System integration (SI) refers to the process of integrating disparate devices, functions, and information into a unified and coordinated system through structured cabling systems and computer network technology. This enables full resource sharing and achieves centralized, efficient, and convenient management.
System integration should employ various integration technologies, including functional integration, network integration, and software interface integration. Its key to success lies in resolving the interconnection and interoperability issues between systems, resulting in a multi-vendor, multi-protocol architecture oriented towards various applications. The system's structure requires addressing integration issues related to various devices, protocols, system platforms, application software, subsystems, environments, and organizational management.
In recent years, system integration has become a rapidly developing emerging industry in the international information services industry, with various fields constantly developing and innovating to build integrated systems. Its essence is the optimal comprehensive and coordinated design of large-scale integrated computer network systems. System integration includes the integration of computer software, hardware, operating system technology, database technology, network communication technology, etc., as well as the selection and matching of products from different manufacturers. Its goal is to achieve optimal overall performance; all components, once integrated, not only function but also achieve high efficiency and low cost across the entire system.
With continuous technological innovation and transformation, machine vision technology has been introduced to replace manual vision in hazardous working environments unsuitable for human operation or in situations where human vision is insufficient, greatly improving production efficiency and the degree of automation. Furthermore, machine vision facilitates information integration and has become a fundamental technology for computer-integrated manufacturing in industrial automation and related fields.
In a wide range of industry applications, machine vision technology is rarely used as an isolated system. Instead, it appears as an integral part of the entire automation system or equipment. Its technological advantages can only be realized when it is combined with other functions such as logic control, data acquisition, and communication networks. Therefore, system integration of machine vision technology is imperative.
Building a machine vision system involves more than just completing procedures from light source selection to image processing software development; it also presents challenges related to the complex integration of automated system functions. A single vision development hardware or software solution often means that the manufacturer or integrator bears the entire development cycle, cost, and uncertainties of the automated system.
The challenges of integrating machine vision with automation systems have, to some extent, hindered its application in the relatively conservative field of industrial automation. Therefore, its development presents both opportunities and challenges. However, it is undeniable that machine vision technology has developed rapidly in recent years. High speed, miniaturization, low power consumption, and intelligent integration have become industry trends, and the convergence trend in industrial automation systems and related fields is becoming increasingly apparent. Machine vision system integration has become an inevitable trend in its development.
