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Machine vision is the use of optical non-contact sensing to automatically acquire and interpret images, in order to obtain information and/or control machines or processes.  A typical machine vision system consists of one or more monochrome or color video cameras, lighting, vision hardware (frame grabber and/or processor board), vision software (image processing/analysis), and a computer system.  Machine vision is widely deployed in industry to improve productivity and quality.  Inspection systems can process both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images using grayscale or color image analysis.  Common industrial uses of machine vision include assembly verification, defect detection, gauging, identification, alignment, robotic assembly and control, sorting/grading,  OCR/OCV, and process control.

 

Successful implementation of machine vision requires skill and knowledge in many different areas.  Among the many disciplines involved in industrial  machine vision technology are:

 

    Systems architecture design

    Image processing/image analysis

    Algorithms and software engineering

    Lighting, optics, and sensor technology

    Material handling

    Analog, digital, and video electronics

    Communications

    Industrial and manufacturing engineering

    Quality control

 

In 2004, the North American machine vision market exceeded $1.8 billion dollars, including sales from manufacturers, system integrators and OEMs.  Globally, revenues from machine vision in 2004 were approximately $8.1 billion, including value-added contributions.  Principal users of machine vision technology include the electronics, semiconductor, automotive, food, and pharmaceutical industries, but applications can be found in virtually every manufacturing industry.