Jan 9 2007
Firstsight Vision is offering a new approach to smart imaging for machine vision applications with the introduction of the VA21 from ipd. The VA21 is an automated inspection device whose main use is for control and quality assurance in manufacturing. Firstsight’s extensive experience in addressing machine vision application problems has shown that both end users and system integrators can benefit from this compact unit which contains all the processing power in a rugged, DIN mountable enclosure, instead of the camera head. This allows much smaller cameras to be used, while the unit itself can be readily integrated into factory environments alongside other automation controllers. Part of a family of ‘vision appliances’
the VA21 can accommodate 1 or 2 cameras.
Another major benefit of the unit is that there is no software to install. Application set-up software is pre-installed and ready to run and can be accessed through a standard web-browser. With Ethernet communication facilities supplied as standard, this means the system can be controlled from nearby or the other side of the world.
The VA 21 features a powerful embedded processor that ensures fast inspection times. With extensive hardware support for part-in-place detection; strobe illumination; camera trigger; and part counting for delayed pass, fail and rework part sorting, the need for an additional plc is virtually eliminated. The unit is fully equipped with industrial grade Inputs and outputs and standard connections are provided for PC peripherals. Any type of standard monitor may be used.
The standard software package for the VA21 includes two applications called iNspect and iLabel which address a diverse range of inspection needs. iNspect is a general inspection tool that can be applied across a wide range of industries, including Automotive, Packaging and Pharmaceutical. The underlying toolset includes capabilities for positioning, measuring, identification and flaw detection. iLabel is an inspection tool designed specifically for the packaging industry.
It is used for verifying the placement, quality and validity of labels on packaged goods. iLabel includes automatic positioning, trainable inspection tools and identification readers.
The VA21 provides two analogue inputs for cameras with resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 pixels while other models in the VA range allow the connection of greater camera numbers using analogue, Firewire™ or CameraLink™ connections. Other models in the range also accommodate linescan cameras as well as area scan cameras and some are supplied with the additional Sherlock software package. For more complex tasks, Sherlock provides a greater level of flexibility and control through the use of a scripting language, offering the tools and capabilities for almost any conceivable application.