What Is an Image Measuring Instrument?
Image measuring instruments are measuring instruments that use a CCD camera to magnify the object to be measured to observe its dimensions, shape, and surface.
There are a variety of products available, from fully manual machines that perform everything from workpiece positioning to camera focusing and measurement, to CNC machines that are numerically controlled and can perform automatic measurement.
Image measuring instruments are non-contact measuring instruments that use a camera to capture an image of the object to be measured, allowing measurement without damaging the object. Image processing technology can also be used to find flaws and defects that cannot be observed with the naked eye.
Uses of Image Measuring Instruments
Image measuring instruments are used for the purpose of performing measurement by digital image processing.
The CCD camera is used to display images on a PC, and the measurement results can be saved as digital images. With measuring instruments that observe the lens with the naked eye, such as microscopes, it is difficult to sense what part of the workpiece is being measured when the magnification is high. Image measuring instruments, on the other hand, do not require observation by the naked eye, but only the image on the screen, so work can be performed without the confusion and fatigue caused by human measurement.
Principle of Image Measuring Instruments
Image measuring instruments use a CCD camera to magnify and measure dimensions, shapes, and surfaces for observation. a CCD camera, an XY stage to move the object to be measured, an up/down unit to adjust the focus, and a PC and dedicated application software to perform measurement and image processing are collectively called an image measuring instrument. A temperature-controlled measurement room is desirable for use, but the instrument can also be used line-side for surface observation and other purposes.
The performance of the PC and the resolution of the monitor also have a significant impact on the measurement, as a low performance PC will not be able to smoothly process the signals from the camera, resulting in poor tracking between the movement of the image measuring instruments and the displayed image. Since the fineness of the displayed image is directly related to the magnification factor, the low resolution of the monitor limits the magnification factor. In addition, since an image measuring instruments guarantee the accuracy of one pixel of the monitor as a unit, it is necessary to recalibrate the pixel calibration when replacing the monitor or changing the resolution.