OpenMV
Shields
Lens
Robotics
Book
Video
Download
Docs
Forum
OpenMV.io
GithubIn industrial inspection and automation control systems, the displacement accuracy of mechanical structures (such as telescopic rods, push-pull mechanisms, sliding rail platforms, etc.) directly affects the operational stability and measurement reliability of the equipment. Traditional displacement sensors or encoders are difficult to install in confined spaces and are susceptible to dust, vibration, and mechanical wear, resulting in higher maintenance costs. To address this, industrial inspection equipment manufacturers plan to adopt the optical flow tracking function of SingTown Technology's OpenMV smart camera to implement a non-contact displacement measurement solution.
The camera is fixed on the exterior of the device, approximately 50cm away from the measured object. By analysing the optical flow changes of surface feature points, the telescopic displacement of the device (within a range of about 25cm) is calculated. This module will be embedded into self-developed industrial equipment to achieve high-precision, low-cost dynamic displacement monitoring, and data will be output via a serial port for use by the host computer or control unit.

Industrial inspection equipment manufacturers utilise the optical flow detection solution based on SingTown Technology's OpenMV smart camera, leveraging the motion changes of image feature points to achieve real-time displacement measurement of telescopic devices.
The system continuously captures video frames through the camera, and the built-in optical flow tracking algorithm will track key feature areas, calculating the pixel displacement between adjacent frames.
Based on the fixed distance between the camera and the target object, along with the known field of view, the system converts pixel displacement into actual physical displacement, thereby measuring the extension length of the device.
In actual deployment, the camera is fixedly installed approximately 50 cm away from the device. Optical flow calculation is performed by observing the natural texture on the device's surface or specific marker points (such as contrast stickers).
The algorithm automatically filters out errors caused by lighting changes and slight vibrations, and obtains a continuous displacement curve through time integration.
Test results indicate that within a 25 cm extension range, the measurement error can be controlled within ±1mm, with a response time below 50ms.
This solution features edge deployment capability, enabling independent detection without additional sensors. It is suitable for applications such as expansion joints, hydraulic cylinder displacement detection, and automated platform position feedback.
Simultaneously, this embedded vision system can output real-time displacement data via serial port or I²C interface, supporting integration with PLC or microcontroller systems to achieve precise motion control.
SingTown Technology's OpenMV smart camera, with its optical flow detection technology, equips industrial equipment with high-sensitivity, non-contact, and maintenance-free displacement measurement capabilities. It provides reliable and efficient visual solutions for enterprise intelligent inspection systems.

AI Sentinel Based on OpenMV: Automatic Alert for Unsecured Key Locations
Automatically detects whether the doors of key locations remain open for an extended period and issues timely alerts.

Personnel crossing boundary triggers an alarm; OpenMV interprets the “sense of security boundary”
Detect personnel or equipment crossing boundary via virtual alert line.

“AI Municipal Enforcement” is Here: An Automated Stall-Occupancy Detection System Built on OpenMV
Automatically identifies illegal street vending activities to support daily urban governance.

Improper Storage of Gas Cylinders? Use OpenMV to Automatically Trigger Hazard Warnings
Automatically identifies non-compliant placement of gas cylinders to proactively detect potential gas safety hazards.

Performing live-line work without wearing insulating gloves? OpenMV issues an immediate alert!
Automatically identifies whether personnel are wearing insulating gloves to assist in safe operations.

Utilise the OpenMV smart camera to detect surface defects on aluminium plates in real time
Online identification of defects on aluminium plate surfaces, such as scratches and dents, to support quality control.