Recent record growth in the machine vision industry has been driven in part by continued advances in machine vision technology and components. The overall success of machine vision applications always has been indisputably tied to competent systems integration—the analysis, specification, design, and implementation of the components critical to the task. In this discussion, we will review machine vision systems integration and introduce some important technologies like 3D imaging, color imaging, deep learning and line scan imagers along with some practical information to help successfully incorporate and implement them in your inspection, metrology, and guidance applications.
Components that acquire and process a simple grayscale snapshot admittedly dominate the application base for machine vision in today’s marketplace. Certainly, these devices are very reliable, easy to use, and flexible for a wide variety of inspection, guidance, and metrology projects. However, there are other available technologies that could be better suited for certain applications and the only suitable solution for some. And in all cases, there are fundamental integration concepts that should be followed to ensure a well-designed and implemented machine vision solution.