Sensors & Transducers


Low-cost vision sensor performs 360° inspection

September 2004 Sensors & Transducers

The new PresencePLUS P4 GEO vision sensor from Banner Engineering easily inspects for correct features regardless of the product orientation or position in the sensor's field of view, even performing 360° inspections of the target product. The sensor is the fourth generation of Banners vision sensors, expanding a product range, which includes the successful full-function P3 sensor and a host of different lenses, lights and fixtures for mounting the sensors.

LED and fluorescent ringlights
LED and fluorescent ringlights

The P4 GEO delivers robust inspections in an easy-to-apply, low cost package, making it easier and more affordable for the traditional sensing marketplace to adopt and deploy vision-sensing capabilities at multiple points in their application. All of Banner's vision sensors also share a common user interface (GUI) that is considered to be the easiest-to-use on the market today. The interface allows anyone with even basic PC abilities to easily set up an inspection. The GEO offers several advanced features that make it particularly easy to deploy on the factory floor - a remote TEACH input allows the sensor to learn new features it will need to inspect for at the push of a button, without the need to connect a PC or shut down the line. The P4 GEO performs like a 'vision system' yet facilitates changeover as easily as a standard photoelectric sensor allowing users to apply vision techniques in machines and on manufacturing lines where it was previously impractical. Up to 1500 inspections-per-minute can easily be performed with the GEO.

Date-lot code application
Date-lot code application

Some of the typical applications that Banner's P4 GEO can perform include:

Detecting correct product on the production line by inspecting the product label. Here the sensor is taught the 'Apple' label and any other label will be rejected. The GEO is capable of performing 360° inspections so it is not important to present the product in any particular orientation.

The P4 GEO can easily inspect an ROI (region of interest) for missing incorrect or 'smudged' characters. When the date code changes the GEO Count tool is simply taught the new pattern using the remote teach input.

UV ringlight
UV ringlight

Used in conjunction with a bar code reader, the GEO sensor ensures that the carton gets the correct lid. The bar code reader verifies the base container product and recalls the correct product lid inspection file that has been stored in the P4 GEO. The GEO can store up to 12 inspections onboard, and an unlimited number can be stored and downloaded from a PC. The GEO Count tool again allows rotation of the product.

Self-contained

Compact, self-contained P4 GEOs are available in both in-line and right-angle versions, defined by the location of the lens on the end or side of the sensor housing. Both versions measure only 66 mm wide and the in-line model measures 136 mm long while the right angle model is just 124 mm long. Included mounting brackets facilitate easy location of the P4 GEO sensors on machines or conveyors. The units feature 3 bi-colour LED indicators to clearly show unit status during set-up and operation.

Banner's product range also encompasses the necessary accessories including an assortment of lights, lenses and fixtures. Here are some examples of what is available from Banner.

Assortment of lenses
Assortment of lenses

For more information contact Rodney Topham, RET Automation Controls, 011 453 2468, rodneyt@retauto.co.za, www.retauto.co.za



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