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Machine Vision: not just another industry BUZZWORD

Machine vision technology has afforded computers the ability to identify and recognise a variety of characteristics of the item in its view. This technology is used across a wide range of different industries and applications. The aim of machine vision is to mimic or improve upon the performance of the human eye.

Machine vision gives computers the power to see

  • Machine vision can be applied in both the industrial and non-industrial sector
  • It works through the implementation of appropriate hardware components and software solutions
  • This technology typically utilises CMOS sensors housed within industrial cameras with specialised optics to acquire images
  • Machine vision systems can be found in just about every modern industry’s production procedure

WHY machine vision?

  • It’s cost effective and boosts productivity
    Machine vision minimises manufacturing costs while continuously improving product quality and enhancing productivity
  • Efficient and surpasses the abilities of the human eye
    Vision systems allow the inspection of hundreds, even thousands of parts per minute, with bespoke systems even able to inspect objects which are invisible to the human eye
  • Increases operational safety
    Less human involvement results in staff enjoying increased protection from hazardous environments
  • Reduction of contaminants entering sterile conditions
    Vision systems result in less contamination from human activity in aseptic environments
  • Easier tracking and tracing throughout your operation
    Manufacturers are better equipped to track parts and products throughout the manufacturing process
  • Compliancy is easier attained
    Machine vision affords manufacturers compliance with strict regulations such as ISO, 21CFR Part 11, GS1 and other relevant data standards
  • Shifts your operation into high gear
    Machine vision offers speed, accuracy, repeatability and quantitative measurement

Machine vision APPLICATIONS

Machine vision offers GUIDANCE on location of parts and tools

Guidance means a vision system can locate the position and orientation of a part and report on its accuracy relating to a specified tolerance, angle and more. This information can then be used to measure and verify assembly. Guidance can also report the location and orientation of a part in 2D or 3D space, to the robot which locates that part, or a machine controller that aligns the part.

Guidance is critical for aligning to other vision tools as well. Parts can be presented to a camera in unknown orientations during the production process.

A machine vision system can be used for GAUGING

A vision system for gauging calculates distances between two or more points or geometric locations on an object to determine if these measurements meet specifications.

MACHINE VISION READS IN CODE AND ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS

Machine vision IDENTIFIES even the smallest features of an object

An optical character recognition (OCR) system reads the alphanumeric characters while optical character verification (OCV) systems confirm the presence of a character string.

Manufacturers use DPM applications, as they mark a character string or code directly onto a part, a technique used for error-proofing. This application also allows for better asset tracking, monitoring, quality control and authenticity verification. By mapping out the genealogy of a part, warranties and sub-assembly can be directly labelled.

Although barcodes are the widest accepted forms of retail checkout or inventory control, traceability information requires a much larger area than what barcode surfaces allow. The introduction of 2D codes like Data Matrix means more information can be included on virtually any finished product.

Machine vision reads:

  • Barcodes
  • Data Matrix Codes (2D)
  • Direct Part Marks (DPM)
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
  • Optical Character Verification (OCV)

As an INSPECTION system, machine vision technology is a game changer

An inspection vision system is responsible for detecting irregularities, defects, flaws and contaminants. This technology is also used for inspecting a product’s completeness.

It ensures a match between product and package, and it conducts checks on seals, caps, rings, etc.

What’s your CHALLENGE that machine vision can fix?

You don’t know how to get what you want in a machine vision system?

ClearView offers bespoke solutions that we create with leading-edge components. Our expert engineering teams have in-depth knowledge of all things machine vision and they will ensure the solutions they create address all your needs.

You want quality assurance and control measures in place

A machine vision system will offer your comprehensive quality control. These systems can look for defects based on how the object is supposed to look.

You’re looking for components to add to your existing system for optimal output?

As with all machines, components can end up needing replacement. You can expect to have to replace lenses to illuminators and software libraries within the lifespan of your machine visions solution. The great news is that replacement components can easily and quickly be found.

You want a camera?

A camera without any specific data input or automated instructions is just a camera. You won’t be able to pull out the data necessary to inform you about key features about the object the camera is viewing. With a machine vision system you can process the image and extract all the necessary data which is communicated and which is indicative of a pass/fail. This way your following actions are informed and strategic. Actions such as a product reject trigger is worthwhile.

At ClearView we specialise in machine vision.

We’re serious problem solvers. When it comes to machine vision systems and components, we know how to tick all the boxes and we guarantee that we’ll get you from concept to completion with little disruption. No matter your project, we have a competent team waiting to assist you.
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