Product category:
Vision and scanning systems
News Release from: Cognex UK | Subject: In-Sight machine vision colour cameras
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 June 2005
Machine vision copes with product
changes
Traditional sensors did not allow easy system modification should a new part need to be identified, but a machine vision system can adapt quickly and easily to production line changes.
With the ever-increasing need for finely-tuned production lines, manufacturers often look to upgrade their systems in line with technological advances in order to achieve maximum operational output At the Johnson Controls plant in Leamington Spa, UK, a production line for the automotive industry was using traditional sensors and it was proving difficult to modify the system should a new part be required
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Therefore the need arose for a system which could adapt quickly and easily to periodic part structure changes.
Bytronic - a Cognex System Integrator - won the contract to provide a fully integrated turnkey solution, including all hardware and software.
Working through the successful System Integrator scheme, a number of Cognex's high performance cameras were selected to ensure the accuracy required would be achieved.
Further reading
Complex vision technology in an affordable unit
Cognex have introduced the In-Sight 2000, an entirely new type of industrial machine vision sensor at a cost usually associated with "smart cameras"
Vision systems retrofitted like CNC
Special purpose machine tools and assembly systems, with Cognex machine vision systems as an integral part, are being supplied to the automotive industry by Douglas Curtis Machine Tools
The new system is designed specifically for an application consisting of a car's overhead console with map lamps, microphone, sunroof control, alarm ultrasonics, and a Homelink garage door opener.
The primary objective is to ensure the hand assembled parts are produced in the correct variant of a possible 49.
In addition to these possible part variants, the console is also available in three different shades of beige: oatmeal, dove and champagne.
Therefore, additional checks are required to ensure the correct colours have been assembled together.
These crucial checks are carried out at three separate inspection stations, equipped with two Cognex In-Sight 1000 cameras and one In-Sight 1000C colour camera.
These high performance vision systems inspect each part variant and colour to ensure the correct sequence is used to assemble each overhead console.
This integrated production solution uses pattern find, histogram and colour histogram tools to identify the parts and the specific colours.
As each part is assembled manually, the Cognex In-Sight cameras are linked to industrial touch screen PCs via Ethernet, and the screen displays step-by-step instructions and pictures to assist in assembly.
The operator interface is achieved using software which monitors all barcode variations and sets up the individual tests.
This software is also used both to read test results from the cameras and control inputs and outputs.
The new system is both faster and more reliable than the old sensor-based system and the main advantages have proved to be when part changes are introduced to the system.
Now, just a simple software change is required instead of a major mechanical change to fit additional sensors.
This means that changes to the production process can be implemented more quickly, reliably and cost-effectively, helping to increase production throughput and minimise costs. Request a free brochure from Cognex UK ...
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