Vision sensors for recognition and assessment of objects and scenes.

In automation technology, vision sensors are nowadays not only an integral part of assembly, production and quality control, but also a means to increase efficiency. They are cameras with application-specific evaluation, i.e. reliable electronic eyes at low cost with a high degree of integration.

From camera to sensor
Just a few years ago, high-priced camera systems were necessary for this. Due to technical developments and continuously falling prices for components ever more intelligent functions could be implemented at low cost in ever smaller devices.
Not only do compact vision sensors replace camera systems, but they also offer additional application options. They are for example used to detect objects that have variable positions or shapes, replacing complex proximity sensors or multiple sensor solutions such as sensor bridges used for completeness checks of pallets or crates.

Easy to integrate
One of the distinguishing features of vision sensors is their simplicity. Whereas image processing systems can usually only be integrated into the production process by qualified personnel or cost-intensive external integrators, vision sensors can be used without previous knowledge due to their application-specific nature. Easy "parameter setting" instead of complex "programming" is the motto. Ready-to-use function blocks support the integration into the PLC. An Ethernet process interface is used for data transmission, parameter setting and remote maintenance. Also, all units have switching outputs to signal successful testing. So vision sensors offer the same ease of use as binary sensors.

Robust and compact
Another advantage: Due to their high protection ratings and wide temperature ranges ifm vision sensors can in the truest sense of the word be brought very close to what is actually going on. They are also distinguished by a particularly high degree of integration. In contrast to complex camera solutions, all necessary components such as lighting, optics, evaluation electronics and output logic are integrated in the industrial housing. Tasks such as quality control, monitoring completeness or reading 1D and 2D codes can easily be performed at low cost using ifm vision sensors.

Competence in application-specific solutions

The right choice is decisive

Vision sensor - Dualis Type O2D
Object detection and inspection now in one device.
Whether it is contour detection or BLOB analysis, the new 2D vision sensor O2D can implement a variety of error proofing and inspection applications throughout the whole manufacturing process.

Code reader - identification type O2I
Today bar codes are widely used and can be understood as font styles to be read from right to left. 2D codes encode the information in the area. Similar to a domino puzzle, unambiguous information is conveyed which is read by the O2I vision sensor.

3D sensor – 3D object recognition type O3D
Similar to a bed of nails, the O3D 3D sensor scans the current scene in depth. These more than 23000 measured distance values can be used to create a multitude of virtual sensors, for example to check that a crate is complete with any kind of bottles.