemishes, the measured size of the blemishes may be
compared to the maximums allowed by quality standards.
[34]

Outputs[edit]
A common output from machine vision systems is pass/fail decisions.
These decisions
may in turn trigger mechanisms that reject failed items or sound an alarm. Other common
outputs include object position and orientation information from robot guidance systems.
Additionally, output types include numerical measurement data, data read from codes and
characters, displays of the process or results, stored images, alarms from automated space
monitoring MV systems, and process control signals.
[citation needed]

[5]

[6][10]

Market[edit]
This article is outdated. Please update this section to reflect recent events or newly available
information. (November 2011)

As recently as 2006, one industry consultant reported that MV represented a $1.5 billion market
in North America. However, the editor-in-chief of an MV trade magazine asserted that "machine
vision is not an industry per se" but rather "the integration of technologies and products that
provide services or applications that benefit true industries such as automotive or consumer
goods manufacturing, agriculture, and defense."
[37]

[3]

As of 2006, experts estimated that MV had been employed in less than 20% of the applications
for which it is potentially useful.
[38]

Disadvantages to Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is a very useful machining process that can be readily
substituted for many other cutting methods; however, it has some
limitations to what it can cut. Listed below are these limitations, and a brief
description of each.
One of the main disadvantages of waterjet cutting is that a
limited number of materials can be cut economically. While it is
possible to cut tool steels, and other hard materials, the cutting
rate has to be greatly reduced, and the time to cut a part can

be very long. Because of this, waterjet cutting can be very

costly and outweigh the advantages.
Another disadvantage is that very thick parts can not be cut
with waterjet cutting and still hold dimensional accuracy. If the
part is too thick, the jet may dissipate some, and cause it to cut
on a diagonal, or to have a wider cut at the bottom of the part
than the top. It can also cause a ruff wave pattern on the cut
surface.
Taper is also a problem with waterjet cutting in very thick
materials. Taper is when the jet exits the part at a different
angle than it enters the part, and can cause dimensional
inaccuracy. Decreasing the speed of the head may reduce this,
although it can still be a problem.
Machine Vision Technology
Machine vision uses image capture and analysis to automate
tasks such as inspection, gauging, and counting, in addition
to reading barcodes and optical characters (OCR). While
human inspectors can visually inspect parts to judge the
quality of workmanship, machine vision systems use
advanced hardware and software components to perform
these functions at higher speeds, reliably, and with greater
precision.
Microscan holds one of the worlds most robust patent
portfolios for machine vision technology, including hardware
design, software algorithms and machine vision lighting.
This comprehensive product line makes Microscan uniquely
positioned to provide complete vision solutions to a broad
range of user levels and applications.

Microscan Leads Machine Vision System Technology

Microscan holds one of the world's most robust patent portfolios for machine vision systems technology, including
hardware design, software algorithms and machine vision illumination. Our Visionscape brand of machine vision
hardware and software is an industry pioneer, improving automated technical inspection, gauging and measurement
capability to the benefit of manufacturers worldwide.
Microscan is in continual development of our Visionscape hardware and software as well as our NERLITE machine
vision lighting products, to ensure we provide cutting edge technology and the most complete offerings for machine
vision applications.

Complex inspection,
high speed

Check for completeness

Shape Inspection

Pattern Comparison

Complex inspection,
high speed

Check for completeness

Measurement

Position/Angle
Detection

Shape Inspection

Plain text reading

/comparison

Pattern Comparison

1D / 2D symbol reading

About Machine Vision

While human inspectors working on assembly lines visually inspect parts to judge the quality of workmanship, machine
vision systems use cameras and image processing software to perform similar inspections. Machine Vision inspection
plays an important role in achieving 100% quality control in manufacturing, reducing costs and ensuring a high level of
customer satisfaction.
Machine vision system inspection consists of narrowly defined tasks such as counting objects on a conveyor, reading
serial numbers, and searching for surface defects. Manufacturers often prefer machine vision systems for visual
inspections that require high speed, high magnification, around-the-clock operation, and/or repeatability of
measurements.
For example, semiconductor fabrication depends greatly on vision inspection technology, without which yields for
computer chips would be significantly reduced. Machine vision systems inspect silicon wafers, processor chips, and
sub-components such as resistors and capacitors at high speeds with precision and accuracy.