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Matrox 4Sight GP industrial computer delivers desktop-level performance, expansion, and embedded longevity

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:15:08 GMT

Matrox Imaging is announcing Matrox 4Sight GP, the 5th generation of its 4Sight family of industrial computers for machine vision and medical imaging applications.

Powered by an embedded 3rd generation Intel® Core processor, the Matrox 4Sight GP offers desktop-level performance, including real-time high-definition H.264 encoding offload, in a small ruggedized enclosure. The platform accommodates full-height, half-length PCIeÂ® boards, which lets developers insert standard add-in cards, like Matrox frame grabbers, for analog, Camera Link®, CoaXPress, DVI, or SDI video capture. Matrox 4Sight GP integrates Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 interfaces, to provide native support for capturing from GigE Vision® and upcoming USB3 Vision cameras.

“The Forklift Eye” – Research Project of TU Munich relies on Smartek Products

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:40:32 GMT

Researchers at the Institute of Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics (fml) have formed an industrial consortium and are developing a system for optimising transport processes using cameras and lighting control systems from SMARTEK.

The Institute of Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics (fml) at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Munich is working on the technical development of material flow systems and their control. In this field, there is a demand for transport devices to recognise information about the transport process by means of suitable sensors. Current developments in this area such as retrofitted sensors are very complex to integrate, are based on a great number of isolated solutions and are often technically impractical or not cost effective. This situation is hampering widespread use of sensors and complementary control concepts in flows of materials using forklift trucks. The IGF1“Forklift truck eye” research project provides a solution.

Integrating video cameras in material handling devices that are used for a broad range of applications, such as forklift trucks, will considerably improve the efficiency and safety of the material flow process. The current approach focuses on recognition of the fork load, lifting height, spatial position and load identification by means of barcodes.

The use of a GC2441M camera (5 megapixels, monochrome) with GigE Vision® (Gigabit Ethernet) interface on the forklift truck combines a great many sensor functions in a single sensor technology (see Figure 2). A software framework based on established image processing libraries is being developed for this purpose. In future, this will enable additional sensor functions to be incorporated in the same sensor technology with little expense, by means of a pipe-and-filter architecture. In this way, it will be possible to implement new and future sensor functions in the forklift truck through the combination of algorithms from the software libraries and image processing methods developed specifically for this purpose, with minimal hardware integration required.

Implementation

The use of image processing technologies as described above involves certain challenges: Firstly, forklift trucks may be used both in bright daylight or in dark warehouses. To achieve a high degree of insensitivity to ambient light, LEDs operated by an IPSC4-r2 lighting control system from Smartek are being used in the research project. The aim is to keep the number of cameras required to a minimum. This means that the lens must fulfil certain requirements as it must be able to perform the highest possible number of image processing tasks from the camera’s installation location, for objects of differing sizes and distances. Furthermore, the system as a whole is exposed to engine vibrations and shocks as the forklift truck is driven. Since the demo system must closely resemble a solution that is suitable for use in industry, the hardware components have been selected on the grounds of their technical function and quality, reliability and cost efficiency.

The image processing technology should be able to detect the following:

1. Fork load:
It is important for the camera to precisely distinguish the forks of the truck from the image background. If the forks are completely visible compared to the geometry previously taught to the sensors, they can be recognised as having the status “empty”. As the forks are generally steel grey, they do not show up particularly well against dark backgrounds, consequently the cameras must be able to record images with as much contrast as possible, whatever the lighting conditions.
2. Lifting height:
Research is focusing on two scenarios with different levels of complexity: Firstly, the lifting height should be roughly estimated, in order to detect the shelf which a load has been picked up from. Secondly, the forklift truck driver should be able to set a lifting height, which the truck will then autonomously adhere to by means of a camera-based control loop.
3. Determination of position in the room:
As well as determining the height, the system under development must also be able to continually track the position of the forklift truck using cameras. Here, the position is either ascertained from two-dimensional markers, or sophisticated algorithms are used to detect the orientation and motion of the forklift truck.
4. Load identification:
To enable the automatic tracking of the material flow, the load must be identified using one and two-dimensional codes. The challenge here is that the camera must be able to record the codes in sufficient resolution and contrast over a very wide viewing angle.

Specialist support

Framos GmbH has been involved in the project committee since mid-2011 as part of its support to this research project. The experience of the Framos experts in diverse industrial image processing applications and environments provides a valuable contribution to the selection of the optimum hardware and system design.
On completion of the research project at the end of 2013, the final software framework will be published as an open source solution. System integrators working on material handling devices will then be able to prepare a solution with minimal hardware integration, which is suitable for use in logistical material flow systems. Thanks to the open architecture, it will be possible to adapt and extend the sensor functions of a forklift truck in line with specific boundary conditions without using additional sensor technologies.

Contact persons:
- Dr.-Ing. Ronald Müller, r.mueller@framos.de
- Dipl.-Ing. Frank Hohenstein, hohenstein@fml.mw.tum.de
- Dipl.-Inf. Matthias Jung, jung@fml.mw.tum.de
- fml – Institute for Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics Technical University of Munich, www.fml.mw.tum.de

KL300 LED Light Source for Fibre Optics

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:07:52 GMT

Employing state-of-the-art technology, SCHOTT has developed and designed a single LED driven light source -the KL 300 LED is an innovative fiber optic light source which uses cold light to illuminate all types of objects in industrial and life science applications.

KL 300 LED features include:
-Fiber optic light source with single LED light engine -Brightness is equivalent to a 30-watt halogen cold light source -Compact housing can be attached directly to microscope stands or is usable as stand-alone -Continuous dimming (0-100%) with separate on/off switch -Convection cooling (no fan) -Wide-range power supply (100-240 V, 50-60 Hz) with international clip plug system -Outstanding price performance ratio

Olmec-UK Integrates Code Reading Systems At Healthcare Supplier

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:08:46 GMT

As part of its continued policy of investment in high-quality manufacturing processes, a leading healthcare product supplier has commissioned vision systems integrator Olmec-UK to develop and install turnkey code reading systems on 3 production lines.

The new code reading systems were introduced to improve efficiency in production by checking labels to eliminate those with partial print, missing print or smudged print before they are applied to the product. In order to accommodate the widely differing lot code demands and requirements worldwide together with numerous background label colours, Olmec developed a system based on an Omron SC2M 2 Megapixel colour camera connected to an Omron FZ-9 vision controller which enables the use of multi threading for high speed processing. The system quickly checks characters and label format by auto detecting the lot code location and then automatically sets itself up for the inspection.

The code reading systems offer fully validated character recognition, character verification and robust 2D data matrix handling and grading, and are capable of tasks ranging from simple verification through to GS1 and CIP13 conformance. The code to be read was illuminated using an on-axis light source. The code readers were housed in FDA-approved stainless steel and anodised aluminium enclosures with provision for simple camera position adjustment. A touch screen user interface allows fast and easy set-up of the system as well as access to an embedded user manual. Powerful facilities include image storage, statistical counting and batch reporting.

Olmec not only designed the code reader and user interface, but also worked in close collaboration with the coding and labelling systems supplier to ensure a seamless integration into the production line. On-line demonstrations were carried out as the project progressed to confirm that the performance of the system met the customer’s requirements.

Commisioning included close co-operation with the customer’s engineers on the Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) phases of the project with full documentation back-up, before handing over to them for the Performance Qualification (PQ) phase. In addition, Olmec has remote access to the systems via a VPN, for performance monitoring and remote trouble-shooting if it is ever required.

Multipix host HALCON 11 World Tour in UK

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:06:34 GMT

MultiPix will host the HALCON 11 World Tour in the UK, on the 22nd June at the Old Thorns Hotel, Liphook, Hampshire. With the launch of the latest version of HALCON Imaging Software, HALCON 11, MVTec will present an indepth look at the new features and an overview of this latest version. An educational day that really should be attended by existing HALCON users and anyone considering this world leading software. Special licencing deals, giveaways and lunch are all included. Register to attend at the Multipix website.

Very High Resolution cameras for Industrial applications from ISVI-CORP

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:34:25 GMT

ALRAD IMAGING is pleased to be able to offer very high resolution cameras from Industrial Sensor Vision International Corp (ISVI-CORP). This dynamic young company have their engineering and development division in Korea and the main camera assembly facility is in the USA. The company specializes in high resolution, high speed camera technology for the automation machine vision industry. ISVI-CORP has developed cutting edge camera technology to meet the needs of many machine vision applications.

Camera resolutions range from 5 Mega Pixels up to 25 Mega Pixels. All cameras have a CameraLink interface. The cameras are ideal for a range of industrial imaging applications.

Multipix launch latest NERLITE Smart Series lighting

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:40:32 GMT

The latest Microscan NERLITE Smart Series™ lighting is the perfect lighting solution for many machine vision applications. Getting your lighting correct within a vision system is paramount to its success. Now, latest technology gives you the Smart Series™, with a built-in controller to adjust intensity continuous mode and high output strobe mode for a complete and easily integrated solution. The series includes the SMART HI-BRITE area/floodlight illuminating small to large areas with LED lighting to provide a high intensity output. SMART DOAL lighting giving greater uniformity than conventional sources and increasing machine vision accuracy and repeatability. SMART Ring lights providing good image contrast for minimal investment.

MultiPix announce distribution agreement with Datalogic

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:27:57 GMT

Multipix are delighted to announced that they have entered into an agreement with Datalogic Automation, Italy, one of the major worldwide producers of automatic identification, detection and marking solutions for industrial automation.

"We are very excited to be able to offer our customers the range of ID readers and Vision Sensors from Datalogic. These products offer a complete range of industrial solutions for automatic identification. Thanks to the use of innovative technology solutions Datalogic are able to identify automatically, accurately and with absolute precision all types of labels, bar codes and 2D codes, applied in any position and orientation", comments Julie Busby.

See our website for full details on the product range

STEMMER IMAGING Open Day 12th June 2012 - "Your Day" to learn about the latest machine vision technologies

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:49:21 GMT

The STEMMER IMAGING Open Day 2012 will be held at our newly refurbished and expanded premises and will provide a unique opportunity in the UK to meet and discuss applications and technologies from the world™s leading Vision Technology providers in one location.

To celebrate SIUK™ 15th Birthday alongside STEMMER IMAGINGS™ 25th Birthday and to present our new facilities, STEMMER IMAGING is holding its first Open House Event. The Day is designed for you to mix and match seminars, master classes, discussions and live demonstrations we have named the event machine vision 'Your Day'. Probably the best place to meet more suppliers, see the latest technologies, and meet developers than any other UK event in 2012

Photonex London - Photonics Technology Roadshow 26 April 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:41:32 GMT

A free to attend London event: The first Photonex Roadshow.

This one day event brings together the UK’s top photonics technology supplier companies, leading researchers and invited speakers for a special one day event.

What's going on:
• There is the roadshow of 25 companies dedicated to optics, photonics and imaging technology
• View latest photonics applications and solutions
• See optical components, instruments & tools
• There is the conference all about the latest techniques
Remember photonics is an enabling technology - exhibitors develop solutions to satisfy your applications and it is only face-to-face that you can really find out how a company can help you in your work.
• There are tutorials and educational forums being presented by these companies and industry specialists
Attend free educational and learning opportunities:

Conference: Advances in photonic tools and techniques for the life sciences.

Photonics Tutorials: Latest photonics techniques and instrumentation.

If you have any questions, please call us on +44 (0)1372 750555 or email to info@photonex.org

The convenient C-Mount VeriSens® vision sensors with integrated flash controller and up to 2 MP resolution

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:17:25 GMT

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 easy integration and flexible system solutions. The C-Mount design introduces complete freedom of lens selection. 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®. CCD sensors with three different resolutions ranging from VGA to 2 megapixels are available with the VeriSens® XC series.

Scale coaxial LED illumination with small installation dimensions

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:51:35 GMT

LATAB introduces a new coaxial illumination for especially large surfaces.

The distinguishing feature of the coaxial light is the large light aperture of 145 x 145 millimetres with external dimensions of only 190 x 153 x 150 millimeters. This makes the lamp head one of the largest coaxial lighting heads available in the machine vision industry; it is however also suitable for small assembly dimensions.

The LED illumination of LATAB can be operated in both continuous and strobe mode - as is the case with all of the company's lighting heads. Brightness during strobe operation is up to 6 times higher. LATAB also offers matched controllers that were developed specifically for this illumination series.

Vision World’s Leading Trade Fair for Machine Vision 6th-8th November 2012

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:10:23 GMT

With 7,055 Visitors, of which, 36% came from abroad, Vision established itself once again as the leading trade fair for Machine Vision in 2011. There were 49 countries represented overall, with every fourth visitor travelling by plane. This is where the advantage to having such a great trade fair location becomes apparent, with the grounds directly beside Stuttgart Airport (5 minutes walk).

For more information or if you are interested in complimentary visitor passes please contact Chloe Watts on +44 (0) 1732 525920 or by email chloe@lincolnwest.co.uk

Come to the 4th Intelligent Imaging Programme event

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:25:05 GMT

The Imaging Sub-group of the Electronics, Sensors & Photonics KTN would like to invite you to the 4th edition of its flagship event, the Intelligent Imaging Programme on 26th April at the IET, Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL.

Imaging is ubiquitous in many important sectors (security, medical, life sciences, creative media, earth observation) and the UK has been at the forefront of advances in image capture, processing and display.

We have a wide range of presentations from industry and academia - these include:

Ken Mann, RapiScan
High-speed Stationary-Gantry Computed Tomography for Baggage Screening and Visualisation

Derek Hill, IXICO
Translating Academic Image Analysis Technology to the Clinical Trial Market and to Healthcare - With Alzheimer's Disease as an Exemplar

Kevin Walker, Image Metrics
From Hollywood Facial Animation to Consumer Interaction

Ralph Weir, Phase Vision
Advances in Structured Light Metrology for Manufacturing Composite Structures

Will Cavendish, Pufferfish Displays
A Dynamic Spherical Digital Image Display System

Will Stott, University College London
The Management and Analysis of Medical Image Archives

Oliver Grau, BBC Research
3D Imaging at the Olympics

David Hogg, Leeds University
Activity Analysis from Video

CoaXPress – High speed camera interface

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:02:57 GMT

High-resolution/high-speed digital cameras are taking on a critical role in military and aerospace applications as the industry strives to achieve real-time image acquisition requirements while meeting an ever increasing demand for more “pixels on target”. The bandwidth provided by the transport mechanism (i.e. the interface between the camera and host processor) often times becomes the limiting factor. Additionally, characteristics such as distance, latency, power, connectivity and reliability are considered equally as critical in many applications.

VeriSens® vision sensors for automation technology

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:54:24 GMT

VeriSens® vision sensors from Baumer set new standards of operating simplicity and dependability. The ranges of VeriSens® provide optimal solutions for various applications in packaging and quality assurance. The VeriSens® ID-110 reads all standard 1D/2D and GS1 codes and enables text and date parameters to be checked for correctness and legibility (OCR/OCV). All VeriSens® vision sensors are integrated into an industrially robust IP 67 metal housing and achieve high production rates by performing up to 3000 evaluations per minute. The uniform, intuitive operating software and extremely simple integration of the new VeriSens® series permit flexible operation during changing requirements and applications.

Board level cameras

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

New board level camera series offers great degree of freedom In many applications progress is measured by advancing miniaturization, so every cubic millimeter of installation space counts. The new MXG board level camera series from Baumer is the solution for applications that demand this high level of flexibility. The separate sensor board measures only 28.5 x 28.5 mm, hardly larger than a 2-Euro coin. It is connected to the system circuit board via flexprint. This allows the cameras to be individually integrated even into small installation spaces in almost any mechanical design. Storable user sets simplify camera integration, and the GigE standard interface with Power over Ethernet can be used to reduce integration and maintenance costs.

Multipix Imaging celebrates 15 year of vision excellence

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:49:57 GMT

In 2012 Multipix Imaging Ltd, machine vision specialists, celebrate 15 years of vision excellence. During this time Multipix has gained a reputation for superior service and support. Multipix remains a privately owned company with the commitment to educate and support the machine vision industry. As from day one, the aim is always to improve the UKâ€™s productivity and efficiency with the use of vision, whilst simultaneously promoting innovation.

Multipix offers a complete range of industrial vision components for todayâ€™s demanding applications and highly experienced support to ensure their customers achieve exceptional results.

Exceptional value University 3D Imaging Package

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:10:59 GMT

Multipix Imaging has secured exceptional manufacturer support to beable to offer universities the opportunity to invest in 3D imaging technology at a fraction of list price. Students can now gain first hand 3D technology experience to enable skills for future solutions.

The Package consists of a SICK Ranger camera measuring object shape (3D) at unmatched speed and quality at the same time as capturing other object features such as gray scale and laser scatter. 3D measurements provide knowledge about object height, shape & volume. To extend the capabilities we are also include the powerful HALCON 11 imaging software offering advanced 3D imaging analysis.

To complete the package we include the Inviso laser, prices start from Â£3,399

ULTRA FAST video acquisition with the BitFlow New Karbon-CXP Frame Grabbers incorporating CoaXPress

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:02:41 GMT

BitFlow have launched its Karbon-CXP line of frame grabbers, one of the world's first to incorporate the CoaXPress (CXP) standard for moving high-speed serial data from a camera to a frame grabber. The result is video acquisition at speeds up to 6 Gigabits per second, as well as the ability to send control commands and triggers at 20 Megabits per second - all over a single piece of 75 Ohm coaxial cable up to 135 meters. Additionally up to 13W of power can be transmitted to camera along the cable.

Xmark Media, in association with Imperial College, announces Photonex London, photonics technology roadshow: the first in a series of FREE regional technology events focusing on applications of photonics

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:43:38 GMT

Following on from numerous requests from industry, Organiser of Photonex, Xmark Media is organising a series of one day regional roadshows that facilitate face-to-face discussions with scientists and researchers who work with the latest tools and techniques in the world of photonics. The first meeting will be held at Imperial College, London on Thursday 26th April.

With over twenty years of hosting the annual national Photonex conference and
exhibition, Xmark Media is bringing a new concept to communications on photonics in the
form of a series of regional events which enables science and industry to discuss and
learn the latest developments in this resurgent technology sector.

The scientific program is being chaired by Dr Chris Dunsby, a joint lecturer between
Photonics, Department of Physics and the Division of Experimental Medicine in the
Department of Medicine at Imperial College. Dr Simon Schultz, senior lecturer in the
Department of Biomedical Engineering also at Imperial and Dr Pete Tomlins, of the
Centre for Diagnostic and Oral Sciences at Queen Mary, University of London. The theme
of the conference is focusing on the advances in photonics tools and techniques for the
life sciences.

In parallel to the scientific conference, there will be a series of tutorials to demonstrate
the latest photonics techniques available for scientists. These will follow the format so
well established at the main Photonex event which will again take place in October this
year at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

For information on both of these events, visit www.photonex.org where details of the
program and how to register will be available. Sign up now for this free opportunity to
broaden your knowledge in the world of photonics.

Latest PCIe Image Acquisition boards from MultiPix Imaging

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:14:51 GMT

Multipix bring news that Euresys renew the first products of the Picolo series, launching their new PCI Express versions of the popular PAL/NTSC image acquisition cards. The two new PCI Express cards are fully interchangeable with their PCI equivalents. The first of them, the Picolo PCIe acquires one or two composite or one S-Video video signals.

The Picolo PCIe is equipped with four TTL I/O lines and four video connectors: a BNC, an S-Video connector, a DB9 and an internal 10-pin header. Its small PCB size is compliant with the low-profile format and the card is delivered with a low-profile and a standard-profile bracket. This entry-level capture card is ideal for cost-sensitive single-camera applications in the fields of machine vision.

Network your Analogue cameras

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:01:41 GMT

Expand your GigE Vision video network to include Analogue cameras with the latest Pleora iPORT Analogue-Pro IP engine.

Multipix launch the compact and simple to integrate iPORT Analogue-Pro IP engine which allows for high-quality video from analogue cameras with low, predictable latency over Gigabit Ethernet (GigE). Able to encode analogue to digital video from up to two analogue cameras simultaneously, this video transmitter is ideal for system integrators looking to realise the benefits of networked video connectivity, whilst combining existing analogue cameras.

Ideally suited for any application that requires a networked camera system, the iPORT Analogue-Pro IP engines conform to GigE VisionÂ® and GenICamâ standards.

PHOTONEX 2012 - 17 - 18 October 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:59:45 GMT

Welcome to news of Photonex 2012!

We have had really positive feedback from last year’s Photonex. Ricoh Arena proved a popular choice with visitors and exhibitors alike. So, we are excited to announce the dates of Photonex 2012:
Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 October 2012 ♦ Ricoh Arena Coventry.

Early Bird offer - book your stand early

Stand sales are commencing with an offer to attract your early commitment: An early-bird 5% discount – available until 30th January. To secure your place, please complete the Stand Contract Form.

What's new this year!

Our marketing campaign to promote Photonex 2012 is all undertaken with the sole purpose of attracting good quality potential customers to the show and to your stand for face-to-face discussions. We achieve this through many different marketing methods. The best method of all is the recommendation by a third party saying that “you really should visit Photonex.” We have already built many links with trade groups and business networks. We have many sponsors and supporters, organisers of meetings and publishers who willingly promote Photonex because of what it is - the UK’s premier Photonics Event.

Continuing our successful Biophotonics initiative, we are going to be working with a new partner - the Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology. Based in Bristol, with the Institute has an impressive 1100 contact network of members, friends and colleagues. They will be working with us to bring many more visitors to the event. The IBST will organise a Biophotonics - Biomedical & Sensing programme linked to a dedicated exhibition cluster with its own branding., This dedicated exhibition is to be called Biomedical Sensing 2012.

We will be embracing social media this year and in recent weeks we have set up a Facebook page. Please ‘Like us’ and receive our updates!

Do you have any questions about the floorplan and the options available to you? Do you wish to discuss any aspect of the event? Why not call me today?

Kind regards,

Laurence Devereux
T: +44 (0)1372 750555 • E: ld@photonex.org

PHOTONEX 2012
Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 October 2012 • Ricoh Arena Coventry

Photonex web: www.photonex.org

New Embedded PC For Machine Vision Applications

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:27:42 GMT

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer the powerful fanless Adlink Matrix MXC-6000 Embedded-PC. The Intel® Core i7 2.0 GHz processor and Intel® QM57 chipset deliver a level of performance ideal for image and vision measurement and automation applications in areas as diverse as intelligent transport systems, factory control, test instrumentation, safety surveillance and building automation.

A rich I/O functionality includes two PCI slots or one PCI and one PCIe x4 slots, two Gigabit Ethernet ports and four external USB ports allowing the selection of the best possible camera for the application. Other I/O capabilities include one port for DVI-I (VGA + DVI-D), allowing the control of two independent displays and two RS232 ports plus two software-selectable RS232/422/485 ports.

All ports are mounted on the front panel for ease of use. An additional internal USB 2.0 port allows the deployment of license keys (dongles). 16 isolated I/Os support industrial controls. An eSATA port supports storage expansion or hot-swapping of SATA drives.

The fanless and innovative cable-free design provides excellent dependability in harsh environments, where severe temperature variation and vibration may exist. In addition, an optional hot-pluggable fan module is available to dissipate heat generated within the system should high power consumption PCI/PCIe cards be installed.

Cognex DataMan Take a Quantum Leap in Barcode Reading Performance

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:38:42 GMT

Cognex Corporation has announced its most advanced fixed-mount industrial ID reader ever created—the DataMan® 300. The DataMan 300 is designed to handle the most difficult ID code-reading applications on even the highest speed lines. These new readers dramatically increase barcode read rates and speed with a new 1DMax+™ algorithm, which incorporates groundbreaking new “Hotbars™” technology. For 2-D matrix and difficult-to-read DPM (Direct Part Mark) codes, reading performance has also been significantly improved from a major upgrade of 2DMax™ to the 2DMax+™ algorithm. With the DataMan 300, set up and deployment is even easier than before, with modular, controllable lighting options and a unique intelligent tuning system.

“It just reads. Period. The DataMan 300 can read any code we challenge it with,” said Carl Gerst, Vice President and Business Unit Manager, ID Products. “Besides unprecedented read rates, the DataMan 300 reader is our easiest to install and maintain, saving our customers time and money—two things they need to allocate to other areas of their operation in order to be successful.”

DataMan 300 series offers two models. The DataMan 300 provides standard resolution of 800x600 pixels and the DataMan 302 is the high resolution model at 1280x1024 pixels. The DataMan 302 is ideal for reading very small DPM codes on small components to ensure full part traceability—a trend for the automotive industry, for example.

Strong-performing code-reading algorithms have been advanced, taking a quantum leap beyond the current best-in-class technology. 1DMax+ with patent-pending Hotbars technology is a breakthrough in image-based barcode reading. Invented by Cognex’s 31-year veteran Bill Silver, Hotbars uses texture to locate barcodes at any orientation, and then extracts high-resolution 1-D signals for decoding. With a solid mathematical foundation and meticulous assembly language programming, Hotbars combines superior signal fidelity with lightning speed, giving the next generation of Cognex DataMan readers unprecedented performance. The 2-DMax+ algorithm is also an upgrade from existing 2DMax technology offering tremendous enhancements in handling damaged codes at high line rates and poorly marked or extremely damaged codes. Both algorithms allow for the highest read rates possible.

In another leap, the DataMan 300 series offers the flexibility of integrated and controllable modular lighting and optics. The user can purchase just one model and choose the appropriate lens for their required working distance and field of view. The controllable, field changeable lighting modules allow the user to create the best possible lighting for their part, ensuring optimal read rates.

Because 2-D DPM code reading is inherently difficult due to the normal manufacturing processes that parts undergo, the DataMan 300 adds a new tuning feature to help form the best possible image of each part. This intelligent tuning technology automates the settings of the integrated lighting to find the optimal light setup for the part making the DataMan 300 the most advanced DPM reader on the market.

For more information about the DataMan 300 series of fixed-mount ID scanners, visit www.cognex.com/300.

12 MPixel High Speed CameraLink Cameras From STEMMER IMAGING

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:36:40 GMT

The new Falcon2 series of CameraLink cameras from Teledyne DALSA, now available from STEMMER IMAGING, offers frame rates of up to 168 frames per second with 4 MPixel resolution for high speed imaging. A 12 MPixel resolution model offers a frame rate of 58 frames per second – the highest frame rate currently available at this resolution.

Featuring the same improved-performance CMOS sensors used in Teledyne DALSA’s Genie TS cameras, the series is composed of three GenICam compliant high performance models with the CameraLink interface. True global shuttering removes unwanted smear and time displacement image artifacts, making Falcon2 cameras ideally suited to applications where throughput, resolution and dynamic range matter. These include automated optical inspection for electronics manufacturing, semiconductor wafer inspection and flat panel display inspection, as well as solar panel inspection.

The Falcon2 series feature in-camera image pre-processing providing flat field correction. An extensive feature set includes programmable exposure time and frame rate via the CameraLink interface or by external hardware signals, and selectable aspect ratios (4:3 and 1:1). All three models are housed in a remarkably compact, rugged and thermally efficient body, so they need no external cooling system.

Ultra Compact USB 3.0 Camera Available From STEMMER IMAGING

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:35:07 GMT

The ultra compact (29 x 29 x 29 mm) uEye CP camera from IDS has been added to STEMMER IMAGING’s extensive industrial vision camera portfolio. Featuring the USB 3.0 interface, the uEye CP benefits fully from the 9 year pedigree of IDS in the manufacture of USB-technology cameras, with data transfer at rates faster than GigE cameras and over distances of more than 10 metres. Three sensors, ranging from VGA to 5 Megapixel resolution, are available in the range.

The new USB 3.0 interface, which is also called SuperSpeed USB, offers high speed data transfer rates of 400 MegaByte/s, making the camera ideally suited to a wide range of data rich applications. This is a tenfold increase in data transfer rate compared to USB 2.0 and around 4 times the speed of the GigE interface. Data transmission distances of more than 10 metres can be achieved using standard industrial cables.

USB 3.0 is downward compatible and so can be used in existing USB 2.0 systems. The USB 3.0 uEye CP camera family also benefits from the proven IDS software package for Windows and Linux with 32/64 bit drivers, thus allowing simple and easy implementation and ensuring mixed operation of USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and GigE cameras without having to change any settings.

The new camera has a host of useful features. A 12-bit lookup table and hardware gamma correction provide brightness control, while the 12-bit colour depth offers an increased level of detail compared to the usual 8 bit by a factor of 16. Hardware based data preprocessing is also provided as standard.

The camera is perfectly suited to industrial applications, with its mini USB 3.0 connector and light weight (less than 45g thanks to its magnesium housing). It offers trigger and flash as well as two General Purpose I/O, which can also be changed into a serial interface (RS232) for easy triggering or control of peripheral devices. Power is supplied via the USB bus so there is no need for an additional power cable.

12 Megapixel GigE Cameras Added To STEMMER IMAGING Range

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:28:23 GMT

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer the new Genie TS range of GigE cameras from Teledyne DALSA. Powered by the latest image sensors including Teledyne DALSA's own advanced monochrome CMOS sensors, the Genie TS family offers resolutions from 5 megapixels up to 12 megapixels, all with true global shutter functionality for crisp, smear-free high-speed imaging.

While ideally suited to a wide-range of industrial applications including semiconductor, electronics, food, packaging and other manufacturing and assembly processes, the Genie TS is also the first machine vision camera platform engineered for Intelligent Traffic/Transportation Systems (ITS) applications. The camera boasts the widest, most powerful feature set ever found in a GigE camera.

The Genie TS provides a remarkable dynamic range which is particularly important in optimising image capture from sun-to-shade in traffic applications. Integrated features such as motorised lens control with image-to-image aperture, zoom and focus functionality, auto iris, image compression, image transfer-on-demand, and both RS-485 and RS-232 ports, are all built into a tough compact body of only 49 x 49 x 54 mm. A GigE Vision compliant, direct to PC, interface makes high speed data transfer and multi-camera networks easy to deploy.

The first three cameras of this series are the Genie TS-M4096, with 4096 x 3072 pixels running at 10 frames per second; the Genie TS-M3500 with 3520 x 2200 pixels and 15 frames per second and the Genie TS-M2500 with 2560 x 2048 pixels and 24 frames per second.

Cognex Introduces the First Wireless Industrial ID Barcode Reader with Ethernet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:26:32 GMT

Cognex Corporation today announced a new wireless version for its next-generation DataMan® handheld industrial ID scanner, the DataMan 8000 series. The new wireless communication module and base station with Cognex Connect™ capabilities is now available for users with extended range cord free code reading applications. Cognex Connect provides the most flexibility for communicating via Industrial Protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, MC Protocol and others in addition to traditional support for USB and RS-232. The DataMan 8000 series is the only industrial handheld ID reader to support industrial protocols for both corded and cordless models, allowing for easy integration, reduced installation costs and remote access to diagnostics.

The new wireless reader provides a long working range—up to 100m—with a large memory capacity for reading codes when offline or out of range. The base station comes standard with a spare battery charger built in and is compatible with industry standard Ethernet, USB and RS-232 cables.

Common to all DataMan 8000 series models is the system’s unique modular design allowing any reader to change between corded RS-232/USB communication to Industrial Ethernet or to wireless with field exchangeable interface modules. The communication modules offer security for customer investment as well as flexibility enabling users to modify their deployment and communication methods to meet future requirements. The base station for the wireless model is equipped with separate communication ports for USB, RS-232 and Ethernet options making it the most versatile choice in the series.

The rugged DataMan 8000 series is designed for the factory floor and offers the industry’s most advanced code reading technology using two powerful algorithms, 1DMax™ and 2DMax™. These patented technologies provide the most advanced decoding available for reading virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates, regardless of size, quality, printing method or surface. The DataMan 8000 series also offers liquid lens variable focus technology which allows a user to read small 2-D direct part marks (DPM) as well as long linear 1-D barcodes with a single reader.

“This addition to our DataMan 8000 series makes it truly the most flexible and advanced handheld reader out there,” said Carl Gerst, Vice President and Business Unit Manager, ID Products. “We are happy to provide a cordless reader that has unique features in addition to the incredible functionality that is standard for all DataMan 8000 readers like reading robustness, advanced lighting and optics and field interchangeable communication modules.”

The DataMan 8000 series is available in two base models:

DataMan 8500
The DataMan 8500 readers incorporate patented UltraLight® technology from Cognex for superior image formation on any mark type and surface. UltraLight illumination provides dark field, bright field and diffuse lighting all in one electronically controlled light.

DataMan 8100
The DataMan 8100 includes all of the features of the DataMan 8500 readers, with bright field illumination. The DataMan 8100 readers are ideal for applications that require superior code reading performance without specialty lighting.

For more information about the DataMan 8000 series of industrial handheld ID scanners, visit www.cognex.com/8000.

STEMMER IMAGING To Distribute Smart Vision Lights In Europe

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:22:47 GMT

STEMMER IMAGING has become a master distributor for the European market for the range of machine vision illumination systems from U.S. supplier, Smart Vision Lights (SVL). SVL is a leader in developing and manufacturing high current LEDs machine vision lights, with an intelligent driver in every light.

SVL’s portfolio includes LED spot and line lights, backlights and ringlights, and models with diffuse light. Smart driver technology provides a constant current to every light allowing operation in continuous or strobe mode. This provides particularly easy integration into the STEMMER IMAGING range of BOA smart cameras from Teledyne DALSA.

Mark Williamson, Director – Corporate Market Development at STEMMER IMAGING, said: “We are delighted to increase our portfolio of illumination products with the range of LEDs from Smart Vision Lights. The STEMMER IMAGING engineering team is continuously testing product combinations and applications so that customers can be provided with independent advice on what combination of components will be best suited to their application. By validating each component we allow the user to develop solutions with out worrying about the technology, so the excellent compatibility of the Smart Vision Light range with other products we offer was an important consideration.“

SVL’s OverDrive™ range of LEDs feature the unique SafeStrobe technology, which applies safe working parameters to ensure the LEDs are not damaged by driving them beyond their limits. The OverDrive™ series provides repeatable intensity control and pulsing by using a microprocessor to watch and control the power to the LEDs for safe operation.

Models with ratings up to IP68 as well as lights that offer structured light for triangulation applications complementary to laser lights are also available.

Laser Line Range Sensor

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:19:51 GMT

Leuze electronic’s present their innovative Line Range Sensors which use a laser line equivalent to a cascade of 376 sensors to detect presence and shape. Examples; filling and overfill detection, or presence checking of the correct number of products on a conveyor, or machine infeed.
The sensor which is programmed on a PC, uses Boolean logic to monitor various aspects to decide which of four 24v outputs to switch – The sensor can be demonstrated and used within the first 30 minutes of coming out of the box, making it ideal for machine builders and end-user applications.
Leuze electronic, the sensor people can help solve sensing, vision and safety applications and in this instance help machines see in the dark.

Business Secretary Vince Cable Praises UK Wide Talent Retention Solution

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:06:19 GMT

Business Secretary Vince Cable met Allan Cook, Chairman of the Skills and Jobs Retention Group yesterday, together with representatives from BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and Nissan.
The Group has created the Talent Retention Solution (TRS), a website that holds details of engineering staff at risk of redundancy and vacancies in the engineering sectors. This is good news for engineers looking for work, for companies looking to recruit and for the UK as a way of retaining vital skills for the benefit of growing sectors in engineering such as aerospace, automotive, renewables, marine and nuclear.

UK Manufacturing to Benefit from Jobs Created by Robots

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:01:22 GMT

Who would have thought it - Robots being responsible for job creation? It has been demonstrated repeatedly that automation and robotics increase productivity and efficiency and growth. The Automating Manufacturing Programme, funded by Government aims to increase the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, which will create growth and in turn result in greater employment.

The latest study conducted by the market research firm, Metra Martech Positive Impact of Industrial Robots on Employment published recently by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in Tokyo, demonstrates that 3 million jobs have been directly created in recent years by the use of robots and a further 1 million positions estimated globally by 2016.

Mike Wilson Chairman of the British Automation and Robots Association (BARA) said "This is great news for British manufacturing. The IFR study highlights the importance of robotics to the future growth of UK industry and the jobs it will create as a result. The recently launched government funded Automating Manufacturing Programme is providing assistance to companies looking to use automation to improve competitiveness and drive growth." He concluded "Together we can make UK manufacturing the best in the world and create the jobs that our country needs."

The report found that between 2000-2008, manufacturing employment increased in nearly every major industrialised country, even as the use of industrialised robotics increased sharply. This trend is now being seen in China, Brazil and other emerging markets as they rapidly increase their use of robotics. In Brazil, the number of robots almost quadrupled during the study period with both production and employment rising by over 20%.

The report also highlighted 3 areas of importance with respect to growth in this market:

• Robots carry out work that is unsafe for humans
• Robots carry out work that is not viable in a high wage economy
• Robots carry out work that would be impossible for humans

One of the case studies cited was the company Odense Steel Shipyard in Denmark - an excellent example of robots saving jobs in a high wage economy. Shipbuilding in Europe has been in decline in the last 2 - 4 decades but robots have been key to efficiency savings to Odense. The company has invested in an autonomous, robotic arc welding system that has yielded big dividends. Productivity increased six fold when compared with manual welding, speeded up production time and made quality improvements, whilst also protecting the jobs of the qualified welders.

The Government is providing, through the PPMA Group, up to £600,000 of funding to promote automation in UK manufacturing. Chief Executive Officer of the PPMA group Chris Buxton commented "we are delighted that the Government has put its full weight behind a programme that recognises the importance of automation in UK industry and the positive effect this has for growth and employment."

To apply for a government funded Automating Manufacturing review that involves a totally independent automation and robotics specialist visiting premises to conduct a confidential review and advise where automation can assist, increase productivity and drive growth - contact grant.collier@ppma.co.uk.
http://www.automatingmanufacturing.co.uk/

Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) classroom trainings scheduled for April 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:17:35 GMT

Register for MIL training before the end of February and save 20% on tuition Matrox Imaging is offering classroom training on the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) processing tools and the MIL/MIL-Lite environment, April 16-20, 2012, at its Montreal, Canada headquarters.
"Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) Processing" is an intensive 3-day course, which explains how to select the best image processing tools for an application and demonstrates how to use them to their full potential. Created especially for the first time user, "Introduction to the MIL/MIL-Lite Environment" is a 2-day course which includes a general overview of the library.
Participants who register before March 1, 2012, will benefit from saving 20% on the cost of tuition.

STEMMER IMAGING extends CVC GigE camera range

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:53:26 GMT

Following on from the highly successful launch of its CVC GigE camera range STEMMER IMAGING has now released new HD models for a wide variety of applications and markets. The CVC cameras combine advanced consumer camcorder technology with an industry standard interface in a compact, feature rich package.

STEMMER IMAGING To Host 3D Machine Vision Technology Day

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:00:59 GMT

STEMMER IMAGING is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a 3D Machine Vision Technology Day at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, Surrey, UK on February 29, 2012, as part of its European Imaging Academy Programme. The full day event is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of 3D machine vision technology, the markets and possible applications.

Matrox Radient eV-CXP CoaXPress (CXP) frame grabber debuts at Vision 2011

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:14:23 GMT

Field proven design and CXP interface offer high-performance image capture solution At Vision 2011, Matrox Imaging announced the Matrox Radient eV-CXP, a cost-effective CoaXPress (CXP) frame grabber derived from the original Matrox Radient family. By combining a field proven design with the new CXP interface, the Matrox Radient eV-CXP offers a dependable high-performance image capture solution.

The Matrox Radient eV-CXP provides four independent CXP links through the required BNC connectors. This allows for simultaneous capture from up to four cameras each running at different CXP speeds. For high-bandwidth applications, the frame grabber can also capture from a single camera transmitting image data at up to 25 Gbps using link aggregation