Machine vision is widely used in the industrial field, covering numerous application scenarios. In the manufacturing industry, tasks performed using machine vision include final inspection of sub components, checking for potential manufacturing defects in parts, and so on. In the field of automation, machine vision plays an important role in guiding robots. In addition, it is also used to verify data matrix codes, inspect food packaging, and read barcodes. The white paper on machine vision will comprehensively introduce the machine vision system and market. This article is the first part, which will focus on the system's purpose, market trends, and system implementation.
System purpose
Machine vision uses cameras to collect visual data from the environment, and then processes this data through hardware and software to convert it into a format suitable for various applications. Machine vision technology often uses specialized optical components to capture images in order to process, analyze, and quantify specific aspects of the image
This type of application can check specific characteristics of the components being produced on the production line, such as evaluating whether the components meet product quality standards. If they do not meet the standards, the components may be discarded. The machine vision system uses digital sensors that are located in industrial cameras equipped with dedicated optical components and are protected. After the sensor captures the image, it is processed, analyzed, and measured by computer hardware and software to assist in decision-making.
In addition to quality control in manufacturing, machine vision systems have many other applications. For example, it can be used in traffic management systems to monitor and control traffic flow, improve road safety and efficiency. In the medical field, machine vision can provide support for the diagnostic process by accurately analyzing images to detect diseases as early as possible. In the field of agriculture, machine vision systems can monitor the health status of crops and automate the harvesting process.
In addition, in the retail industry, machine vision can promote the application of automatic checkout systems, improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Therefore, machine vision systems are powerful and widely used, and have become an indispensable part of modern technology.
Various visual systems
Machine vision systems can be used to inspect a variety of products, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and electronic products. Machine vision systems use various machine vision technologies, including image recognition, optical character recognition (OCR), and object detection, to identify defects and classify them. In addition, it can also be used to measure the size and shape of objects, or to track and trace products throughout the entire production process. Machine vision systems can help improve product quality, reduce costs, and ensure product safety. By identifying and correcting defects early in the production process, machine vision systems can help avoid recalls and returns.
1. Damage and defect: The machine vision system can be used to identify various damage and defects, such as holes, voids, edge damage, pattern defects, bent immersion tubes, damaged or missing seals, damaged or missing spray triggers.
2. Characters and codes: Machine vision systems can be used to recognize and validate characters and codes, such as dot matrix and non dot printing, optical character recognition (OCR) and optical character verification (OCV), batch, date, and barcode, one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes (QR codes and custom patterns), as well as for tracking and tracing.
3. Sealing integrity inspection: Machine vision systems can be used to check the sealing integrity of products during sealing inspection
4. Alignment and positioning: Machine vision systems can be used to ensure correct alignment and positioning of products, such as graphic positioning and alignment, lid and container matching, etc.
5. Matching and verification: The machine vision system can be used to match and verify products, such as ensuring that the lid and label patterns match, and ensuring that the spray trigger or lid is oriented correctly.
6. Filling and orientation: Machine vision systems can be used to check the filling and orientation of products, such as whether the bottle exists before filling and whether the orientation is correct
Market information and trends
According to a report by Expert Market Research, the global machine vision market will reach approximately $10.88 billion in 2023. It is expected that the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.90% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a scale of nearly 21.51 billion US dollars by 2032.
The adoption and implementation of advanced innovative technologies such as Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are one of the main drivers driving the growth of the machine vision market. The digital transformation in various fields of industry, coupled with the accelerated integration of advanced technologies such as data analysis, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, is also driving the application of machine vision technology. In order to promote real-time decision-making, improve production efficiency and automation level, various industries are increasingly focusing on smart factories equipped with computer vision equipment, embedded software, advanced sensors and robots, thereby boosting the machine vision market. However, the initial cost of such advanced equipment is high, and frequent maintenance requires significant investment of funds and manpower, which may hinder the growth of this market.
Machine vision applications are becoming increasingly popular due to their low hardware costs, fast and efficient processors, and complete, scalable software that provides various elements required for deploying and developing machine vision systems.
Thanks to the rapid growth of automotive, packaging, pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications, the machine vision market in the Asia Pacific region is thriving. With the continuous advancement of industrialization in the Asia Pacific region, there has been a significant increase in investment in advanced technologies across various industrial sectors, which is expected to create opportunities for the expansion of the machine vision market. In addition, the strong development of the electronics, semiconductor, and automotive industries in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan is bound to make the growth prospects of the machine vision market more optimistic.
Since its birth in the 1950s, machine vision technology has made remarkable progress. The development of machine vision is closely linked to the evolution of camera sensors. Early CCDs had high quality, but poor speed and resolution. The emergence of CMOS sensors has promoted price reduction and acceleration, laying the foundation for the development of million pixel sensors and special types of sensors such as infrared and hyperspectral sensors.
The flourishing development of deep learning technology has enabled sensors to be closely integrated with AI, making real-time object detection and scene understanding possible. With the continuous progress of 3D imaging, edge computing and advanced sensor technology, this trend will continue to develop. Future machines are expected to "see" the world with increasing accuracy and intelligence, and build an automated and insightful environment for us