Machine Vision Applications Within A Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program

Abstract

The implementation and usage of industrial automation is undergoing major and rapid changes. This change is driven by the need for industry both remain competitive in their cost structure and to increase the levels of quality and consistency in the products that are produced. Today, companies can implement automation at a reasonable price, through advances in sensor technology, networking capabilities, microprocessor design, open architecture for machine controls, Internet applications in machine control, and standardized software. During the past few years, the acquisition cost of vision inspection systems has dropped to levels that permit most companies to purchase and implement the systems. In addition, with the advent of faster computer processors, the vision system is software controlled, and thus the applications are increased. Vision systems provide means by which continuous and total autonomous inspection can be achieved during production. Today's vision systems can easily control guidance of automated manufacturing support components such as robots, as well as interface to sensors and output to auxiliary devices.