Industrial automation technology is becoming increasingly mature, and everyone has heard of it. However, do you really understand industrial automation? Why is machine vision used in industrial automation? And why are industrial control computers needed? Do you have clear answers to these questions? If you have any doubts, you might find the answers in this article.
I. Industrial Automation + Machine Vision
Machine vision, in essence, uses machines to replace human eyes for measurement and judgment. A machine vision system involves converting the captured target into an image signal using machine vision products, transmitting it to a dedicated image processing system, and then converting it into a digital signal based on pixel distribution, brightness, color, and other information. The image system performs various calculations on these signals to extract the target's features, and then controls the on-site equipment based on the judgment results.
Why use machine vision systems?
There are five main reasons for using machine vision systems in industrial automation control:
Precision – Due to the physical limitations of the human eye, machines have a clear advantage in precision. Even when the human eye relies on a magnifying glass or microscope to inspect products, machines are still more precise because their accuracy can reach one-thousandth of an inch.
Repeatability – A machine can perform an inspection task repeatedly in the same way without getting tired. In contrast, the human eye makes subtle differences each time it inspects a product, even if the product is exactly the same.
Speed – Machines can inspect products faster. Especially when inspecting high-speed moving objects, such as on a production line, machines can improve production efficiency.
Objectivity – Human eye inspection has a fatal flaw: subjectivity caused by emotions. The inspection results will change depending on the worker's mood, while the machine has no emotions, so the inspection results are naturally very objective and reliable.
Cost – Because machines are faster than humans, one automated inspection machine can perform the work of several people. Moreover, machines do not need to stop, do not get sick, and can work continuously, thus greatly improving production efficiency.
Because machine vision systems can rapidly acquire large amounts of information, are easily processed automatically, and are readily integrated with design and manufacturing control information, they are widely used in modern automated production processes for areas such as condition monitoring, finished product inspection, and quality control. The key feature of machine vision systems is improved production flexibility and automation. In hazardous working environments unsuitable for manual labor or where human vision is insufficient, machine vision is often used to replace manual vision. Furthermore, in large-scale industrial production, manual inspection of product quality is inefficient and lacks precision; machine vision inspection methods can significantly improve production efficiency and automation. Moreover, machine vision facilitates information integration, making it a fundamental technology for computer-integrated manufacturing.
II. Industrial Automation + Industrial Control Computers
1. Ordinary computers are relatively fragile in industrial automation and are prone to failure. Frequent maintenance increases the cost for enterprises. However, industrial control computers are different. They have more stable performance. Although the initial investment cost is higher than that of ordinary computers, in the long run, the cost is definitely lower.
2. Industrial automation sites are mostly production lines that require continuous production and operation. People can rest, but machines cannot. Ordinary computers cannot be turned on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but industrial control computers can, which is their advantage.
3. While ordinary computers can be used in industrial automation, they must be used in relatively mild environments. There are requirements for the industrial environment. However, industrial control computers are different. They are specialized computers that undergo professional protection and testing in terms of dustproofing, moisture-proofing, and vibration resistance. They can be used in any complex and harsh industrial environment, with virtually no environmental requirements.
4. Ordinary computers are at greater risk of infection by viruses. Once infected, they can paralyze an entire industrial production line, with serious consequences. However, industrial control computers are equipped with industrial control server systems such as Linux and Server, which are more secure and reliable than ordinary Windows systems, and therefore have a lower risk of infection.
The above is the content related to "industrial automation" brought to you by the editor. Through this article, we hope that everyone will have a certain understanding of why machine vision and industrial control computers are used in industrial automation.
