New Triggers for Four-Camera Embedded Vision System

PPT VISION announces a significantbreakthrough in vision system technology and capabilities with its just-releasedIMPACT(R) M-Series embedded vision system. The new systemallows users to perform up to four unique inspections that can be initiatedindependently, at different times or simultaneously using a single visionprocessor. Significant cost savings can be achieved by eliminating the need topurchase multiple systems for separate inspection/guidance programs, as well asgreatly reducing setup and networking time.

Unlike other smart cameras,no PC is required for configuring and operating the system. The M-Seriesembedded M40 processor eliminates the need for a separate computer forprogramming and operation, and creates a straightforward, networked smartcamera vision system.

"We're not the firstmanufacturer to use a single controller with multiple cameras, but it is uniquehow we can use triggers to command the camera to start an inspection process. Othermanufacturers use a single trigger to start inspecting when a product is inplace, which works if all four cameras are focusing on a single part," saysJeff Schmitz, marketing director at PPT Vision. "But it doesn't work if thegoal is to achieve the economies of multiple camera points in a machine processtriggering at different points."

Withthe new system, Schmitz says that individual asynchronous triggers can be set upfor each camera's inspection point where, in the past, an individual part hasbeen the focus of all of the cameras in the system. Four cameras tied to asingle controller can actually perform four different inspection applications. Existingsystems could run different applications and functions but were limited tolooking at a single part from different camera points because systems supportedonly one trigger input.

"Eachcamera offers an Ethernet communications interface which can be up to 100meters away from the controller," says Schmitz. "Applications can be largemachines or different parts of the factory, and can be driven using the singleprocessor which expands the economies rather than multiple cameras focusing onthe same part at the same time."

With40 different cameras, PPT Vision provides flexibility in the types of camerasavailable in a system. Cameras on different M-Series platforms (100, 200 and300), as well as the IMPACT A, T and C camera platforms can be mixed andmatched to provide the correct camera for the inspection point. Differentcameras can provide specific resolution, precision and/or speed that suitsindividual inspection needs.

The M40 Processor utilizesPPT VISION's universal IMPACT software, which works with the Microsoft^(R)Windows^(R) XP operating system, and features direct connections to amonitor, keyboard and mouse. Customers are empowered to program and operate theIMPACT vision system directly from the M40 processor. The M40 Processorutilizes the Windows XP operating system to simply transmit data and images,connecting directly to databases, SCADA systems and other business systemsoftware.

Manufacturingindustries ranging from electronics, pharmaceutical and medical devices toconsumer products and automotive can benefit from M-Series embedded visionprocessing. In particular, the M-Series provides a solution for inspectingdimensions, coplanarity, positioning and identification markings including bothhuman readable text labels and barcodes. It also excels at differentiatingparts, locating defects and detecting flaws on four sides of a part. Typicalapplications include inspecting electronic connectors, correct part seatingduring die stamping, and detection of fill level and cap position on bottles.