Stand-alone vision sensor design based on fuzzy associative database

In this paper a comprehensive design methodology for stand-alone vision sensor with application in manufacturing production lines is presented. The sensor can be employed as a substitute for traditional sensors, such as photoelectric and proximity sensors. The advantage of the vision sensor over traditional manufacturing sensors is distinguishing the incoming product prior to determination of the product position. The sensor is designed based on Fuzzy Associative Database (FAD). The proposed method is extremely fast and suitable for real time processing. After training, the sensor will be able to recognize the coming product by conducting fuzzy search over the knowledge base. If the vision sensor recognized the product, the sensor provides the product category, position and speed for programmable logic controllers (PLC) or other controllers to perform further action.