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Vision sensors, Vision systems
Machine Vision
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A
selection of recently
published
technical
articles, white papers, products
&
application examples: |
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| Checker now offers
more tools, more lighting, and more
options |
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 Cognex
Corporation has
introduced a line of new
position tools, colored lighting
and filters, and a new sensor
model, Checker® 4G7X, to expand
the practical applications of
its Checker 4G line of machine
vision sensors. Checker now
offers a new pattern-based
position tool that supports
360-degree rotation to verify
object location regardless of
its position on the production
line. Other new position tools
integrated into Checker perform
a variety of other important
applications such as inspecting
cap height and skew, label
position, fill level, web
position, and component
placement. New colored lighting
and filter options are
integrated into the Checker
vision sensor. These new
features help optimize image
contrast in the inspection
process and bring out more of
the features you want to inspect
regardless of factory
conditions, resulting in more
consistent and reliable
inspections. An example of
visible colored illumination
improving results is a user
inspecting for the presence of a
safety seal with ... |
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| VeriSens®
ID-110 – The reliable text & code reader for
industrial imprint checking |
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 Baumer:
A “best-before date” imprint of
faultless quality and content is an
essential requirement for modern supply
chains of perishable goods. A single
error can cause an entire batch to be
returned with all the attendant damage.
Baumer now offers VeriSens® ID-110 as a
vision sensor enabling faulty imprints
to be reliably detected and discharged
in time. VeriSens® ID-110 uses highly
efficient algorithms to read and
evaluate plain text, an additional
feature which amplifies the already
familiar matrix and barcode reading
functions of VeriSens® ID-100 and
VeriSens® XF-200. Apart from reading
texts and numbers (OCR), its manifold
possibilities include functions to
compare desired and actual states of
statically or dynamically predefined
contents as well as evaluation of the
imprint quality (OCV). Letters, numbers
and special characters can easily and
interactively be taught in for this
purpose. Since it reliably reads even
dot-matrix characters, VeriSens® ID-110
is ideal for controlling the quality of
end packaging and, for example, is
implemented directly after the
imprinting process. It reads 1D/2D and
GS1 codes omnidirectionally and performs
reliably even under difficult conditions
(including code quality detection in
compliance with ISO/AIM). VeriSens®
ID-110 therefore combines typical
applications ... |
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| Cognex
In-Sight Explorer 4.5 Offers the Most Advanced
Inspection Tools Available |
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| Cognex Corporation,
the world's leading supplier of machine vision
systems, has released a new version of In-Sight®
Explorer 4.5 expanding the capabilities of
In-Sight vision systems and giving In-Sight the
most advanced inspection tools available today.
In-Sight Explorer 4.5 inspection tools now
include an all-in-one edge and surface
inspection tool, an all-in-one bead width and
position tool, and a robust ID tool that reads
multiple codes at one time, allowing In-Sight
cameras to read barcodes and provide inspections
simultaneously. The new Flexible Flaw Detection
(FFD) edge and surface inspection tool works for
both color and grayscale applications and is
used to inspect for boundary defects, such as
conformity of shape, and surface defects like
stains and scratches. FFD can also be used for
print inspections, like inspecting screened
logos for defects. FFD also gives users the
flexibility to select accuracy versus speed
requirements and the ability to ignore defects
during system run time. “Normal process
variation causes false rejects without flex
tools," said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit
Manager for Cognex Vision Systems. “Our new Flex
Flaw Detection tool provides ... |
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A
selection of recently
published
technical
articles & products:
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| The convenient
C-Mount – VeriSens® vision sensors with
integrated flash controller and up to 2
MP resolution |
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 The
new VeriSens® XC series of
vision sensors from
Baumer are the first
devices in this category
featuring a fully integrated
flash controller and resolutions
of up to 2 megapixels. These two
advantages combined, provide
extremely simple integration and
flexible system solutions. The
C-Mount design introduces
complete freedom of lens
selection – even for complex
applications. At the same time,
the integrated flash controller
significantly reduces the cost
of typically employed external
light solutions. External
lighting can be flashed with up
to 48 V and 4 A while its
configuration is already
included in the intuitive
software of the VeriSens®. This
combination gives the user more
time to implement his
application solution and
completely abolishes the need
for familiarization with the
programming of an external flash
controller. CCD sensors with
three different resolutions –
ranging from VGA to 2 megapixels
– will be available with the
VeriSens® XC series. An
extensive software update will
also be supplied to support the
system’s multiple ... |
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| Cognex wafer reader sets new
standard by doubling the processing power |
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| Cognex Corporation,
the world's leading supplier of machine
vision systems, has introduced its next
generation wafer identification (ID)
reader and accompanying software, the
In-Sight® 1740 Series and In-Sight
Explorer Wafer ID software version
4.5.0. The new product family includes
features designed to improve both read
rates and reliability, while making it
easier to configure and maintain the
reader on a wide range of wafer handling
and process tools. Combined, these
features help ensure maximum tool
uptime, uninterrupted by the need for
human intervention in the wafer ID step.
With more processing power, In-Sight
1740 Series wafer readers reduce the
typical reading time by 40%. The faster
processing speed also helps In-Sight
1740 Series readers to take advantage of
new automatic, self-optimization
features. These new features can
dramatically increase read rates and
reliability on even the most
difficult-to-read ID marks while
ensuring trouble-free, unattended
operation. ... |
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| New 3D
Vision—Not Just Any 3D, It's Cognex 3D! |
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 Cognex
Corporation has announced the addition
of 3D vision in the new release of VisionPro®,
the software that set the industry standard for
machine vision performance. VisionPro 3D
delivers accurate, real-time, three-dimensional
position information to automate challenging
assembly verification, logistics, and robot
applications. VisionPro 3D works with any number
of fixed or robot mounted cameras for complete
application flexibility. Based on Cognex’s
leading PatMax® and other alignment
technologies, it’s not just any 3D machine
vision—it’s Cognex 3D!. “We’re taking our
advanced 3D tools and putting them in VisionPro,
the premier programmatic environment for system
integrators and OEMs.” said Dr. Markku
Jaaskelainen, Vice President and Business Unit
Manager for Vision Software. “Our partners are
already using VisionPro 2D tools for a wide
range of vision and robotic applications.
VisionPro 3D opens new opportunities for them to
solve more complex alignment applications. And,
because it is integrated with the existing
VisionPro library, they have access to
VisionPro’s wide range of identification and
inspection tools. This expands the value they
can add to a project.” ... |
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| Cognex VisionPro 7.0
Machine Vision Software Introduces Inspection Designer |
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| Cognex Corporation announced the
launch of VisionPro® 7.0 machine vision software.
VisionPro 7.0 introduces Inspection Designer™, a new
concept to simplify development and field maintenance of
inspection applications. VisionPro 7.0 also adds 1DMax™,
a best-in-class barcode reading tool optimized for
omnidirectional and difficult to read one-dimensional
barcodes, as well as several new tool and acquisition
enhancements. The introduction of Inspection Designer—a
first of its kind for general inspection
applications—provides vision systems integrators and end
users with the functionality to simplify the
specification, development and maintenance of inspection
applications ... |
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+ Info |
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More technical articles & products to this topic:
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Checker Vision Sensors Reduce Downtime and Improves Coin Roll Inspection
Productivity by 60% |
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Cognex
Corporation: With a worldwide reputation for product
quality, customer service, and minting technology, the Royal
Canadian Mint (RCM) is at the forefront of innovation in
producing coinage and currency. The Mint uses advanced
automation equipment to count and wrap pennies into rolls.
However, in the past these rolls were manually inspected for the
number of pennies contained and the integrity of each package.
Recently, the Mint has improved efficiency by implementing a
machine vision system that checks the package to make sure it is
intact and verifies that the roll is the correct length. The
machine vision system has improved inspection productivity from
25,000 to 40,000 rolls per shift and reduced downtime while
eliminating a difficult and troublesome manual task. Inspection
applications such as this one have traditionally been manually
inspected because of the challenges they present for automated
inspection. But in recent years, vision systems have become more
powerful and less expensive, so the Mint decided to take another
look at automating inspection of the pennies. The Mint discussed
potential automation solutions with Eascan Automation Inc., a
custom machine builder that provides mechanical design,
fabrication, assembly, testing, service, and support of
automated machine solutions. ... |
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Cognex Expands Display Options for In-Sight Vision Systems |
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Cognex Corporation has announced a
new option to deliver its VisionView® operator interface
to third-party CE Panels. VisionView CE software can now
be licensed and installed directly onto Rockwell and
Siemens CE panels, allowing end users to use existing
equipment and thereby reducing monitor clutter. In
addition to supporting VisionView CE software to run on
Rockwell and Siemens CE panels, a new software release,
VisionView 1.4, adds the functionality to support
filtered images, the ability to view the failed image
next to the current image, additional touch screen
drivers for the VisionView VGA model and Microsoft®
Windows® 7 64-bit support. “VisionView CE software now
offers users seamless integration with factory floor
HMIs by allowing them to run VisionView on their own
Rockwell and Siemens CE panels,” said Bhaskar Banerjee,
Business Unit Manager for Vision Systems. ... |
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Vision system assists blind workers |
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Cognex
Corporation: Bosma Enterprises, an Indianapolis-based
organization serving the blind and visually impaired with
employment opportunities, has for many years employed blind
workers to package and ship surgical gloves from manufacturers
to Veterans Administration hospitals around the U.S. Bosma has a
contract from the VA Hospitals prohibiting the use of the
corrugated cardboard packaging supplied by the manufacturer,
because that material can harbor bacteria and parasites. Workers
would now need to pack gloves in generic chipboard boxes, and
create new labels that identified the product. In addition to
the manufacturer’s name and product type, the new labels had to
contain the lot number, part number, size, and a barcode from
the original boxes shipped by the manufacturers in order to
comply with the manufacturer’s product traceability
requirements. ... |
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all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Solar Panel Production: Mondragon found the right solution with In-Sight
vision |
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Cognex
Corporation: Mondragon Assembly in Spain designs and
manufactures systems and equipment for automation and robotic
guided assembly processes in the solar sector. They needed a
reliable solution for their solar cell manufacturing equipment
in order to ensure the quality inspection of solar cell panels
while in production. A powerful vision solution was required
that could handle high-speed production while performing
different inspection tasks all the while ensuring that the
delicate product remained intact. In-Sight® vision systems from
Cognex are now performing the inspection tasks ensuring zero
fault production. Tackling the alignment issue: Solar cell
production is expensive and involves a high level of automation
in large volumes ... |
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VeriSens® 2000 – The new generation of VeriSens® vision sensors |
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Baumer:
The new generation of VeriSens®
vision sensors incorporates all the experience
gained while solving many quality control and handling
applications for our customers. A robust metal housing
with IP 67 protection class reliably encases the
lighting, optics, evaluation electronics and Ethernet
interface. The vision sensor has a 12-pin main
connection and each of the 5 digital in- and outputs can
be flexibly used in the system. Many applications such
as monitoring and sorting tasks can therefore be
implemented without PLC. A new user interface supports
commissioning. VeriSens® vision sensor can therefore be used as
intuitively as you would expect from a vision sensor. The
further developed and improved part detection allows for
dependable orientation even in case of changing part
position. ... |
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Vision Inspection on Rexona Personal Care Product |
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Cognex
Corporation: Managing the Demand: Rexona deodorant is
one of the most popular products manufactured by Unilever in its
Philippines facility. Due to the increase in production, it
became an obvious need for Unilever to automate its
manufacturing process. The Decision Process: Prior to
implementing a machine vision system, Unilever was engaging up
to 10 operators per line to perform the following quality checks
manually: * Presence and integrity of the cap, * Correct color
and date code printed on the cap, * Labels inspection on both
sides of the product. The production lines run at an average of
220 bottles per minute. Despite investing heavily in a
well-trained labor force, Unilever faced a high volume of
rejects because the labels were either poorly aligned or
wrinkled during the application process. Performing manual
inspection on these tasks had become increasingly unrealistic ... |
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Cognex Checker 4G Series with Ethernet Easily Integrates into your
Factory Network |
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Cognex
Corporation announced the
addition of the Checker® 4G Series to
its award winning line of vision
sensors. The new Checker 4G vision
sensor by Cognex offers the same
powerful and easy-to-use setup Checker
is known for plus adds Ethernet
networking for remote setup and
monitoring, PLC communication through
EtherNet/IP and PROFINET and the ability
to save inspection images to an FTP
server… all for less than $1,000USD.
Checker 4G allows the user to configure
the sensor as a presence sensor or
measurement sensor to inspect and error
proof his manufacturing process.
Presence sensors verify that features
are present. Measurement sensors verify
that features are the correct height,
width and/or diameter. In either mode,
there is no limit to the number of part
features that a single Checker can
“check”. With patented part detection
technology Checker sensors are also able
to detect and inspect over 6,000 parts
per minute in varying positions along
the production line. No other sensor,
vision sensor, or vision system can ... |
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Vision Sensors Eliminate Rejection of Good Parts in Inspecting Wheel
Fasteners |
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Cognex Corporation: One of Maclean
Vehicle Systems’ (MVS’s) many automotive fastener
products is stainless steel capped wheel nuts. The nuts
are assembled on an index machine that processes two
parts simultaneously at each station. The fasteners must
be inspected to verify the nuts are properly threaded.
MVS previously performed this fastener inspection with
an eddy current sensor whose accuracy was less than
desired, at times resulting in expensive over-sort. “We
looked at a number of different vision sensors,” said TJ
Konieczke, Manufacturing Controls Engineer for MVS.
“Some were sensitive, intimidating and had a high
learning curve like the vision systems that we have used
in the past. We selected Cognex Checker® vision sensors
because they are very easy to program and operate. We
simply put them in place, connect a PC to the USB port,
train them on the part to be inspected, and pick tools
off a menu that inspect the critical features of the
part.” Konieczke mounted two Cognex Checker 101 vision
sensors ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Better Performance in Machine Construction with Vision Sensors |
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Pepperl+Fuchs:
An increase in performance in machine construction has always been
closely connected with the development of sensor technology. Control and
regulation technology can only be optimized with ever more precise and
faster monitoring via suitable sensors. For a few years now, vision
technology has been gaining ground. If at the start, industrial vision
was primarily used for quality control, there are now more and more
applications where vision sensors are also used directly in machine
control. We would like to illustrate this trend with three examples. PCV
Data Matrix Positioning System: In Data Matrix code (2D code),
information is encoded on a square area as a pattern of dots. Compared
to one-dimensional barcodes (1D code), the information density per unit
area is clearly increased and there is therefore a significantly
increased error redundancy. Individual Data Matrix codes can be
positioned horizontally or vertically along a path which can be read and
decoded with a camera and the exact position output in x and y
directions ... |
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Colour Vision Tools Enable Cost Effective Inspection of Airbag Sensors
During Manual Production |
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Cognex
Corporation: A
single misplaced wire in an airbag sensor
connector has the potential to cause a fatality.
A critical part of making sure the connector is
assembled correctly requires verifying that the
right colour wire is attached to each connector.
This sort of inspection can be automated very
effectively using colour machine vision.
However, in the past this would have been
expensive, due to the difficulty of writing
colour inspection algorithms that can
distinguish between different shades of the same
colour. Today’s easier, more effective colour
vision tools have enabled a connector
manufacturer to implement a colour vision
inspection that has demonstrated 100% accuracy
for this critical inspection. New Cognex colour
tools greatly reduced the time required for
programming the vision system, making it cost
effective enough to use machine vision even
during early stages of production when manual
inspection would normally be used. The supplier
can now take advantage of machine vision to
perform this critical safety inspection starting
from the very beginning of production ... |
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Machine vision optimizes thin-film solar production |
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Cognex
Corporation: The JENOPTIK-VOTANTM Solas 100/200 was
designed for pattern scribing on thin-film solar modules using
laser and/or needles for all the process steps (P1, P2 and P3).
In the standard machines, six industrial cameras combine with
VisionPro® vision software from Cognex to maintain process-tool
calibration, determine wear status and check that solar modules
are processed correctly. Because set-up, processing and the
subsequent quality inspection take just 60 seconds per module,
manufacturers can achieve a throughput advantage in the highly
competitive sustainable energy market. Thin-film technology that
relies on vapor-deposited or sputtered photoactive
semiconductors on a glass substrate, generally use less energy
and material, and offer reduced manufacturing costs when
compared with silicon-based solar cells. Lower production cost
allows manufacturers to make more comfortable pricing decisions
even as Germany scales back incentives. Modern thin-film solar
cells ... |
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Self-Contained Vision System Inspects Unlabeled Cans to Improve Food
Safety |
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Cognex
Corporation: Producers of canned foods typically make a large volume
of a particular product, such as tomato soup, then store the cans in a
warehouse without labels while waiting for orders from customers. The
cans are labeled just before shipment, often with the customer’s private
brand label. The cans go by at a speed of one every 60 milliseconds so
conventional manual inspection is not possible. The only known effort at
applying machine vision to this problem used a camera connected to a
frame grabber board on a computer. Its weakness is that the specialized
hardware is not designed for use in a factory environment. The cameras
and frame grabber boards are susceptible to heat and dust. A
considerable level of expertise is also required to set up and maintain
this type of system, expertise that is typically not found in a canning
plant. A new approach: Matrix Technologies utilized recent advances in
vision system technology to develop a better approach to brightfield
automated inspection. “The key to the new approach is the use of the
Cognex In-Sight® 5600 vision system to inspect ... |
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VeriSens® S7 function library –
development costs under control |
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Baumer:
VeriSens® Vision sensors can be quickly and easily integrated into
system controls. This requires controlling digital inputs and outputs as
well as capturing data via Ethernet or RS485. Often however, access to
the individual interfaces must first be implemented. To support this
step, Baumer has developed a function library for the SIMATIC® S7 which
makes it much easier to connect the VeriSens® Vision Sensors. Along with
modules to control the digital inputs and outputs, it contains a
communication module to exchange data via Ethernet (TCP or UDP) or
RS485. All function modules are extensively documented and accessible in
the commented source code. The library supports both integrated and
external communication processors of the SIMATIC® S7-300® and SIMATIC®
S7-400® controls, e.g. CPU 315-2 PN/DP. The function library greatly
speeds up the development of automation solutions. The operator can
concentrate on connecting the VeriSens® Vision sensors without being
distracted by the details of interface programming. The performance of
the Baumer Vision Sensors is directly ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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BIS510 - Number one for sheet verification |
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Pepperl+Fuchs: Sheet verification is becoming an
increasingly important task for quality assurance in printing
post-production. The BIS510 from Pepperl+Fuchs contains a
powerful sensor specially designed for detecting incorrectly fed
sheets. Many features, such as fully automatic teach-in of
reference images, ensure reliable and convenient sheet
verification. Readers are rightly irritated when they find a
page missing from the novel they are reading. However, an
incorrect instruction leaflet for medication can be a much more
serious problem. To prevent this, it is essential that the
correct sheet sequence should be monitored on collating and
folding machines. In many cases this is achieved using complex
and expensive vision systems. These systems consist of one ore
more cameras and a separate control interface and must be set up
carefully by specialists in a complex operation. Pepperl+Fuchs
has developed the specialized vision sensor BIS510 for this
task, aiming to unite the benefits of vision systems and
sensors. The BIS510 is an independent sensor that contains a
high-resolution camera and a control interface. As there is no
need for a separate control interface, the sensor is smaller and
less expensive, making mechanical integration easier. The vision
sensor monitors ... |
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Easy-to-use Omron FQ vision sensors
deliver images with crystal clarity! |
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Even
with the most challenging of targets, vision sensors in Omron’s
new FQ range consistently deliver crystal clear images, yet they offer
outstanding simplicity of installation and set up. These groundbreaking
units, which continue Omron’s tradition of setting new standards in
vision sensing, feature one-touch control via a simple and intuitive
icon-driven menu system that eliminates the need for complex
instructions and specialist know-how. The first products of their type
to employ HDR (high dynamic range) technology, FQ vision sensors
incorporate full colour processing with up to 16 million colours,
built-in polarising and halation filters and integrated high-intensity
LED lighting. These features enable them to provide stable inspection
even with highly reflective, low contrast and similarly difficult
targets. They also cope easily with piece-to-piece variation between
targets and with target misalignment. So that users can select a sensor
that accurately meets their particular requirements, Omron supplies its
new FQ vision sensors in versions with fields of view from 7.4 mm to 300
mm.
... |
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Cognex Offers Free Machine Vision
Learning Resources |
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Cognex Corporation has introduced a new section on its website
that offers free learning resources for anyone interested in machine
vision and industrial ID code readers. The new Explore and Learn section
of www.cognex.com offers access to webinars, seminars, videos, podcasts,
white papers and articles covering everything from machine vision and ID
code reading basics, to more advanced subjects such as 3D vision,
optics, and difficult to read barcodes. Visitors can choose to
participate in live events or download materials to their PC to review
at their own pace. “The Explore and Learn section of www.cognex.com is a
great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the vision
technology used in Cognex vision and industrial ID products,” said Peter
Neve, Vice President of Global Marketing for Cognex. “It is the best
place to find out more about new ways to use vision technology, and to
help users stay current on the latest technical developments.” A key
part of the web site is the new “Products in Action” animation center.
This has over 50 examples of Cognex vision and ID products inspecting a
range of typical manufactured products. Simple to use and easy to
understand, it gives a good introduction to vision technology in action. ... |
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Perfect start on the fast track |
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Cognex
Corporation: To become an international player, a business needs two
things: top quality and high productivity. Arndt Fenstertechnik GmbH &
Co. KG from Gattendorf, Germany, combines both to perfection in its new
cutting centre in which the In-Sight® Micro 1100 vision system from Cognex, incredibly small and yet extremely powerful, plays an important
role. Tighter insulation regulations and rising energy prices are
fueling the demand for plastic windows. Plastic combines good insulating
properties for both heat and noise with low maintenance costs. Even in
terms of aesthetics, plastic windows have overtaken wood and aluminum in
popularity because of their wide variety of colours and designs. Growing
variety and rising demand require production lines to be more flexible
with ... |
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VeriSens® Vision Sensors with new
functions to ensure reliability, service and process optimization |
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Baumer:
Fast startups, minimal machine downtimes and stable operation are key
factors of manufacturing economicity. VeriSens® Vision Sensors meet
these requirements with newly added “Backup & Restore” and “User &
Password” functions. Coupled with stable image evaluation by Baumer’s
proven FEX® image processor, these improvements make VeriSens® Vision
Sensors even more stable and reliable. Aided by the new “Backup &
Restore” function, users can now archive the device software with
parameterization settings, duplicate it on other devices and quickly
restore it after servicing. Since these capabilities are available both
in the PC software and as commands via the Ethernet interface, they can
be easily integrated into the machine control. Reliable, steady system
operation is supported by three user levels in the new “User & Password”
function. This ensures controlled, reliable machine startups, servicing
and operation. Unintentional operating errors and changes of device
settings are consequently eliminated. ... |
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all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Cognex introduces world's most powerful
self-contained five-megapixel vision system |
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Cognex Corporation has introduced the In-Sight® 5605, a
high-resolution, self-contained vision system offering unprecedented
power and flexibility for applications that require visualization of
very small defects, even in a large field of view. The In-Sight 5605
offers the widest range of features and advantages available in a
high-resolution vision system, including full 5.0 megapixel resolution,
support for Gigabit Ethernet communication, IP67 rating to withstand
dust and wash down, plus a full library of high-performance Cognex
vision tools for easy application setup and reliable performance. “The
In-Sight 5605 offers more than twice the resolution previously available
with any In-Sight system,” said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager
for Vision Systems. “With more pixels available and support for GigE
communication, In-Sight’s advanced vision tools can handle applications
such as high-accuracy gauging, finding very small edge defects or
reading ID codes from dozens of palletised products simultaneously with
even greater speed and precision.” ... |
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The problem-solver, Almost 40 years of
expertise in the sensor sector |
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ELTROTEC:
What should we do to ensure an automatic quality control process?
According to Claus Hofmann, Managing Director of Eltrotec Sensor GmbH,
every search for a suitable sensor is based on this question or a
similar one. This approach demonstrates that the solution is the primary
focus at Eltrotec, rather than the product in the catalogue.
Consequently, Eltrotec dispensed with a printed list of available
products many years ago, as customer requirements constantly change. The
specifications of the selected product are no longer the sole focus of a
discussion; users approach the manufacturer with clearly-defined tasks
and expect successful solutions. Eltrotec excels when it comes to
monitoring complex processes using high-quality sensors. Hofmann
describes the difference to standard, high-volume products as follows,
“Whereas the simple interrupter reacts to whether a part is present or
not, our products check whether components are mounted with the correct
alignment and whether the color is right.” Eltrotec uses a wide range of
products to solve the tasks set by its customers. It has five core
product areas − color sensors, distance sensors, light barriers, vision
sensors and industrial ... |
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Cognex introduces new surface inspection
software |
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Cognex Corporation launched VisionPro® Surface, a vision software
package for inspecting the surface of materials. VisionPro Surface
combines a revolutionary new visual defect detection and classification
technology with a simple user interface to enable accurate defect
detection, classification, and surface texture assessment during the
manufacturing process. “VisionPro Surface makes the cost savings and
quality improvements of automatic surface inspection available to
production lines where more complex surface inspection solutions are not
practical or economically viable,” said Dr. Markku Jaaskelainen,
Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Vision Software.
“Manufacturers in industries such as solar energy, architectural glass,
high-end plastics, material coating and other converting industries can
achieve a quick return on investment by monitoring process efficiency,
and identifying and eliminating defective material before it is shipped
to customers.” Unlike traditional surface inspection technologies that
use signal processing to detect defects, VisionPro Surface works by
monitoring the visual appearance of the material. ... |
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Direct VGA Output Option for Cognex In-Sight Systems |
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Cognex Corporation has announced a new option to deliver its
VisionView® operator interface to any VGA display. VisionView VGA is a
low-cost DIN rail-mount adapter that provides direct VGA output for the
VisionView application software, allowing operators to connect to any
size VGA monitor without the need for a PC. In addition to supporting
VisionView VGA, a new software release, VisionView 1.3, supports the
TrainFont interactive control for run-time font training of OCR/OCV
applications and allows VisionView to work with Cognex DataMan® 200
industrial ID readers in addition to In-Sight® vision systems. “These
new enhancements give users more flexibility to tailor their operator
interface to suit their personal preferences and factory environments,”
said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager for Vision Systems. “New
hardware and software options plus the ability to view results from up
to nine vision systems simultaneously make VisionView the most powerful
tool for monitoring and controlling vision applications directly from
the factory floor.” ... |
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BVS Vision Sensor enhancements, More
than just a software update |
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Sensor
specialist and networking provider Balluff has added two
innovations to the line of vision sensors. A free software update is
available from their homepage www.balluff.de which upgrades the proven
BVS-E sensor to a BVS-E Standard type. The other addition is the BVS-E
Advanced model, a vision sensor in the premium segment. Compared with
the Standard version it offers additional exclusive functions and is
designed for users with especially demanding applications. The free
update to Version 1.2 of the Convis software includes significant
improvements and numerous enhancements. The Inspection Explorer and
online help have been made even more clearly structured and informative.
The user now has more than twice as many program slots for storing setup
parameters, a feature that is especially useful when there are frequent
format changes. And the show-stopper: All the inspections from earlier
versions can be easily loaded into the new one and used as before. ... |
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all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Cognex Offers Ready-to-Deploy
Pharmaceutical Track & Trace Solution |
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Cognex
announced In-Sight® Track & Trace, an add-on software package for Cognex
In-Sight vision systems. In-Sight Track & Trace delivers a
ready-to-deploy data capture and verification solution designed to help
pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers achieve unit-level
product traceability. In-Sight Track & Trace combines powerful Cognex
code reading and verification software with a pre-configured job file
and HMI interface that reduces setup time and makes it easy to exchange
data with third party systems as needed for a full serialization
solution. “Track and trace solutions are becoming a high priority
throughout the health care industry as a means of preventing counterfeit
products from entering the supply chain, and for keeping authentic
products from being diverted to unauthorized distribution channels and
uses,” said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager for Vision Systems
at Cognex. “In-Sight Track & Trace provides ... |
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VeriSens® C-Mount – Flexible, precise
position recognition and measurement checking |
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Baumer:
So you’ve solved your application, but your vision sensor fails to meet
system integration requirements? VeriSens® C-Mount gives you enhanced
integration flexibility. C-Mount lenses let you choose the best mounting
position in your system. A protective cap safeguards the lens against
soiling and damage for greater process reliability. The caps are
available in different lengths. With VeriSens® C-Mount, readings of
measurements and object’s coordinates can now be obtained in “real”
coordinates, i.e. millimeters, regardless of the object’s position in
the image. A simple calibration corrects perspectival contortions and
lens distortions. VeriSens® C-Mount therefore serves as a
measurement-checking and position-detecting sensor, taking over tasks
which previously required costly, complex image processing systems.
Combined with highly effective functions to control presence,
completeness and identification (reading and checking characters and
numbers, barcodes and matrix codes), this qualifies the sensor for many
applications – including machine construction, packaging and handling –
where parts for a pick-and-place robot must be detected in all
positions. ... |
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New edge inspection tools available with
Cognex In-Sight Explorer 4.4 Software |
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Cognex
announced In-Sight® Explorer 4.4, a new software release for its
In-Sight vision systems. In-Sight Explorer 4.4 adds new color tools,
improved calibration and expanded data access within its EasyBuilder®
configuration software, and expands support for larger line scan images.
The new software also introduces InspectEdge™, a powerful and
easy-to-use new family of tools for detecting edge defects and
inspecting edge pairs. “In-Sight Explorer 4.4 makes Cognex In-Sight
systems more powerful, flexible, and easy to use than ever,” said
Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager for Vision Systems. “The
addition of the InspectEdge tool family will enable many new
applications that could not be performed reliably with existing edge
detection tools.” ... |
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Cognex offers 3D Vision software |
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Cognex Corporation announces 3D-Locate™, a library of 3D vision
software tools that expands application possibilities in vision-guided
robotics, assembly, and inspection. Cognex 3D-Locate delivers accurate,
real-time, three-dimensional position information that enables
automation equipment to work with a wider variety of parts, including
items that are stacked or tilted. Using 3D-Locate can improve vision
performance for challenging applications such as logistics and
robot-guided de-palletizing and precision assembly, and it can eliminate
the need for expensive mechanical fixtures or measurement devices.
Cognex 3D-Locate can also be used in combination with Cognex code
reading, gauging, and inspection tools. ... |
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Cognex VisionPro machine vision software
supports Windows 7 |
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Cognex Corporation announced a new release of VisionPro®, the
company’s popular, hardware-independent machine vision software.
VisionPro 6.1 expands operating system coverage by including support for
Microsoft® Windows® 7. Other customer-driven enhancements include line
scan distortion correction and ToolBlock, a feature that simplifies
management of vision tools and enables quicker integration. “VisionPro
6.1 shows Cognex’s commitment to customers by giving them the option to
deploy applications on their platforms of choice,” said Markku
Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for
Vision Software. “VisionPro 6.1 supports 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7
operating systems in five different languages, giving users a total of
30 different fully-tested development and deployment options. This
provides a painless platform migration path at a low cost for customers
who need to move quickly in today’s competitive environment.” ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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VeriSens® Vision Sensors with Ethernet
interface and Stainless steel housings (IP 69K) |
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The
new Baumer VeriSens® Series 1500 and 1800 vision sensors feature
stainless steel housings, IP69K protection class and Ethernet interface.
With these innovations, they can reliably meet tough hygienic and
bio-cleaning requirements in rugged surroundings while also ensuring
flexible system integration. Their powerful inspection, identification
and character recognition capabilities can therefore function wherever
required by the application – without additional mechanical protection
aids. IP69K certificated cables are available for integration. VeriSens®
vision sensors with stainless steel housings are versatile imaging
solutions for applications which demand high standards of cleanliness
and hygienic control. In the food industry, for instance, they can
inspect packaged foods and read the “best-before“ dates. Food products
can also be inspected before packaging with well-proven functions to
check location, position, presence and completeness ... |
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Cognex VisionView now available on two platforms |
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Cognex
Corporation has enhanced its VisionView® operator interface with new
features that enable more detailed visualization of parts, easier
storage of failed images, and a PC display option. VisionView is a touch
screen display interface for Cognex In-Sight vision systems that makes
it easy for operators to view and closely monitor what the vision
systems are doing on their production lines. VisionView 1.2 expands the
choices available to users for customizing their display and capturing
application data. New pan and zoom capability enables closer examination
of defective parts, and makes it easier to accurately focus the vision
system for high resolution images. Production line operators can also
download images of failed parts automatically to an external storage
device, and have the ability to save application parameter changes
directly to ... |
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Cognex VisionPro Software expands image
acquisition options |
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Cognex
Corporation announced a new release of VisionPro®, the company’s
popular, hardware-independent vision software. VisionPro 6.0 expands
image acquisition options with support for very large camera images and
nontraditional sources such as 3D, thermal and X-ray imagers. VisionPro
6.0 also offers high-accuracy calibration and image correction for line
scan cameras, and expanded ID reading capability of 2D codes. “VisionPro
6.0 provides more freedom than ever before to combine robust Cognex
vision software tools with the widest array of image acquisition
sources,” said Markku Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and
Business Unit Manager for Vision Software. “And, because of our close
technical collaboration with camera makers through the Cognex
Acquisition Alliance, customers get the same reliable performance that
they are accustomed to receiving from our integrated systems.” ... |
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Machine Vision ensures Guangdong Tyco
products quality control |
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Cognex
Corporation: Have you ever purchased a product from a reputable
company only to have it fail or stop working a short time after you
purchased it? Often, this is because the QA procedures employed by the
company aren't set up to check all products—many companies perform only
a random inspection during production. As part of the Fortune 500
company Tyco, Guangdong Tyco Electronics Co., Ltd. (U.S.) primarily
manufactures connectors and cable assemblies, with sales in 2007
exceeding $200M USD (over RMB Yuan 1.6 billion). As the largest global
manufacturer of electronic and electric components, Tyco Guangdong
Electronics' high production yield of 1000 of each set of equipment per
day at a maximum of 1200 pieces per minute makes on-line product
inspection nearly impossible for the operator to consistently control
the quality of all products on the line. For on-line product inspection,
a random inspection was the primary solution; however, it generated a
lot of waste and damaged equipment. This is why Tyco Guangdong
Electronics introduced a Cognex vision system with the help of ... |
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Identify Barcodes, Matrix Codes and
Printed Characters with VeriSens® Vision Sensors |
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Baumer
Electric: The new series 1800 VeriSens® vision sensor allows
barcodes, matrix codes and printed characters to be read automatically.
By supporting all common 1D and 2D codes, including EAN, UPC, and ECC200
the series 1800 guarantees flexibility for identification and inspection
tasks. In addition, information on the quality of printed codes can be
used to improve the labeling process. The series 1800 comes with an
integrated optical character recognition (OCR) function and permits the
reading of any character or numeric sequence without time-consuming font
training. Thus, applications e.g. to identify incorrect serial numbers
or expired product dates can be easily solved. The identification
functions of the series 1800 together with the enhanced functionality
for the control of position, location, presence and completeness allow a
wide range of applications, e.g. in packaging industry or handling,
where parts must be properly identified and inspected in any conceivable
location and position. The series 1800 VeriSens® vision sensors ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Cognex Introduces Two High Resolution
Checker Vision Sensors |
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Cognex
Corporation added two new high resolution models to its
award-winning line of Checker® vision sensors. The new Checker 3G7
features 752 x 480 pixel resolution for better inspection of small
features and high intensity white LED illumination for optimum image
contrast. The Checker 3G7 can be configured as either a Presence or
Measurement sensor, and can detect and inspect up to 800 parts per
minute. All Checker 3G models require no PC for set up, and can be
configured in a matter of minutes using the SensorView® teach pendant
and One-Click Setup™ feature. The new Checker 272 offers the same
resolution and lighting features as the 3G7 plus a ladder logic editor,
encoder-based part tracking, and additional IO. The Checker 272 includes
both Presence and Measurement sensors. “Checker’s simple setup and
affordability provides manufacturers with a cost-effective and flexible
solution for error-proofing their manufacturing processes,” said Pascal
Dorster, Vision Sensors ... |
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New release for Cognex
hardware-independent vision software |
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Cognex
Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine
vision systems and vision sensors, announces new software expanding the
powerful toolset of its hardware-independent VisionPro software. The
VisionPro 5.2 release provides an easier to use version of the patented
PatMax® technology, enhanced color tools and an enhanced architecture to
harness the power of multicore PCs. The release includes new SearchMaxTM
and Color ExtractorTM color tools. SearchMax uses color features to
search for objects. It is extremely powerful in applications where
geometrical data is insufficient to align the part. Color Extractor
locates colored regions in complex scenes, with very minimal training.
It is optimized for high speed applications such as those required in
the food and packaging industries. ... |
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It couldn’t be easier: VeriSens® Vision
Sensors from Baumer |
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Baumer
Electric: Easy installation, reliable operation and compact housing
of camera, light and image processor are the major requirements for
today’s vision sensors. The Baumer VeriSens® delivers on all points,
providing efficient solutions for automated part inspection for
industrial automation. Typical applications include detecting part
presence or completeness, acquisition of part location and correct
positioning. Vision Sensors are used extensively to automate machine
functions and are found in packaging, component-handling, and food and
beverage machines. High process stability and ease of operation are
achieved using the innovative, contour-based Baumer FEX® processor
technology. Customers benefit from this technology with reliable
operation under varying lighting conditions and fast, easy setups.
Baumer’s intuitive user program combined with the preconfigured
software-sensors assures ease-of-use. Baumer offers a variety of
VeriSens® vision sensors starting with the low cost CMOS-based model and
ranging to a sensor installed in a robust, IP69K stainless-steel housing
for difficult industrial environments. All models have outstanding image
quality, ensured by the combination of a high quality image sensor, an
integral imaging lens and a precisely aligned illuminator. The compact
VeriSens® vision sensors are ... |
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Cognex offers new vision tools for solar
cell inspection |
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Cognex Corporation has further expanded its range of inspection
solutions for solar cell manufacturing processes. The new VisionPro®
Solar Toolbox includes pre-configured software tools for the most common
vision alignment and inspection applications in photovoltaic (PV) solar
production. With the addition of the Solar Toolbox, users have the
option of working either with the basic VisionPro software library, or
using the pre-configured tool set as a starting point for setting up
vision inspection and alignment applications. VisionPro software’s full
range of industry-leading tools for location, identification, and
inspection can also be leveraged throughout the value chain to help
manufacturers achieve higher quality, faster throughput, and better
process control. “Efficient solar cell manufacturing needs very
high-performance vision to handle tougher inspections, faster production
speeds, and enable full wafer-to-panel traceability,” said Markku
Jaaskelainen, Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for
Vision Software. “As the solar production process advances and becomes
more automated, using vision will be a critical way for manufacturers to
achieve process efficiencies, improve equipment performance and control
production costs.” ... |
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Cognex enlists major camera suppliers for
strategic alliance |
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Cognex®
Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the producer of the world’s most widely
used vision software and vision tools—VisionPro® software—today
announced the launch of the Cognex Acquisition Alliance. Through the
Acquisition Alliance, Cognex establishes strong technical and marketing
relationships with major camera manufacturers. This strategic
partnership program provides our mutual customers with best-in-class,
integrated machine vision solutions. Benefits of the Acquisition
Alliance program include rapid integration and qualification of new
partner cameras with Cognex VisionPro software through vendor
self-verification and enhanced customer service due to product
cross-training. The following suppliers have already joined the
Acquisition Alliance: Allied Vision Technologies, Basler AG, DALSA
Corporation, e2V, Imperx Incorporated, JAI, Point Grey Research® Inc.,
and Prosilica Inc. “We are excited to have these premier camera vendors
taking part in this initiative and expect additional partners to be
added shortly,” ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Cognex CONNECT™ ensures seamless
connectivity between vision system and automation controls |
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Cognex Corporation announces Cognex Connect™, the most
comprehensive suite of communications capabilities ever offered in a
vision system. Cognex Connect enables out-of-the-box connectivity
between Cognex In-Sight® vision systems and virtually any major PLC,
robot, HMI and Fieldbus system commonly used in factory automation. A
simple point and click configuration interface makes it easy to control
multiple vision systems from any network PC, and allows users to easily
transfer data and images to an enterprise file server or display them in
the user’s own operator interface. “Cognex Connect makes the integration
of vision into any automation system very easy,” said Justin Testa,
Cognex Executive Vice President and Vision Systems Business Unit
Manager. “Because Cognex Connect supports virtually all major PLC, HMI,
robot controller or Fieldbus systems, In-Sight users have unlimited
flexibility in selecting which system integrators and automation ... |
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New software announced for Cognex DataMan
ID Readers - DataMan 100 now reads up to 128 codes in a single field of
view |
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Cognex®
Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine
vision systems and industrial ID readers, today announced new software
that expands the decoding capabilities of the DataMan® 100 vision-based
ID readers and provides additional code support for all models in the
DataMan product family. With the new software release 3.2, DataMan 100
fixed-mount ID readers can now simultaneously read up to 128 codes in a
single field of view—even with mixed code types—opening up many new
application possibilities. “Many manufacturers continue to use a
traditional 1D barcode label for the product ID, but have added a
direct-marked 2D code to store the serial number, batch number, and date
and lot code. They want to read both codes simultaneously for tracking
and tracing products through their manufacturing process, and our new
multicode feature is perfect for them,” said Carl Gerst, Cognex ID
Reader Business Unit Manager. “Others want to read codes on multiple
products that appear in the same field of view due to their small size,
such as components on a printed circuit board or medical vials in a
tray. ... |
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Cognex introduces In-Sight® line scan
vision system |
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Cognex
Corporation introduces the addition of a new line scan system to the
industry-leading In-Sight® 5000 series vision system product line. The
In-Sight 5604 line scan vision system combines industrially rugged
In-Sight hardware and best-in-class vision tools with a high-speed, 1K
line scan imager. This eliminates the need for PC based vision systems
and separate line scan camera heads. The line scan sensor used by
In-Sight is much more light-sensitive than the imagers used in most line
scan cameras. This reduces the cost and complexity of the lighting and
makes the In-Sight 5604 line scan vision system exceptionally easy to
integrate into space-constrained areas on the manufacturing line. With
support for hardware and software encoders, the In-Sight 5604 has the
flexibility needed to solve the image acquisition challenges across a
wide range of applications involving fast moving discrete parts on a
conveyor, cylindrical parts or large parts. “We’re seeing tremendous
customer enthusiasm for an In-Sight line scan product,” said Justin
Testa, Executive Vice President and Vision Systems Business Unit
Manager. ... |
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Balluff Vision Sensor BVS – Starter kit
available |
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The
BVS Vision Sensor from Balluff is ideal wherever a variety of
details need to be detected as part of 100% quality inspection: The unit
represents a complete solution with seven different evaluation functions
and the ability to perform up to 16 inspection tasks at the same time.
Functions such as counting edges, recognizing patterns, checking
contours, and monitoring contrast and position are all carried out at a
detection rate of up to 15 Hz, sending the results to the PLC or process
controller as OK/Defect signals from three independent outputs. The
integrated LED light source ensures optimum illumination of the target
area. A new addition is the BVS Starter Kit, which is based on the tried
and true Balluff BMS Mounting System. With the Starter Kit connecting
and starting up the Vision Sensor is child’s play. It includes
everything needed for reliable and shake-free operation, such as cable,
mounting bracket and screws, a printed quick-start sheet and the
intuitive BVS ConVis® software. This menu-guided software eliminates
lengthy training or the need to learn any special programming language
such as required by many other vision sensors. ... |
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Cognex introduces new In-Sight Micro
colour vision systems |
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Cognex
Corporation, the world's leading supplier of machine vision sensors
and systems, announced three new colour vision systems for the In-Sight®
Micro product line. Building on last year’s highly successful
introduction of the world’s smallest vision system, the In-Sight Micro,
this new release provides a complete suite of colour models within this
product family. The entry level In-Sight Micro 1100C model provides a
highly capable, standard (640 x 480) resolution colour vision system at
a competitive price. The high performance In-Sight 1400C model doubles
the processor performance for more demanding applications. And, the new
In-Sight 1403C model is a two megapixel (1600 x 1200 resolution) system
that enables high resolution inspection for a wide variety of colour
applications. In addition to the new colour vision systems, Cognex is
announcing the release of In-Sight Explorer version 4.3 software. This
release introduces two powerful new colour tools to the industry-leading
library of vision tools. The Color Match tool is a high speed colour
sortation tool that brings the power of 24-bit colour resolution. The
Color Extract tool allows users to quickly train highly complex colour
models for state-of-the-art colour analysis. ... |
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Find
all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors &
vision systems,
machine vision |
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Sensata Technologies and Melexis Sign
Agreement on Sale of Vision Business |
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Sensata
Technologies and Melexis today announced the signing of an
agreement to sell Sensata’s Vision business to Melexis, a Belgian-based
manufacturer of smart mixed-signal semiconductors, integrated circuits
and integrated sensors and systems for automotive applications. Sensata
had previously announced the intention to sell the Vision business in
December, 2008. The transaction is expected to close by the end of
April. The Vision business already provides CMOS imagers and imaging
modules to automotive advanced driver assistance systems for customers
such as Bosch and Delphi. Melexis strategic focus on automotive
semiconductors and sensors renders this acquisition of immediate benefit
to customers of its existing optoelectronic and imaging sensor products.
The market has begun production deployment of vision-based, automotive
safety and convenience features, like night vision, lane departure
warning, road sign recognition and advanced cruise control. Vehicle
designers will look to specialized image sensors capable of meeting
their durability, performance and reliability expectations. Melexis
Chief Executive Officer Rudi De Winter states, “The wide dynamic range
camera technology from Sensata’s Vision business is complementary to our
current imaging sensors and fits very well with the trend of increasing
use of vision products ... |
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Easy to use stainless steel VeriSens®
vision sensors are now available for the most demanding operating
conditions |
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Baumer
Electric: The powerful and compact Baumer VeriSens® vision sensors
are now also available in stainless steel housings with protection class
IP 69K. As a result, VeriSens® vision sensors can be used without an
expensive protective housing in applications in the food and beverage,
cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The VeriSens® vision sensors
comply with the rigid hygiene and cleaning cycle requirements customary
in these applications. In this version VeriSens® is equipped with
stainless steel housing, shatterproof glass, special connectors and
seals certified for use in the food industry. This gives the user the
confidence that these sensors comply with all the requirements of the
demanding applications. Reliable operation is provided even under
varying lighting conditions. The vision sensors are capable of storing
and switching between 255 different inspection tasks. Also in the
stainless steel version the VeriSens® is characterized by ease of use
and reliable operation even under demanding environmental conditions. ... |
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Cognex develops an on-line tool to
calculate cost savings from using vision technology |
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Helping manufacturers evaluate how much savings can be achieved by
investing in vision. Cognex® Corporation, the world's leading
supplier of machine vision systems and industrial ID readers, today
announced the availability of a new on-line tool to help manufacturers
understand the benefits that can be achieved through the use of machine
vision and industrial identification. “In these difficult economic
times, optimizing product quality and reducing manufacturing costs is
more important than ever. Our new Cost Savings Advisor makes it really
easy for manufacturers to calculate the cost reductions they can achieve
through using Cognex vision and ID systems" says Peter Neve, Vice
President of Global Marketing for Cognex. He added, "It also acts as a
great check list to ensure that all potential savings from using vision
are identified." The Cognex Cost Savings Advisor was designed to help
customers evaluate a cost savings plan for vision inspection, automation
or identification applications. The free tool can be found at
www.cognex.com/costsavings. Users are asked a few simple questions about
each vision application. The tool then calculates the potential cost
savings ... |
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So many labels, so little time…just use
Checker |
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Cognex:
OTE Group based in the Netherlands, produce and export special
hydrating, cleaning and lubricating fluids for the lens care market. As
well as their own three product lines they deliver more than 1000
private labels to customers with their own brands. Delivering the
finished products all over the world, they need to be sure that all
bottles reach their destinations in perfect condition and in good time.
In addition, OTE face the strict requirements of the medical and
pharmaceutical industry. Previously, quality control was assured
manually by the naked eye. But when faced with the challenge of boosting
their quality the company decided to use the Cognex Checker to ensure
that the production code is present and also to check if the label is on
the bottle. Using Checker ensures that quality control is improved
meaning better traceability and faster more reliable production. OTE
Group maintain high quality standards conforming to ISO standards for
filling and manufacturing and so they cannot afford to take chances.
Checker – reliable part detection even on high speed production lines:
Cognex vision sensors are the simple and affordable solution for
verifying the presence of product and packaging features. Essentially a
versatile "multi-sensor", a single Checker detects features that would
require multiple photoelectric sensors, or ... |
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Cognex introduces third generation
Checker Vision Sensor |
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Cognex
Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine
vision systems and vision sensors, has added the Checker® 3G series to
its award-winning Checker vision sensor product line. With simple setup,
integrated part detection, lighting, I/O and job change all in a rugged
IP67 housing, Checker 3G is the easy, reliable and affordable way to
verify all products or parts on the line. With Checker 3G, the user
chooses whether to configure the sensor as a presence sensor or
measurement sensor. Presence sensors verify that features are present.
Measurement sensors verify that features are the correct height, width
and/or diameter. In either mode, there is no limit to the number of part
features that a single Checker can “check”. Checker is also able to
detect and track over 6,000ppm in varying positions along the production
line, overcoming imprecise part positioning and delivering consistent,
precisely timed pass/fall results. No other sensor, vision sensor, or
vision system can do this. The new Cognex offering does not require a PC
for setup. Instead, the SensorView® Teach Pendant, with its unique
One-Click Setup™ technology, allows the user to set up jobs right on the
line and has them running in a matter of minutes. A single teach pendant
can be used to set up any number of Checker 3G sensors and can remain
connected for real-time application monitoring. ... |
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Find all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors & vision systems,
machine vision |
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The Next Level in Quality Control |
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EMX
Industries Inc., a manufacturer of sensors for automation,
introduces a line of sophisticated quality control sensors. These high
speed sensors measure relative: luminescence, contrast, opacity, and
brightness; of opaque and transparent colors. Speeds range from 2,000 to
40,000 parts per second. Vision sensors are sometimes just too much:
Most vision systems do their work as intended and are becoming more
affordable over time. As prices drop, there is the temptation to apply
vision in applications that are not optimal for vision system (over-kill.)
Since the sensors available until now were basic and not capable of
handling more demanding application requirements, this temptation can be
even stronger. EMX has introduced a series of sensors, that is
performance rich, and also amazingly easy to set up and maintain. These
sensors give “solution providers” a versatile tool in their box, that is
highly sophisticated compared to ordinary sensors in the industry. EMX
sensors are industry leaders in speed, versatility and reliability. EMX
in-line quality control sensors. The ColorMax, UVX, Britex, CNTX, and
OPAX series of sensors ... |
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Nissan saves time and money with Cognex
vision |
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Cognex:
At one of the most productive automotive manufacturing plants in Europe,
accuracy and reliability at all points on the production line are of
paramount importance. The issue Nissan faced was that the existing
mechanical centraliser could not cope with the new glass sizes for two
its key vehicles. The centraliser locates at six points around the edge
of the glass and consistently locates it to a known ’central’ location
in preparation for the next stage of the production process. Therefore
it was imperative that the new vision system would not only provide
accurate information for the two new models, but also that it would
adapt easily to future product developments. With these elements in
mind, Nissan approached Capley Marker who was chosen to supply the
system for a number of key reasons. They had previously installed 5
cameras at Nissan and converted a separate line to Cognex In-Sight
cameras; Nissan were extremely satisfied with the level of support
received through the existing relationship and finally, Capley is an
approved Cognex PSI (Partner System Integrator). The system was to be
supplied for use on the Nissan Micra and Note production lines. The key
project requirement was to determine the glass type on the line, which
could be 1 of 4 variants; Micra fixed side window right hand side ... |
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Tiny trace detection at high speed for
medical vials |
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A
major pharmaceutical manufacturer relies on Cognex In-Sight
vision as part of their inspection machines designed to inspect small
vials containing serum as well as detecting even the tiniest impurities
within the serum. The In-Sight 5603 proved the only solution for this
kind of sensitive high speed inspection. IPF Ingenieria are based in
Barcelona in Spain and manufacture special machines destined for high
profile industrial customers. One particular customer , Fresenius Kabi,
a global leader in infusion therapy and clinical nutrition, needed a
special machine capable of tackling the challenge of inspecting small
vials of serum. IPF provided them with a machine equipped with In-Sight
vision systems from Cognex as recommended and integrated by Cognex
partner, Edge Vision. In this application, In-Sight cameras were
installed to inspect the levels of liquid in vials of serum as well as
inspecting for impurities at a speed of ... |
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Balluff BVS-C Vision-Sensor, New product
line with configurator |
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Balluff
introduces a new product line in their series of proven BVS Vision
Sensors. In addition to the BVS-E series Vision Sensors, which can be
conveniently configured from a PC using the ConVis® software, the BVS-C
represents a second product line with separate Configurator. It is
especially suited for quick and easy retrofitting of machines and
equipment. The IP 54 rated BVS-C sensor is especially simple and quick
to use with its separate Configurator and 3.5” color display. The high
resolution color display permits continuous in situ status monitoring of
the sensor, with constant sensor function checking. Should any
deviations occur, these can be easily corrected using the Configurator.
The user selects one of seven different tools such as counting edges,
checking brightness, comparing contrast, OCV, detecting patterns and
monitoring positions. The ease of handling also comes to the fore when
more than one part needs to be inspected at frequently changing
intervals. Security is of course also taken into account. The current
settings can be protected.by a password. The Configurator does not need
a separate power supply, it is directly connected to the sensor for
power and data. Installation is possible on a DIN rail or in the control
panel. To install the Configurator with the proven Balluff Mounting
System an aluminum housing is also available. The BVS-C Vision Sensor... |
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Cognex expands inspection capabilities of
Checker Vision Sensors - Model 252 adds pass/fail inspection of height,
width, and diameter |
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Cognex®
Corporation (NASDAQ - CGNX), the world's leading supplier of machine
vision systems and vision sensors, 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. “With its unique screen caliper, the Checker
252 makes pass/fail measurement verification simple and reliable” said
Pascal Dorster, Vision Sensors Business Unit Manager. “Manufacturers in
many industries, such as automotive and packaging, can now verify
dimensions of parts with very low-contrast edges and solve a wide range
of measurement verification tasks not possible with photoelectric
sensors.” ... |
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Find all manufacturers and suppliers of
vision sensors & vision systems,
machine vision |
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MPC prevents assembly defects, improves
productivity with Cognex Checker vision sensors |
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Cognex:
Supplying parts to the world’s leading automotive companies leaves no
room for error. That’s why Miniature Precision Components Inc. (MPC)
uses three vision sensors to error-proof the automated assembly of
oil-caps at its Prairie du Chien, WI facility. With 41 molding machines
ranging in size from 25 to 550 tons, this 100,000 square-foot facility
employs about 450 people. MPC’s four manufacturing plants generate
approximately $167 million per year supplying the automotive and
commercial industries with high-quality injection-molded parts and
assemblies. Quality is a given at MPC. In fact, the manufacturer has
been a Ford Q1 preferred supplier since 1989, and has received numerous
supplier awards from the likes of GM, Nissan, Harley Davidson and
Chrysler. In addition to oil caps, the facility manufactures a host of
other thermoplastic parts and assemblies including PCV valves,
thermostat housings, and quick-connect ports for ... |
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Enhancements announced for Cognex
VisionView, Adjusting parameters without a PC on deployed In-Sight
vision systems is now possible |
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Versatility,
simplicity, and flexibility …. that’s VisionView™. This low-cost
operator display panel for Cognex In-Sight® vision systems has
been enhanced with an array of new features. It is now easier than ever
to monitor the production process and change vision system parameters
right on the factory floor…without a PC. Both engineers and production
line operators will benefit from the new software enhancements in
VisionView 1.1. Engineers can now create an operator interface from
within the In-Sight Explorer software by simply choosing the vision
system parameters they would like to display, and selecting those that
can be modified on the factory floor. A deployment interface is then
automatically generated by VisionView. Production line operators can now
quickly adjust the parameters of the In-Sight job, such as training new
parts or entering new lot codes, all via the password-protected
VisionView touch screen controls…without ever having to use a PC. This
saves valuable time, especially when changing over the line from making
one product to another. Password protection can be applied to critical
parameters so that only certain users are able to modify them,
preventing unauthorized interruptions to critical ... |
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Automatic optical inspection of SMD tapes |
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When
was the last time you had to wind your watch? The key to time-keeping in
world famous Swiss watches is most likely the tiny piece of quartz found
on the watch interior. When it comes to the production of watch
components, a high-quality vision system is required to inspect the
large numbers of precision components. At Micro Crystal in Switzerland,
the Cognex In-Sight 5401 inspects the packaging of ceramic
surface-mounted devices (or SMDs for short) which is home to the all
important oscillating quartz. These high-frequency mini tuning forks
(32,768 vibrations a minute) ensure constant frequencies and time
information in products all over the ... |
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Looking towards the South-East - Cognex
Opens Strategic Office in Vienna |
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Cognex, the world leader in vision systems, vision software, vision
sensors and surface inspection systems, opened a new strategic office in
Vienna on 30 May 2008. With its new sales centre, Cognex is
sending out a clear signal beyond Austria's borders to the markets of
Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. The company has its sights focused on
countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and
Romania. The new office will act as a link to Europe's centres of
technology, giving these countries better access to vision technologies.
The selection of Vienna as a location was thus also based on strategic
considerations. David Hinchliffe, District Sales Manager for Austria and
Eastern Europe, commented on the opening of the new office in Vienna,
"The growing markets in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe mean that the
channels required for knowledge transfer must be kept as short as
possible. Vision technology is today a core feature of all top-class
industrial automation structures and can play an important role in the
continued development of growth markets in Eastern Europe." He went on
to add, "We want to provide crucial support for this development
process". ... |
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