P for positioning – the naming of the Inspector P30 clearly indicates its area of use. The integrated LED light source guarantees optimum illumination of target objects (e.g. parts on feed and transport systems), of optical guides for automated transport vehicles, or of approach reference points for storage and retrieval devices. The optical concept of the compact, space-saving vision sensor flexibly adopts the demands of the particular application. The necessary display window is implemented by selection of the appropriate lens; color filters increase the contrast if necessary. A screw-on diffuser eliminates ambient light effects, e.g. reflections from the steel structures of a warehouse, as potential sources of interference for image capture. Depending on the task, objects can be detected individually or in groups with the help of powerful tools, and their position and orientation determined. The evaluation of the Inspector P30 permits the precise determination of gripping or approach points, providing appropriate guidance for the system’s actuators.
Simple integration
Smooth integration is an important performance feature of the Inspector P30. The vision sensor can be configured in just a few steps via its user-friendly software interface. Image processing tools, such as the ‘Object Finder’ for detecting a taught-in part or the ‘Blob Finder’ for determining the position of several objects together, make an important contribution towards short sensor commissioning times. As a result, the Inspector P30 is a universal solution for numerous positioning and detection tasks in material flows. Control-oriented integration in the system environment takes place via Ethernet. Position and angular data – required by, for example, the controllers of automated transport vehicles or storage and retrieval devices – are transferred via the fieldbus. The vision sensor also offers direct digital outputs, e.g. for directional guidance, with which controllers can quickly react to positional changes. They also permit simple connection of the Inspector P30 to high-bay warehouse systems, as well as the implementation of individual expansion potentials.
The Inspector can solve the most varied of tasks in material flows. These include detecting the position of parts on feed belts in assembly, the gripping of parts (e.g. by robots or palletizers), the fine positioning of vehicles in warehouses, and the navigation of automated guided vehicles along lines or reference marks.