Automation Systems
Automation systems for demanding industrial applications are often hampered by point-to-point links, short cable reaches, and the high cost of Camera Link® and LVDS camera-to-PC connectivity equipment.
The use of a networked video connectivity solution that uses the Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) platform can overcome these challenges, while reducing the overall cost and complexity of an automation system.
From traditional camera-to-PC links to large multicast deployments where multiple cameras send data simultaneously to multiple PCs for real-time processing, you can rely on the performance of Pleora’s purpose-built products.
Why networked video?
Pleora’s solutions allow industrial and machine vision cameras to be networked and to exchange imaging and control data with PCs in real-time. Our iPORT IP engines deliver low-latency and highly reliable connections between cameras and PCs over cabling distances of more than 100 meters. And with the use of a low-cost GigE switch, cabling reach can be extended even further.
Networked cameras dramatically simplify a system’s cabling requirements, while eliminating the costs of specialized cabling, cable links, and frame grabbers. Further, all Pleora products include an advanced programmable logic controller (PLC) that handles virtually any requirement for synchronization and precisely timed signal generation or modification in automation systems.
Automation applications
Some of the many quality assurance and inspection applications that have employed Pleora’s GigE-based networked video solutions include:
- Flat panel display inspection;
- Printed circuit board (PCB) inspection;
- 3D profiling;
- Pharmaceutical and food sorting;
- Postal and parcel sorting; and
- Currency sorting.
Networked video in action
The sample industrial automation application below illustrates a quality assurance system that employs networked video connectivity.
Video from the GigE Vision® cameras in the gantry is streamed in real-time to the GigE switch and multicast to the rack-mounted PCs. Each PC analyzes the video for a different type of defect. Results are forwarded to the master controller PC, which aggregates the results and sends grading instructions to the GigE Vision stamping device.
Ethernet-based network delivering reliable, real-time imaging data for a quality assurance system.
If your industrial automation systems rely on high-performance machine vision, we invite you to learn more about our GigE-based networked video connectivity solutions by joining our Support Center or simply giving us a call at (613) 270-0625.
