Sensor Tips » 3D Image Sensor

Robot Provides Virtual Presence at 2012 CES (Pt 1)

Randy Frank — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:41:36 +0000

Ned Semonite, vice president of products at VGo Communications explains the company’s robotic telepresence product at the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Freescale’s pressure sensors and accelerometers are used in the design of the robot as well as proximity sensors to detect stairs or potential collisions and a camera to view the surroundings in the remote location.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about VGo products and services, click here.

For more information about Freescale Semiconductor’s acceleration sensors, click here

and pressure sensors, click here.

Photoelectric Sensors Offer Application Advantages

Randy Frank — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:25 +0000

Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors have faster response times, multi-beam redundant detection, independent outputs and zero deadband sensing. The newest ML4.2 high-speed models offer 250 µs response time, half the time of the standard ML4.2 models. ML4.2 dual sensor redundant detection models have dual light beams from two emitter LEDs that reflect light to two receivers. Compared with single beam sensing, the redundant light beam enables more reliable sensing of transparent or glossy objects that are foil or plastic-wrapped.

For more information about Pepperl+Fuchs ML4.2 Series Subminiature Photoelectric Sensors, click here for high speed models or here for dual sensor redundant detection models.

Measuring with a 2D Optical Micrometer

Randy Frank — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:49:29 +0000

Keyence calls its TM-3000 the world’s first in-line 2D optical micrometer. By combining the functionality of a laser scan micrometer, machine vision system and optical comparator into a single device, the sensor eliminates the need for expensive positioning mechanisms to ensure the best precision.

The 2D optical micrometer has a dual telecentric lens and a two-dimensional CMOS array. The dual lens creates a uniform collimated light with a green LED. Then the CMOS array detects the light to dark transitions on the 2-D array to measure the dimensions. High speed and high precision result from sub-pixel processing only in the areas or points designated for measurement.

For more information on Keyence TM-3000 2D Dimensional Measurement System, click here.

Make Non-Contact Precision Displacement and Thickness Measurements

Randy Frank — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:18:49 +0000

In a manufacturing environment, non-contact measurements are especially useful for moving processes, hot parts, machined parts and soft or sticky parts. Banner Engineering addresses these kinds of applications with the L-GAGE LH Series Non-Contact Laser Sensor. Developed to solve measurement and quality control inspections on materials such as wood, metal, rubber, ceramic and plastic parts, the self-contained laser displacement sensor features a 1024 pixel CMOS linear imager that can achieve up to a 1 micron resolution under nominal conditions.

The sensor outputs displacement or thickness measurements with a high resolution 4-20 mA or RS-485 serial communication links that can be
used in a network of up to 32 sensors.

For more information about the Banner Engineering LH Series sensors click here.

Multi-Pixel Array Sensors Increase Sensing Distance up to Three Times

Randy Frank — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:34:08 +0000

Compared to similarly sized sensors, Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 multi-pixel array sensors can sense up to three times further away from the target. The sensors use an ultra high-intensity emitter called PowerBeam that provides a visible and uniform light spot, even on dark and dull black materials, to simplify sensor alignment and detection. With extremely low sensitivity to objects’ colors, the sensors can reliably and consistently detect objects and do not require re-adjustments or re-teaching if printed material changes or plastic parts fade or a new container is introduced.

For more information on Pepperl+Fuchs RL31-8-H-800 Multi-Pixel Array Sensors, click here.

Getting the Right Harsh Environment Photoelectric Sensor

Randy Frank — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:51:56 +0000

Photoelectric Sensor Targets Harsh Environments

Randy Frank — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:07:35 +0000

Banner Engineering Corp. repackaged its TM18 EZ-BEAM photoelectric sensor for use in heavy duty environments. With its nickel-plated, die-cast zinc metal housing and completely epoxy encapsulated electronics, the TM18 achieves an IP69K rating. This design provides the durability and resistance for harsh industrial sensing environments, such as those with high pressure washdowns.

For easy alignment to a variety of targets, the photoelectric sensor is available in opposed, polarized retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field (background suppression) modes.

The unit has a right angle shape, an 18-mm threaded barrel mount and integral all metal M12 quick disconnect. Its metal housing provides the sensor immunity to electro-magnetic noise and improved ability to withstand interference from fluorescent lamps.

For more information on the Banner Engineering TM18 Photoelectric Sensor, click here.

Cameras in Video Surveillance

Randy Frank — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:45:17 +0000

ROHM Semiconductor’s Sensors Race Track

Randy Frank — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:30:31 +0000

At Sensors Expo 2011, Steve Chutka, a field applications engineer at ROHM Semiconductor USA explains the sensors on its small demo truck to Sensor Tips’ Randy Frank. The six sensors communicate to a sensor hub via ZigBee wireless protocol.

For more information about ROHM Semiconductor’s sensors and other products, click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Vision Sensor Reads Linear and Data Matrix Codes

Randy Frank — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:31:51 +0000

With its Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, Balluff now has an ID version designed to read a large range of linear bar codes and 2D Data Matrix codes, as well as optical character verification (OCV).

The vision sensor can read more than 10 types of linear bar codes, including PDF417 and 2D Data Matrix codes. The Data Matrix code reader reads both printed and direct part mark (DPM) based marks. Since alphanumeric characters like date codes or expiration codes can typically coexist with barcodes, the ID version also has an OCV tool to verify these values.

For more information about Balluff’s Sharpshooter ID vision sensor, click here.