Image processing includes the processing of signals that are available in the form of an image. All applications that create a new image or that obtain information from existing images are summarized under this term. Image processing systems are based on digital sensors in industrial cameras. With a combination of software and hardware, this image data can be analyzed and further processed.
With the help of special algorithms, objects or patterns in images can be recognized and processed, which means that codings such as data matrix codes can be read out. Furthermore, data that change over time can be evaluated with image processing. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of plants or objects. An example of this is the quality of the printed codes on components: By evaluating image properties such as contrast and size or number of code elements, conclusions can be drawn about the current state of the print head and the remaining useful lifetime can be determined. This is particularly useful when implementing predictive maintenance concepts. See Predictive Maintenance.