Turck Banner moves on to another level with new optical sensing system

Citation

(2000), "Turck Banner moves on to another level with new optical sensing system", Sensor Review, Vol. 20 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2000.08720daf.003

Turck Banner moves on to another level with new optical sensing system

Turck Banner moves on to another level with new optical sensing system

Keywords Sensors, Optics

Turck Banner Ltd introduces PresencePLUS, a new camera-based, pixel-counting sensor that takes optical sensing to another level in terms of ease of use and economy (see Plate 3).

Plate 3 PresencePLUS pixel-counting sensor

Already well-known for its comprehensive range of sensors, the launch of PresencePLUS sees Turck Banner moving into vision systems for the first time.

PresencePLUS eliminates the need for the multiple sensors usually required for complex sensing tasks, and streamlines the inspection process by detecting all defects in its field of view regardless of product alignment or orientation.

PresencePLUS provides a highly-cost effective solution for many quality control applications such as edge detection, presence sensing and integrity inspections that may currently utilise more expensive and complex vision systems.

The new PresencePLUS sensor captures a 256-level grey-scale image of a defined area, converts the image to white and black pixels on a 512 x 384 CMOS pixel array, and makes a pass or fail judgement by comparing the pixels in the image with a pre-programmed reference count.

The system is easy to operate, offering automatic set-up for basic applications and programmable functions for more advanced operations. The PRC1 hand-held, microprocessor-based, remote controller that connects to the sensor with a coiled cord is used for set-up. The controller has a built in LCD screen and four sets of programs can be saved to speed product change-overs and allow programming of multiple sensors.

The controller features an exclusive quick start set-up routine that enables all sensor programming to be completed in minutes. By pointing the camera at a "good" product, quick start automatically sets judgement criteria based on five image captures with pass or fail limits 15 per cent above and below the reference pixel count.

Threshold values can also be programmed, either manually or automatically, using one of the sensor's two teach modes. Static teach mode allows users to "teach" the conditions manually by pointing the sensor at an example and pushing a button. Dynamic teach mode enables the sensor to "learn" a series of conditions while operating, then compute and self-program pass and fail signal thresholds.

More advanced configuration is also possible, in which the user can designate the grey-scale threshold; the correct auto-exposure time, indexed or motion; and the light source behaviour, off or strobed.

The user can define a specific region of interest within the array for the pass/fail judgement, or for exclusion of judgement, and the controller can be used while the sensor is running to view pass/fail statistics, adjust settings and view captured images on its LCD screen.

There is a wide range of PresencePLUS components and accessories including two light sources, three standard lens options, two mounting brackets and three different lengths of sensor cable.

PresencePLUS is rated IP20 and will operate in temperatures from 0-50°C. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications such as detection of missing tablets in blister packs, verification of date and batch numbers on food containers and detection of a label anywhere on the surface of a container.

With the introduction of PresencePLUS Turck Banner offers users the most economical and user-friendly camera-based sensor available, and signals the company's intention to expand its range of sensors into higher level detection systems.

For further information, please contact George Perkins, Turck Banner Limited, Stephenson Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 5LS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1702 525186; Fax: +44 (0)1702 420934; E-mail: info@turckbanner.co.uk