SPONSORE D FEATU RE
THE BENEFITS OF MULTI-SENSOR ALIGNMENT WITH 6 DEGREES OF FREEDOM (6DOF)
Many of today’s inline quality control applications require vision systems to inspect targets that are larger than a single sensor’s field of view. Examples include log scanning, electronic parts (PCB, tablets, laptops) inspection, large automotive component and assembly inspection (doors, engine blocks, cylinder heads), and inspection of factory panels. Multi-sensor networking using 3D smart sensors is the ideal solution to this challenge. The ability to synchronize scanning and perform alignment and stitching across multiple scan devices offers several key benefits.
6 DoF in Flexible Sensor Alignment Industrial inspection applications present a number of variables that need to be compensated for in the setup of a sensor network. This includes inaccurate mounting, or the need for a specific rotation to optimize scan results (e.g., angling the sensor to improve the signal on reflective targets).
MULTI-SENSOR NETWORKS ARE: (1) Flexible – Users can set up a network in any layout they want, including ring, opposing, angled, and staggered.
(2) Scalable – Users can network any number of sensors to meet the needs of their particular application.
(3) Simple – In a smart sensor, the required software for networking is already onboard. A single cable connects the sensor to a dedicated master network controller that handles power distribution and micro-second data synchronization.
“6 degrees of freedom in sensor alignment allows the user to choose the axes on which offsets and rotations are calculated.”
12
For non-reflective targets a straight sensor setup is ideal (left). For specular targets, the sensor is rotated on the X-axis to minimize reflected light and generate cleaner scan data (right). 6 DoF alignment supports this type of angled sensor setup.
3D smart sensors such as Gocator® solve these challenges by providing advanced alignment options with 6 degrees of freedom (6 DoF). In essence, this means sensors can be staggered, rotated, angled, or offset in every coordinate direction (X,Y,Z) to fit specific applications. Gocator produces fully stitched 3D models in a single, world coordinate system which can then be used for accurate absolute measurement.
robopromedia.com
