Machine vision solutions for various wavelength areas
Infrared technology in its various forms, machine vision applications, and image processing in these fields have been focuses for research in Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) for over a decade. During the past four years the infrastructure for IR technology and machine vision has been developed by acquiring modern spectral imaging equipment and smart cameras. Due to the development of new applications and the versatile use of the equipment SAMK has achieved a wide range of expertise in the machine vision field.
A comprehensive use of traditional machine vision imaging, smart cameras, and spectral imaging in various wavelength areas is mastered in SAMK. In addition to visible light wavelength area imaging is done in NIR (near infrared) and IR (infrared) wavelength areas. The near infrared cameras used in SAMK operate within the wavelength area of 900-1700 nm and the thermal cameras within the area of 8-12 μm. Spectral imaging can be done within the so called VIS-NIR (Visible-Near InfraRed) wavelength area of 400-1000 nm and the near infrared area of 900-1700 nm (NIRS). Very accurate and quick identification and quality control imaging can be made with the high resolution (1600x1200) smart camera in use in SAMK. SAMK’s machine vision entity is completed with a 3D camera.
SAMK offers its students a very wide set of machine vision. The course includes machine vision solutions in many different wavelength areas. In addition to theory SAMK can offer the students the use of extensive testing opportunities with the latest machine vision technology. The technology in use and the instruction given in it enable for instance student projects or theses in which students design various machine vision solutions and new and innovative applications for enterprises in the region.
THE NIR-HE PROJECT
The NIR-HE – NIR Camera Applications in Welfare Technology and Electronics’ Interface Research project looked into near infrared spectral imaging application possibilities in diagnostics in collaboration with Satakunta hospital district. In the project images were taken of nearly 30 patients with various inflammations or possible inflammations, or other changes on or right under the skin surface, and incisions. The best analysis methods for making most of the changes visible were found by the evaluation of the methods, and in the final images one could see the worst and the best spots on the skin. In series of images taken of incisions in successive days the changes due to the recuperation of incisions could be seen.
Electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths researched at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
PRO MACHINE VISION
At the moment SAMK is running the Pro Machine Vision project, in which infrared, near-infrared, and spectral imaging applications and different kinds of smart camera imaging are being developed to improve industrial processes. This year demonstrations of various machine vision solutions are made to be shown for enterprises. The demonstrations are also incorporated in SAMK’s education in machine vision. Demonstration subjects are the identification of humidity through material by NIR imaging, the identification and classification of substances by NIRS imaging, the identification of colour and substance by VIS-NIR spectral imaging, thermal imaging, the identification and location of an object by smart camera, and the shape certification of an object by 3D imaging.
In the years ahead the project will develop the processes of the industrial enterprises in the region by applying machine vision to them. The aim of the development of these applications is to improve cost efficiency by diminishing the percentage of raw material loss, for instance. Simultaneously the amount of waste produced during the process can also be reduced and thus the ecology of production is increased. SAMK’s co-operative partner in the project is JAMK University of Applied Sicences.
SAMK OFFERS FURTHER EDUCATION IN THE DEGREE PROGRAMME IN AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY
SAMK offers further education for a Master-level degree in technology in various Degree Programmes, including Automation Technology. The goal of the degree programme is to increase the management skills of extensive and decentralised automation systems. The student will also gain new knowledge in the application of machine vision and simulation. According to the student’s interests it is possible to extend one’s knowledge in the fields of field buses, measurement technology, and control engineering.
>> Designing and implementing a machine vision system as a student project
Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Faculty of Technology and Maritime Management
Tekniikantie 2, 28600 Pori
(02) 620 3000
www.samk.fi
Dean, Adj.Prof. Matti Lähdeniemi (02) 620 3210, 
Research Director Antti Soini (02) 620 3174, 
Text and photos: Jari Vihervirta