Pepperl+Fuchs Releases Industrial Event Camera and 1D/2D Code Reader

Pepperl+Fuchs has developed new machine vision sensors to benefit high-speed automation lines. The company’s new VOC industrial event camera supports troubleshooting efforts by capturing excursions in machinery and processes. The company also designed a new stationary 1D/2D code reader, the CleverReader, built for high-speed asset tracking.

The VOC industrial event camera records videos and images for 900 seconds before and after a predefined trigger event. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

VOC Industrial Event Camera

Troubleshooting automation systems is easier if technicians can see what led to the excursion. However, scrolling through hours of video is inefficient. Pepperl+Fuchs has designed its new VOC industrial event camera to solve this problem. The camera is constantly recording, but it only saves events that matter. It records up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) before and after a categorized error, allowing technicians to focus directly on the events leading up to the fault.

The camera itself is loaded with important features, capable of full HD video and 12 MP still images. It includes a zoom function and automatically adds timestamps to images and video. The camera can be streamed with WebRTC or RTSP and integrates with other IT systems using REST API.

Each camera also supports multiple triggering methods, including changes in acceleration, changes in brightness, trigger signals from other cameras, and more. Trigger signals from other cameras can follow a product down an assembly line, a person moving through a restricted area, and other such situations.

The CleverReader 1D/2D code reader scans bins on a roller conveyor. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

CleverReader 1D/2D Code Reader

Another new development by Pepperl+Fuchs is the CleverReader 1D/2D code reader. The new reader is designed to read both one-dimensional codes, such as bar codes, and two-dimensional codes, such as matrix, quick response (QR), or direct part marking (DPM) codes.

Designed for stationary mounting, the CleverReader reads items passing through its field of view at up to 3.5 m/s. Once the code has been successfully read, the software handles the rest. The reader includes a code comparison routine for matching reference codes to flag faulty objects. It also has an error-matching routine for items missing a code; they are flagged and imaged for additional inspection.

The CleverReader identifies missing, damaged, or hard-to-read codes and features five reading modes. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

Five separate reading modes make it possible to read codes in a variety of circumstances. In some cases, the reading can be manually triggered, and in others, there is an automatic trigger. In all cases, the output string can be customized and used to fill out software forms and dashboards as appropriate.

Enhancing Automation

Both of Pepperl+Fuchs’ new products show the company’s commitment to making high-speed manufacturing and asset tracking more efficient. The VOC industrial event camera can be used for access and security applications as well as manufacturing and palletization operations. For example, if the VOC is paired with a motion sensor, the camera will only capture movement, providing a record of everyone who enters a restricted space. The CleverReader is designed for asset tracking in packaging lines, bin tracking, and PCB manufacturing.