Cognex launches 3D-A1000 volume measurement system (compact size recognition camera)

 Good news, on August 16, 2019, Cognex launched a material size identification product, the 3D-A1000 volume measurement system , which claims to have breakthrough smart camera technology and can handle some extremely important tasks in logistics, packaging and warehousing... Rigorous static or dynamic dimensional recognition applications.

From the outside, this 3D-A1000 follows COGNEX’s iconic yellow and black color scheme, and like the previous 3D-A5000 3D scanning camera, it also adopts the approximate isosceles trapezoidal shape shown above, except for the size. It is much smaller, close to the size of a general 2D camera.

There are three lenses on the front of the camera. The data shows that the lenses on both sides are 2D imaging with a resolution of 1280x960; the lens among them is 3D motion imaging using characteristic light technology. The camera backend integrates I/O (24 V DC) for tracking material speed and output identification status, as well as a network communication port supporting Gigabit Industrial Ethernet protocols (GigE, TCP/IP, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP).

According to COGNEX official statement, 3D-A1000 is a compact industrial 3D+2D sports smart camera.

It uses patented 3D characteristic light technology (Symbolic Light: Visual inspection of this technology originated from Chiaro Technologies, a 3D vision company acquired by COGNEX in 2016), combined with 2D detection function, to capture the posture of moving objects at each moment through a series of images. , and generate 3D point cloud data to achieve accurate identification of material dimensions.

The official claims that 3D-A1000 can handle many complex dimensional inspection application scenarios, such as: high-speed movement, curved conveyance, irregular objects, complex packaging, uneven product surfaces, colored object surfaces, etc.;

In addition to outputting measurement results with accurate data, the camera can also detect over-packaged or substandard items.

However, judging from the information that has been released so far, based on conveyor belts of different widths, there are actually certain differences in the material sizes that 3D-A1000 can identify;

At the same time, the repeatability accuracy of dimensional inspection will also vary depending on changes in conveyor belt specifications and material transmission speed.

Regarding the use of this camera, COGNEX officials also gave an introduction, saying that only by following the following four steps, users can complete the parameter settings of the 3D-A1000 and put it into operation.

First, connect the camera via a web browser, no need to download and install an app.

Then, according to the prompts of the operation wizard, enter basic application parameters in the browser page, such as: minimum and maximum material size, conveyor belt width, transmission speed and direction, etc.; based on this, the system will generate a simulated working environment , and gives a series of installation suggestions, such as: trigger location, installation method, operation process... to assist users in optimizing system settings.

Then, by using the system's performance analysis tools, the adaptive tuning function will help further adjust and optimize parameter settings to ensure optimal performance.

Finally, even after it is put into operation, the system will continue to feedback statistical information on processes and performance, using data to further drive the continuous optimization of its efficiency.

It can be seen that the COGNEX camera simplifies the integration and operation and maintenance process of dimensional measurement systems in material conveying applications by combining 3D+2D vision technology. It is understood that this will help improve the operational efficiency of equipment in areas such as logistics, packaging and warehousing to cope with the new demands and challenges posed by new retail for logistics automation.