Industrial image processing is undergoing a technological revolution which favors the further use of the technology. The eyes of automation are improving all the time.
However, the trend is not to be seen in turnover since overall turnover in the sector in 2007 was up by just 3% (9% in the previous year) to EUR 1.15 bn. Forecasts for this year, however, look more favorable. An increase of 6% is expected.

Vision sensors are in demand
Vision sensors have taken over the top spot in consumers' favor, gaining ground by 40%. "Highly-integrated, simple solutions are in demand," explains Dr. Dietmar Ley, chairman of the VDMA's industrial image processing group. However, they represent just 4% of the stagnating overall sales of systems. The number of units sold has grown by 11%. "Cheaper standard systems are gaining ground in the market," is how Ley, who is also chairman of Basler AG, interprets the figures.

The demand for traditional solutions fell back by 3% but they still make up three quarters of all sales. Nevertheless the picture looks better for components: sales have increased by 8% - and "more and more are coming from Germany", Ley adds. Five years ago this figure was just 42%.

Technical progress
The complexity of the vision systems inside products is increasing massively but for users the systems are becoming simpler and simpler to operate for the same or better performance. Technical progress is making image processing systems more and more compact. They can be better integrated and are more intuitive to operate - often there is even no need for any programming knowledge.

The progressive standardization of interfaces makes it easier to use systems that are no longer stand-alone solutions but can be integrated into manufacturing systems. This includes connection to a field bus, for example. Moreover the increasing performance of microprocessors brings the promise of increasing capabilities. This means even complex facts can be analyzed soundly.

"Another leap is heralded by the launch of multi-core processors which significantly increase the computing power and test speed," adds Ley. Improvements in image sensors allow faster cameras to be used in dynamic or in-depth scenes.

Changeover to digital technology
At present, the vast majority of cameras are still analogue but a trend towards converting to digital technology can be seen. Sales of digital cameras have increased by 15%. This trend is supported by powerful software. The frame grabber has seen a two-figure slump: conversion from the traditional structure to systems working with Ethernet is moving apace.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation has proposed a "3D 4 robots" solution for grabbing unassigned parts automatically. This robot, which is supported by a laser scanner, excels due to its fast recognition times and precise positioning of parts. EMSIS image processing can be used for automated inspections.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation has proposed a "3D 4 robots" solution for grabbing unassigned parts automatically. This solution excels due to its fast recognition times and precise positioning of parts.
Photo: Dlugosch