Omron's new ZFX machine vision sensor simplifies every aspect of automated inspection by condensing image-processing know-how into recipes that allow the user to select from auto-listed options, resulting in shorter commissioning time and lower costs. Hardware has been condensed to two pieces—a camera with intelligent lighting and a controller with built-in HMI—from up to nine components that reduce installation costs. The ZFX programming environment uses a live color image for maximum accuracy in setup and monitoring. A three-step setting procedure reduces fumbling with lighting setup and eliminates the tricky parameter details involved in measurement setup. Click here for features and specifications.

Watch a Video Demo

See a video demo showing the simple setup at http://demos.omron247.com/

Interactive Menus for Guided Setup

• The radically simplified setup for ZFX vision sensor starts by choosing the best lighting from a palette of 12 thumbnails of different automatic lighting setups and then refined by on-screen adjustments to optimize contrast in areas for inspection.
• Next, the user chooses from nine measurement tools, including color hue with automatic color filter selection and up to four color extractions; 360-degree pattern search and a new "Sensitive search" that subdivides a region into 9, 25 or 100 cells to detect subtle defects and color variations.
• Finally, the user sets real-time position correction to stabilize the search for parts or features presented at random angles and positions. The ZFX can inspect up to 32 regions of interest with 360-degree rotational search in less than 28 ms.

Ideal for Quality Control and Remote Analysis

• The ZFX has onboard storage for 100 image data without slowing measurement speed; and a 2GB SD memory card port to expand data storage capacity.
• Live VGA (640 x 480) images can be transmitted to external monitors and projectors via RGB protocol.
• The video and data output from ZFX includes program judgments, OR logic information and measurements.

Typical Applications

Designed for high-speed measurement and inspection applications, the ZFX can be used for product or package sorting, label inspections, high-speed bottle inspection, electronics inspection, random position reference and high-speed robotic tool guidance. Click here to see inspection application solutions in action.

Basic Features

The controller for ZFX has a built-in 3.5-inch TFT color LCD touch screen with stylus, and is available in NPN or PNP output models for one- or two-camera applications. Color and monochrome cameras with built-in lens and intelligent lighting are available with fields of view ranging from 1 to 150 mm; cameras with C-mount lenses are also available. The ZFX controller can be track-mounted directly or panel mounted using an optional adapter. Optional lighting bars support additional lighting needs.

The ZFX allows easy integration of image data and position information with automation systems using onboard communication ports:

• Serial RS-232C/RS-422
• USB 2.0
• Ethernet
• Parallel I/O (12 inputs/22 outputs)

A ZFX controller and intelligent lighting camera with 90mm field of vision are available from stock for $4,350. For further information, contact: Omron Electronics LLC, 1 Commerce Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Tel.: 866-88-OMRON. Fax: 847-843-8081.