Enclosed Vision System with Camera, Lighting and PC Delivers High-Resolution Inspection for 25 Cm Console Audio System Control Face Plate

MINNETONKA, MN, August 17, 2010 (Press-News.org) PPT VISION's IMPACT 9200 high-resolution camera (1600 X 1200 pixels) is used to inspect the face plate of a car stereo. The vision system is required to inspect the print quality of various text on panels, dials and buttons, as well as logos and labels. The vision system is also required to verify a small ID code located at the top right corner of the face plate. A high-resolution camera is required due to the print sizes compared to the size of the face plate, since a single camera is required to cover an inspection area that is approximately 10 inches wide. When the face plate is loaded onto the inspection cell, a barcode reader reads the barcode and sends the plate model information to the IMPACT device through the serial port. The IMPACT device then loads the corresponding part file and performs the inspection. Once the inspection is completed, the data is sent to a custom Visual Basic (VB) software application through Microsoft ActiveX platform, which in turn links to a database that is part of the manufacturing plant's SQL server.

In order to provide an even coverage over the curved surface of the face plate, the inspection is done in an enclosed box with two diffused bar lights mounted above the part. This is a standalone system with cameras, lighting, optics, PC and various communication and electrical components enclosed. The system is also designed to accommodate additional IMPACT devices within the same inspection cell for additional inspection requirements. The communication links to the SQL server is made possible through custom software and composite tools designed by PPT VISION application engineers.

Console face plate inspection application highlights include:

- A single high-resolution camera covering the entire inspection area
- Special diffused lighting mounted in enclosed system to provide even lighting over curved surface
- Complete standalone system with camera, lighting, optics, PC and communication components enclosed
- Composite tools and custom designed VB application are used to provide communications the SQL server through ActiveX

PPT VISION develops and markets innovative machine vision technologies including smart cameras and high-end vision systems for a broad range of industry categories, including manufacturers of automotive components, consumer goods, electronic components, food and beverage products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastics and semiconductors. For additional information contact: PPT VISION, 6301 Old Shakopee Road, Suite A, Bloomington, Minnesota 55438. Phone: 952-996-9500. FAX: 952-996-9501. Email: info@pptvision.com. Website: www.pptvision.com.

Next Communications is a full service marketing communications firm specializing in print, online and search marketing. For further information, contact Dennis Gallaher at 952-934-8220 or dennis.g@nextcom.com or www.nextcom.com