Pattern Finding Vision Tools in the Real World
Posted by Chris Walkowicz on Fri, May 13, 2011 @ 04:48 PM
Pattern finding is a necessity in many applications. When you download and install the IMPACT Software Suite from www.pptvision.com, several sample programs and corresponding images are included with the Suite that illustrate a range of possible applications. Here we will look at two programs; real-world examples of pattern finding.
A screen shot of the sample files listed in VPM’s File Manager.
The first sample IMPACT vision program, Sample Pinpoint Verify v01.vp is used to verify that the proper graphics have been imprinted on a coin. Below are some images illustrating the IMPACT Pinpoint Pattern Find® tool in action. First, the tool is trained on a good coin with a clear image of the desired pattern.
This image shows the desired pattern found after the Pinpoint Pattern Find tool was trained.
Next, the tool is run on images of coins to be inspected to see if they are imprinted with the desired pattern.
This passing image shows that the correct pattern was found on the coin after the Pinpoint Pattern Find tool ran. Notice that the pattern was found even though the coin was rotated.
This failing image shows that an incomplete pattern was found on the coin after the Pinpoint Pattern Find tool ran.
This failing image shows that an incorrect pattern was found on the coin after the Pinpoint Pattern Find tool ran.
The second sample program, Sample Pinpoint PickPlace v01.vp, is used to guide a robotic arm for a pick and place system. This program looks at an image to see if any of the parts in the image match the trained image. First, the tool is trained on a good part. Then the tool is run on images of parts to be inspected. If it finds a passing part, the X and Y coordinates and the angle of the part are sent to the robotic arm which performs the desired operation. Below are some images illustrating the pick and place operation in action.
These images show several passing parts that were found when the tool ran. The X,Y coordinates and angle of the parts in the crosshairs are sent to the robotic arm.
Even though the parts in this image are touching, the tool will classify them as separate parts.
These two programs are just a small sample of tasks that a pattern finding tool can accomplish. You have access to IMPACT software and several sample programs and images, so you can give it try! The Pinpoint Pattern Find® tool is included free as part of the over 100 tools in the IMPACT Software Suite.
If you have images you want to use with the Pinpoint Pattern Find, and think you might need some help, please do not hesitate to contact us. We wil add more tips and tricks about pattern finding to this blog in the future.