Balluff SmartCamera

New problem solver

The new SmartCamera from Balluff is the right choice when many different and demanding tasks need to be solved quickly and flexibly in industrial automation using targeted tools. With this new camera the sensor specialist and systems provider Balluff expands their existing image processing portfolio with an interesting problem solver.

The target groups are users who are not necessarily familiar with imagine processing on a daily basis: a simple, intuitive user interface, flexible adaptation to the automation environment, and the use of industry standards makes the work easier. A clever interface concept ensures flexible and targeted linking to the production environment. The integrated IO-Link master makes it easy to connect additional IO-Link devices, sensors and actuators.

The main applications are object identification using barcode, 2D barcode or plain text as well as object inspection using brightness and contour tools or positioning tasks using an object finder tool. All the tools are based on the HALCON library from MVTec Software GmbH.

A monochrome CMOS sensor chip with a resolution of 1.3 MP makes the images ready and available for analysis quickly and reliably. The user can also access other stored images when-ever desired. The SmartCamera stores up to 100 inspection programs, and comprehensive importing and exporting func-tionalities with training images represent valuable features.

Balluff supplies the SmartCamera as a complete package – all the software library, manuals and online help are already inte-grated into the unit. "Turn it on and go" just about sums it up.

The user simply uses a common Web browser from anywhere to access the serial number on the "BVS Cockpit" and all the functions are ready to use: In Configuration mode he creates or modifies inspection programs. In Monitor mode the inspec-tion program runs continually, with the results indicated on par-ticular outputs or passed along to a PLC or host controller using so-called result packets. In Statistics mode the user can have the global yield rate and statistics values for individual result parameters represented.

The SmartCamera is initially available in two versions: the so-called IO version with LAN and 8 digital interfaces, and the fieldbus version with LAN, Profinet, IO-Link and digital interfaces.

The rugged housing, easy mounting options, standardized M12 connector and C-mount lens mount round out this versatile problem-solver.