Intelligent Vision Sensors for quality control Optical Object Examination without Expertise
Intelligent image processing sensors are specialized in certain optical tests such as shape verification, object / model comparison and code reading. Because human eyes get tired to quality control the sensors enable good manufacturing processes while reducing possible defective goods.
Additionally, the Vision Sensors help us to avoid shutdown times caused by missing parts.
Thanks to the built-in model-reading feature, our new, intelligent system is easy to install and to train - even in a rough environment.
In typical cases, the Vision Sensors are used for examination of screws, pins, injection moulding parts, pharmaceutical products and pastries while transmitting the items onto the vibration conveyors, conveyors, work piece holders, by-pass systems and grip arm units.
The new Vision Sensor Simatic VS 120 of Siemens AG examines the objects regarding correctness, integrity and the position on the conveyor.
The position recognized is recorded on the x/y coordinate system by indicating the angle of rotation.
Over the integrated Profibus interface, the items are transmitted to the automation system.
Vision Sensors are suitable for stand-alone applications in order to make the good / bad decisions.
Integrated digital outputs can be directly connected e.g. with pneumatic valves in order to discharge defective parts.
Additionally, the system is suitable for use as a Robot Vision:
The Vision Sensor informs a robot on the position of the item so that the robot can grip the item correctly and mount it in the right position.
Simatic VS 120 comprises a sensor head (camera), a lighting unit and a plotting device. The sensor head - accommodated in a compact, robust housing (IP 65) - can be easily mounted into the plant.
Attached ring lighting is installed on the same side with the camera in order to light up the test item (top illumination procedure).
 The Vision Sensor Simatic VS 120 is not programmed but simply trained. By presenting one or several samples, the device learns to execute its tasks independently. Training takes place either by using the keys of the plotting device or by using remote controlling. Over the Profibus interface, the device communicates the degree of the conformity with the item learned versus the active object to be checked. Unless all characteristics shall be compared, it is possible to define various regions of interest. As a result, search and evaluation can be reduced to important characteristics only. This means that irrelevant regions e.g. brilliant spots can be dimmed out as variable characteristics. Over the integrated Ethernet interface, images can be transferred to a Web Client (PC with installed Web Browser or personal digital assistant / PDA) which makes it easier to adjust camera and lighting correctly. Thanks to the Web Client, there are several ways to adjust important parameters regarding more complex scenarios. At the production stage, the Client is not used any more.
The Vision Sensor Simatic VS 120 is available as a package including all components needed for the operations. There are three different sensor heads to be used for checking test items of different sizes. Dependent on the object, up to 20 items per second can be examined at transportation speeds up to 250mm/sec.
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