THERMAL IMAGING & VISION SYSTEMS FEATURE M
achine vision is capable of carrying out quality inspection,
measurement, counting of product features, etc. – such tasks that humans can fail at. The technology, however, was founded on three technologies: optical scanning; visual image capture; and the combination of scanning and image processing in one unit, which can further be integrated with binary code scanning for identification purposes. Following this were devices that can be integrated seamlessly thanks to open communications platforms, such as SICK’s 4DPro. The most appropriate instrument can, therefore, be selected for a data reading or product imaging task with the reassurance that the data output will directly contribute to factory control without mistranslations or degradation.
AN EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY In recent years, the ability of machines to capture, extract, process and communicate data from visual images has leapt forward. In particular, processing power has exploded, packed into ever-smaller devices, and factory communication gateways have opened up for greater connectivity in the rush towards Industry 4.0. An example is the development of
entry-level ‘plug-and-play’ 3D vision sensors, which combine smart camera technology and processing software to deliver real-time 3D quality inspection ‘out-of-the-box’. The SICK TriSpector 1000 can be set up
(using SICK’s SOPAS software interface) without the need to write bespoke programs, yet it has all the functionality needed for quality control inspection under high-speed industrial conditions. This allows it to check presence, position, labels, contents and absence, dimensioning and height, orientation and fill levels, and is tolerant of product positioning on the conveying line.
ONE SOLUTION Imaging devices now span the whole spectrum from 1D, 2D and 3D, offering scalable and affordable solutions to suit each application. Now, however, several capabilities can be combined in one system: a single device that reads a barcode and an alpha numeric code, as well as verifying the readability of the label on a pharmaceutical or food product (such as the SICK Lector 620 OCR); or 3D profiling and 2D colour contrast scanning to perform several inspection functions in parallel with a single smart camera (such as using the Sick ColorRanger with Multiscan). Sometimes, instead of a full image sensor, a product profile can be built up
SMART SOLUTIONS
Machine vision is
capable of carrying out repetitive tasks, such as quality inspection, measurement, counting and so on
Vision technology has advanced greatly, enabling its use for an even wider range of applications, says Neil Sandhu, SICK UK’s national product manager for imaging, measurement & ranging
through 2D laser scanning images and be all that is needed for an application. For example, smart 2D scanners (such as SICK’s Profiler 2) combine sensor and evaluation in a single, easy to mount unit, without the need for an amplifier, monitor or another device needing additional cabling. Its built-in core algorithm enables a system to identify known objects within an image independent of their position, rotation and size. The addition of intelligent processing power to sensors, making them ‘Smart’, is one capability that is revolutionising scanning and camera technologies, by enabling on-board data processing with IO-link enabled factory communications. The result is locally-distributed processing power that helps eliminate data communications bottlenecks between the devices and control systems.
32 VISION 3D Smart vision is used in high speed inspection of consumer goods such as deodorant containers, which are mass produced in a wide range of colours and configurations. Despite the packaging lines herding the containers in a metre line abreast to the bulk shipping packs, the SICK IVC-3D Smart Vision uses its advanced algorithms to check for damage and verify that the right number and can type is being
packed for each destination. Another example is global brands such as chewing gum – where maintaining exactly the same dimensions to ensure that the product made in one continent appears identical to any other is a critical factor. Here, an IVC-3D Smart Camera not only ensures the quality is maintained but identifies pack position for pick and place packaging operations. In vehicle production, a range of
fastening technologies is used for speed, strength and value, including high strength adhesives. Inspection of such robot-applied adhesives must ensure the high quality application of difficult-to-see coatings. To overcome this, the SICK PIM60 LUT with UV LED illumination and sensing allows fluorescent components of the adhesive to be detected and inspected for evenness and location. A similar SICK expertise is employed to inspect the quality of adhesives used to make medical instruments out of translucent materials such as glass and perspex. In fish processing, meanwhile, the
SICK ColorRanger on board trawlers allows cuts of fish for freezing to be 3D assessed for height and 2D scanned for contrast at the same time, delivering the best yields and fish quality achievable.
SICK T: 01727 831121
INSTRUMENTATION | NOVEMBER 2016 39
“The addition of intelligent processing power to sensors, making them ‘Smart’, is one capability that is revolutionising scanning and camera
technologies, by enabling on-board data processing with IO-link enabled factory communications”
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