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Robot Provides Virtual Presence at 2012 CES (Pt 1)

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.

Measuring with a 2D Optical Micrometer

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

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.

Cameras in Video Surveillance

Vision Sensor Reads Linear and Data Matrix Codes

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.

The Use of Sensing Technology in Robotics Competition

Dean Kamen, president of DEKA Research and Development Corporation was the keynote speaker and winner of the Bellwether Award at Semico Research Corporation’s Semico Summit, May 1-3 in Scottsdale, AZ. The award is presented annually to a company head for notable contributions and achievements in the semiconductor industry.  Kamen won the award for his many innovative product contributions that include the Segway, iBOT wheel chair, AutoSyringe and DEKA Arm.

However, Kamen is also the founder of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization that creates mentor-based programs designed to inspire young people to pursue the development science, engineering and technology skills. Kamen spoke to Randy Frank about the sensors in the kits for in FIRST robotics competition.

To watch the video, click here.

Integrated Vision System is Smart and Rugged

Adding a microprocessor to any sensor is one way to achieve smart sensing. That’s exactly what XIMEA has done for vision systems. By integrating an Intel x86 with a vision sensor, the company created a smart vision system. In addition to being smart, the CURRERA is also rugged. An IP67 class housing protects the sensor and electronics.

The smart camera has several connectivity and software interface options. For connectivity, there are Gigabit Ethernet, USB, VGA, RS232, fast and isolated Digital Inputs and Outputs. The software interfaces include GenICam / GenTL and highly optimized xiAPI SDK.

With all its levels of sophistication, the camera boasts simple deployment.  The vision system’s full functionality is delivered in single OS image file deployable within minutes. A start-up kit is available to simplify the process even further.  

For more information about CURRERA, including the system brochure, click here.

Sensing in the AR.Drone Quadricopter

Controlled by a cell phone (iPhone/iPod, Touch/iPad and others), Parrot’s AR.Drone quadricopter uses pressure sensors (for altitude) and camera sensors for its control. At the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas, Yoni Benatar, project manager for Parrot explains the sensors in the wirelessly-controlled aerial robot to Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank. The AR.Drone employs sensor fusion to take advantage of multiple sensors. While the background chatter is high, this video provides a real good example of the environment at CES.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about the AR.Drone quadricopter, click here.

A Short Demonstration of GM’s EN-V Capabilities

I attended the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and had the opportunity to look for sensors in a variety of applications. General Motors two-wheel EN-V concept vehicle provided a great example.

Driven in a variety of modes, including autonomous driven over a programmed path, the electric vehicles demonstrated both tracking and collision avoidance capabilities. Using sophisticated sensing technology, the EN-V detected obstacles in its path, including another EN-V and even pedestrians, and automatically came to a stop. 

The by-wire vehicle used a touch screen display to obtain driver input. For both an outside and inside experience, check out the video.

Legislating More Sensors

If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gets its way, backup cameras will be required on all new vehicles by 2014. Intended to prevent drivers from backing over pedestrians, the Rule could add the cost of camera and display electronics to low-end cars, the most cost-sensitive vehicles. NHTSA data indicates an average of 292 people die each year from back-over accidents. The victims are primarily children and the elderly. In addition to the fatalities, over 18,000 injuries occur per year.

CMOS image sensors are commonly used in high-end and high-feature content vehicles. For vehicles with a display screen for navigation and/or driver information, the cost may be in the $88 to 158 range. However, for other vehicles, the backup camera system could add $159 to $203 to the vehicle’s cost. Traditional automotive camera suppliers, such as Sanyo, stand to benefit from the proposed legislation.  

For more information on the proposed NHTSA Rule, click here.

For more information on Sanyo’s backup camera, click here.

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