Feature Materials Handling
Increased quality with reduced costs I
nspection is an intrinsic part of the materials handling process. The Balluff BVS Vision Sensor family includes a model for detecting and identifying 1-D codes (barcode) and 2-D codes (data matrix). The BVS-E Identification reads the commonly found codes and can even verify texts and number sequences. It reads multi- ple codes in one pass and works reli- ably under challenging conditions such as with directly imprinted parts. BVS vision sensors are equipped on the software side with a variety of tools for performing multiple inspec- tion functions simultaneously or in rapid succession. A vision sensor can replace several standard sensors and easily switch from one inspection to another. This saves hardware costs and constant setup when products are changed. The same is true of the BVS- E Identification which has been designed for reading and detecting barcodes and data matrix codes. Outwardly they do not differ signifi- cantly from the BVS-E Standard and BVS-E. The construction similarity means that when inspection tasks change or different combinations of inspection and checking are required, a uniform series of devices can be used. Interchangeable, they make use of the same line of accessories from connection cable to mounting brackets to auxiliary lights, leading to cost saving benefits for the user.
As simple as a sensor
Credit card-sized Balluff vision sen- sors are generally available with built- in processing electronics, lighting and digital outputs. Once configured they run autonomously.
The results: Inspection OK or Inspection NOK are, in the case of the BVS-E Identification available directly on the digital outputs. If the code data which was read is required this can be output via RS232 or through an Ethernet interface. This makes it possi- ble to trace which parts have been processed. The range of readable codes includes in terms of barcode the popu- lar Interleaved 2-of-5, Code 39, Code 128, Pharmacode, Codabar, and EAN 8 to EAN 13 UPC-E. Using OCV even texts or number sequences can be veri- fied based on learned pixel patterns.
Distinguished read performance The BVS-E Identification shows its special ability when reading multiple
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Vision sensors from Balluff provide a high degree of reliability in challenging conditions, helping users to improve product quality while reducing hardware and set up costs in materials handling applications
light source or to replace the inte- grated light when the application requires an infrared or white light. With their high-brightness LEDs, ring lights provide virtually shadow-free, high intensity illumination. They are especially useful when the distance between the BVS and the target code is greater than 300 mm. Thanks to their brightness they suppress the effects of varying ambient light. The right light and vision sensor are attached and aligned using the specially designed Balluff mounting system.
Further optional light types include line, spot and dark field designs. Background illumination is used in special applications for code reading.
codes simultaneously. This feature is often used in applications where in addition to barcode, data matrix code and plain text marking are used. Since Balluff vision sensors can read 1-D and 2-D codes as well as multiple codes in a single inspection they save repeated read cycles and eliminate the need for several sensors. Their outstanding read performance is boosted by the 360° locator tool; products and labels do not have to be exactly aligned, vastly simplifying system design. BVS-E Identification sensors handle reading of direct imprinted codes with outstanding reliability. Such markings can often represent a special challenge, for example when they are applied to cast materials or on reflective surfaces. Even in these applications the sensors operate reli- ably due to the sophisticated algo- rithms used and in the fact that the sensor requires a smaller number of pixels than with traditional devices to recognise the individual symbol ele- ments (points) in data matrix code.
Optimal light
What also optimises process reliability in certain applications is individually tailored lighting. This maximises the contrast between good and bad features. The BVS-E Identification is equipped with an internal incident light source (red LED). To supplement or replace the built-in light, various external lights are offered in the BVS accessory line including red light, white light or infrared. One type often used in code reading is the ring light. This is used as an auxiliary incident
BVS-E Identification sensors handle reading of direct imprinted codes with outstanding reliability
Operation in three steps Integrating BVS-E Identification in automation applications regardless of whether existing or new equipment is simple. Operation and startup are han- dled using the free, easy-to use ConVis software used with all BVS-E models. The first step is to connect the vision sensor to a PC through an Ethernet port. The integrated software assistant then guides the user through success- ful configuration. Brightness and the lighting setting as well as the desired inspection features are determined using a simple teaching procedure. Then the output signals are config- ured. Using the tool for code detection, barcodes or data matrix codes within the field of view are quickly read. In the last step the code reading is checked on the screen. Here adjust- ments or corrections can be easily made. The entire process is guided and requires no knowledge of pro- gramming language or training.
Summary
The BVS-E Identification extends the versatility of vision sensors to code detection and identification. Using the mature technology from a proven sensor family even the most challeng- ing conditions can be handled eco- nomically and reliably.
Users of EPLAN CAD and CAE soft- ware can download the macros for the BVS Vision Sensors from the Balluff website at no charge and use drag-and- drop for 1-D and 2-D code detection, reducing costs and increasing quality.
Balluff T: +44 (0)161 282 4700
www.balluff.co.uk
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 Materials Handling & Logistics
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