Machine Vision Blog: Sensors, Systems, and Software

Cognex recently released the In-Sight 7000, the most rugged, versatile and technologically robust smart camera in the market today.

Cognex has responded to industry’s need to inspect objects even faster with In-Sight 500.  This new high‐performance, fixed‐mount vision system vision system can acquire images at speeds as high as 500 frames per second (fps).  At 500fps, In-Sight will keep up with even the fastest production lines.

Part tracking or traceability is vital because the data is used for production metrics, inventory control, revenue forecasting and process management.

If a vision system can’t repeatedly locate parts because of wide variations in part orientation, size and appearance, then vision inspection yield and reliability will be significantly reduced.

Vibratory bowl feeders are the most common devices used in Factory Automation to feed individual components into an industrial assembly line.   You will find them in many industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics, and packaging. 

Cognex has developed functionality in its In-Sight vision system called TestRun which helps the vision system designer make sure the system meets all of the application criteria, by establishing a way to write test cases for each of the tasks the vision system will perform. 

As the product manager for Checker, I am often asked the difference between a vision sensor and a vision system. Vision sensors bridge the gap between photoelectric sensors and vision systems. Photoelectric sensors have been around in factory automation for

Establishing reliable edge inspection parameters and thresholds in your machine vision system is critical to getting consistent quality control from your production line.

Effective color lighting and filter technology turns your ordinary vision sensor into a Super vision sensor. With the right lighting and filters, your vision sensors create stronger image contrast resulting in more consistent and accurate optical inspection results. Visible colored

Are you building a brand new production line that needs inspection equipment or are you working with an existing production line that needs to have inspection equipment integrated into it?  The answer to this question will affect the goal you set for the number of good parts you produce.  

When I first joined Cognex as an intern while doing my Masters, the whole field of Vision was so intriguing and fun, I decided to make this my career. In addition the Cognex company culture was just what I needed.

When I first started in the vision industry, one of the main issues was convincing potential vision users that the technology was reliable and suitable for inspecting their products.  Since then, times have changed.  Now, nearly everyone is aware of vision and the concerns about the technology have completely evaporated.

A few years ago I took the role of Product Manager for Checker which allows me to focus my energy on product strategy, markets and our customers.  And our Marcom department has asked me to start writing this blog so I can share our success stories and tell you about all the great things vision sensors can do. Read more...