Banner Engineering

July 24, 2009
Image Sensor with Touch Screen for Industrial Vision Applications

A compact, self-contained image sensor with touch-screen controls to solve inspection applications on the factory floor has been introduced by Banner Engineering. The new iVu Series TG Image Sensor operates without a PC, combining the simplicity and low cost of a photoelectric sensor with the intelligence of a vision sensor. It is the first product of its kind to feature a touch-screen with an intuitive interface for easy configuration of inspection parameters.

Applications include:
• label inspection
• part presence and orientation
• date/lot code verification
• vial cap inspection
• injection molding and packaging verification
• drilled hole inspection
• feeder bowl inspection
• electronic marking verification

The iVu includes three inspection tools in one package: a match sensor that compares a part to a reference, an area sensor that detects presence or absence of a feature, and an area sensor that adjusts for motion. It is designed for use in industries including pharmaceutical, automotive, food & beverage, packaging, metal stamping, plastics and electronics.

Setup can be accomplished in minutes with only four steps: install and connect the sensor, select inspection type, acquire a good image and set the inspection parameters. All necessary information is displayed on the 68.5 mm LCD screen displaying 320 x 240 pixels. An adjustable focus lens makes image acquisition fast and easy.

The onboard interface allows the user to select operation in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and traditional or simplified Chinese. Its robust housing is rated to IP67 for operation in harsh industrial environments. A variety of cordsets and mounting brackets are available.

While the iVu is designed to be configured and operated without a PC, an offline software emulator tool allows applications to be set up remotely.

Banner Engineering is one of the world's leading manufacturers of vision sensors, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, fiber optic assemblies, indicator lights, machine guarding systems, precision measurement and inspection systems and wireless network products. The company provides local application support worldwide.