The Allen-Bradley MultiSight from Rockwell Automation is an optical multipixel sensor with a pass/fail PNP output. The MultiSight uses four different methods of evaluation, namely pattern matching, contrast, brightness and contour matching, to detect or differentiate objects by means of previously defined optical characteristics.
Easy handling and set-up, a compact, sturdy industrial housing with an IP67 rating and integrated lighting are just some of the features of this standalone vision sensor, complemented by short evaluation times of 50-65 ms for brightness and contrast, 70-100 ms for pattern matching and 15-500 ms for contour matching. Standard models have 10 virtual detectors and use three evaluation methods – pattern matching, brightness and contrast, while Ethernet/IP models offer contour matching evaluation and boast 32 virtual detectors. Also featured on Ethernet/IP models is an RSLogix 5000 add-on profile with pre-named data tags for simple integration into a control program. Individual virtual detectors can be logically linked or grouped for evaluation of different objects with several characteristics for inspection. An Ethernet connection allows for effortless set-up of the technology.
The MultiSight is an easy to use economical alternative to conventional vision systems for detecting presence or absence, completeness, position, markings, labelling, packaging and components. It enables the performance of multiple inspections with just one sensor and facilitates flexible product changeovers through multiple job storage. Further benefits include a simple set-up thanks to innovative PC and configuration software.
The key application of the MultiSight sensor is in the field of industrial automation for quality assurance purposes. It assists with automated assembly inspection, component placement detection, label placement verification, print job confirmation and part alignment verification.
The MultiSight can, for example, identify the presence of both the nozzle and label on an aerosol can using two configured and logically linked virtual detectors. The first detector is configured with a detector type of pattern matching to sense the nozzle. The second uses a detector type of brightness to distinguish the presence of a label. The MultiSight then performs an AND function on the results of the two detectors and generates a single pass/fail output.
This sophisticated sensor from Rockwell Automation can also be used to verify date code printing, tapped and threaded holes, as well as printed cap labels. To verify that a date code has been printed, the sensor uses a contrast detector type that picks up the difference in contrast levels – when the date code is printed contrast is high and when it is not printed contrast is low. For verification of tapped and threaded holes, a pattern matching detector type is utilised.
A contour matching detector on EtherNet/IP models verifies printed cap labels through an algorithm that searches for plain contour shapes within an image. This allows feature detection regardless of orientation. In a typical application, the presence of milk type labels on the bottle caps must be detected as bottles move down the line. The labels vary in orientation on each bottle after the sealing process and the contour matching detector type can be taught a simple contour shape present on the labels, in this case the percentage symbol, which then allows the MultiSight to correctly identify this feature on the caps, regardless of orientation. It is important to note that the contour shape must be clear and have sharp contrast to be detected.
For more information contact Adrian van Wyk, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 654 9700, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.co.za
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