STEMMER IMAGING, Europe’s largest independent supplier of vision technology and services to OEMs, system integrators and reseller markets has considerable experience in 3D imaging using laser triangulation methods and has worked with a number of companies to integrate the technique into a wide variety of applications. A short video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_i216eVpk&list=PL42FA78EB7AE9E967&index=11) demonstrates how the Gocator 3D smart camera from LMI Technologies detects defects in metal punches. The Gocator series not only features an integrated laser source and optics but also provides on-board processing of 3D data without the need for an external PC, allowing the direct output of the measured results. These cameras are pre-calibrated and designed to simplify setup and measurement, while providing a simple ‘plug’n play’ ability to link multiple cameras together for extraordinarily versatile measurement configurations. A built-in web server makes set-up extremely easy since no separate software is needed and the camera can be accessed using any popular web browser. The cameras are available with megapixel resolution that can provide 3D profile data down to micron level detail.
The demonstration video includes a short sequence showing the whole part function in the Gocator’s integrated web browser. The ability to process whole parts makes factory automation easier and less expensive by eliminating the multiple components and software engineering required for automated part scanning and detection. Whole part measurement is ideally suited to production line environments. It involves capturing a sequence of laser profiles, identifying discrete objects, and measuring the properties of those objects, such as volume or maximum height. By automatically detecting the start and end point of a single or multiple components travelling along a conveyor, the whole part can be scanned and measured. Multiple measurements can be performed on each object. With discrete parts segmented into 3D cloud datasets, it is possible to perform volumetric measurements such as volume, centroid, orientation, etc to provide information on dimensions, location, and orientation. Support for record/playback is also provided and it is possible access whole part data using a Software Development Kit. This mode offers comprehensive 3D displays including pseudo colour visualization of each part as well as data export for off-line analysis. With Ethernet communication over Modbus TCP protocol, PLC connected cameras integrate more easily and cost effectively into existing factory automation systems.
For packaging applications, a new measurement tool for the Gocator improves the accuracy of height and volume measurements on packages that travel along a conveyor belt in a random orientation. This new ‘Rotated Box’ tool works in conjunction with the whole part measurement capability, making it possible to accurately measure an object in whole part mode even if it is not perpendicular to the laser line during scanning. It can be used to measure the orientation angle, width and height of boxes in packaging applications if the boxes are not be precisely lined up as they come down the line.
STEMMER IMAGING Ltd
The Old Barn, Grange Court
Tongham, Surrey, GU10 1DW, UK.
Phone: +44 1252 780000 Fax: +44 1252 780001
