APPLICATIONS
The main categories into which MV applications fall are quality assurance, sorting, material handling, robot guidance, and calibration.

METHODS
In recent years, there was little standardization in the processes used in MV. The first step in the MV process is acquisition of an image, typically using cameras, lenses, and lighting that has been designed to provide the differentiation required by subsequent processing. MV software packages then employ various digital image processing techniques to allow the hardware to recognize what it is looking at.

Techniques used in MV include: thresholding (converting an image with gray tones to black and white), segmentation, blob extraction, pattern recognition, barcode reading, optical character recognition, gauging (measuring object dimensions), edge detection, and template matching (finding, matching, and/or counting specific patterns).

MARKET
In recent years, MV represented barely a $1.5 billion market in North America. Nachine Vision is not a primary industry, but rather a subset integrating technologies and products that provide services or applications. These can benefit primary industries such as automotive, consumer goods, manufacturing, agriculture, and defense.

Estimates of MV participation in industry is less than 20% of the applications for which it is potentially useful.

MACHINE VISION TECHNOLOGIES
* Surface Inspection used to determine characteristics of surfaces or materials on the surface.
* Porosity detection on machined components used to check for the presence of voids on components surfaces.
* On-line Non-contact Dimension Measurement systems
* Assembly Verification systems (monochrome and color)
* Infrared (IR) Inspection systems
* Optical Character Recognition (OCR / OCV) systems used to perform repeated inspections of key features on machined components.
* Worn-Broken Tool Detection Systems - Non-Contact Inspection System used to determine tool characteristics and changes.

Machine Vision (MV) Sensors
Remote Imaging Analysis

Fast, advanced camera-based visual inspections for thousands of applications
Banner’s extensive line of vision sensors helps you find defects earlier in the manufacturing process. Banner offers standard and high-resolution grayscale, color and single and multi-purpose vision sensors. Add inspection capabilities where you need them.

http://www.vision-systems.com/articles/2010/07/banner-engineering-ivu-sensors-feature-remote-touch-screen-display-for-programming-multiple-devices.html

Smart vision sensors from Datasensor could be the answer to your machine vision applications. Providing a quick solution for packaging lines, food and beverage industries, automotive and electronics plants, the SVS series combines sophisticated technology with an extremely simple configuration.

PHOTO Datasensor

SVS vision sensors don’t require hours of training to use. These sensors represent a straightforward solution for all vision control applications. With a fast frame rate of 60 fps (60 images per second), Ethernet communication, a teach button, 640 x 480 pixel resolution and 9 inspection tools, Datasensor SVS sensors are the best value for feature-packed smart vision sensors on the market.

Inspection tools include:
• Pattern match
• Contour match
• Positioning verification
• Width comparison
• Edge count
• Brightness check
• Contrast comparison
• Character verification (OCV)
• Unique 360° pattern match

These sensors are a low-cost solution to machine vision providing accurate, reliable and unparalleled inspection. Ultra-compact, powerful and easy-to-use, SVS smart vision sensors work for a variety of applications and are available in two product lines:

• SVS1 models guarantee the quickest and easiest setup via hand-held configurator

• SVS2 models can be connected to a PC and offer multiple controls

PPT Vision Sentinel Mold Protection Solution

The SENTINEL offers the manufacturing industry a superior turn-key vision inspection solution to protect mold processes and tooling by detecting errors in real-time, then shutting down production and alerting operators before damages occur. Initially released in the United States in November 2008, the SENTINEL’s superior protection capabilities can now be utilized in molding applications worldwide.

PHOTO PPT Vision

The SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution was unveiled in early April to the global molding industry at the Southern China Plastics and Mold Show in Shenzhen, China. Upcoming plastic and molding industry events showcasing the SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution have additionally been scheduled in the United States and England.

The SENTINEL’s global introduction is also taking place throughout Europe and North America. Product Seminars are being scheduled in England, Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and the United States. These seminars cover a variety of topics including typical machine vision applications, software tools available and how they are used in common inspection scenarios, cost to deploy machine vision projects, as well as integration, support and training options.

The PPT VISION SENTINEL supports up to four cameras. Each camera provides users the ability to configure up to five mold inspection stages, including the inspection of mold flash, short shot, part ejection, pin retraction, insert position verification and more. Software panels, currently available in English and Chinese, are preconfigured for mold protection applications; users simply point-and-click to select the desired inspection options before putting the system online.

SENTINEL is available in any IMPACT hardware platform, including right-angle, inline and remote camera options. IMPACT cameras are available in 17 models, covering a full range of processing power and resolutions from 640 x 480 to 1600 x 1200 pixels

http://www.pptvision.com/