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Vision Sensors Built for Harsh Environments
Banner Engineering Corp. introduces the PresencePLUS P4 IP68-rated, sealed OMNI vision sensor. Featuring a compact, yet durable nickel-plated aluminum housing, the P4 Sealed OMNI vision sensor withstands demanding wash-down conditions – as well as dust and debris common in harsh-duty environments – with the use of an integrated ring light or lens cover.
The P4 Sealed OMNI vision sensor performs reliable, repeatable quality inspections in challenging automotive, assembly, food handling, printing, pharmaceutical and packaging applications, including:
The PresencePLUS P4 IP68-Rated, Sealed OMNI Vision Sensors can stand even the toughest of conditions
*Label alignment inspection
*Color verification and matching
*Flaw detection
*2D and 1D bar code reading
*Optical Character Reading and Verification (OCR/OCV)
*Packaging inspection
*Assembly verification
*Fill level detection
*Adhesive bead inspection
*Vial stopper inspection
*Drilled hole inspection
*Orientation inspection
*Part or model identification
*Error proofing
Banner claims the IP68-rated vision sensors with their space-saving, rugged housing can be installed anywhere where shock and vibration might normally be a problem for general vision products. They also say that they are ideal for aseptic and industrial clean-room environments, as well as anywhere dust, water and contaminants might be a problem.
The P4 Sealed OMNI vision sensor offers advanced features that make it useful in a variety of complex applications:
*Sealed, IP68-rated housing and connectors withstand dust, moisture and wash-down
*Durable nickel-plated aluminum housing in a compact form factor tolerates shock and vibration
*Banner’s complete suite of location, inspection, analysis and geometric tools; can be used simultaneously for inspecting multiple features and complex applications
*Premium tools deliver enhanced inspection capabilities, including Bar Code Reading (BCR), OCR/OCV and Bead Inspection
*Proven user interface common to all PresencePLUS sensors
*Intuitive setup procedure and common graphical interface; supports nine languages
*Ethernet, serial, flexible discrete I/O and real-time video output in the same full-featured sensor
*Exports inspections, images and results using the Microsoft ActiveX platform
http://www.bannerengineering.com
Electro-optical Sensor System for Navy Helicopters
The Raytheon Co. Space and Airborne Systems segment in McKinney, Texas, is providing the U.S. Navy with a helicopter-based electro-optical sensor suite — with infrared capability, laser designator, illuminator laser, and visible light sensor — under terms of a $44.3 million order awarded late Friday.
Raytheon is providing 62 of its AN/AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) airborne sensor suites for Navy UH-60R and UH-60S helicopters to enhance their forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor capabilities, Navy officials announced.
The Raytheon MTS is a multi-use electro-optical infrared (EO/IR), and laser detecting-ranging-tracking set for long-range surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, rangefinding, and laser designation for the Hellfire missile and for all tri-service and NATO laser-guided munitions.
The MTS is designed for growth options such as multiple wavelength sensors, TV cameras (near-IR and color), illuminators, eyesafe rangefinders, spot trackers and other avionics through add-in circuitry.
Raytheon will build the systems in McKinney, Texas, and should be finished filling the Navy’s order by November 2011. Awarding the order were officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane Ind.
Iris Recognition Sensor Gets a Speed Boost
September 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Industry News, Vision
Smart Sensors Limited, a spin-out from the University of Bath, UK, has
introduced version 2 of its MIRLIN software toolkit, enabling security system
developers to create iris recognition systems capable of 2 million matches per
second, four times faster than other current technologies. Functions include
image acquisition, enrollment, and verification or determination of identity
(ID) from human irises.
Analyzing a digital image of the iris using techniques similar to those employed
in video encoding, the Smart Sensors patented solution requires less processing
power than alternative methods and the software code can operate in only around
300 Kilobytes of memory on a silicon chip. As a result, systems can be based on
small, low-cost microcontrollers with less processing power than an ordinary
personal computer. This makes the technology suitable for use in fixed or
battery-operated, handheld equipment.
Smart Sensors` MIRLIN software development kits (SDK) enable systems to be
optimized for the best combination of speed and accuracy. Images can be scanned
in segments from 18 degrees to 0.72 degrees wide, depending on the accuracy
required. The technology works with iris characteristics that generally conform
to ISO/IEC standards but it is capable of delivering accurate results with
images that are significantly poorer than those defined by the standard.
The SDK can work with a variety of image sources, including several
manufacturers` iris cameras. Versions are available to support various
processors and operating systems. To make licensing more attractive for
customers, the company only charges a fee for each product or each server on a
network, not for every user or enrollment. Customers are supported through
service level agreements that provide bug fixes and product enhancements.
Smart Sensors, which is based in the SETsquared business incubator at the
University of Bath, has recently been awarded the Frost & Sullivan “Global Iris
Biometric Systems Technology Innovation of the Year Award” for 2009.
Smart Vision Sensors from Datasensor
Sunnyvale, CA – Smart vision sensors from Datasensor are the answer to all your machine vision applications. Providing a quick solution for packaging lines, food and beverage industries, automotive and electronics plants, the SVS series combines sophisticated technology with an extremely simple configuration.
Unlike other brands, SVS vision sensors don’t require hours of training to use. These sensors represent a straightforward solution for all vision control applications. With a fast frame rate of 60 fps (60 images per second), Ethernet communication, a teach button, 640 x 480 pixel resolution and 9 inspection tools, Datasensor SVS sensors are the best value for feature-packed smart vision sensors on the market. Inspection tools include:
• Pattern match
• Contour match
• Positioning verification
• Width comparison
• Edge count
• Brightness check
• Contrast comparison
• Character verification (OCV)
• Unique 360° pattern match
These sensors are a low-cost solution to machine vision providing accurate, reliable and unparalleled inspection. Ultra-compact, powerful and easy-to-use, SVS smart vision sensors work for a variety of applications and are available in two product lines:
• SVS1 models guarantee the quickest and easiest setup via hand-held configurator • SVS2 models can be connected to a PC and offer multiple controls
PPT Vision Sentinel Mold Protection Solution
Bloomington, MN — PPT VISION, Inc. announces their SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution is now available Internationally. The SENTINEL offers the manufacturing industry a superior turn-key vision inspection solution to protect mold processes and tooling by detecting errors in real-time, then shutting down production and alerting operators before damages occur. Initially released in the United States in November 2008, the SENTINEL’s superior protection capabilities can now be utilized in molding applications worldwide.
The SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution was unveiled in early April to the global molding industry at the Southern China Plastics and Mold Show in Shenzhen, China. Upcoming plastic and molding industry events showcasing the SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution have additionally been scheduled in the United States and England.
The SENTINEL’s global introduction is also taking place throughout Europe and North America. Product Seminars are being scheduled in England, Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and the United States. These seminars cover a variety of topics including typical machine vision applications, software tools available and how they are used in common inspection scenarios, cost to deploy machine vision projects, as well as integration, support and training options.
The PPT VISION SENTINEL supports up to four cameras. Each camera provides users the ability to configure up to five mold inspection stages, including the inspection of mold flash, short shot, part ejection, pin retraction, insert position verification and more. Software panels, currently available in English and Chinese, are preconfigured for mold protection applications; users simply point-and-click to select the desired inspection options before putting the system online.
SENTINEL is available in any IMPACT hardware platform, including right-angle, inline and remote camera options. IMPACT cameras are available in 17 models, covering a full range of processing power and resolutions from 640 x 480 to 1600 x 1200 pixels.
PPT VISION
www.pptvision.com
PPT VISION’s New Standard API for its IMPACT™ Software Suite 8.3
Bloomington, MN — PPT VISION, Inc. announces a new standard API that uses the Microsoft® ActiveX® platform to provide industry standard connectivity, linking and embedding. ActiveX control is now built into PPT VISION’s IMPACT™ Software Suite 8.3, which runs on all PPT VISION IMPACT smart cameras, delivering easy-to-use, advanced inspection capabilities to a broad range of machine vision applications.
The new IMPACT ActiveX control API operates with common programming languages (such as VB.NET) and includes sample programs in VB.NET, C#, Visual Basic 6, and Microsoft Excel. Along with the new ActiveX control API, IMPACT 8.3 features Control Panel Manager (CPM), which provides a simpler way to create custom machine operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling PPT VISION inspections.
PPT VISION, Inc.
www.pptvision.com
SICK’s New Series of AT20 Line Array Sensors
April 14, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Vision
Minneapolis, MN – SICK launches its new series of AT20 Line Array Sensors. The AT20 is the only line array sensor available that has diffuse mode, making it ideal for harsh environments where dirt and dust can interfere with retro-reflective sensors. The AT20’s industry-leading resolution and simple setup are ideal for glue-bead diameter applications and web guide applications in the printing and packaging markets.
The AT20 comes in two variants that are specifically designed for edge detection/ positioning in web guide applications and for diameter measurement of targets on flat surfaces. The AT20’s diffuse mode is unaffected by harsh environmental factors, which reduces downtime and labor costs and improves quality control. The AT20’s high resolution and repeatability make it a cost-effective solution for applications requiring precise measurements. Plus, these compact sensors feature a high visibility white LED light source that helps identify black/white and minimal grayscale contrasts between the target and background.
IP 69K-rated Sensors for Harsh Washdown Environments
February 16, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Vision
VeriSens smart vision sensors are equipped with IP 69K-rated stainless steel housings, shatterproof glass, special connectors and seals that protect the devices from damage in high temperature/high pressure washdown environments.
The sensors are suitable for discrete automation applications in a range of industries, including food/beverage, pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic processing. Using contour-based algorithms, VeriSens smart vision sensors provide edges that are more stable and reliable than those found using photometric (gray scale) methods. Using 656 x 494 pixel CCD imaging, the sensors calculate 2-D position correction and provide data on the position and angle of the target. They also perform simple measurement and location calculations. An RS485 interface communicates with a computer or control device to transmit and receive data. An Ethernet version is also available for real time remote image monitoring.
Baumer Inc.
www.baumer.ca
NVision Launches the MAXOS XR
NVision announces the launch of the MAXOS XR (Extended Range), which expands the measurement capabilities for multiple vane applications. The XR augments the MAXOS multi-axis optical CMM product line, already the industry standard for non-contact measurement of turbine blades due to its speed, accuracy and ability to scan polished or machined surfaces without any coating.
Nozzle or vane segments of a turbine stator are normally impossible to inspect using optical measurement and notoriously time-consuming to inspect using conventional CMM technology. The problem is the limited space available between individual blades and the resulting angles of approach. Inspection by conventional CMM requires long custom-shaped touch probes that need regular recalibration and is often inaccurate due to ball-offset or cosine error.
The MAXOS XR addresses these problems. The sensor’s concentrated light spot can measure at a standoff of 8 inches with an angle of incidence to the surface of as little as 15 degrees. With this technical breakthrough, the MAXOS XR can scan between individual vanes and measure complete cross-sections of each blade segment at all required section heights.
Another unique feature for the measurement of nozzle segments is the ability of the MAXOS XR to measure the position and depth of slot seals, a notoriously difficult operation to automate.
Cognex Expands Capabilities of Checker Vision Sensors
Cognex® Corporation (NASDAQ – CGNX) has expanded its Checker vision sensor product line with the Checker® 252 model. The 252 includes all inspection capabilities of the award-winning Checker vision sensor family, plus additional software sensors that verify height, width, and diameter and deliver reliable pass/fail results on high-speed production lines.
Key to the simplicity of the Checker 252 is its One-Click Setup™. By simply clicking on the center of the part feature to be inspected, an image of a familiar caliper appears and locks on the edges of the part feature, sets the minimum and maximum thresholds, and learns edge polarity…all automatically.
As with other Checker models, the 252 is available with the Cognex SensorViewTM 350, a compact, industrial, panel-mount display. The Checker 252 will be available in November, 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.cognex.com/checker252.
