Robotic Vision Systems
The purpose of a robotic vision guidance system is to identify a part and orient it for the robot to perform its task. In a vision system, it’s the image of the object that gets measured. A vision system takes an image and uses algorithms to find the things an operator trains it to find. An image is basically data, a series of pixels used to calculate the measurements of the object. Image processing algorithms have been created that recognize patterns or structures in the image data. With vision cameras, operators can find features and mathematically figure out where the part is in space and guide the robot to the part.
Robotic vision systems make processes simpler, reduce long-term costs, and improve the quality control of the product.
KC Robotics can provide the integration expertise to guide you to the Robotic Vision System that meets your needs. Our project engineers and robot technicians have experience in many robotic applications. We integrate both new and reconditioned robots.
First Steps in Developing a robotic Vision System:
1. Establish the parameters and the role of a new vision system.
Determine the vision system’s expected performance in terms of its accuracy, precision, and repeatability.
Definitions:
Accuracy: the degree to which a given measurement conforms to the standard value for that measurement
Precision: the degree of certainty with which a measurement can be stated
Repeatability: the range of variation in repeated measurements
2. Decide the necessary speed for your robotic application
3. Determine where the camera and lighting will be placed and make sure they fit in the available space. Consider environmental variables, including temperature, humidity, dust, vibrations, and electro-magnetic noise from DC motors.
4. If the system is to be PC-based, determine the proximity of the camera to the computer. The cable length will determine your choices for the camera interface.
5. Determine if the vision system will be deeply embedded or have a user interface.
6. Set a budget. Estimate both up-front and recurring costs, as well as maintenance costs such as cleaning, lighting replacements, and regulatory compliance updates.
7. Determine which Robotic Vision software is best for your application. Many machine vision specialists recommend using off-the-shelf tools instead of creating algorithms from scratch. Developing and maintaining algorithms is extremely time-consuming and expensive. If you choose to buy instead of build, you will spend your time developing your application—not creating algorithms. Vision software currently available offers flexible, easy-to-use interfaces, and all the vision specifications a robotic system needs: part location and identification, robot guidance, inspection and gauging, and dimensional measurement.
To learn more about Robotic vision systems, click the following links.
http://www.learnaboutrobots.com/robotVision.htm
http://www.cognex.com/ExploreLearn/default.aspx?id=5436&langtype=1033&locale=us
