Vision + Automation Products
PXI chassis works in harsh environments
PXIS-2690P-a 14-slot, 3U portable PXI chassis-is compliant with the PXI specification, rev. 2.2. It has a touch-panel 15-in. LCD display, keyboard, touchpad, DVD combo drive, and 500-W power supply in an aluminum-alloy frame and is designed for military, aerodefense, field testing, and in-vehicle testing applications. Three onboard 120 × 120 × 25-mm fans deliver an airflow rate of 223.5 CFM to help ensure proper operation, even in high-temperature environments. The 13 peripheral slots of the PXIS-2690P support a variety of 3U PXI/CompactPCI modules.
Adlink Technology
Irvine, CA, USA
www.adlinktech.com
System enhances stereomicroscopy
SteREO Discovery.V20 stereomicroscope has a field of view of 23 mm at 10X and a zoom range of 20 to 1. With the step motor control of the zoom optics, the stereomicroscope enables continuous increases in magnification with precise zoom levels to create a well-defined, high-contrast image throughout the entire zoom range. The system control panel puts all major microscope functions at the user’s fingertips, allowing for fast changeover between zoom/focus/illumination functions and displays for total magnification, object field, resolution, depth of field, and Z position.
Carl Zeiss MicroImaging
Thornwood, NY, USA
www.zeiss.com/micro
Lens increases system resolution
MacroVaron lens includes company’s CAS technology within the lens, which enables ultrahigh resolution down to 2.5 µm over a magnification range from 0.5X to 2.0X, with uniform performance over the entire range. A 62-mm image circle, low distortion, and excellent chromatic correction make the MacroVaron lens ideal for linescan applications up to 12k (and down to 5-µm pixels), such as those in flat-panel display and printed-circuit-board inspection systems. The 85-mm focal length of the MacroVaron lens reduces the required working distance, which decreases the space needed for the camera-lens assembly.
Schneider Optics
Hauppauge, NY, USA
www.schneideroptics.com
ESMs provide 1.5-GHz processing power
Expanded series of PowerPC-based embedded system modules (ESMs) have a single-board computer that uses Freescale MPC8548, providing up to 1.5 GHz of processing power. Also using Altera Cyclone II FPGA, the EM9 is a universal computer core for embedded solutions in harsh industrial environments and provides individual I/O for each application through IP cores. Applications include industrial control and safety or network systems. Depending on the processor, the entire module requires only 10 to 14 W and has an operating range of -40°C to +85°C.
MEN Micro
Ambler, PA, USA
www.menmicro.com
Air-bearing stage supports scanning
ABL1500 stage incorporates an active preload on both the vertical and horizontal surfaces, and the opposing thin-film pressure maintains the bearing nominal gap tolerance. This design, in addition to its air-bearing surface that distributes the load over a large surface area, results in a stage with stiffness that is for heavy or offset loading. Because there is no mechanical contact between moving elements, the ABL1500 experiences no wear or reduction in performance over time.
Aerotech
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
www.aerotech.com
Cameras now have remote heads
The Dragonfly2 remote-head 20 × 30-mm sensor board is extended from the main camera board using a 6-in. shielded ribbon cable. The camera has improved electrical design that minimizes the effects of electromagnetic interference between multiple remote-head units and double the full-resolution frame rate. Each model comes equipped with a smaller and more streamlined cast-metal CS-mount lens holder (C-mount adapter included) and general-purpose I/O connector for trigger, strobe, and serial I/O. The Dragonfly2 complies with RoHS, FCC, and CE regulations.
Point Grey Research
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.ptgrey.com
Mini translation stage is frictionless
M-122 palm-top-sized precision translation stage combines compact dimensions, high dynamics and speed, and high accuracy at a competitive price. Features include a long travel range, cross-roller bearings for high load capacity and excellent guiding accuracy, and a recirculating ball screw that has lower friction than conventional lead screws. The M-122 also features a space-saving, folded drive train with the servomotor and drive screw side-by-side. Due to its low friction, the backlash-free ball screw yields higher mechanical efficiency than lead screws and allows high-duty-cycle operation at high velocities up to 20 mm/s.
PI (Physik Instrumente)
Auburn, MA, USA
www.pi.ws
Endoscope lights are portable
LightScopes are an expanded range of four battery-handle light sources for industrial endoscopes that includes a simple, low-cost Maglite style handle, halogen and xenon lamp handles, as well as an LED handle for demanding applications. An adapter is available for the LED handle enabling it to be used as a torch. Available with rigid or flexible probes, each with integral battery-powered illumination, LightScopes are equipped with high-quality optics to ensure distortion-free viewing with true color reproduction. Focus range is adjustable from 10 mm to infinity, and with C-mount compatibility all LightScopes can be interfaced to mobile video or digital recording systems.
Moritex Europe
Cambridge, UK
www.moritex.com
Frame grabbers boost operation
MVS-8600e family of frame grabbers connect Camera Link cameras through the PCI Express (PCIe) interface. They are available in cost-effective single-channel and dual-channel models that increase throughput even with extremely large images. The MVS-8600e models are equipped with machine-vision software tools that locate objects or patterns, measure their geometric properties, detect defects, and read characters and codes with reliable, accurate, and repeatable results.
Cognex
Natick, MA, USA
www.cognex.com
Boards offer brightness stability
Smart Force LED driver boards are compact and have wide-range dimming, wide-input voltage, and full brightness and enable control. The SFDL Series board provides high efficiency power (max. current 180 mA) to LED rails used in LCDs up to 12.1-in. diagonal, measures 1.10 × 3.93 in., and is less than 8 mm high. It provides an onboard PWM dimming ratio of 1000:1 and external PWM dimming to 5000:1. The SFDC Series driver board is a full-function LED driver (max. current 1000 mA) for high-power HBLED backlight rails used in LCDs up to 20.1-in. diagonal. It provides an onboard PWM dimming ratio of 1000:1 and external PWM dimming to a ratio of 20,000:1. It measures 1.10 x 5.61 in. and is less than 12 mm high.
Endicott Research Group
Endicott, NY, USA
www.ergpower.com
System transcends optical limits
Commercial microscope uses adaptive optics to provide high-speed imaging with a large field of view (1250 mm2) and 1.5-mm-pixel resolution. The new system is available as a single stand-alone imaging system or in an OEM design for easy integration into other imaging systems. The integrated software package allows the user to quickly scan the entire field of view or, alternatively, to select specific regions of interest and simultaneously observe multiple independent viewing windows.
Thorlabs
Newton, NJ, USA
www.thorlabs.com
Board supports data recorders
CL-500, a Camera Link mezzanine board for StreamStor Amazon high-speed recording system, provides connectivity for a one to two cameras at data rates up to 500 Mbytes/s. Combined with the direct-to-disk capability of the StreamStor Amazon system, the CL-500 offers high speed and long duration recording capability required when shooting high-resolution and/or high-frame-rate digital video. The board provides support for almost any Camera Link Full, Medium, or Base configuration.
Conduant Corporation
Longmont, CO, USA
www.conduant.com
Controller times vision events
CC320 from Gardasoft Vision utilizes Ethernet connectivity, complementing the use of GigE Vision cameras and allowing a network-centric approach to machine-vision control structures. It has eight inputs and eight outputs and can provide microsecond-accurate event timings. The unit allows single or multiple cameras to be triggered at different times, and the trigger signal width can be used to control the camera exposure timings. In addition, the delay between the event trigger and reject gate activation can be controlled, with encoder signals ensuring that the reject gate stays open while the product is at the reject position. The CC320 acts as a miniature Web server and can be controlled by image-processing software on a remote PC.
Firstsight Vision
Tongham, UK
www.firstsightvision.co.uk
Laser-diode modules are stable
High-power temperature-stabilized laser-diode modules, the HEML Series laser modules, provide high output power for machine-vision applications in harsh environments. They can be equipped with various optics, including Gaussian line and diffractive optics, to project grids and scopes. The modules offer stable power output (<1%) and wavelength (<0.5 nm) over 0°C to +40°C and exceptional pointing stability and alignment.
Frankfurt Laser Company
Friedrichsdorf, Germany
www.frlaserco.com
Light field optimizes inspection
AccuVision internal backlit conveyors make visual inspection more accurate and efficient with upgrade to new high-intensity LED light modules. The design features a translucent. light-passing belt. The LED system penetrates the translucent belt with an intense, uniform light field, optimally illuminating part shape for superior automatic or manual visual inspection. The modules are resistant to damage from shock or vibration. LEDs are available in both white and red light versions for improved compatibility with digital cameras and operate on 15 Vdc.
Conveyor Technologies
Milford, OH, USA
www.conveyortechltd.com
Vision sensors check blisters
VeriSens vision sensors inspect presence and alignment of blisters within their package blanks in automated packaging machinery applications. The integrated and compact vision sensors allow for more than 3000 inspections per minute. The backbone of the VeriSens family is its architecture based on the company’s FEX processor, which calculates in real time all contours and edges within the gray-value image data. During runtime the device operates as a stand-alone system with digital IOs or serial interface.
Baumer Optronic
Radeberg, Germany
www.baumeroptronic.com
Cylinder position sensors
BIM-UNT, a universal magnetic-field sensor, detects the position of a piston on standard pneumatic cylinders. The BIM-UNT is immune to EMC and polarity protected, with reliable switching points and a fast response time. It uses magneto-resistive, board-level technology that provides improved performance and housing. In addition, the sensing face has been placed in the front of the sensor to aid in detecting short-stroke cylinders. The sensor comes with a quick-mount tab that helps seat the sensor in the cylinder’s groove.
Turck
Minneapolis, MN, USA
www.turck.com
Database manages scientific images
IQbase 2.5 scientific image-management software enables organizations to store, query, and share large numbers of images and related data through their network or via the Internet. New features in IQbase 2.5 include the ability to archive image-header data and view thumbnail previews for JPEG 2000, Zeiss LSM, Leica LEI, Image-Pro SEQ, Metamorph DSK file formats and other standard file formats, support for IPTC and EXIF header data, and customizable data views to control which attribute data are displayed with images. A complimentary 30-day trial version is available to download via the Web.
Media Cybernetics
Bethesda, MD, USA
www.mediacy.com
Alignment system is efficient
2D Microgage laser alignment tool checks and aligns roll and web lines, CNC cutting and milling equipment, lathes, stamping presses, injection molding machines, extrusion systems, and other production equipment for improved operating efficiency and reduced downtime. It combines a compact laser transmitter with a receiver and digital display. As the laser moves across the receiver in a vertical or horizontal direction, the display provides a reading of the motion, accurate to 0.0001 in. A sealed, pushbutton keypad and large LCD display make the Microgage 2D easy to use in demanding industrial environments.
Pinpoint Laser Systems
Newburyport, MA, USA
www.pinlaser.com.
Tube reader integrates display
BioScan Solo Pro is a compact, high-speed single-tube code reader with an integral two-line display and keypad. The bench-top reader displays the relevant ID for each tube and can provide additional information such as the compound’s name or the patient’s name on its integral display screen. It has a sealed window with a wipe-clean surface and a footprint of 125 × 90 × 100 mm. It can decipher codes in less than 1 s and is compatible with all 2-D coded labware.
Absolute Vision
Meriden, UK
www.absolutevision.co.uk
Barcode reader has connectivity
BCL 500/I series of barcode readers has adjustable scanning rate of 800 to 1200 scans/s and a reading field of 200 × 1600 mm. Special features include code reconstruction technology and integrated field bus connectivity. A ±30° asymmetrical optical angle of aperture provides scope for an extensive scanning field aperture even at close range. The devices provide high depth of field and are available in three models-N (high-density lens), M (medium-density lens), and F (low-density lens)-for module widths of 250 to 1.0 µm. The devices offer two serial interfaces for RS-232 or RS-422 and R-485 but are supplemented by four communication channels that can each be configured individually.
Leuze electronic
Owen/Teck, Germany
www.leuze.de
New software for service robots
Version 1.5 of robot vision technologies suite VOLTS-IQ SDK provides robotic developers with the ability to add visual intelligence to their projects and products. Volts-IQ SDK 1.5 release introduces Vi_WebCam, an add-on WebCam service with a focus on enhanced stability and added functionality.
Braintech
Vancouver BC, Canada
www.braintech.com