Machine vision systems cut processing time

A Panasonic Electric Works UK product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 4, 2005

A new generation of machine vision systems greatly reduces the processing time required by previous generations of image processing systems.

A new generation of machine vision systems from Panasonic Electric Works UK greatly reduces the processing time required by previous generations of image processing systems.

The Panasonic PV300 machine vision system uses grey-scale/binary processing algorithms to perform image inspection functions even in the most demanding applications.

Equipped with a dual processor (image processor plus RISC CPU) the optimised algorithms can now perform image processing functions up to 40 times faster than previous generations of system.

With the ability to support up to four high-speed, high-resolution cameras, the PV300 supports a variety of image processing functions.

Contour matching provides stable position detection of an object shape among hidden and overlapping areas.

Smart matching provides detection of a registered template image within a search area to a sub-grey-scale pixel level - ideal for shape inspection and chip or flaw detection.

Feature extraction is a high speed binary function used to detect objects and their features (eg area, co-ordinates etc) within a predefined area - suitable for object counting and positional requirements.

Grey scale window and edge detection algorithms allow area and edge detection to be realised to a subpixel level - suitable for high-speed noncontact measurement and size detection.

Finally, binary window and edge detection provide high-speed area and edge detection for less demanding measurement and size detection.

A new user interface allows the easy configuration of the above functions via a high quality VGA display.

Powerful communication interfaces allow the sharing of information via a 100Base-TX Ethernet connection, RS232C port or parallel I/O.

Statistical application data can be stored via a CompactFlash card or analysed using Panasonic's Axtool Vision Support software.

Program backup and image storage are also supported with this utility.