Real-time image processing - Industrial applications

Major developments in CCD (charge coupled device) image sensors, integrated circuits for image processing and the increasing performance of microcomputers have made it possible to introduce real-time image processing as a means of control or measurement in the industrial sector. This technique offers a number of advantages, such as the speed and reliability of non-destructive testing of manufactured parts, or the ability to extract quantitative information about the objects observed. Real-time appearance inspection and non-contact dimensional inspection are direct applications of real-time image processing in industries as diverse as metallurgy, wood, paper, pharmaceuticals and food processing. Examples include checking the appearance of packaging caps at a rate of ten units per second, detecting defects on metal tubes travelling at 1 m/s, and analyzing spray quality in vineyards.

This article presents the state of the art of CCD sensors and real-time image processing techniques, illustrated with examples of industrial applications.