The Internet of Things promises an almost fully networked, highly dynamic production environment. Machine vision plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. To realize its potential, machine vision must seamlessly integrate into standard machine-building practices. This integration requires adapting cabling standards to ensure transparency and long-term investment security.

Complex by Nature

Classic image processors often involve ambitious goals. Engineers typically focus on algorithms, SDKs, CPU and GPU performance. However, the practical implementation involves challenges with wiring, signal levels, noise immunity, and connector standards. Fine-tuning components of an image processing system remains a complex task, frequently requiring substantial time for setup.

Over the years, many system integrators have developed proprietary solutions or unconventional workarounds. Unfortunately, these approaches often lead to overly complex systems that are difficult to maintain and sustain clarity over time.

The Core Task

At its heart, machine vision must address synchronization: aligning image capture with conveyor cycles or machine operations, coordinating illumination timing with exposure duration, extracting meaningful data from images, making informed decisions based on outcomes (e.g., good/poor signals). In modern robotics applications, additional complexities arise—adjusting lens focus dynamically alongside managing aperture settings and image field adjustments. These demands necessitate streamlined solutions that combine intelligence, efficiency, and simplicity.

Machine Building Standards: The Path Forward

The evolution of machine vision has been influenced by the maturity of machine-building standards. For instance, the Hirose connector became a standard for power and signal transmission in the 1990s but lacked uniform pin assignments or voltage levels—leading to unexpected complications for many integrators.

However, advancements like GigE-Vision and GenICam have simplified software integration through standardized protocols. Hardware simplification has been trickier: despite progress in standards compliance on the software side (e.g., M12 I/O), cabling remains largely unchanged from two decades ago.

Simplifying Image Processing with Machine-Building Standards

The adoption of machine-building practices into image processing offers a solution. Trends toward standardized connectors like M12/M8 have streamlined communication between cameras and industrial systems, enabling faster integration while reducing complexity. This approach minimizes wiring requirements and ensures compatibility across components.

SVS-Vistek’s BlackLine Series exemplifies this strategy: offering robust hardware with standardized pin assignments (compatible up to IP67) and support for 24V signaling—all backed by lean designs that prioritize long-term maintainability and cost-effectiveness. By aligning image processing with established machine-building standards, SVS-Vistek delivers solutions that are efficient, reliable, and economically advantageous.

Last Updated: 2025-09-05 03:50:52