Thursday 11 April 2019

LAB AUTOMATION WITH VISION

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APRIL, 2019  
Thanks to technical, scientific and medical progress, human life expectancy has increased considerably in recent decades. Precise, highly technical and increasingly automated equipment in large hospitals and labs now provides valuable support in numerous measuring and analytical tasks.


Medical Automation Product Dealers in Singapore
                                                           
                                                                  Credits : freepik.com

WIDE RANGE OF LAB APPLICATIONS

The concept of lab automation in general can be interpreted in many ways, and includes various tasks: from simple applications such as weighing, to complex robotic and analytical systems, process tracking, and storage systems. This results in numerous possible camera applications in the medical, scientific, pharmaceutical and analytical fields. Some of these are obviously recognizable, such as those in an imaging urine sediment analysis device, while others run in the background and provide information for the medical diagnosis we receive from a physician. Others in turn support processes that are internal to the devices, and not directly connected with the actual detection process. These applications range from the simple input of a barcode to the support of laser technologies; from the path traversed by blood, starting with the prick of the needle when the blood is drawn, to the various test processes and then the result, up to complex processes in cell technology which offer scientists insights into the origins of diseases, thus advancing diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.

AUTOMATION TREND IN MEDICINE AND RESEARCH

Hospital and research labs increasingly follow the trend towards automation. The essential drivers for this development are

1. RISING COST PRESSURE:

Health systems and research institutions are subject to growing economic strains, and try to counteract this pressure with cost reductions in their services. Automation through modern technologies with inexpensive system components makes it possible to lower costs in the lab equipment, relieves the staff, and frees up capacities that can be utilized elsewhere.

2. HIGH SPEED:

The faster processing of analyses enables more analyses per time spent for clinical and analytical contract laboratories, giving them an advantage over competitors since they can serve their customers faster. Automation can also help generate more results per time in research, which shortens project periods and makes new developments or technologies available sooner.

3. BETTER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND STANDARDIZATION:

Many examinations, once manually executed, are increasingly handled by machines, whose technological features make it possible to complete these tasks with greater precision and improved reproducibility. Thanks to an applied vision system and automated microscopy, for example, researchers can now view detailed and precise image data on their office monitors without having to look through eyepieces in darkrooms. Furthermore, the captured image data offers the capability of documentation and archiving, which meets the growing demands of quality management systems. Automated systems also aren’t subject to the process-related variances of manual work steps, giving them greater reproducibility and paving the way for advancing standardization. Digital image data can be viewed across different locations if desired, e.g. for a scientific exchange or an external diagnostic consultation. The conditions for a reliable diagnostic statement are therefore improved by camera-supported examinations and analyses.

4. WIDER AVAILABILITY:

Lab automation efficiently makes new technologies accessible to many users. This makes it possible for research to determine the pathogenic processes of diseases more quickly. As a result,for example, diseases can be recognized earlier with the help of molecular-biological analyses in in-vitro diagnostics, which may reduce or even prevent their onset and the associated costly therapies that are so strenuous for patients. Devices that are easy to use and inexpensive enable diagnostics even in regions with economic- and infrastructure-related challenges. This means medical care can be improved in epidemic regions, since staff in those areas are often less well-trained, lab equipment has a lower standard overall, and the financial means of the affected patients are low. Here we can expect an increasing amount of so-called POC systems (POC = point of care) and lab-on-a-chip technologies.

APPLICATION AREAS FOR LAB AUTOMATION

Below are some examples of typical application areas for automated, camera-based applications in labs:

1. PROCESS AUTOMATION

This includes general camera applications that generate imaging and data, not for purely analytical but for process-supporting purposes, e.g. barcode/matrix code compilation, as it is applied in most devices for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD). This could involve the simple identification of a patient’s sample vial or the transmission of data from the used reagent, which the device needs in order to calculate the analyses and a batch documentation for purposes of quality management. In an automatic exchange with a lab information system, the right results are thus attributed to the requirements of a patient sample and managed digitally.

Many lab devices work with liquid test material. Depending on the application area, different parameters in this so-called liquid handling process must be determined and/or checked. This may be e.g. the state of the liquid (no air may be pipetted, since it would falsify the analysis result), the type of vial, the color of the lid to code the test material inside (e.g. whether it is a serum or whole blood vial), or color properties / layers or irregularities (bubbles, foam) in the liquid. Cameras may offer advantages since they don’t need contact with the sample, and don’t necessitate a removal of the lid, in contrast to other methods such as the capacitive determination of the liquid state. This prevents such problems as contamination, and enables higher flow rates.

2. AUTOMATED MICROSCOPY

Automated microscopy includes, for instance, applications of light and fluorescence microscopy for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), in life sciences, pharmaceutical research and in digital pathology.

Different manufacturers use camera systems in their devices to diagnose autoimmune diseases, or diagnose diseases of the blood and hematopoietic organs in hematology, as well as in digital pathology. Pathologists examine tissue sections or cell samples for pathological changes. To this end, they prepare slides which can be examined by microscope to draw conclusions about diseases and provide valuable information for the diagnosis and therapy options, which may not be discernible through other means such as radiology.

There is a wide selection of additional automatic microscope systems with different purposes. From a small device the size of half a shoe box, used for simple cell counting, to systems that are used directly in incubators and enable time-dependent life cell imaging without manual intervention, all the way to the high-content screening systems that are used e.g. in pharmaceutical substance screening – anything is possible.

WHICH CAMERA FOR WHICH LAB APPLICATION?

In addition to the above mentioned fields there is a wide variety of other potential applications and use cases of cameras in the whole scientific field, as for example in protein and nucleic acid analytics, microbiology, particle analytics and more. It’s important to offer cameras with the right features to cover a wide range of applications in the various specialty areas. Independently of the camera’s specific product features, it should offer easy and flexible integrat

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MEDICAL AUTOMATION PRODUCT DEALERS IN SINGAPORE, ASIA , CONTACT MVASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD AT +65 6329-6431 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@MVASIAONLINE.COM
ion with an efficient and comfortable SDK, and, of course, provide high quality and reliability. Technically excellent support, quickly and readily available, also simplifies the integration process for the system developer.


 
 

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MEDICAL AUTOMATION PRODUCT DEALERS IN SINGAPORE, ASIA , CONTACT MVASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD AT +65 6329-6431 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@MVASIAONLINE.COM

Thursday 28 March 2019

WHAT IS EMBEDDED VISION?

 
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March 2019

  
In recent years, a miniaturization trend has been established in many areas of electronics. For example, ICs have become more and more integrated and circuit boards in the electrical industry have become smaller and more powerful. This has also made PCs, mobile phones and cameras more and more compact and also more powerful. This trend can also be observed in the world of vision technology.

Machine Vision Cameras Dealer in Singapore Asia

A classic machine vision system consists of an industrial camera and a PC:

Both were significantly larger a few years ago. But within a short time, smaller and smaller-sized PCs became possible, and in the meantime, the industry saw the introduction of single-board computers (SPCs), i.e. computers that can be found on a single board. At the same time, the camera electronics became more compact and the cameras successively smaller. On the way to even higher integration, small cameras without housings are now offered, which can be easily integrated into compact systems.

Due to these two developments, the reduction in size of the PC and the camera, it is now possible to design highly compact camera vision systems for new applications. These systems are called embedded (vision) systems.

Design and use of an embedded vision system

An embedded vision system consists, for example, of a camera, so-called board level camera, which is connected to a processing board. Processing boards take over the tasks of the PC from the classic machine vision setup. As processing boards are much cheaper than classic industrial PCs, vision systems can become smaller and also more cost-effective. The interfaces for embedded vision systems are primarily USB, Basler’s BCON for MIPI or BCON for LVDS.

Embedded vision systems are used in a wide range of applications and devices, such as in medical technology, in vehicles, in industry and in consumer electronics. Embedded systems enable new products to be created and thereby create innovative possibilities in several areas.

Which Embedded Systems Are Available?

A so-called SoC (system on chip) lies at the heart of all embedded processing solutions. This is a single chip on which the CPU (which may be multiple units), graphics processors, controllers, other special processors (DSP, ISP) and other components are integrated.

Due to these efficient SoC components, embedded vision systems have become available in such a small size and at a low cost only recently.

As embedded systems, there are popular single-board computers (SBC), such as the Raspberry Pi® or DragonBoard®. These are mini-computers with the established interfaces (USB, Ethernet, HDMI, etc.) and a range of features similar to traditional PCs or laptops, although the CPUs are of course less powerful.

Embedded vision solutions can also be designed with a so-called SoM (system on module, also called computer on module or CoM). In principle, an SoM is a circuit board which contains the core elements of an embedded processing platform, such as the SoC, storage, power management, etc. An individual carrier board is required for the customization of the SoM to each application (e.g. with the appropriate interfaces). This is connected to the SoM via specific connectors and can be designed and manufactured relatively simply. The SoMs (or the entire system) are cost-effective on the one hand since they are available off-the-shelf, while on the other hand they can also be individually customized through the carrier board.

Completely individual processing boards in the form of a full custom design may also be a sensible choice for high quantities.

Characteristics of Embedded Vision Systems versus Standard Vision Systems

Most of the above-mentioned single board computers and SoMs do not include the x86 family processors common in standard PCs. Rather, the CPUs are often based on the ARM architecture.

The open-source Linux operating system is widely used as an operating system in the world of ARM processors. For Linux, there is a large number of open-source application programs, as well as numerous freely-available program libraries. Increasingly, however, x86-based single-board computers are also spreading. A consistently important criterion for the computer is the space available for the embedded system.

For the software developer, the program development for an embedded system is much more complex than for a standard PC. While the PC used in standard software development is also the main target platform (meaning the type of computer which the program is later intended to run on), this is different in the case of embedded software, where the target system generally can’t be used for the development due to its limited resources (CPU performance, storage). This is why the development of embedded software also uses a standard PC on which the program is coded and compiled with tools that may get very complex. The compiled program must then be copied to the embedded system and subsequently be debugged remotely.

When developing the software, it should be noted that the hardware concept of the embedded system is oriented to a specific application and thus differs significantly from the universally usable PC.

However, the boundary between embedded and desktop computer systems is sometimes difficult to define. Just think of the popular Raspberry Pi, which on the one hand has many features of an embedded system (ARM-based, single-board construction), but on the other hand can cope with very different tasks and, with the connection of a monitor, mouse and keyboard, is therefore a universal computer.

What Are the Benefits of Embedded Vision Systems?

In some cases, much depends on how the embedded vision system is designed. An SBC (single-board computer) is often a good choice, as this is a standard product. It is a small compact computer that is easy to use. This solution is also useful for developers who have had little to do with embedded vision.

On the other hand, however, the single-board computer is a system which contains unused components and thus generally does not allow the leanest system configuration. For that reason, this approach is not very economical in terms of manufacturing costs and is more suitable for small unit numbers, where the development costs must be kept low while the manufacturing costs are of secondary importance.

The leanest setup is obtained with a full-custom design, a system that is highly optimized for individual applications. But this involves high integration costs and the associated high development expenditures. This solution is therefore suitable for large unit numbers.

An approach with a conventionally available system on module (SoM) and an appropriately customized carrier board presents a compromise between an SBC and a full-custom design (also see above: “Which embedded systems are available? “). The manufacturing costs are not as optimized as in a full custom design (after all, a setup with a carrier board plus a more or less generic SoM is a bit more complex), but at least the hardware development costs are lower, since the significant part of the hardware development is already completed with the SoM. This is why a module-based approach is a very good choice for medium-level unit numbers in which the manufacturing and development costs must be well-balanced.

The benefits of embedded vision systems at a glance:
  • Leaner system design
  • Light weight
  • Cost-effective, because there is no unnecessary hardware
  • Lower manufacturing costs
  • Low energy consumption
  • Small footprint



To Know More About Machine Vision Cameras Dealer in Singapore Asia , Contact MVAsia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com




Saturday 2 February 2019

BITFLOW PREDICTS VISION-GUIDED ROBOTICS TO BECOME MAJOR DISRUPTIVE FORCE IN GLOBAL MANUFACTURING


As the plant floor has become more digitally connected, the relationship between robots and machine vision has merged into a single, seamless platform, setting the stage for a new generation of more responsive vision-driven robotic systems. BitFlow, Inc., a global innovator in frame grabbers used in industrial imaging, predicts vision-guided robots will be one of the most disruptive forces in all areas of manufacturing over the next decade.

"Since the 1960s robots have contributed to automation processes, yet they've done so largely blind," said Donal Waide, Director of Sales for BitFlow, Inc. "Vision-equiped robots are different. Now, just like a human worker, robots can see a specific part to validate whether it is being placed correctly in a pick and place application, for example. Cost savings will be realized since less hard fixturing is required and the robot is more flexible in its ability to locate a variety of different parts with the same hardware."
Bitflow Frame Grabber Cards Dealer Singapore

HOW ROBOTIC VISION WORKS

Using a combination of camera, cables, frame grabber and software, a vision system will identify a part, its orientation and its relationship to the robot. Next, this data is fed to the robot and motion begins, such as pick and place, assembly, screw driving or welding tasks. The vision system will also capture information that would be otherwise very difficult to obtain, including small cosmetic details that let the robot know whether or not the part is acceptable. Error-proofing reduces expensive quality issues with products. Self-maintenance is another benefit. In the event that alignment of a tool is off because of damage or wear, vision can compensate by performing machine offset adjustment checks on a periodic basis while the robot is running.

DUAL MARKET GROWTH

In should come as no surprise that the machine vision and robotic markets are moving in tandem. According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), robot sales in North America last year surpassed all previous records. Customers purchased 34,904 total units, representing $1.896 billion in total sales. Meanwhile total machine vision transactions in North America increased 14.8%, to $2.262 billion. The automotive industry accounts for appoximately 50% of total sales.

THE ROLE OF FRAME GRABBERS

Innovations in how vision-guided robots perceive and respond to their environments are exactly what manufacturers are looking for as they develop automation systems to improve quality, productivity and cost efficiencies. These types of advancements rely on frame grabbers being paired with high-resolution cameras to digitize analog video, thus converting the data to a form that can be processed by software.

BitFlow has responded to the demands of the robotics industry by introducing frame grabbers based on the CoaXPress (CXP) machine vision standard, currently the fastest and most powerful interface on the market. In robotics applications, the five to seven meters restriction of a USB cable connection is insufficient. BitFlow CXP frame grabbers allow up to 100 meters between the frame grabber and the camera, without any loss in quality. To minimize cabling costs and complexity, BitFlow frame grabbers require only a single piece of coax to transmit high-speed data, as well as to supply power and send control signals.

BitFlow's latest model, the Aon-CXP frame grabber, is engineered for simplified integration into a robotics system. Although small, the Aon-CXP receives 6.25 Gb/S worth of data over its single link, almost twice the real world data rate of the USB3 Vision standard and significantly quicker than the latest GigE Vision data rates. The Aon-CXP is designed for use with a new series of single-link CXP cameras that are smaller, less expensive and cooler running than previous models, making them ideal for robotics.

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Thursday 17 January 2019

AN INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS


Machine vision is the incorporation of computer vision into industrial manufacturing processes, although it does differ substantially from computer vision. In general, computer vision revolves around image processing. Machine vision, on the other hand, uses digital input and output to manipulate mechanical components. Devices that depend on machine vision are often found at work in product inspection, where they often use digital cameras or other forms of automated vision to perform tasks traditionally performed by a human operator. However, the way machine vision systems ‘see’ is quite different from human vision.

THE COMPONENTS OF A MACHINE VISION SYSTEM CAN VARY, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMMON FACTORS FOUND IN MOST. THESE ELEMENTS INCLUDE:

  • - Digital or analog cameras for acquiring images

  • - A means of digitizing images, such as a camera interface

  • - A processor
Industrial Machine Vision System Singapore
Credits : freepik.com
When these three components are combined into one device, it’s known as a smart camera. A machine vision system can consist of a smart camera with the following add-ons:
  • - Input and output hardware

  • - Lenses

  • - Light sources, such as LED illuminators or halogen lamps

  • - An image processing program

  • - A sensor to detect and trigger image acquisition

  • - Actuators to sort defective parts

HOW MACHINE VISION SYSTEMS WORK


Although each of these components serves its own individual function and can be found in many other systems, when working together they each have a distinct role in a machine vision system.

To understand how a machine vision system works, it may be helpful to envision it performing a typical function, such as product inspection. First, the sensor detects if a product is present. If there is indeed a product passing by the sensor, the sensor will trigger a camera to capture the image, and a light source to highlight key features. Next, a digitizing device called a framegrabber takes the camera’s image and translates it into digital output, which is then stored in computer memory so it can be manipulated and processed by software.

In order to process an image, computer software must perform several tasks. First, the image is reduced in gradation to a simple black and white format. Next, the image is analyzed by system software to identify defects and proper components based on predetermined criteria. After the image has been analyzed, the product will either pass or fail inspection based on the machine vision system’s findings.

GENERAL APPLICATIONS


Beyond product inspection, machine vision systems have numerous other applications. Systems that depend on visual stock control and management, such as barcode reading, counting, and store interfaces, often use machine vision systems. Large-scale industrial product runs also employ machine vision systems to assess the products at various stages in the process and also work with automated robotic arms. Even the food and beverage industry uses machine vision systems to monitor quality. In the medical field, machine vision systems are applied in medical imaging as well as in examination procedures.


TO KNOW MORE ABOUT INDUSTRIAL MACHINE VISION SYSTEM SINGAPORE , CONTACT MVASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD AT +65 6329-6431 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@MVASIAONLINE.COM