Vision sensor

The PresencePlus P4 GEO 1.3 vision sensor from Banner Engineering makes detailed automated inspections possible, at about half the cost of comparable vision sensors. The device uses a 1.3 megapixel imager to capture minute details of multiple features at ranges from a few millimetres to several metres, depending on the lens used.

As a result, one P4 GEO 1.3 can perform an inspection that used to require multiple sensing devices. The device's ability to detect subtle differences in target features makes it suitable for industries that must manufacture defect-free products - such as automotive, packaging, pharmaceutical, assembly, metal forming, semiconductor manufacturing and plastics.

It has a wide range of applications that includes: verify that a robot correctly dispensed a bead of adhesive around the edge of a car door's interior panel; check that multiple widely-spaced mounting clips are in the correct locations and aligned properly; before a case of bottles is sealed shut, make sure the box contains the correct number.

It has: remote Teach that allows the sensor to learn new features to inspect for, without connecting to a PC or shutting down the production line; a built-in live video image output allows users to view the sensor's inspections in real time and to view failed inspection images without a PC; an interface with machinery or factory networks through a built-in 10/100 ethernet connection, RS232 or four discrete input/outputs.

The sensor is available with two lens positions: inline (on the end of the housing) and right-angle (on the side of the housing).

The unit's three bi-colour LED indicators clearly show unit status during set-up and operation. It operates on 24 VDC.