Sensors

    Sept. 4, 2003
    Vision sensors are getting more attention as industry searches for ways of speeding production. High-sensitivity measurement techniques take on sensor outputs in the microvolt range.
     

     

    Now see this!

    FireWire-based
    machine vision puts
    multiple cameras online.

    Coordinating cameras, controllers, frame grabbers, and output can be a challenge, especially for applications with multiple cameras.

    The Compact Vision System from National Instruments, Austin, Tex., promises to simplify things. It melds powerful LabView software with low-cost, multicamera machine-vision systems. For instance, developers can connect a small, lightweight remote head camera for harsh industrial environments, a high-resolution megapixel camera for gauging small objects, and a low-cost monochrome camera for optical character recognition.

    Three IEEE 1394 FireWire ports connect to a variety of imaging sensors including Sony and Basler cameras. Each camera shares a portion of the 400 Mbits/sec bandwidth. Developers choose camera resolution and speed to match the application. Compact Vision is compatible with NI Vision Builder Automated Inspection software that builds inspection systems with a point-and-click interface. LabView handles more customized applications.

    The system includes 15 digital inputs, 14 digital outputs, RS-232, and Ethernet connections. More than 20 NI FieldPoint distributed I/O measurement modules can interface with PLCs and motion controllers.
    A VGA connection permits the monitoring of results in real time. The system runs off a 24-Vdc power supply, operates over a temperature range of 0 to 55°C with no fans or external vents, and has 128 Mbits of DRAM and 32 Mbits of nonvolatile memory.

    The CVS-145x Series vision system from National Instruments sports three FireWire camera inputs for handling a variety of machine-vision tasks.

     

    About the Author

    Leland Teschler

    Lee Teschler served as Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design until 2014. He holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan; a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan; and an MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.

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