Machine vision is an integration of hardware and software used to help computers make decisions by analyzing videos and images. In manufacturing, machine vision is often used on production lines to allow automatic inspection of products at every stage. Machine vision has also expanded its applications in high-end surveillance and security, biomedical imaging and even vision-guided robots and vehicles. As vision technology advances, machines become more and more powerful to meet industry's strategic goals.
All machine vision computers are composed of two key components: the hardware platform and the vision software. A hardware platform is a computer that works with various devices such as cameras, capture cards, and data acquisition modules to enable it to capture video or images. Once the target video or image is acquired, it is processed by the vision software, which triggers actions or functions based on the results. Due to the wide variety of cameras, motion controllers and other devices required for MV, the hardware platform must have the scalability of multiple PCI or PCIe add-on cards. Most medium-voltage computers are deployed in harsh environments, so the entire platform must also be designed to withstand extreme temperature ranges, varying voltage levels, and high levels of shock and vibration.
What are the main advantages of machine vision computers?
Workload integration: Machine vision computers have the processing power to complete multiple tasks simultaneously, reducing hardware footprint
IoT connectivity: Rich wired I/O and wireless connectivity technologies combine traditional and cutting-edge devices, as well as data transmission in remote and mobile environments.
Reliability: Intelligent design and rugged features enhance machine vision computers in the harsh and challenging physical factors encountered in a variety of industrial environments
Expandability: The machine vision computer's modular design allows for interchangeable expansion options.
Security: Trusted Platform Module with TPM 2.0 standard supports hardware-initiated security, encryption and network security protection.
Intelligent Automation: Powerful visual data processing and performance acceleration options enable real-time inference analytics and machine learning, enabling richer data-driven autonomy at the rugged edge. How does the
machine vision computer adapt to the industrial environment?
What separates regular computer vision from machine vision is a hardware platform designed for rugged industrial environments. In order for the system to operate properly under factory settings, three key elements are required: 1. A wide range of operating temperatures, 2. High shock and vibration ratings, 3. Power supply protection against potential voltage spikes.
Wide operating temperature range
By using a fanless and cableless design, and selecting a high-performance processor with a low TDP, we can ensure that the computer can operate reliably in a temperature range of -25°C to 70°C (-13°F to 158°F)
High shock and vibration levels
The system features a modular and rugged construction with a single top cover design and is tested and verified to have a vibration level of 3 Grms, shock level 50G
Power supply section
The power output of the factory can fluctuate suddenly and widely, so any computer operating in such an environment must have appropriate power protection. Our medium voltage platforms come standard with OVP (over voltage protection), OCP (over current protection) and RVP ( reverse voltage protection). This allows the computer to continue running continuously even if unexpected power spikes occur.
