OUR WORKFLOW
A customer oriented approach from the preliminary analysis,
to the delivery of the finished project
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
The first phase of every computer vision project involves a feasibility analysis performed on samples provided by the client. The goal is to realistically evaluate the potential performance of a vision system that performs the required functions, with particular attention to success and false-positive rates.
We work with the client’s quality experts to learn how to observe the product and interpret their point of view for software automation purposes. We apply our specific lighting design skills to obtain optimal images for image processing: the way product details respond to light will make all the difference in the performance of every machine vision application for industry.
For example, to automate a robot guidance, we test various models of industrial LED lights, selecting them by shape and intensity, and positioning them to highlight edges, holes, reliefs, and generally the details that facilitate proper mechanical gripping of parts.
With the same attention to detail, but to highlight defects compared to the compliant product, we study the best lighting options for automating quality inspection.
We analyze various solutions together with the client, proposing the most effective ones for the overall system. Once the analysis is complete, and with no obligation for the client, a technical proposal with prices is formulated.
Applied Technologies
With an experimental and always innovative approach, Specialvideo masters a wide range of machine vision technologies applied to industry, intended for integration into complete vision systems.
In our laboratories, we apply machine vision hardware and software technologies to specific industrial automation problems that can be solved with machine vision. The right combination of camera, optics, and lighting, specifically positioned in the workspace around the product to be analyzed, generates the quality images that can power a top-performing vision system.
Vertical Vision Systems
Drawing on the experience of 1000+ systems installed worldwide, Specialvideo periodically develops a vertical vision system model for use that solves the typical needs of industrial processing.
A strong point of many of our systems is the ability to work without specifying the product format, for maximum ease of use and freedom to change format without wasting time.
The vertical systems designed by Specialvideo are designed to meet specific industrial needs and can be:
Each solution is equipped with a processing unit with Specialvideo software included, with the possibility of taking advantage of the field integration service and training of the personnel responsible for its use.
When we propose a vertical vision system, we validate its performance through practical tests on samples of the customer’s product. We create the most suitable lighting in the laboratory and use it to measure the vision system’s response on a series of samples representative of the production range. With this experimental work, we validate the vertical system’s performance or, alternatively, we can formulate a customized solution proposal to achieve the customer’s expected performance.
Custom Vision Systems
When the preliminary feasibility analysis highlights the need for a custom system, the system design continues in the laboratory based on additional samples provided by the customer. The primary goal is to obtain a good image, illuminating the parts in the most appropriate way and following the indications obtained during the feasibility analysis. They simulate the operating conditions of the line taking into account existing constraints: available space, conveyor belt movement, robot grip, camera and illuminator position, etc.
When the product is unsuitable for transport to our laboratories, we can relocate a temporary production line imaging installation to the customer’s facility: for example, in the food industry for frozen foods, or in glass and metal processing when it is necessary to capture images of incandescent material.
We then move on to choosing the most suitable algorithms or neural network models, drawing, depending on the opportunity, from a vast proprietary library developed over the course of our long experience in machine vision and from consolidated libraries provided by third parties, or by developing completely custom software.
At the end of this phase, the hardware component selection process is complete and the software programming is almost complete. Only a few details remain that need to be finalized directly at the customer’s site.
Implementation and testing
The system is assembled on the production line and interfaced with other components such as PLC and robot. The next step is to calibrate the system by developing the parameters and the acceptance thresholds for the final test. This is carried out in the presence of the client technicians making sure that the system performs the functions required and the necessary performance.
After the successful test, the system is committed to the customers and the services offered by Specialvideo continue through warranty and after sales service.
Technical assistance and post-sales
Completed the test, Specialvideo continues to offer technical assistance to its customers. Among the services included in the delivery are in fact the warranty on the components and operation on the vision system and remote support activities for up to 12 months of testing. With remote service it can diagnose and correct errors quickly and at no charge to the customer.
Through a secure internet connection, the technicians Specialvideo are able to: see the pictures of the parts being produced, intervene on the control parameters and acceptance thresholds, update the software. After the warranty period services are available for scheduled maintenance and on-site service and, of course, the extensions on the period of remote assistance.
Other services
Vision systems are supplied with a user manual which describes all the procedures available to operators and customer technicians, where applicable by access levels.
Documentation and graphical user interfaces are provided in Italian and / or English, translation services in other languages are available on request. Often Specialvideo organizes training courses for customer technicians, in order to improve their ability to operate independently with the system, for example to carry out the new formats acquisition, products or parameters modification.
Feasibility studies
In more complex cases or where it is not possible to define a priori the vision system features and specifications, Specialvideo provides customers with the know-how, equipment and laboratories, in order to explore the machine vision technology application possibilities available today.In addition, the constant contact with famous Italian universities and important vision laboratories, allows to address the increasingly complex issues with advanced technologies in the image processing.
Do you have a special project?
We will plan and develop the most innovative solutions for you to achieve the same goal together