The increase in computing power, for example, has helped machine vision solutions gain popularity in various automated measurement and inspection applications. In certain problems, the power of optical systems has already been well recognized, but one thing about machine vision is that the possible uses are only limited by our imaginations. However, the audacity can naturally be held back by expense, as modern optical systems can become considerable costs with all the specialized equipment, software, configuration and support, ultimately slowing the progress of innovative solutions.
Beyond the initial construction, other aspects are added, such as modifiability. Some systems offer flexibility and allow themselves to be changed or adapted according to process variables, but almost invariably require the vendor to implement them. Such common cases are when, for example, products or raw materials go through changes, or when disturbances in the process are finally identified. Let’s say we are talking about a manufacturing process. The manufacturer himself is usually the most qualified expert of his own process, and it would be ideal if he could, first hand, optimize the machine vision solutions to meet the needs. In this way, the desired performance would be obtained at the same time that it would save on costs and possible downtime.
Unsurprisingly, the above approach has its challenges. Users must operate both the equipment (for example, the camera) and the software. They could also use knowledge of the basic principles of optical solutions, such as lighting. The fact is, however, that problems never simply have one correct solution, and a good configuration or combination of parameters is often found through trial and error. When the manufacturer himself has the ability to configure the system, the experience of the same process can be applied in the most direct way, giving an advantage in both creating and modifying the system.
Technological development brings us closer to this type of optical solutions in which external support and costs can be reduced to a minimum. This is due, for example, to advanced standardized hardware and communication interfaces, and increasingly versatile and powerful software. The software first of all works to design the solution, but in the end it is possible to control almost anything, from cameras to external devices. Therefore, an essence lies in the software used to design and control the machine vision system.
Good software for such an approach is versatile, but at the same time easy to use. It has a wide selection of image processing functions, the algorithms are efficient, and elements can be conveniently combined and sequenced with different structures. Versatile software can also effectively communicate with other devices and manage data storage. The software is built around a simple and consistent user interface and the I/O configurations are easy to manage.
This article projects an aspect of the evolution of artificial vision solutions where technological development brings the users themselves closer to control and full understanding of optical systems. A variety of useful applications can already be realized with little effort and expense, and not only is that selection about to grow, but accessible vision design software allows users to apply their own expertise. As a result, optical solutions will be able to show their immense instrumentality.