Design

Method

The design of a great vision system begins with an accurate PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS.

The main specification to clearly identify is what the vision system is to detect or control.

Some examples of additional information needed are:

  • How long can an inspection take at most?
  • How fast are the objects moving that require inspection?
  • How much space is available for the vision system?
  • In what kind of environment (dirt, dust, electromagnetic interference, vibrations) will the vision system be installed?

The second step is the FEASIBILITY STUDY to find out whether and how your inspection problem can be solved by a machine vision system.

In the feasibility study, some sample pieces are analyzed: the best way is sought to obtain images in which the features of the pieces to detect are highlighted.

The feasibility study identifies the most suitable technology for the inspection to be carried out.

The technologies for acquiring images are varied and constantly evolving, but they can mainly be grouped into

  • linear cameras (1D)
  • matrix cameras (2D)
  • 3D sensors
Feasibility study of a machine vision system

The lighting is a very important aspect of a machine vision system because the lighting scheme has a direct impact on the image processing.

Therefore, it is essential to choose the lighting correctly because excellent lighting can allow for the creation of a simple and reliable vision system.

Correct lighting must:

  • highlight features to be detected relative to the surrounding background;
  • create repeatable images regardless of part variation.

The feasibility study determines the necessary specifications of the major hardware components.

  • camera/sensor (type, resolution, sensor size, interface, …)
  • lens (type, focal length, resolution, image circle diameter, …)
  • optical filter (type, wavelength, diameter)
  • lights (lighting technique, wavelength, form factor, intensity, working distance, …)

Further information obtained is:

  • the set-up (positions, distances);
  • the piece handling;
  • how to reduce the influence of ambient light.

When the results obtained from the feasibility study are satisfactory, the information obtained is used for the last step: the DESIGN of the vision system.

During the design process, the hardware components are selected and how to connect them is defined.

Mechanical design includes:

  • the positions of the components;
  • the movements to be carried out;
  • the screens for ambient light.

What I do

I have a lot of experience in carrying out feasibility studies. I focus on how to better highlight the features to detect in an object in order to make the vision system reliable and robust.

I collaborate with the machine manufacturer, helping them with my skills from the very first steps of the project.