In our last blog post, we highlighted RFID technologies that address traceability requirements like longer read distances, non-line-of-sight readings and low-visibility conditions. Now, let’s turn to another machine vision technology that can further enhance your manufacturing efforts — this time, streamlining inspection tasks by bundling many functionalities in a single, compact package. 

Overcoming the Pitfalls of Multi-Device Setups

A typical inspection task — like detecting part presence/absence or reading simple codes and characters — each requires its own highly functional sensor or combination of sensor and code reader. These setups with multiple devices drive valuable time, cost and complexity. Not only do you have to wire and position all the hardware within the installation space, but you also have to fine-tune the software. If you’re using lower-resolution cameras, you’ll also need to deploy more of them to divide the field of view into several sections, enabling you to achieve the resolution required for the inspections. 

Multi-functional smart cameras address these pain-points by performing various detection tasks — including presence, color and shape — and code reading within the same field of view. At the same time, they offer the required precision and wide field of view previously only possible with multiple devices. By performing both inspection tasks and code reading, these single-camera systems minimize system complexity, save space and reduce your time and costs. They also cut the number of cables you need by half.

Simplify Your Machine Vision With Omron’s MicroHAWK Series

An example of a smart camera that combines these functionalities to streamline inspection is Omron’s MicroHAWK series. This compact family combines complete machine vision tools — including part presence/absence, locate and count — with code reading, verification and precision-calibrated measurements all in a single device.

Here’s a rundown of some of the features and benefits of this series:

• MicroHAWK smart cameras feature color sensors up to 5 megapixels, enabling them to image multiple points with high resolution. 
• For traceability, they can output character strings and code quality verification results — which is difficult to do with standard smart cameras.
• Regardless of your control hardware or connectivity, you can deploy these smart cameras in minutes using the intuitive AutoVISION platform.
• The cameras are compatible with many I/O interfaces like EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.
• The series features a compact, durable design — including up to IP67 protection.
• Models like the F430-F/F420-F Series incorporate a liquid lens that provides unlimited autofocus capabilities, enabling the cameras to easily focus on different items just by switching the focus. This feature also reduces the replacement frequency compared to mechanical autofocus lenses.
  

Thanks to their multi-functional capabilities, smart machine vision cameras like the MicroHAWK series are ideal for: automotive assembly and testing; clinical and laboratory instrumentation; packaging and logistics applications in the food, beverage and consumer goods industries; printed circuit board assembly and testing; and general manufacturing.

To learn more about MicroHAWK smart cameras, visit the Omron website.