Machine Vision

Machine Vision - Like it Sounds - Give your Machine Eyes to See

This photo shows an OMRON Unit

Machine Vision, has many applications in Factory Automation. From part recognition, to color detection, to bar code reading - if you can see it, then Vision Systems can detect it.

However - be warned! The environment can be deadly to some vision applications. Vibration, in particular, can make a system unreliable.

Probably the most important issue, is that of lighting. The type, how many and position, of the light sources, can make a huge difference to the reliability of a system. The use of U.V. light has helped in many applications, where variations in the ambient light, have caused problems.

The consistency of presenting a part, to a vision system, cannot be overstressed. We need a clean, stable, consistent environment for the application.

If an application comes up, the first contact should be with a potential supplier, to do an initial evaluation. If the salesperson thinks the project is do-able, then ask for a demonstration to be set-up.

This may occur at the vendor's facility, or for simpler applications, it may be possible to show you at your factory.

In any event, make absolutely sure, that the same conditions are simulated, in the demo, that will occur in the real world, of the automated system.

Any and all part variations, must be addressed, as well as all the points mentioned above.

For information, on vision for your machine, try these links:

Omron

Cognex
 

Please note that the above listed companies are by no means the only manufacturers, nor the only ones we have used, over the years, but they do make an excellent product, THAT IN THE CORRECT APPLICATION, should give years of trouble free service.

To find out more about what you can do with Machine Vision, please feel free to contact us.