Cimtec Automation Blog
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

CIMTEC Announces CDI Systems as an option for Cognex VisionView VGA andVision View PC

Computer Dynamics systems packaged with Cognex VisionView available from CIMTEC

CIMTEC Automation is now providing Computer Dynamics Industrial Flat Panel systems with Cognex VisionView software.  VisionView is ideal for monitoring and controlling vision systems and industrial ID readers on the factory floor, and allows operator controls specific to the application. The VisionView application software offers the following features:
  • Automatic detection. VisionView will automatically detect any Cognex vision system on your network.
  • Mix and match Cognex In-Sight systems. VisionView allows you to view up to twelve In-Sight vision systems in a tiled view.
  • Graphical interface. VisionView displays full color images, with graphic overlays and operator controls.
  • Fast image updates. VisionView provides the most recent inspection images so you can view your process in real-time.
  • Access to CustomViews. The operator controls created in the spreadsheet automatically appear in VisionView.
  • EasyView display. Items selected from In-Sight EasyBuilder interface software will appear on the VisionView screen, with impressive ease of use.
  • Run-time ability to train fonts, without a PC.  No downtime is required during changeovers. Ideal for OCR/OCV applications.

PAC-OPR Products + VisionView PC
PAC-OPR running Cognex VisionView PC The PAC-OPR products are industrial NEMA 12 panel-mount flat panel computers with 2 PCI slots.  This product is available in three different panel sizes: 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024.  In addition to the display choice, this system includes: a Resistive touchscreen, 1.83GHz (667 MHz FSB) T5600 C2D Processor with 2GB of DDR-2 RAM, Windows XP Pro installed (no CD media included). A 250GB (or greater) Hard Drive, 5-in-1 card reader, and DVD-ROM are also included as standard.  Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

VAMP-WN Products + VisionView VGA
CDI Thinview Display showing Cognex VisionView VGA The VAMP-WN is a highly configurable industrial flat panel display with a wide variety of packaging options.  The stocked configurations are 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024 panels with a NEMA4 panel-mount front bezel and resistive  touchscreen. Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface via VGA and serial connections using the provided cables. This provides the flexibility to connect smaller- or larger-size monitors for “control room” viewing of images, results, CustomViews, and EasyViews.

PAC-SSX + VisionView PC
CDI PAC-SSX running VisionView PC The PAC-SSX is an industrial flat panel computer in a rugged, fully-sealed IP65 stainless steel chassis.  This system includes:  a 15" 1024x768 TFT, resistive touchscreen, fanless 1.86GHz ATOM D2550 Processor with 2GB of DDR RAM, 32G solid state flash drive, and Windows XP Pro installed.  There are no moving parts in this system which results in a very robust, long lasting product! Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

For more information on Flat Panel Display Systems, head over to www.cdynamics.com.  Computer Dynamics offers a wide variety of flat panel display solutions and can provide units ready to ship from our inventory as well as custom display solutions for any application need.

Friday, July 12, 2013

DVT Machine Vision Users...the Time is Now! DVT Cameras are Obsolete!

DVT Cameras have been obsolete for years now, with no spares on shelves anywhere…what is your plan to migrate forward safely and effectively?  Don’t get caught in a down situation with obsolete equipment!
DVT to InsightIt is well known that Cognex acquired DVT and assimilated the best features of both worlds together to move forward into the future of machine vision.  The result…“EasyBuilder” for In-Sight Explorer gives users a Point-and-Click environment for bringing your machine vision application to deployment faster and easier than ever before!
Cognex EasyBuilder
The image-centric interface with application steps walks users right through setting up a vision system start-to-finish.  It is intuitive and simple to use, while also being more capable than ever with the latest vision tools and algorithms from Cognex!

Cognex has also released their latest addition to the In-Sight product line – the In-Sight 7000 Series.


In-Sight IS7000
The In-Sight 7000 delivers unprecedented capabilities that allow you to perform super-reliable inspections no matter how tight your space is or how fast your line moves – and you get it all in a compact industrial IP67 package designed for the harshest, most demanding conditions.
Maximum speed and flexibility in even the tightest spots…


  • Auto-focus lens – M12 integrated lens mechanically auto-focuses to handle an assortment of parts and quick changeover on your line. With the integrated auto-focus lens, also comes an integrated ring light available in a variety of colors for every application.

  • Smarter tools – You get In-Sight measurement, location and inspection vision tools and the flexible EasyBuilder environment to make all inspection, defect detection, guidance, alignment and measurement applications easy to set up and deploy.

  • Faster image capture – Benefit from high acquisition speeds with a maximum of over 100 image captures per second giving you reliable inspection performance on even the fastest bottling and pharmaceutical production lines.

  • No additional power required - Power and control specialized lighting directly which eliminates the need for external power supplies.
    Seamless communication – Cognex Connect™ offers the widest range of built-in communication protocols. The In-Sight 7000 features built-in Ethernet, RS-232 Serial and multiple discrete IOs. The system can communicate directly to a PLC or robot controller and manage multiple smart cameras remotely from a networked PC or HMI.
    Size – 75mm x 55mm x 47mm, offering the most streamlined profile for In-Sight vision systems.

Please contact us today about your machine vision needs!

call 704-227-4600, or e-mail our applications group at engineering@cimtec.com

Friday, April 12, 2013

Introducing the Cognex DataMan 50 and 60 (50L,50S,60L,60S)

The DataMan 50/60L is a new series of compact barcode readers designed for 1-D oriented barcode reading. The DataMan 50/60S is a complementary, new series of compact readers designed for 1-D and 2-D barcode reading. Small in size but exceptional in barcode reading performance, the DataMan 50L measures just 23.5mm x 27mm x 43.5mm and features an IP65-rated housing. It is ideal for mounting in very tight spaces on production lines and in machinery. Both readers are equipped with Hotbars™, a proprietary image-analysis technology that delivers the highest read rates in the industry.
DataMan 50 DataMan 60
Models
• DataMan 50(L/S) exceptionally small size with USB and RS-232 connectivity
• DataMan 60(L/S) offers Ethernet, USB and RS-232 connectivity

Part Numbers:  DMR-50L-00, DMR-60L-00, DMR-50S-00, DMR-60S-00

No Moving Parts
Moving parts can wear out and require replacement. The DataMan product line is designed with no moving parts, increasing effective product life and potentially decreasing maintenance costs!

Hotbars
Hotbars image-analysis technology
dramatically increases the decoding speed of damaged or poorly presented 1-D linear barcodes. It has revolutionized the way barcodes are located and decoded. As a result, DataMan readers have unprecedented read rates and more time for the decoding phase of code reading thereby dramatically improving the ability to read badly damaged codes. This proven technology, used in the full range of DataMan barcode readers, ensures even the most challenging barcodes found in industrial applications can be read. With Hotbars, the DataMan 50/60L just reads.

Fast and Easy Setup
The DataMan 50/60 (L/S) features a three-position lens and an integrated
aimer for easy setup at different working distances. The incredibly small form factor enables the reader to integrate into virtually any new or
existing installation.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Cognex In-Sight (Insight) 7000 Goes Color

Cognex has recently added four In-Sight 7000 color models to their product portfolio. The new color models not only complement the existing In-Sight 7000 series, but also provide a fast higher resolution (1.3MP) color camera for the In-Sight product family.
In-Sight color 7000 series
The four new color models include the In-Sight 7010, 7200, 7400 and the higher resolution 7402 color model. The In-Sight 7010 color is an entry-level color vision system that can distinguish parts by color using the Color ID tool. The system features 24-bit color resolution that accurately identifies 16 million color variations—more than the human eye can detect. In addition to the Color ID tool, the In-Sight 7010 Color also includes pattern finding and measurement tools. The In-Sight 7200C, 7400C, 7402C include the full suite of vision tools along with color tools for color identification, color blob analysis and color filtering. These systems solve more complex applications involving logic or color composition, as well as those requiring higher resolution or faster execution.

C-mount Part Numbers:
IS7010-C01
IS7200-C01
IS7200-C11
IS7400-C01
IS7400-C11
IS7402-C01
IS7402-C11

Internal Lens, Auto-Focus Part Numbers:
IS7010-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHITE
IS7010-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7010-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7010-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT S7200 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WH
IS7200-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR, 25MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-120-000 IS7400 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-220-000 IS7400 800X600,COLOR, 8MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR, 12MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7402-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,6MM,WH
IS7402-C01-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7402-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,12MM,WH
IS7402-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,16MM,WH
IS7402-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,25MM,WH
IS7402-C11-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7402-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7402-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,12MM,WH
IS7402-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,16MM,WH
IS7402-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,25MM,WH

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Cognex In-Sight (Insight) 7000 is Small, Tough and Very Smart

Cimtec Automation is pleased to announce the latest In-Sight smart camera platform from Cognex, the In-Sight 7000 Series. The Insight 7000 now includes auto-focus models with integrated lighting!

In-Sight 7000 overcomes the barriers to using vision systems in any production environment. This breakthrough in smart camera technology has been designed specifically to bridge the gap between top-level performance and ease of use.

The In-Sight 7000 delivers unprecedented capabilities that allow you to perform super-reliable inspections no matter how tight your space is or how fast your line moves - and you get it all in a compact industrial IP67 package designed for the harshest, most demanding conditions.

Maximum speed and flexibility in even the tightest spots...

  • Auto-focus lens - M12 integrated lens mechanically auto-focuses to handle an assortment of parts and quick changeover on your line. With the integrated auto-focus lens, also comes an integrated ring light available in a variety of colors for every application.

  • Smarter tools - You get In-Sight measurement, location and inspection vision tools and the flexible EasyBuilder® environment to make all inspection, defect detection, guidance, alignment and measurement applications easy to set up and deploy.

  • Faster image capture - Benefit from high acquisition speeds with a maximum of over 100 image captures per second giving you reliable inspection performance on even the fastest bottling and pharmaceutical production lines.

  • No additional power required - Power and control specialized lighting directly which eliminates the need for external power supplies.

  • Seamless communication - Cognex Connect™ offers the widest range of built-in communication protocols. The In-Sight 7000 features built-in Ethernet, RS-232 Serial and multiple discrete IOs. The system can communicate directly to a PLC or robot controller and manage multiple smart cameras remotely from a networked PC or HMI.

  • Size - 75mm x 55mm x 47mm, offering the most streamlined profile for In-Sight vision systems.

Contact us today for a demo of the new In-Sight 7000 series cameras or to assist with your vision application needs!

In-Sight 7000 Series Model Lineup:

General Applications
Offering a range of performance choices, model options include high speed, higher resolutions, and the ultimate in tool flexibility.
Models: 7010, 7020, 7050, 7200, 7400, 7402

ID
ID models offer unmatched identification software tools for reading and verifying 1-D and 2-D codes.
Models: 7210, 7410, 7412

OCR
OCR models provide advanced industrial text reading capabilities.
Models: 7230, 7430, 7432

Part Numbers:

IS7010-01 In-Sight 7010 Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7020-01 In-Sight 7020 Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7050-01 In-Sight 7050 Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7200-01 In-Sight 7200 Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7200-11 In-Sight 7200 Vision System with PatMax
IS7400-01 In-Sight 7400 Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7400-11 In-Sight 7400 Vision System with PatMax
IS7402-01 In-Sight 7402 High Res Vision System w/o PatMax
IS7402-11 In-Sight 7402 High Res Vision System with PatMax

IS7010-01-510-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, RED LIGHT
IS7010-01-520-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, WHITE LIGHT
IS7010-01-530-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, GREEN LIGHT
IS7010-01-540-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, BLUE LIGHT
IS7010-01-550-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, IR LIGHT
IS7020-01-510-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, RED LIGHT
IS7020-01-520-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, WHITE LIGHT
IS7020-01-530-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, GREEN LIGHT
IS7020-01-540-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, BLUE LIGHT
IS7020-01-550-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, IR LIGHT

IS7210-01 In-Sight 7210 ID Reader, C-Mount
IS7410-01 In-Sight 7410 High Res ID Reader, C-Mount
IS7412-01 In-Sight 7412 ID Reader, C-Mount

IS7430-01 IS7430 OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT
IS7432-01 IS7432 HIGH RES OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT
IS7230-01 IS7230 OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT



Lighting Power and Control

Unlike most vision systems, the In-Sight 7000 smart camera has the capability to power and control specialized lighting directly and eliminating the need for external power supplies.

Lenses

C-mount lens compatible. Now also available in the new auto-focus integrated lenses.

Housing

IP67-rated case stands up to caustic environments.

Connectors

Ethernet, power and I/O connect via the industrial M12 connectors.

Size

75mm x 55mm x 47mm, offering the most streamlined profile for In-Sight vision systems.


General Applications

Offering a range of performance choices, model options include high speed, higher resolutions, and the ultimate in tool flexibility.

Models: 7010, 7020, 7050, 7200, 7400, 7402


ID

ID models offer unmatched identification software tools for reading and verifying 1-D and 2-D codes.

Models: 7210, 7410, 7412


OCR

OCR models provide advanced industrial text reading capabilities.

Models: 7230, 7430, 7432



Part Numbers to add:


IS7010-01 In-Sight 7010 Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7020-01 In-Sight 7020 Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7050-01 In-Sight 7050 Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7200-01 In-Sight 7200 Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7200-11 In-Sight 7200 Vision System with PatMax

IS7400-01 In-Sight 7400 Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7400-11 In-Sight 7400 Vision System with PatMax

IS7402-01 In-Sight 7402 High Res Vision System w/o PatMax

IS7402-11 In-Sight 7402 High Res Vision System with PatMax


IS7010-01-510-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, RED LIGHT

IS7010-01-520-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, WHITE LIGHT

IS7010-01-530-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, GREEN LIGHT

IS7010-01-540-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, BLUE LIGHT

IS7010-01-550-000 IS7010 STARTER TOOLSET, EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, IR LIGHT

IS7020-01-510-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, RED LIGHT

IS7020-01-520-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, WHITE LIGHT

IS7020-01-530-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, GREEN LIGHT

IS7020-01-540-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, BLUE LIGHT

IS7020-01-550-000 IS7020 LIMITED TOOLSET (NO ID/OCR), EASYBUILDER ONLY, 16MM, IR LIGHT


IS7210-01 In-Sight 7210 ID Reader, C-Mount

IS7410-01 In-Sight 7410 High Res ID Reader, C-Mount

IS7412-01 In-Sight 7412 ID Reader, C-Mount


IS7430-01 IS7430 OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT

IS7432-01 IS7432 HIGH RES OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT

IS7230-01 IS7230 OCR/FIXTURE/FILTER TOOLS ONLY, C-MOUNT

Monday, July 23, 2012

Cognex DataMan 300 & 302 Achieves Higher Read Rates

The new DataMan 300 series barcode readers from Cognex allow you to take a quantum leap in reading performance. Become more efficient and achieve higher read rates with the DataMan 300 and 302 unit.Dataman 300

The new DataMan 300 series of readers was developed to handle the difficult-to-read DPM (Direct Part Mark) codes as well as provide high read rates for challenging 1-D barcodes and 2-D Data Matrix codes.

  • 1DMax+™ with Hotbars™ technology provides higher read rates of damaged 1-D linear barcodes at a faster pace than ever before.

  • Controllable, field interchangeable lighting modules allow you to create the best possible lighting for your part, ensuring the highest read rates.

  • Intelligent tuning automatically adjusts the settings of the integrated lighting to find the optimal light setup for the part.

Additional Features and Benefits:

  • Enhanced 1DMax+ and 2DMax+ code-reading algorithms for reading the most challenging 1-D and 2-D codes

  • Flexible lens options C-Mount lens, S-Mount or a variable focus liquid lens to provide maximum depth of field flexibility? One reader does it all!

  • Cognex Connect communications suite supports industrial protocols as well as RS-232 connectivity for integration into legacy systems.

DataMan 300 series is available in two base models:



DataMan 300 : 800 x 600 pixels
DataMan 302 : 1280 x 1024 pixels

And with two algorithm options:

'L' for 1-D codes and 'X' for 1-D and 2-D codes.

So the four complete models are: DataMan 300L (DMR-300L-00), 300X (DMR-300X-00), 302L (DMR-302L-00), and 302X (DMR-302X-00).

The DataMan 302 is ideal for reading for reading very small DPM codes in a large field of view or on small components. Click here for more information on the fixed mount ID readers!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Cimtec 3D Surface Inspection



For the full-length version of the video, click here.

Cimtec Engineered Products is pleased to announce the release of 'Cimtec3D' software paired with 3D laser line profile sensors and cameras.  This capability allows us and our customers to move beyond the traditional 2D image inspection to the realm of true 3 dimensional surface inspection.

The 3D laser line profile sensors and cameras provide a scan of the part or surface outputting the full x, y, and z data to Cimtec3D.  They are precalibrated sensors that house the camera imager and laser line generator together for very precise real-world readings.  Cimtec3D has the ability to view and analyze a surface profile-by-profile, or stitch them altogether to view as a 'whole part' scan in a 16-bit grayscale image.  Statistical analysis and other image preprocessing is also applied to the image for nominal surface detection.

The 3D inspection finds surface flaws and reports their location in x, y, and z along with size characteristics such as:  area, length, elongation, spread, and volume.  After inspection, you have the ability to save the 16-bit images with or without the graphical results, and the ability to save the data to csv file.

Lastly, the GUI can be customized for your application and need, including a run-time display with operator interface.

Please contact your Cimtec representative today for more information or click here.

Friday, May 11, 2012

LMI Technologies Announces Gocator Firmware Release 3.3

LMI Technologies has announced the release of Gocator Firmware Version 3.3.  This firmware release is for all series of Gocators, the 2000 series family and the 2300 series family.  The release includes these highlights:LMI Gocator

  • EtherNet/IP:  Gocator is now officially certified for EtherNet/IP use in controlling and communicating with a PLC.  This ensures that the Gocator can be easily integrated with a wide range of PLCs, including Allan-Bradley and Omron, using this industry standard protocol.  No software programming is required!

  • Gap and Flush Measurement Tool:  Measures the distance and flatness between two surfaces. The surface edges can be curved or sharp. The tool is well suited for inspecting panel assemblies in automotive manufacturing plants. Limits can be set to establish pass and fail conditions for inspection decisions.

  • Groove Measurement Tool: Measures the width and bottom of multiple V-shape and U-shape grooves. It can be used to find the vertex for welding applications or inspecting the dimensions of tunnels on a surface, such as the bottom of plastic containers or the treads of rubber tires. Limits can be set to establish pass and fail conditions for inspection decisions.

  • Rotated Box Measurement Tool: Expands Whole Part's bounding box tools to measure the width and height of a rotated object. This can be used to measure the orientation angle, width and height of boxes in packaging applications.

  • Persistent Variables in Script Measurement Tools: Expands the script measurement tool to carry intermediate results from the current frame to the next frame. Users can calculate statistics (e.g. averages) or accumulate results. For example, users can calculate the volume of an object by adding up the area from each cross section.

  • Occlusion Prevention with Two Sensors: Eliminate occlusions by merging data from a main and buddy sensors. Regions that are shadowed by step changes in the surface in both X and Y directions can now be seen, greatly enhancing the accuracy of 3D measurements.

  • Measurement Repeatability Statistics: The number of invalid results and standard deviations are now calculated for each measurement. These statistics provide users immediate feedback on measurement repeatability, greatly simplifying the process of fine-tuning a setup to achieve the most reliable results.

  • Frame Loss Health Indicators: New counters report the amount of data loss due to jitter in external signals when using fixturing or tracking window. Reduces integration effort by alerting users of potential setup problems earlier to reduce the time needed for troubleshooting setup issues.

  • Multiple Control Connections using SDK: The Gocator sensor now supports multiple simultaneous connections from the client computer running the Gocator SDK. This allows one application to be used for changing the sensors’ configuration or the state of the sensor, while at the same time supporting multiple applications for receiving data and health information. Clients can optionally use exclusive connections (i.e. behavior of the previous releases) by using the Go2System_Login command.

Contact us today to learn more about LMI Technologies' Gocator 3D Smart Sensor!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Notes from the Cognex Training Session

CIMTEC held a successful training session on Cognex In-Sight Machine Vision Sensors.  The four day session included hands on lab exercises based on both the EasyBuilder and Spreadsheet programming interface.  Thanks to all the students and if you missed this session, join us in Greenville on July 24.

Training Schedule



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Sick IVC 3D Demo setup



3D machine vision proof of concept demo of the Sick IVC-3D.   We inspect a metal bracket with a small 0.5mm imperfection and show the rendered model after the laser scanning.

NOTE:  the screen capture is full screen,  for best results,  right click the "video" link and save the target file, then view the video in quicktime

Setup video

Screen Session video

Final images of the intensity image and the 3D image



Thursday, December 29, 2011

Cognex DataMan 8000 Series Wireless Handheld Scanner Released

Cimtec Automation is now offering the newly released Cognex DataMan 8000 wireless handheld barcode reader. These units have unrivaled code reading performance, superior reading versatility, and modular communication options. In the wireless communication model, the intelligent base station can communicate back to your industrial controls via Ethernet, USB, or serial.  The base station also now offers a spare battery charging component.

Cognex DataMan 8000 readers set the new performance standard when it comes to industrial code reading. These industry-leading readers introduce several firsts to industrial handheld scanner capabilities, including:

Liquid Lens Variable Focus Technology
The DataMan 8000 handheld series reader is the first industrial handheld reader to utilize integrated liquid lens technology. The adjustable focus of the liquid lens gives a maximum depth of field flexibility for an image-based handheld reader. This industrially proven technology enables a single reader to decode DPM marks close up, or large barcodes from a distance. Relative to other autofocus mechanisms, the liquid lens has extremely fast response times and is exceptionally durable with no moving parts.

Superior Code Reading
The DataMan 8000 series units are powered by Cognex patented algorithms, 1DMax and 2DMax, that provide advanced decoding for reading virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates. For 1-D barcodes, 1DMax is their best-in-class reading tool optimized for omnidirectional barcode reading that can handle extreme variations. For 2-D codes, 2DMax technology sets the industry standard for the most challenging Data Matrix DPM applications.

Industrial Ethernet
The DataMan 8000 series readers are the first to offer Industrial Ethernet communication capability in a handheld reader. Now, handheld readers can be integrated directly into the factory network for real-time product traceability with the Cognex Connect™ suite of industrial protocols including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MC Protocol and
more. DataMan 8000 corded readers have a direct Ethernet connection while the cordless readers have Ethernet connectivity from the base station to the host.

Modular Communications
The DataMan 8000 series is also the first to introduce interchangeable communication modules for RS-232/USB, Ethernet and wireless connectivity. This flexibility means that one standard reader can be deployed with a variety of possibilities so that initial reader installation can be modified to meet future requirements.

Models
The DataMan 8000 series is available in two models. Each model can be corded or cordless, with patented 1DMax and 2DMax algorithms, liquid lens technology and modular communication capabilities.

  • DataMan 8500. The DataMan 8500 readers incorporate patented UltraLight® technology from Cognex for superior image formation on any DPM type and surface.

  • DataMan 8100. These readers feature integrated bright field illumination ideal for applications that require superior code reading performance for well-printed 1-D and 2-D codes and well-marked DPM codes.

Contact us today for an on-site demo of the Dataman 8000 series reading your toughest codes!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

10 Questions You Must Ask When Buying a Vision Sensor or Vision System

With so many vision systems available today, it can be a daunting task trying to figure out which one is right for your particular application. Simply finding a system that can perform the necessary vision tasks is not enough; there are several other factors that need to be considered to ensure a successful deployment.
These include:

  • Variations in lighting conditions
  • Networking and communications capabilities
  • Accessories and product support options
  • Ongoing post-deployment support

Whether you are new to machine vision or an experienced user, this guide will help you through the vision system selection process, providing answers to ten critical questions and valuable tips for evaluating specific product features.

1. Does the vision system make it easy to set up applications, create custom operator interfaces and administer vision system networks?

Setting up a vision application should not require you to be a machine vision expert. Does the setup interface walk you through all of the steps of a vision application, including setting up the acquisition settings, finding and inspecting the part and communicating the results to other devices on the factory floor? Does it require programming knowledge, or is it a configurable system? Does the setup software make it simple to calibrate the system to work in real world units instead of pixels? As you add tools to the application, does it show you a quick view of which tools are passing and failing to help you understand how well the application is set up? Does it allow you to build a complete operator interface to allow changing tolerances or to support line changeovers?
VISION TIP
Make sure the operator interface you create can perform the following tasks:

  • Display images with graphics to allow for immediate analysis of failed parts,
  • Enable operators to easily turn the inspection on and off and modify tolerances, and
  • Display pass/fail results statistics to quickly spot shifts in trends.

2. What is the importance of part location tools, and how can I assess their performance?

Part location software tools find the part within the camera’s field of view. This is typically the first step in any vision application, from the simplest robot pick-and-place operation to the most complex assembly verification task. It's also the most critical step, because it often determines whether an application succeeds or fails, since you can’t inspect, measure or identify the part if you can’t find it.

While it sounds simple enough, locating parts in an actual production environment can be extremely challenging. Vision systems are trained to recognize parts based on a pattern, but even the most tightly controlled manufacturing processes allow some variability in the way a part appears to the vision system. Therefore, the vision system’s part location tools must be intelligent enough to quickly, and accurately compare trained patterns to the actual objects moving down a production line, and tolerate variations in part appearance. It’s important for pattern matching tools to be able to tolerate large variations in contrast and ignore lighting changes, while being reliable enough to always find the right part.
VISION TIP
How can you tell if a vision system’s part location tools will be able to accurately and reliably find parts under the range of conditions in your factory? Following is a list of ten of the most problematic conditions vision systems face, potential causes for those problems, and quick tests you can use to evaluate a vision system’s ability to locate your parts under each condition.


3. Does the vision system have a complete set of image pre-processing tools?

Image pre-processing tools alter the raw image to emphasize desired features while minimizing undesirable features. This prepares the image for optimal performance by more powerful vision tools and can significantly improve the accuracy and robustness of the overall system. Pre-processing tools can:

  • Increase the contrast between the part and its background
  • Mask insignificant and potentially confusing image features
  • Eliminate “hot spots” reflecting off the part surface, and
  • Smooth rough surface textures

Make sure that a complete set of image pre-processing tools is included with the vision system you choose.

4. What should I look for in character reading and verification capabilities?

Whether you’re reading stamped alphanumeric codes on automotive parts or verifying date and lot code information on medicine bottles or packages, there are several capabilities to look for when evaluating character reading and verification tools, including:

  • Statistical font training—This capability builds a font by learning models of characters that appear in a series of images. The images should include multiple instances of each character, and span the full range of quality likely to occur in production. The resulting font will be highly tolerant of normal variations in print quality, whether due to poor contrast, variable locations, degradations, or variations in stroke widths. Unless you know in advance that every code will be marked with the same quality seen in the reference images used to learn the character models, statistical font training can be crucial to the success of your reading or verification application.

  • Image pre-processing tools—These tools optimize a trained model by sharpening the edge contrast of characters and filtering out extraneous background in the image. Optimized models maximize the reliability and repeatability of the vision system. See Question 3 for more information about image pre-processing.

  • Instant image recall—This capability enables line operators and technicians to quickly and easily view failed images on a display. Whether the failure is caused by a camera jarred out of position or a missing or damaged label, it is important to know immediately why the failure occurred so corrective actions may be taken.
VISION TIP

In a packaging plant, package and container materials, labeling equipment, printing methods, and ambient lighting conditions can vary considerably over time.
As you evaluate a vision system, be sure to test the system on a large sample of good, marginal, and poor quality labels to see how the system performs under variable real-world conditions.
And because character positions can shift from label to label, it’s also a good idea to enlarge the region of interest around the character string.
This will help you determine how reliably the vision system’s reading and verification tools operate within a larger search region.

5. How can I determine the repeatability of a vision system’s gauging tools?

If your application involves critical dimensional measurements, the vision system’s gauging tools must be accurate and perform with a very high degree of repeatability.

The vision system should have a full suite of gauging tools which will allow you to choose the right one to fit the requirements of your measurement application without having to write custom scripts or functions.

For high accuracy measurements, the vision system should be able to correct the lens distortion that can affect measurements, especially in the outer areas of the image.
VISION TIP

Gauging repeatability can be tested by presenting a part to the vision system and having it perform the same measurement 25 times or more without changing part position, lighting, or any other variables. Record and analyze the measurements, making sure that any variance is well within the measurement tolerance for your application.

6. How do I evaluate industrial code reading tools and what are some specific features to look for?

Industrial environments demand a vision system that can read 2D Data Matrix codes that are degraded, poorly marked, or vary in position from part to part. The vision system should perform well regardless of the part material (such as metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic) and the type of part marking method employed (such as dot peen, etching, hot stamping, and inkjet).

Beyond these criteria, there are several specific code reading features worth inquiring about:

  • Code quality verification—Look for products that can verify code quality to established standards. This can provide valuable information about how well the marking process is working.

  • Reading speed—Depending on your production line speed and throughput requirements, you may need a very high-speed reader. The fastest vision systems available today can read more than 7200 codes per minute.
VISION TIP

To evaluate industrial code reading tools, start by measuring the vision system’s reading speed. To do this, present a well-marked code to the vision system and have it read the code hundreds of times under pristine conditions to determine the number of reads per minute. Make sure the read rate under these optimized conditions is 100%, or you may face problems later when conditions might be less than ideal. For example, at a production line speed of 2000 parts per hour, a read rate of 99.7% would fail to read the ID codes on 48 parts in just one eight-hour shift!

After establishing the system’s reading speed, you should run a more challenging read rate test to determine the impact of factors such as line vibration, variable lighting conditions, and extremely high line speeds on the vision system’s reading performance in your application. To do this, present a large sample of codes of good, bad, and marginal quality to the vision system. At the same time, simulate vibration and motion blur by shaking the part and sliding it back and forth beneath the camera as it acquires an image. This test will provide a good initial assessment of how well the vision system’s read rate will hold up under real-world production conditions.

7. What networking and communications features should I look for?

Networking is essential to many vision applications as a means to share data, support decision-making, and enable highly-efficient integrated processes. For example, networking enables vision systems to transmit pass/fail results to PCs for analysis, or communicate directly with PLCs, robots, and other factory automation devices in an integrated process control system.

If you need to link your vision systems to PCs at the enterprise level, choose a system that supports the complete set of standard networking protocols:

  • TCP/IP client/server enables vision systems to easily share results data with other vision systems and control devices over Ethernet without any code development.

  • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) enables you to immediately receive an e-mail on your PC or cell phone when a problem occurs on the production line.

  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows inspection images to be stored on the network for later analysis.

  • Telnet is an Internet standard protocol that enables remote login and connection from host devices.

  • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) allows a vision system to automatically receive its network IP address from a server, enabling true plug-and-play performance.

  • DNS (Domain Name Service) allows you to assign each vision system a meaningful name, such as “Bottling Line System 1”, instead of having to use a numeric IP address.

To integrate a vision system with the PLCs, robots and other automation devices in your plant, the system you choose must also support the following:

  • Industrial Ethernet protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MC Protocol and Modbus TCP. These enable vision systems to be linked to the most popular PLCs and other devices over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for complex wiring schemes and costly network gateways.

  • Fieldbus networks, including CC-Link, DeviceNet, and PROFIBUS. A protocol gateway accessory is usually needed to add a vision system to a Fieldbus network.

  • RS-232 and RS-485 serial protocols, needed to communicate with most robot controllers.

Finally, as more and more vision systems are used throughout the manufacturing process, the need for a centralized way of managing them becomes increasingly important. Make sure the vision system you choose comes with software that allows you to easily control and monitor the operation of all your vision systems remotely over the network from any location—on or off the plant floor.

8. What should I know about vision system accessories?

Too often, so much attention is given to evaluating the vision system that accessory products are almost an afterthought. But the choice of accessories can go a long way towards ensuring trouble-free system integration and, in the case of lighting, can even make or break the application.

For quick and painless integration of your vision system, it makes sense to buy from a vendor that offers a complete family of compatible accessories. This gives you the assurance of knowing that each and every accessory has been tested and confirmed to be compatible with the vision system. More importantly, during the application evaluation process, the salesperson should be able to help specify the best lighting and optics solution to give the best chance for a successful vision application.

Accessories to look for include:

  • Lights—No two production areas have the same ambient light conditions, and parts can exhibit a wide range of surface characteristics. Nearly every machine vision solution requires a unique lighting approach to meet its objectives and optimize performance. Your vision system vendor should offer a variety of lighting options, including: ring lights, which provide soft, even illumination from all directions; back lights, which create maximum contrast between a part and its background; and dark field lights, which provide low-angle illumination for imaging of part surface irregularities.

  • Communications modules—Make sure your vendor offers communications peripherals such as I/O modules and network gateway modules that support easy, quick connectivity between the vision system and PLCs, robots, and other factory automation devices and networks. Industrial connectors?

  • Operator interface panels—A networked operator interface panel allows easy, plug-and-go set-up and deployment, plus ongoing monitoring and control of vision systems without a PC. When selecting an operator interface panel, look for one with an intuitive, touch-screen interface and support for multiple camera views. It should also be tough enough to stand up to the manufacturing environment, with an anti-glare impact shielded LCD display and NEMA-rated mounting bezel that provides a dust- and liquid-tight seal when mounted in a panel or enclosure.
9. Does the vision system vendor offer a wide range of hardware options? Are they rugged enough for my environment?

Your chosen supplier should be able to offer you a variety of choices of systems base on performance, resolution and durability. Machine vision is not a “one-size-fits-all” purchase. Your application may require a line scan camera as opposed to an area scan system or even a color system. You may need more resolution in order to meet your tighter tolerances or need a system that can withstand wash down. Your supplier should be able to provide options that will meet your needs of inspection and also for your physical environment.

Additional questions include: Do you have room to install a vision system on your line? If space is a constraint, there should be options in terms of actual system size as well as acquisition options. For example:  If the viewable product space is limited, a line scan camera maybe an option to consider. Unlike area scan cameras that need to see the entire part to take a full snapshot of it, a line scan camera needs to see only a sliver of the product to build the entire image into memory. Think of this comparison as a photo copier (area scan), vs. a desktop scanner (line scan). Or if the space to install the vision system is limited, a smaller package would take up less room and require less mounting space.

Once you have the physical size constraints taken care of, it is now a question of what resolution is necessary for your specific application. Resolution of a vision system is the size of the imager used and is given in pixels. Typically, the more pixels you have, the more data you capture per feature. The more data per feature, the more accurate and repeatable measurements you will have. To get an idea of resolution, ask yourself, what field of view do I really need? Do I need to capture the width of the assembly line, or a portion of a larger part, or the entire part itself? What do I need to see in the image in order to inspect this part? The target resolution is determined from these answers. For example: Your inspection is to count the number of parts on a tray. If your field of view is the width of your assembly line, for example, 12 inches, and your vision system has a resolution of 640 x 480, then you would have 640 pixels to equal 12 inches. This equates to 53 pixels per inch (or each pixel represents 0.018 inches). If you are counting the number of parts in each tray, this resolution may be sufficient. However, if you are measuring the width of each individual part and need a tolerance of +/- 0.001 inches. Then more pixels will provide you with more data per feature to achieve the accuracy of the tolerance.

Sometimes, the features you are inspecting do not have enough contrast in a monochrome vision system, even with specific lights and filtering. A color system maybe able to bring out the subtle differences in features and colors that you need in order to complete your inspection.

Some vision systems are assembled into rugged, IP and NEMA-rated metal cases to withstand dust and moisture without requiring a separate enclosure accessory. However, if the environment in your plant is especially harsh or requires frequent wash down of equipment, ask your prospective supplier if they offer external enclosures pre-qualified for use with the system.

10. Does the vision system supplier provide the support and learning services I need?

Even the highest performance vision system is only as good as the suppliers who stand behind it. It’s important to know in advance the full range of support services available to you. Be sure that the vision supplier you choose understands your unique support requirements and provides you with all of the resources you will need during every phase of the project, from application development and systems integration, to deployment and beyond.

Important questions to consider include:

  • Can the vision supplier provide a dedicated machine vision specialist to assist you with the initial application evaluation? It’s important to work with experienced sales and applications engineers to make sure that the application can be done, and at the right price/performance.

  • Does the vision system manufacturer have a global network for post-sales support? This is especially important if the system is commissioned in one location and shipped to another.

  • Does the vision system manufacturer offer a wide range of cost effective training and support options, including online self-help and training courses, worldwide phone support, and personalized training services?

  • If you are buying from a distributor or systems integrator, are they authorized partners of the vision system manufacturer?

  • Does the vision supplier offer more sophisticated systems and tools if your application requires it, or if your needs change?
Final Thoughts

The best suppliers don’t merely try to sell you a product—they take the time to carefully understand and evaluate all of your requirements before proposing a solution.
This is exactly the approach that Cognex and its global network of distributors take. We’re here not just to answer all of the 10 Questions You Must Ask, but any other questions you may have. Working closely with you, we’ll match you to the right solution for your application, whether it's a full vision system, affordable smart sensors, or customized PC solutions.
CONDITION POTENTIAL CAUSES THE VISION TEST
ROTATION  No part fixturing
 Loose part fixturing
 Rotate the part from
0 to 360 degrees
BLUR  Part is in motion
 Nearby motors and other
production equipment causing
vibration
 Camera lens is out of focus
 Distance between camera and
part varies slightly
 Slightly shake the part around under
the camera
 Defocus the camera lens
 Move the camera nearer to and
farther from the part
SCALE CHANGES  Distance between camera and
part varies slightly
 Move the camera nearer to and
farther from the part
POOR CONTRAST  Part blends into background
 Part has poorly defined edges
 Present part against a background
of a similar color
UNEVEN LIGHTING  Ambient light changes over
time, e.g. external sunlight
 Robot arm or other equipment
creates shadows
 Surface reflectivity varies from
one part to the next
 Change room lighting between
bright and dim, and open and close
lens aperture
 Use your hand or other object to
create a shadow over the part
 Shine bright light across the
part surface
OVERLAPPING
PARTS
 Multiple, unfixtured parts
moving down the line
 Overlap a portion of the part with
another object
PROCESS
VARIATIONS
 Inconsistencies in the
manufacturing process
 Present multiple parts that vary in
appearance from process effects

Monday, October 31, 2011

Cognex DataMan 8500 (8000 Series) is Replacement for DataMan 7500 Series

The Cognex DataMan 7500 is obsolete!  But the next generation 8500 (part of the 8000 series) is ...

The Most Advanced Industrial Handheld ID Reader Ever

DataMan 8000 Series offers three unique capabilities for your industrial environment. The new Cognex DataMan® 8000 Series of readers build on the capabilities of the existing highly successful DataMan industrial handheld readers, which have been the benchmark for industrial direct part mark (DPM) code reading performance since their release.

The DataMan 8000 Series introduces several firsts to industrial handheld reader capabilities, as described further below:
  1. First Autofocus in an Industrial Handheld Reader for More Depth of Field Flexibility
  2. Innovative Modular Communications including Ethernet for Real-Time Part Traceability
  3. Cognex Advanced IDMax® Code Reading Performance for Optimum Read Rates

1. First Autofocus in an Industrial Handheld Reader for More Flexibility

The new DataMan 8000 Series is the first to offer integrated liquid lens technology in an industrial handheld reader.

The adjustable focus of the liquid lens gives maximum depth of field flexibility enabling you to use the system close up for very small 2D direct part marks as well as at a greater distance to read longer 1D barcodes, with extremely fast response times.

2. Innovative Modular Connectivity for Real-Time Part Traceability

The DataMan 8000 Series of ID readers is also the first handheld reader to offer Ethernet communication capability for easy integration into your factory network for real-time product and part traceability.

Upgrade from RS-232/USB to Industrial Ethernet with field exchangeable interface modules to modify your initial installation when your communication requirements change.

3. Advanced Code Reading Performance for Optimum Read Rates

And, of course, the DataMan 8000 Series of handheld industrial ID readers features proven patented IDMax technology and two powerful algorithms, 1DMax™ and 2DMax™, to decode virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates.
1DMax TechnologyFor 1D barcodes, the 1DMax™ algorithm is our best-in-class reading tool optimized for omnidirectional barcode reading that can handle extreme variations.

2DMax TechnologyFor 2D codes, 2DMax™ technology pioneered the adoption of 2D Data Matrix coding in many industries for direct part marking and high speed printed applications.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About the NEW Cognex DataMan 8500 or if You Have an Older DataMan 7500!