Expert Vision System Techniques

This guide introduces examples of applications that implement various machine vision techniques
and the concepts behind the use of several illumination methods.

THREE DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION DETECTING SURFACE WARPAGE

Using a Laser Line Using Stripe Pattern Illumination

Techniques for simple inspection of 3D distortion using a Techniques for detecting dents on glossy surfaces.
2D camera.

THREE SURFACE INSPECTION COLOR-COMPONENT EXCLUSION

Using Prisms Using Infrared Illumination

Techniques for simultaneously inspecting multiple Techniques for emphasizing flaws and stains by eliminat-
surfaces using a single camera. ing the influence of background colors.

ULTRA HIGH-SPEED INSPECTION IMPROVING MEASUREMENT ACCURACY

2 Camera Split Imaging Inspection Using Transmitted Illumination

Techniques for high-speed image capturing. Techniques for obtaining accuracy in dimensional
inspection.
 THREE DIMENSIONAL INSPECTION Using a Laser Line
Configuration Example of inspection images

Laser line

Target gap Camera

Left: Raw image Right: Processed image

OUTLINE
Apply a laser line to the surface of the target and capture the image using machine vision equipment. When the target
surface is flat, the laser is reflected in a straight line. However, when the target surface is curved or uneven, the reflection
of the laser will be warped as shown on the upper right. By inspecting the image using the Trend Edge tool, deviations
in the straightness of the laser line can be detected based on minimum/maximum positions of the edges created by the
laser's reflection. This inspection method is generally called the “light-sectioning method" and can be used for simple
measurement applications.

DETECTING SURFACE WARPAGE Using Stripe Pattern Illumination

Configuration Image captured by digital camera

Stripe pattern lighting

Camera

Inspection image

Inspection target

OUTLINE
Arrange the lighting unit and camera so that they form a V-shape to the target
in a specular direction from each other. A dent on the target will result in distor-
tion of the stripe as shown in the image on the right. Detection can be
performed by scanning the image in the X-direction.

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THREE SURFACE INSPECTION Using Prisms
Configuration Example of inspection images

Camera

Prism Prism

OUTLINE
Place reflective prisms or mirrors to the sides of the inspection target and capture the image with a camera located
directly above the target in order to simultaneously inspect both the top and side surfaces of the target. In the example
shown above, the Trend Edge tool is used to detect the position of IC leads on the sides, and the Stain tool is used to
detect imperfections on the molded portion on the top surface. This technique is effective for applications in a limited
space where two or more cameras cannot be installed. However, attention is required for mirror angle adjustment, and
other installation conditions.

COLOR-COMPONENT EXCLUSION Using Infrared Illumination

Color camera image with Monochrome camera image Monochrome camera image with
white-color illumination with white-color illumination infrared illumination

Stain inspection - stability screen

OUTLINE
When a target has multicolored patterns, applying infrared light
may eliminate gradation of color components as shown in the
upper right image. Eliminating the color components of the
image causes flaws to stand out as dark stains. This technique
is effective for emphasizing stains, flaws, dates, lot numbers,
etc. The inspection image on the right shows an example of
stain detection implementing the use of infrared illumination.

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 ULTRA HIGH-SPEED INSPECTION 2 Camera Split Imaging Inspection
Configuration Image from Camera 1 Image from Camera 2

Camera 1 Camera 2

OUTLINE
To accelerate the machine vision equipment processing time,
two cameras can be used to capture a horizontally-split image of
a single target. Reducing the imaging area by half will decrease
the time needed to transfer images. This will also decrease the
processing time required to inspect the same area using one
camera. The example to the right shows the detection of black
spots on a target. With one camera, the detection takes 12 ms;
but with two cameras, inspection time is reduced to 10 ms.
(Camera: CV-H035C)
Camera 1 & 2 composite inspection image

IMPROVING MEASUREMENT ACCURACY Using Transmitted Illumination

Configuration A
Cylindrical column
Bar light
Illumination
width A
Accurately
Distance A detecting the outer
CORRECT CONFIGURATION diameter of the
(EXAMPLE) cylindrical column

Configuration B

Illumination
width B

Distance B Inaccurate edge position

INCORRECT CONFIGURATION due to incorrect
(EXAMPLE) configuration.

OUTLINE
When inspecting the outer diameter of a cylindrical target by applying backlight illumination, it is important to set the
position, size, and brightness of the light to optimal conditions in order to ensure accuracy. Configuration A shows an
example of a correct arrangement, and Configuration B shows an example of an incorrect arrangement. The following
three points are important for accurate measurement inspection:
(1) Place the light as far away from the target as possible to obtain the most accurate results.
(2) Minimize the width and brightness of the light to reduce diffraction.
(3) Select a lens with a long focal distance or a telecentric type lens to reduce errors in measurement position.

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