A new dimension in smart vision

Citation

(2005), "A new dimension in smart vision", Sensor Review, Vol. 25 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2005.08725dad.007

A new dimension in smart vision

A new dimension in smart vision

Keywords: Image processing

Three-dimensional vision – and all of the benefits it brings – is now available for use in factory automation applications, thanks to the introduction of the IVC 3D by SICK (UK) Ltd (Plate 7).

The IVC 3D combines the flexibility of a smart camera with high-speed 3D image capture and processing – in one robust industrial package. This powerful combination addresses the fact that many vision inspection applications often miss vital information because the majority of cameras currently in use only look in two dimensions.

Plate 7 SICK have introduced the IVC 3D to widen the application field to a huge number of factory environments

SICK IVP 3D products are already used extensively in the wood and electronics industries. The introduction of the IVC 3D widens the application field to a huge number of factory environments. These will include sorting, inspection and volume measurement in industries such as food, bakery and confectionery, pharmaceutical, medical device manufacture, automotive and packaging.

The robust IP65-rated enclosure – specifically designed for use in industrial environments – contains the optics, laser, 3D sensor, processor, I/O, serial and ethernet communication architecture. An incremental encoder input is also included to measure the speed and position of a conveyor or object with a high level of precision, even at varying speeds. The IVC 3D is capable of capturing and processing 5,000 height profiles per second with a resolution of 0.04 mm with each profile incorporating 1,024 individual height points. Two versions are available covering 150 or 600 mm fields of view.

Set up is performed through IVC Studio, a software interface which includes dedicated 3D tools and general purpose image processing functions. Simple-to-use inspection tools can either be applied to individual profiles or they can be used build up a very accurate 3D image for further processing. SICK's experienced team of engineers can provide the IVC 3D as a fully configured solution that can be installed by the customer or one of SICK's network of system integrators.

For more information, please contact: Ann Attridge or Andrea Hornby, SICK (UK) Ltd, Waldkirch House, 39 Hedley Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire ALl 5BN,UK. Tel: 01727 831121; Fax: 01727 856767; E-mail: info@sick.co.uk; web site: www.sick.co.uk