Visual inspection systems using vision sensors provide image-based automated inspection, facilitating a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications. While 2D and 3D vision sensors are not a new technology, they are now commonly used in automated inspection, robot guidance, quality control, and sorting.
These intelligent inspection systems are equipped with one or more cameras, and even video and lighting. Vision sensors can measure parts, verify their correct positioning, and identify their shape. Furthermore, vision sensors can measure and classify parts at high speed. Computer software processes the images captured during the evaluation process to obtain data.
Visual sensors
Vision sensors offer simple and reliable detection thanks to their powerful vision tools, modular lighting and optics, and easy-to-use setup environment. Intelligent, vision sensors can make decisions that influence the functions being evaluated, often triggering operator action with pass/fail signals. These systems can be embedded in production lines to provide a continuous flow of information.
Applications of visual sensors
Vision sensors first perform inspection by locating a part in an image, then searching for specific features of that part. Once the field of view (FOV) is set, the operator can run vision tools across the entire range of the target to inspect the presence, integrity, or orientation of multiple features, all within a single image. Even if the data output is binary, the aggregated data can be used downstream to improve processes and perform diagnostics at specific work units.
Visual sensor technology is a complex system comprising many components. Advances in this field are constantly underway. For many, the most readily accessible visual sensor will be a smart camera, commonly used in vehicle recognition technology. However, visual sensors are also widely used in industrial sectors to monitor processes and ensure product quality.
Vision sensors are widely used in industrial plants and processes to maintain product quality and check operational efficiency. They can determine barcodes, imprints or stains, size and alignment, and many other features without any contact.
Applications of vision sensors include, but are not limited to, the following: high-speed product inspection (quality control), measurement, quantity calculation, sorting, positioning, decoding, and robot guidance. The advantages of vision sensors are significant; many processes involving manual inspection can be maximized in efficiency using them. Industries already employing vision sensors include food packaging and beverage bottling; automotive, electronics, and semiconductor assembly; and pharmaceutical companies. Common tasks for vision sensors include robot guidance, pick-and-place processes, and counting. Railway companies use vision sensors for automated high-speed rail inspections.
