Image processing visionPOWERBOX offers flexibility and outstanding performance

The new visionPOWERBOX from Leuze electronic is a compact PC-based high-performance image processing system. Digital FireWire technology ensures high-speed, troublefree recording and transmission of camera images in top class quality.

The compact PC used by the new visionPOWERBOX system unites high computing output with the familiar operating environment of a Windows-based PC. Its outstanding capability makes it ideal for coping with the requirements of monitoring complex quality characteristics, and the storage and documentation of test data in conjunction with ever decreasing cycle times. The existing Ethernet interface simplifies networking, for example with a quality office PC, a control terminal or for remote maintenance. Thanks to a directly integrated I/O card with 16 opto decoupled digital inputs and outputs each, separate breakout modules or I/O boards are superfluous.

Optimum solution through optional selection of components

Digital FireWire cameras supply the best image quality. FireWire is a high-speed bus system for the transmission of image data in accordance with industrial standard IEEE 11394. A transfer rate of 400 MBits/s permits quality controls of even high-speed processes. Colour or monochrome cameras can be used in the visionPOWERBOX system, from standard VGA resolution through to high-resolution cameras (1.4 megapixel). Two camera ports are available as standard which can be subsequently upgraded by additional FireWire controllers. Compared to solutions using smart cameras, the camera exchange system is relatively simple here, without the need to exchange the complete system. Additional flexibility is afforded by the use of C-mount lenses, which depending on requirements can also be selected in the form of standard, precision, telecentric or IR optimized lenses. The lenses can also be simply exchanged in case of a change of application.

Efficient software with wide-ranging tools

An essential component which determines system performance is the Windows XP based software. Users are supplied by Leuze with a complete package of high-performance tools which are easy to operate. This even includes tools which are in some cases only optionally available in other systems such as contour recognition or code reading for 1D or stacked codes. Alongside standard features such as measurement or blob tools for presence, quantity or completeness testing as well as colour or pattern recognition and printed image monitoring, images can also be pre-processed or calibrated. Overlays containing important information for the operator can be generated, statistical data acquired and logical comparisons or additional calculations performed based on the test results.

Excellent cost-to-performance ratio

On the basis of these technologies, compared to smart camera solutions, the system offers an outstanding cost-to-performance ratio. A range of different light sources from low-cost high-frequency lamps through to highly efficient pulsed LED light sources in various light colours and a protective housing round off the image processing package visionPOWERBOX with a range of ideally coordinated components.

Typical application examples

The large selection of components to choose from combined with high-performance software tools make visionPOWERBOX an interesting option for a whole range of applications. These include tasks such as:

• Label checking in packaging technology applications (location, identification, symbol and code reading)
• Monitoring assembly in the automotive engineering or mechanical engineering industry (completeness, dimensional accuracy and alignment)
• Object identification and position in the automotive engineering industry, robotics and assembly/handling technology (pattern recognition, location and angular position)
• Quality control in production (defects, dimension)
• Colour testing and printed image checking