Delta’s 3D Machine Vision Overcomes Limitations and Helps the Industry Achieve Precise and Smart Applications

Inspection is a process to control product quality. Before automation became popular, it was mostly done manually. As industrial automation rapidly developed and resulted in higher production speed, AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) became the mainstream inspection technology. However, most AOI systems adopt 2D industrial cameras to capture plane images. Although the systems identify deformations or defects quickly, they are not capable of 3D structure inspection. To overcome application limitations and as the development of processor performance increases imaging speed, the 3D vision market has started to boom and has come up with three major technologies, including LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), structure light, and ToF (Time of Flight).

Delta saw the growing business opportunities four years ago and launched its first generation of the DMV3D, which adopted structure light technology. Following this, it stepped into the ToF field and introduced the DMV-T. The two products not only complied with the market requirements of precision and speed but integrated with Delta’s software capability and matched its self-developed vision software DIAVision with a built-in processor. Besides basic image capture, it features edge computing and decision-making capability to act as a smart camera. In addition, the DMV-T can be easily adopted in the post-design of system integrators or end users to reduce the loading of the host management system processing irrelevant data and achieve remote implementation.

Delta’s structure light camera DMV3D consists of two sets of 2D cameras, a projector, and an encoder. The camera has excellent precision and can inspect large items with its built-in image-stitching algorithm. Without the need for an Industrial PC, the DMV3D can complete the whole process from image capture to output. Apart from these features, the DMV3D has recently been upgraded. The new model features a more compact size with a higher speed of 1fps to fulfill a wide range of applications and meet the high-speed requirements of production line inspection. With a combination of Delta’s vision software DIAVision and the built-in industrial robot collaboration programs of the DMV3D, it can easily build eye-hand collaboration solutions. The solutions are suitable for the online inspection of metal-die forging and plastic-die casting that Delta has adopted on its motor and fan production lines.

In terms of ToF, Delta’s 3D ToF Camera DMV-T employs two sets of ToF sensors and a set of industry-level lenses to capture images. The processor is highly integrated with smart computing capability to help fulfill edge decision-making. The system features excellent speed and precision, and is especially suitable for mobile robots to quickly fit into the design of system integrators or end users to achieve intelligence. For applications, the DMV-T is capable of transforming data into a depth map to help guide equipment. For instance, the three dimensional shoe mold dispensing process takes only six seconds from image capture to operation. The DMV-T can also be part of the li-ion battery warehousing system. Mounting at the front of the forklift, the DMV-T can help detect shelf positions and adjust fork angles in accordance with shelves that are crooked due to battery weights. It increases operational efficiency and the hardware availability of equipment for smooth pick-and-place movements. In addition, compared with LiDAR, the DMV-T captures a wider image range, which enhances the ability of the AGV to sense and avoid obstacles in the logistics fields.

In the future, the 3D vision market will progress with more requirements relating to industrial safety and smart manufacturing. As diverse solutions become practical, they will form a positive cycle to boost technological developments. At the same time, the way software and hardware integrate together to maximize benefits will be critical. On this, Delta leverages its long-term dedication to industrial automation and integrates industrial cameras with the vision software DIAVision to help manufacturers build architecture that meets their needs. As machine vision transforms from sensing to decision-making, it will complete the smart system and create real value from top to bottom.