Sensing in industrial applications can take many different forms. Vision sensing added to more traditional motion and position sensors provides enhanced quality control to the process. For industrial visual acuity, requirements can include low-cost color vision sensors, color recognition sensors and laser scan bar code readers. Here is an example of each.
Entry-Level Color Vision Sensor
Although it targets low-cost applications, Cognex DVT 535C color vision sensor has a complete set of color tools for sorting, color match and defect detection. The unit's 1/3-inch CCD camera provides a resolution of 640 × 480 with an acquisition rate of 23 frames/sec.
For setup, integration and maintenance, the sensor operates with the company's Intellect software and is backward compatible with FrameWork. Color tools in Intellect make 24-bit color monitoring, colorsorting and identification easier, especially for new users. Advanced features from the software include color filters, color blob processing and the ability to monitor different color spaces. Flexible Flaw Detection (FFD) tools reveal small changes in the part's appearance or color variations in several color spaces.
Communications options include Ethernet & RS232 (with optional Ethernet to serial converter CON-ETS).
The low-cost vision sensors target a variety of applications including sorting, classification, monitoring and presence/absence detection.
Color Sensor
Designed for ultra long-range color verification of targets, Balluff's BFS 30M color sensors have a detection range of 30 to 100 mm, with a recommended operating range of 50 mm.
The sensor determines a color match by projecting a high intensity white light onto a target and analyzing the reflected light for red, green and blue (RGB) values. The sensor sends a discrete signal that indicates a color match when the readings of all of the three color components fall within preprogrammed parameters.
The BFS 30M's switching speed of up to 20 kHz allows its use in high-speed applications. Units are offered with either 7 × PNP/NPN selectable outputs or 15 hexadecimal (4 binary coded) discrete outputs.
Programming the sensor through a Windows®-based application program allows easy sensor set-up as well as real-time sample analysis and evaluation. A single window displays settings, color recognition channel data and real-time display of color data.
Laser Bar Code Reader
In addition to being promoted as the world's smallest, high-performance laser scan bar code reader, Keyence BL-600 Series has a built-in reading efficiency display. The 115g unit operates at 500 scans/sec at distances of up to 330 mm (12.9 inch). Patented polygon mirror scanning technology provides the BL-600 with twice the reading area and incident reading angle of conventional bar code readers, as well as the ability to read bars as thin as 0.125 mm. The unit's built-in 5-bar display simplifies setup and maintenance. A unique (patent pending) Preventive Maintenance (PMI) feature monitors and reports reading performance during operation to detect potential reading error problems. Set-up and computer data management are accomplished by a Windows®-compatible program. Options include the choice of either single-scan or raster-scan and front or side-viewing models. The company's KAIZEN Barcode Application Guide provides helpful tips for the BL-600 and other readers used in automotive applications.
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