Boost Accuracy in Machine Vision with Optical Filters

Precision and reliability are paramount in the rapidly evolving field of machine vision. Chroma Technology leads this revolution with its cutting-edge optical filters, which are routinely used for advanced automated systems in manufacturing, robotics, and quality control.

Its filters are critical in improving image clarity, color accuracy, and contrast in machine vision applications where each detail matters.

Chroma’s team leverages decades of experience in optical engineering. It works closely with machine vision customers to offer free application and design support.

Chroma applies its extensive knowledge to provide filters and optical solutions to empower the next generation of automation and machine vision.

Custom Bandwidth and Band Placement

Chroma Technology addresses unique machine vision challenges with tailored solutions.

470 nm LED spectrum, traditional ~60 nm wide bandpass filter, and 20 nm wide bandpass filter

Figure 1. 470 nm LED spectrum, traditional ~60 nm wide bandpass filter, and 20 nm wide bandpass filter. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

Machine vision systems have historically relied on bandpass filters offering 60 nm or more bandwidths, generally centered around common LED wavelengths. However, narrower bandwidths, such as 20–40 nm wide, can effectively cut out the “tails” of the LED output spectrum, which could contain background light or noise.

Examples of 1064 nm laser clean-up bandpass filters with FWHM of 0.5 nm, 2 nm, and 7 nm

Figure 2. Examples of 1064 nm laser clean-up bandpass filters with FWHM of 0.5 nm, 2 nm, and 7 nm. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

In laser applications, a narrower band (< 20 nm) can be used at the laser source, effectively “cleaning up” the laser that could have noisy amplified spontaneous emission. Figure 2 provides examples of narrow bandpass filters that clean up a 1064 nm laser.

Ultra-narrow bandpass filter for hydrogen detection

Figure 3. Ultra-narrow bandpass filter for hydrogen detection. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

Employing narrower bands may be necessary to ensure optimal results when dealing with materials’ chemical composition. 

In these instances, custom filters with extremely narrow bandwidths—< 10 nm down to 0.5 nm full-width half-max—can isolate a spectral signature for a tool to detect it.  

Narrow bandpass filters offer significant advantages in material analysis applications. They precisely isolate a small section of spectral information, improving contrast and accuracy.

Before integrating narrow bandpass filters into machine vision systems for material analysis, several factors should be considered, including the specific application requirements, materials’ spectral characteristics, and lighting conditions.

Customization and optimization are central to achieving the required performance and maximizing the benefits of these filters in various material analysis tasks.

590-20 machine vision filter with OD5 blocking of a 632.8 nm He-Ne laser

Figure 4. 590-20 machine vision filter with OD5 blocking of a 632.8 nm He-Ne laser. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

Laser Light in the Field

It is common to encounter scenarios with laser light in the imaging field within machine vision applications. For example, when using a laser profiler, it is important to block the laser light to prevent it from overwhelming the captured image.

In these cases, employing filters with a higher optical density to increase attenuation may be necessary. Using interference filters with a high optical density at the laser line and over various angles can efficiently block laser light from contaminating the image while maintaining high quality.

Interference filters can be customized easily, enabling selective increasing of the blocking for specific laser wavelengths as required without affecting cost-effectiveness.

Higher optical density filters with high angle tolerance can effectively block laser light, maximizing the visibility and clarity of desired objects or features in the machine vision system by minimizing interference.

This approach improves accuracy and reliability by optimizing system performance. When dealing with laser light in machine vision applications, always consider custom filter solutions.

Interference filters can effectively control the impact of laser light on the imaging field, ensuring cost-effective, accurate, and reliable image analysis.

Using Multiband Filters with Multiple Light Sources Activated Sequentially

A combination of multiband filters and strobing techniques in systems with multiple LEDs can reduce costs by limiting reliance on expensive cameras. This multispectral approach allows a single camera without a filter wheel.

Sorting recycled materials utilizing these filters alongside multiple LED light sources sequentially turned on and off benefits various applications. This approach could help identify glass, aluminum, and plastic for sorting and the more general inspection of recycled materials.

A quad-band machine vision filter spectral transmission.

Figure 5a. A quad-band machine vision filter spectral transmission. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

By using the multiple bands provided by the multiband filter, inspection systems can rapidly acquire more information as the line moves swiftly past. This information is key to detecting the presence or absence of certain substances, distinguishing between desirable and undesirable materials, and even identifying the specific type of substance or material present.

Example of how multiple LEDs strobing sequentially while a camera with a multiband filter captures images can sort recycled materials

Figure 5b. Example of how multiple LEDs strobing sequentially while a camera with a multiband filter captures images can sort recycled materials. Image Credit: Chroma Technology Corp.

Benefits of Using Chroma Technology’s Filters in Machine Vision Applications

Obtaining superior image clarity and accurate color reproduction is pivotal in machine vision. Chroma Technology’s range of machine vision filters enhances system performance by enhancing image quality while ensuring precise contrast and color fidelity.

These filters allow users to achieve clearer images and more accurate analysis, even under challenging lighting or environmental conditions. This accuracy helps a system see and interpret the world more accurately—an essential consideration in ensuring reliable automated processes.

Chroma Technology’s optical filters improve machine vision systems’ visual output, improving reliability and efficiency. The company’s machine vision filters are engineered to deliver unmatched image clarity in applications where precision and detail are vital.

Straightforward Integration

Compatibility and ease of use are as important as the technical superiority of optical filters. Chroma Technology’s range of filters has been designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of machine vision systems, from standard industry cameras to advanced, custom-built hardware, to ensure their ease of use.

There are numerous standard sizes and the option to customize filters to accommodate unique specifications. This versatility ensures that integration is simplified, improving system efficiency while reducing setup times.

Durability in Harsh Environments

Durability means functioning within challenging environments while maintaining peak performance over time.

Chroma Technology’s filters adhere to strict industry, environmental, and durability standards. These include ISO and MIL specifications linked to adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, and resilience against extreme temperatures, humidity, salt fog, and laser damage.

These filters’ long-lasting durability and reliability result in notable cost savings, ensuring the company’s filters remain a dependable component in any machine vision system, regardless of operational challenges.

Customized Solutions

Chroma Technology builds optical filters suitable for use in the ultraviolet to the infrared, compatible with systems from all major camera manufacturers. Every machine vision application is unique, and Chroma Technology can also offer advanced customized solutions alongside its already comprehensive catalog of machine vision filters.

These customized solutions can accommodate a lesser-used camera model, a custom-built system, and even the latest machine vision technology.

Machine Vision Applications of Chroma Technology's Optical Filters

Chroma Technology’s filters are central to various machine vision applications, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. The company’s filters are integral to many advanced automation, inspection, and industrial applications, each with unique challenges and requirements. These include:

  • Agricultural automation
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Food sorting
  • Industrial automation
  • Quality control and inspection systems
  • Robotic guidance

Engineering Support

Every machine vision application is unique, and Chroma Technology’s experienced engineers work alongside its customers to offer customized solutions suitable for even the most challenging applications.

The company can enhance system performance, optimize costs, or share expert knowledge to help ensure a machine vision system excels in every aspect of its work.

The company’s engineers focus on determining the right solutions for its customers’ needs. They work closely with customers from initial consultation to ongoing support, ensuring that Chroma Technology’s filters deliver long-term optimal system performance.

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Chroma Technology Corp.

 

This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Chroma Technology Corp.

 

For more information on this source, please visit Chroma Technology Corp.

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