Industry 4.0 is rapidly evolving, with new technologies being implemented to solve exigencies. The computing and automation industry has many applications nowadays. Industry 4.0 can be implemented in myriad environments and systems where humans simply can’t navigate and make accurate assessments on their own. Micro imaging technology is now being widely used for inspection of industry and related components. This allows for the maintenance of systems, and more effective implementation of safety protocols. With industry 4.0, computers can communicate with one another, without human involvement for increased efficiency and productivity. This autonomous industry can be scaled across the IoT with remarkable applications.
One of the most effective new solutions for industrial applications – industrial inspection cameras are proving to be highly effective for a wide range of functions. For one thing, industrial inspection cameras facilitate the introduction of novel video applications. The use of fiber-optic illumination, the likes of which is being used in space by NASA, is readily available for industrial applications here on earth. Such is the level of advancement with this technology that fully customizable applications are now available.
Machine Vision Cameras have revolutionized various industries, enabling precise quality control, automation, and enhanced visual inspection across sectors such as robotics, factory automation, and intelligent traffic systems.
Gone are the gargantuan computing and imaging devices of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Nowadays, it’s all about micro-technology, with miniature cameras featuring powerful video-streaming applications. This ensures that industry aficionados can enjoy direct visualization under the harshest conditions. NASA already understands the tremendous benefits of utilizing micro-camera technology in outer-space robots. But that same technology is being deployed in many different industries here on earth. These include, but are not limited to surveillance, security, medicine, defense industries, and robotics.
Why Are Industries Turning to Micro Inspection Camera Technology?
There are myriad benefits to sizing down with superior technology. Nowadays, the creme de la creme of customizable micro inspection cameras can integrate fully with production platforms and engineering platforms to deliver high-quality video inspection solutions. This is especially true where visualization is required in tight spaces. Micro-inspection camera systems with fiber optics can pass through extremely limited spaces, openings, and areas to deliver HD-quality visuals.
This type of technology is used in difficult to access locations where 2D measurements or 3D measurements with stereo vision are required. With predictive maintenance, visual info is needed with video inspection technology. These visual feeds need to be customized, and capable of withstanding harsh work and environmental conditions. Visual feeds allow for more accurate information updates, making predictive maintenance more effective and budget friendly. Since the micro inspection cameras can see the integrity of the micro systems in robotics and components, real-time notifications are entirely possible.
Among the many benefits of customized industrial camera technology are the following:
- Markets where a malfunction creates big loss or risk to human life
- Difficult to be identify with existing sensors
- Harsh environment which requires high reliability
- Less price sensitive
- High-quality imaging in many different types of environments.
- Cost savings on maintenance using specialized tech and predictive maintenance capability.
- Superior transmission of visuals with wired connections from connection points to inspection points.
- Live-streaming technology brings HD video to industry personnel with a focal distance of just 2 mm.
- Measurements down to 1mm (illumination + outer diameter) in full HD color imaging connected to micro-sensors and top-tier video processing technology tailored to specific industry requirements.
How Does This Technology Work When it is So Small?
It all boils down to proprietary imaging parts. In other words, the companies behind the development of micro-camera technology have developed their own manufacturing and design systems to create cutting-edge tech. This is then fused with commercial components to create sophisticated cameras capable of wide-ranging applications. The use of polymer lenses and glass lenses combined with micro assembly – robotically or manually- for maximum efficacy.
As for the video processing capabilities, these top-tier digital signal processing systems utilize unique image processing algorithmic capabilities to deliver on expectations. The micro-CMOS sensors feature prominently, and they are designed expressly for the rugged requirements of aviation, aerospace, and other industrial applications. While the cables are thin at 0.58 mm, they have virtually limitless length capabilities, making them ideal for many different types of applications across the board. High-quality industrial inspection cameras need to possess certain attributes to function optimally. These include high levels of resistance to an array of elements (magnetic fields, radiation, heat extremes, vibrations, vacuum, water, particles).
Functional Capabilities of Industrial Cameras
Naturally, these high-end industrial cameras must provide added value in terms of image sensors, wavelength sensitivity, CFA, frame rate, resolution, cable length, input voltage, illumination, field of view, depth of field, et al. The industrial use applications of micro cameras are also widespread, and include inspections of machinery, equipment, production plants, and the like. IoT makes it much easier to schedule maintenance of these devices. It recently emerged that nuclear facilities in Germany are now making use of micro-camera technology for enabling better control over nuclear reactors.
As the size of these industrial cameras decreases, and their use-cases increase, it is possible to implement breakthrough technology for the advancement of industry across the board. This includes surgical visualization in the medical industry with such devices as endoscopes, gastroscopes and laparoscopes, among others. This is all made possible courtesy of fiber optic imaging capabilities. On the high end, these innovative devices offer 115 degree+ wide angle vantage points, with crystal clear imaging in UHD.
Broadly speaking, the applications for industrial cameras are extensive:
- Robotics
- Factory automation tech
- Intelligent traffic systems
- Renewable energy systems
- Machine vision capabilities
- Print inspection and packaging
- Retail applications with self-checkout
These breakthrough applications are really just the tip of the iceberg, given the dramatic advancements of high-tech camera systems across industries.
