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3D Scanning Applications with AT Automation Technology

Previously we’ve introduced AT Automation Technology 3D scanners, which use triangulation – together with precision optics and embedded algorithms – to build a point cloud representation of 3D objects.

AT Automation Technology 3D scanner
– courtesy of Automation Technology

While there are interesting scanning applications in diverse industries, including automotive, food processing, battery production, display inspection, and more, in this piece we focus on the automotive industry. Below we offer a collection of short videos that help to tell the story. Each application utilizes AT Automation Technology 3D laser profilers.

CONTACT US to discuss your application! We have longstanding returning customers who know we like to help you choose the right cameras and components. It’s what we do.

Inspection of brake discs, for surface defects, duration 1 minute 24 seconds:

Inspection of stamped metal parts, duration 37 seconds:

Inspecting asymmetrical objects, duration 50 seconds:

You don’t have to be in the automotive industry to take advantage of AT Automation Technology 3D laser scanning! Food processing, display inspection, battery production – indeed all sorts of 3D applications are enabled or enhanced by laser triangulation approaches to building 3D point clouds for a scanned object, and comparing the scan to the idealized perfect object. The difference calculation determines if the test object is within the defined tolerances.

3D point cloud
From real space to 3D point cloud model – Image courtesy of AT Automation Technology

We have videos for other industries and applications available, and sales engineers who can help guide you to a solution for your particular needs. Call us at 978-474-0044.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

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CEI Camera Enclosures and Mounts

First generation cars were open-topped – until motorists demanded creature comforts like protection from rain, a heater, and – later – air-conditioning. While some machine vision applications allow the camera to operate unprotected at ambient temperatures – other applications are more demanding. Components Express Inc. (CEI) provides a range of enclosures and mounts – both standard and custom – to protect your camera.

Standard enclosures may be enough for applications that don’t require wash-down, but for many applications the camera, lens, and ports need some protection. Light weight, low profile designs are available in various diameters, suitable for cameras from diverse manufacturers. Adjustable mounts with pre-tapped holes are provided. In addition to generic enclosures suitable for diverse camera models, enclosure designs are available for Teledyne Dalsa Genie Nano, Allied Vision Mako and Alvium cameras and other manufacturers. 

55mm-IP67 Series Round – type 2 anodizing – Image courtesy of Components Express, Inc.

Food processing or high-particulates deployments often must be in wash-down configurations.

Stainless Series IP67 – round stainless wash-down design – Image courtesy of Components Express, Inc.

Extruded housing, with IP67 rating, features CEI Integrated Connector Design that keeps cord grips inside the housing:

Video shows stepwise field-assembly of camera and lens into enclosure – courtesy of Components Express, Inc.

Or you may need a sturdy mount to position the camera on a stable base, with adjustable alignment options.

Index Mount™ EN-M4 Adjustable Camera Mount – Image courtesy of Components Express, Inc.

Custom enclosure and mounts are also available for the most demanding applications. Besides all the Components Express Inc. (CEI) mounts and enclosures, some may also be interested in air curtains, windows & filters by Midwest Optical. These also come in customer sizes, length and focusing solutions.  Discuss your requirements with us!

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

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TAMRON Wide Band SWIR Lenses and Applications

TAMRON SWIR lenses

Short wave infrared (SWIR) imaging is a specialized segment of machine vision, applying automated imaging outside the human-visible spectrum. Able to see through opaque plastic bottles to verify or control fill levels, inspect fruit for bruising, sort recyclables, inspect silicon wafers, etc., SWIR applications require SWIR-specific sensors, cameras, and lenses.

Visible vs SWIR image of same targets – image courtesy of TAMRON

TAMRON Wide Band SWIR lenses are designed for Sony IMX990 / Sony IMX991 sensors and other sensors with a 5µm pixel-pitch. These wide band lenses feature the capability to work in a wide range of wavelengths from the visible range to Short-Wave Infrared Range (SWIR 400 – 1700nm). In addition, TAMRON’s new proprietary eBAND anti-reflection lens coating technology provides 80% constant spectrum transmittance over the whole visible to SWIR spectrum.

Tamron wide-band SWIR lens series – Image courtesy of TAMRON
Vein imaging application overlays SWIR image of veins into visible image of patient forearm –
Image courtesy TAMRON
Monitor moisture levels in crops from airborne drone – Image courtesy TAMRON
Banknote under visible light (left) and SWIR (right) – Images courtesy of Allied Vision
Opaque and clear plastic bottles in visible light (left) and SWIR (right) –
Images courtesy of Allied Vision

Cool applications! Would 1stVision happen to carry any cameras that utilize the SONY sensors for which these TAMRON lenses are designed? Yes, of course:

Allied Vision Technologies’ Alvium USB and CSI cameras, models:

Alvium 1800 U/C-030

Alvium 1800 U/C-130

Allied Vision Technologies’ Goldeye cameras, models:

Goldeye CL-030 TEC1

Goldeye CL-130 TEC1

So far we’ve got SWIR lenses, sensors and cameras, the latter with several interface and performance options. How about SWIR lighting, to create the proper contrast? We’ve got that too. Call us at 978-474-0044.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

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IR Applications for AT – Automation Technology IRSX Smart Cameras 

IRSX Series Smart Cameras

“Smart Cameras” for regular machine vision are not new, but a “Smart Thermal camera” is completely new.  Smart cameras attractively reduce or eliminate the need for a computer host, for some applications, putting the image processing onboard the camera.  That can lower costs and/or speed processing by eliminating components and data transfer time. 

AT – Automation Technology provides the IRSX series, bringing smart cameras to the IR space.  

IRSX Series Smart Cameras – courtesy AT – Automation Technology

In this overview, we address in turn each of:

  • Camera attributes
  • Smart camera and communications/control features
  • Example applications

Camera attributes: (physical)

Detector type: Focal Plane Array (FPA), uncooled microbolometer

Range: Thermal measurement range -10°C to +550°C

Precision: Measurement accuracy of +/- 2°C or +/- 2%

ROIs: Supports temperature evaluation based on an unlimited number of ROIs

Rugged: Rugged housing with air purge for the lens

Size: small enough to fit in the tightest of spaces (55 x 55 x 77 mm)

Options: Different models with different resolutions, FoV and frame rates available

IRSX Standards Compliance –
courtesy AT – Automation Technology

Smart camera and communications/control features:

GigE Vision: Complies to the newest GenICam standard

SDK options: Bundled irsxSupportPackage, AT’s comprehensive SDK, includes interfaces to popular third party packages as well

Smart Processing App: Complete functionality to create applications solutions
for a stand-alone operation of camera

Web-based configuration of your measurement task and display of results

IoT communications: Modbus server and client for IoT communication with
external devices

Example Applications: Besides the general purpose ability to monitor industrial infrastructure for early detection of combustion, specific industries taking advantage of IR applications include plastics, iron and steel, food processing, automotive, chemical, oil and gas, and electrical utilities, to name a few.

Do you have warehouses with combustible goods?

Or installations where there is a risk of fire?

Detect and respond to critical conditions BEFORE there’s an outbreak of fire.

Counting, packing, and sorting

Prepared meals: check the sealing of cover foils for defects

Thermal process monitoring during production

Foamed parts: e.g. dashboards: Inline
inspection for voids in the foam layer

Hot stamping: Monitor temperature distribution before and after forming
to optimize product quality

Are you already using IR imaging, and want to know more about how a smart IR camera could enhance existing applications – or innovate new ways to add value to your product and service offering? Or will your first IR application be with a smart camera? Call us at 978-474-0044 and we’ll be happy to learn more about your unique applications requirements – and how we can help. That’s what we do.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!