The official definition of “machine vision” encompasses all industrial and nonindustrial applications in which a combination of hardware and software provide operational guidance to devices in the execution of their functions based on the capture and processing of images. In short, machine vision helps companies manufacture quality goods, repeatably.

Smart cameras and vision sensors have been key tools for monitoring and controlling the manufacture and movement of products in industrial environments for many years.

A wide range of single-purpose point sensors such as proximity sensors, lasers and photocells have long played a key role in virtually all factory automation systems by detecting the presence of parts or assemblies, performing measurements and identifying colors, among other tasks. 

A wide range of single-purpose point sensors such as proximity sensors, lasers and photocells have long played a key role in virtually all factory automation systems by detecting the presence of parts or assemblies, performing measurements, and identifying colors.

The benefits of smart cameras have made them an ideal match for a manufacturing environment. Combining a camera, processor, software and communications in one small, low-power package, smart cameras are highly integrated optical inspection tools for controlling quality and increasing productivity—required tasks in manufacturing.

Recently, I was taken aback by several press releases claiming that Sony has apparently indicated its plan to discontinue the production of all CCD sensors by 2017.

In many industries, manual inspection is replaced by machine vision inspection technology for its higher speed and greater accuracy which improves product quality and reduces production costs.

The Checker 3G Series allows operators to choose whether to configure the sensor as a presence or measurement sensor.

The Checker 3G series allows operators to choose whether to configure the sensor as a presence sensor or measurement sensor.

VeriSens smart vision sensors are equipped with IP69K-rated stainless steel housings, shatterproof glass, and connectors.