Intelligent Vision Sensors

The intelligent vision sensors of the VS 100 series from Siemens were developed for the application-specific image processing. With the Simatic VS 110, three separate shape inspection tasks can be performed in a single step, namely the inspections for intact, flawed and correctly positioned components. The component’s silhouette is checked using the transmitted light method. The reflected light model VS 120 was developed specifically for the optical object inspection of workpieces and patterns. Besides identifying whether the component inspected is the right one and intact, the system also provides information about its position in the form of x and y coordinates and the angle of rotation. Furthermore, a statement about the quality is issued.

The intelligent vision sensor VS 130-2 reliably detects and decodes data matrix codes according to the ECC200 norm. The 2D codes can be printed, punched, drilled or applied by laser. The vision sensor can locate the code onscreen even under difficult conditions such as distortions or surface defects.
For the commissioning, no specific image processing know-how is required, since the sensor is not programmed, but instead simply “trained”. The complete operation takes place directly at the unit by means of buttons and a text display, but can also be performed remotely via PROFIBUS DP or serial interface. During the setup, the live image can be shown on PC. With its PROFINET I/O functionality, the vision sensor VS 130-2 offers real-time data transmission of process data via Ethernet and thus enables the transmission of time-critical process data as well as lower priority data such as error screens, parameters or diagnostics information.