A machine vision system refers to a system that uses machine vision products (i.e., image acquisition devices, which are divided into CMOS and CCD types) to convert the captured target into an image signal, which is then transmitted to a dedicated image processing system. Based on pixel distribution and information such as brightness and color, the signal is converted into a digital signal. The image system performs various operations on these signals to extract the target's features, and then controls the on-site equipment based on the judgment results.
Today, China is becoming one of the most dynamic regions in the world for the development of machine vision, with applications covering all sectors of the national economy, including industry, agriculture, medicine, military, aerospace, meteorology, astronomy, medicine, transportation, security, and scientific research. A key reason for this is that China has become a global manufacturing processing center. The high-requirement processing of parts and the corresponding advanced production lines have brought many internationally advanced machine vision systems and application experiences to China.
Machine vision technology, as a product of technological development, is constantly being optimized and upgraded to better adapt to industry needs. Machine vision is a process that uses machines to replace human eyes for inspection. Its emergence has greatly improved the level of production automation, increased the efficiency and accuracy of quality inspection, and also opened up many new research areas. With the development of the machine vision market and the continuous progress of machine vision technology, while constantly meeting the development needs of customers, four points cannot be ignored.
I. The testing technology is stable and reliable.
In industrial production, the diversity of objects being measured and the influence of mechanical errors make it difficult to maintain a stable state throughout the inspection process. Therefore, machine vision technology needs to have high stability, adapting to any environment from lighting and image acquisition to image storage and processing. Simultaneously, it must acquire images that highlight the object being inspected to provide the most stable, accurate, and clear inspection results, thus providing technical support for production or quality inspection work.
II. High system cost-effectiveness
While ensuring quality, price is undoubtedly the primary concern for customers. The continuous upgrading of machine vision technology is beneficial to customers, but simply using expensive components will lead to a significant price increase, adding a burden for most users. A high-performance, low-cost system is what can meet the most basic needs; therefore, cost-effectiveness is an important indicator of a system's quality and one of the most important factors for customers when choosing a product.
III. The system is simple and convenient to operate.
Simplifying technical parameters and facilitating processing are the most critical and core elements for system operation. Although machine vision technology is a high-tech field, it still requires continuous adjustment of various parameters to achieve optimal results. However, currently, most operators have limited technical skills. Therefore, system simplification is a fundamental requirement for most customers after considering price and quality, and this simplification mainly includes simplifying the detection process and image processing.
IV. System Long-Term Maintainability
A good system should not only consider usability but also maintainability in long-term operation. The stability and reliability of machine vision technology are sufficient to enable the system to better exert its functional advantages and provide strong technical support in practical applications.
