Increasing computing power, for example, has helped machine vision solutions gain popularity in a variety of automated control and measurement applications. In certain problems, the power of optical systems is already well recognized, but something about machine vision is that possible uses are limited only by our imagination. Adventurism, however, can – quite naturally – curb costs because modern optical systems can grow into significant costs with all the specialized equipment, software, configuration and support, which ultimately slows down the progress of innovative solutions.
Other aspects lie behind the initial design, such as the possibility of modification. Some systems offer flexibility and allow them to be changed or adjusted according to process variables, but almost always require suppliers to perform. Such cases are common when, for example, products or raw materials undergo changes, or when process disruptions are eventually identified. Let’s say we talked about the production process. The manufacturer himself is often the most qualified expert for his own process, and it would be ideal if the manufacturer could, first-hand, optimize machine vision solutions to meet needs. This would achieve the desired performance while saving on costs and possible downtime.
The above approach is expected to have its challenges. Users must also handle equipment (eg camera) and software. They could also use knowledge of the basic principles of optical solutions, such as lighting. The fact is, however, that problems never have only one right solution, and a good setting or combination of parameters is often found through trial and error. When the manufacturer has the ability to configure the system, the expertise of the process itself can be applied in the most direct way, giving priority to both creating and changing the system.
Technological development is bringing us closer and closer to such optical solutions in which external support and costs can be minimized. This is due, for example, to advanced standardized hardware and communication interfaces, and increasingly versatile and powerful software. Software, first of all, is used to design solutions, but in the end it is possible to have one control of almost everything, from cameras to external devices. So, the essence lies in the software used in the design and control of machine vision systems.
Good software for such an approach is versatile, but at the same time easy to use. It contains a wide range of image processing functions, the algorithms are efficient and the elements can be practically combined and sequenced with different structures. A variety of software can also communicate effectively with other devices and manage data storage. The software is built around a simple and consistent user interface, and I / O configurations are easy to manage.
This article projects an aspect of the evolution of machine vision solutions where technological development brings users closer to complete control and understanding of optical systems. A variety of useful applications are already achievable with little effort and cost, and not only will that choice grow, but affordable vision design software also allows users to apply their own expertise. As a result, optical solutions will be able to show their enormous instrumentality.