Working Principle of Optical Inspection Machines

The working principle can be summarized in four core steps:

1. Image Acquisition

• Process: The system captures an image of the object using an industrial camera and specialized lighting.
• Key Elements:
  • Iluminación: Provides stable, uniform illumination to highlight features of interest and suppress noise.
  • Cámara: Converts light into a digital image signal.

2. Image Processing

• Process: The raw image is sent to an image processor for preprocessing.
• Key Operations: Noise reduction, contrast enhancement, edge sharpening to prepare the image for analysis.

3. Feature Extraction and Analysis

• Process: The system’s “brain” analyzes the processed image against preset standards or templates.
• Key Operations:
  • Measurement: Calculates pixel distances and converts them to real-world dimensions.
  • Pattern Matching: Compares the image to a known good template.
  • Recognition: Reads characters, barcodes, etc.
  • Location: Finds object edges, centers, or feature points.

4. Result Output and Action

• Process: The system makes a decision based on the analysis.
• Key Operations:
  • Pass/Fail Judgment: Decides if the object is acceptable.
  • Data Output: Sends results to a PLC, robot, or host computer.
  • Action Triggering: Often sends an I/O signal to control a reject mechanism or guide a robot.

Summary: An optical inspection machine uses precise hardware to capture high-quality images and powerful software algorithms to simulate human observation and judgment, ultimately performing inspection tasks with far greater speed, accuracy, and consistency than a human operator.