Posted to News on 19th Aug 2013, 11:15
Omron FH compact machine vision system is 'industry's fastest'
Omron is promoting the FH compact vision system, claiming it to be the the industry's fastest compact vision system thanks to a high-speed image bus, four-core processing, a new and exceptionally efficient vision algorithm and fast EtherCAT communications. Omron says the FH compact vision system, which was launched earlier in 2013, sets new standards for speed, performance and versatility.
According to Omron, its tests confirm that the FH vision system is the fastest of its type currently available, which means that users can achieve shorter machine cycle times combined with precise and dependable operation, even in difficult operating conditions. The resulting increases in machine efficiency translate directly into lower costs and enhanced competitive advantage.
Designed for fast, efficient operation at every stage from image capture to data output, Omron's FH vision systems are intended for seamless integration with PLCs, motion controllers and robotic control systems, and are highly suitable for applications in high-speed manufacturing systems of all types.
A further benefit is that FH vision systems are fully compatible with Omron Sysmac Studio Automation software. This means that only one software package is needed to set up all of the major components used in an automation system, which greatly reduces the amount of work involved in machine design. Sysmac Studio can be used to set up, debug and simulate all slave devices connected via EtherCAT, including not only vision and other sensing elements, but also motion controllers, logic devices and drives.
Easy set-up and operation
At the heart of the new FH vision controllers is Omron's innovative Shape Search III vision algorithm. Said to be up to nine times faster than conventional algorithms when carrying out searches, Shape Search III enables fast, precise measurements to be made even if images are out of focus, or if the targets are randomly positioned, randomly rotated or overlapping. This exceptional performance is achieved without the need for user-dependent calibration, which means that FH vision systems are particularly easy to set up and operate.
Because of their exceptionally efficient image handling characteristics, the new vision systems can support multiple high-resolution cameras with no degradation of performance or image capture speed. This enables them to handle even the most complex of inspection tasks and, in some applications, it also means that a single vision controller can be used where previously several would have been needed, which offers the potential for substantial cost savings.
To ensure straightforward and dependable integration with all types of automation and control system, Omron FH compact vision controllers incorporate support for the EtherCAT machine control network. This enables communications cycle times as short as 500uS to be achieved, and motion control can be synchronised with the communication cycle. The controllers also support custom.NET controls, which mean that images and measurement results can be readily displayed on an external PC.
Follow the links for more information about the FH compact vision system and Sysmac Studio Automation software.
