Advanced vision system control finally available to everyone

The new CV-X Series was conceived with the single aim of simplifying the sometimes complex implementation and operation process of a vision system. Now all of the tools have been categorised by application and every screen has an intuitive menu with an on-screen guide, designed not only to help with set-up but enhance the user's understanding of the processes behind the tools. While simplicity has been highly prized, the full range of Keyence tools are still readily available ensuring that the CV-X is not just a vision sensor but a full-blown vision system.

Keyence's CV-X series now comes with automatic measurement set-up. Simply choose the type of measurement you want to perform and click the points you want to measure between. This will automatically position and size the inspection areas, optimise the settings to pick up on the correct features and create the calculation. Targets are identified by Keyence 's new shape detection algorithm ShapeTrax2, allowing for multiple stable inspections to be taken whatever the product position. Even with inspection accuracy down to sub-pixel levels the processing speeds are far superior to the industry standard (even using 5 million pixels per image).

Previously only available on high-spec PC-based systems, the CV-X Series is the first standalone system on the market with auto-tech capabilities. Once the camera is in position on the line, simply run 30-50 good products and it will learn by itself the acceptable manufacturing tolerances checking for shape, colour and pattern. This is done by recognising the similarities between non-defective parts rather than differences in defective parts, which increases the stability of the inspection. Very complex inspection programs which previously required a vision expert to create can now be written, in-house, in minutes, using this tool.

The CV-X100 vision system is equipped with a suite of tools designed to make image capture more reliable. Among them, is tool to ensure that the image capturing conditions (camera position, lighting, focus) remain constant. In the event of variation (following an altercation with the camera for example), an assistant will guide you in a few clicks to recreate your original capturing conditions.

Moreover, the CV-X Series is capable of using digital correction to remove the effects of curved or slanted surfaces due to camera installation and/or lens distortion. The result of this digital correction is an image identical to one taken from the perspective of a camera positioned right above the target. This function is very popular for robotic applications.

Filters and effects

In addition to these tools, the system offers a complete range of filters and effects which can be applied independently to each tool. You will find traditional filters such as binarisation or averaging as well as other much more advanced filters, including HDR and shading correction to enhance images from even the most complex targets.

There are many other new functions all designed to save you time and money. For example, automatically generate user manuals which include product screen shots by clicking a single button, generate user interfaces by simply selecting and modifying one of the many templates, and reading 1D & 2D bar codes within seconds using the auto-tune button.

To find out more about the CV-X100 series, please go to www.keyence.co.uk/prcvx.