The Eyes of Automation: Inside Look at Machine Vision Sensors
The Eyes of Automation: Inside Look at Machine Vision Sensors
Image sensors are the "eyes" of a machine vision system, capturing light and turning it into data or digital signals. These signals are analyzed by a computer to perform tasks like object identification, measurement, and quality inspection, enabling machines to "see" and react to their environment.
- The global machine vision market, valued at $10.88 billion (USD) in 2023, is expected to grow at a 7.90% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, reaching $21.51 billion (USD) by 2032. Source: Expert Market Research
Use cases
- Inspection – detect damages & defects
- Identification – verify characters & bar codes
- Seal integrity inspections
- Alignment & positioning
- Match & verification
- Filling & Orientation
- Guiding robots
Inside an Image Sensor
- Microlens Array: Focuses light onto the photodiode
- Color Filter Array: Determines the color of each pixel
- Photodiode: Converts light into an electrical signal
- Pixel Transistors: Control the readout of the electrical signal
- Bond Layer: Connects the sensor to the processing circuitry
- ASIC: Processes the image data
Key Specs for Design Consideration
- Dynamic Range (dB): Range between the darkest and brightest areas an image sensor can capture. Wide range helps in bright sunlight.
- Frame Rate (fps): Speed at which the sensor captures images. Higher rates are useful for moving objects.
- Resolution (MP): Number of pixels in an image, in millions (megapixels). Higher resolution captures more detail.
- Shutter Type: Rolling shutters capture images line by line, ideal for stationary objects. Global shutters capture the entire image at once, ideal for moving objects.
CMOS Image Sensor Solutions
Review a full range of image sensors, including the PYTHON, Hyperlux SG and XGS product families
https://www.mouser.com/new/onsemi/onsemi-cmos-image-sensor-solutions/
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