Rotating mirror creates cheap inspection system

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 11, 2008

Modular Digits (Modi) developed a rotating mirror head which was combined with an In-Sight camera or a VisionPro system to perform image processing tasks with minimal use of materials.

Modi's Adomo system relies on Cognex vision systems to create cost-efficient checking systems.

While looking to find the best technology for reading data matrix codes on large surfaces, Modular Digits (Modi) developed a rotating mirror head.

Combined with an In-Sight camera or a VisionPro system from Cognex, the result is a compact inspection unit which can perform a wide variety of image processing tasks with minimal use of materials.

The rotating mirror was developed when a fixed mirror was being adjusted.

While looking for the perfect position for a small 1cm2 mirror for code reading in an awkward position, General Manager Dieter Klawunder came upon the idea of dynamic mirror deflection.

Dieter Klawunder said "It dawned on me that we should move mirrors freely using a processor instead of always setting them up in fixed positions".

The resulting system is perfect for inspecting large surfaces while needing no more space than a shoe box.

Consisting of the In-Sight camera from Cognex, a lens, a rotating mirror, stepper motor and electronic propelling system, Adomo can perform a wide range of checking tasks at high resolution.

The rotating mirror, which is controlled via stepper motors, deflects the camera visual range from the part being inspected to the In-Sight system at an accuracy of 1um.

Thanks to the high resolution, areas of up to 500 x 500mm can be recorded and evaluated accurately with just one camera.

Advantages include shorter cycle times, a high checking accuracy and the unit's compactness.

With the integrated microprocessor unit, the system can automatically move to and analyse up to 2000 different checking positions.

In combination with the intelligent In-Sight camera, Adomo can also be implemented in existing production line without the need for an additional PC.

Due to the movable mirror head, the system can easily inspect difficult-to-reach areas.

Adomo can be operated as a stand-alone solution, or in combination with the Vision Control Server Package software tool.

Even the most complex checking procedures can be performed without any programming knowledge on the part of the user.

The intuitive user interface allows inspection programs to be created and new checking processes to be set up and trained in quickly and easily.

With the software, the user can move the mirror to any position and define the exact inspection position to an accuracy of thousandths of a millimetre.

Adomo can also operate quickly in "handshake mode".

The inspection trio consisting of In-Sight, the movable mirror deflection technology and VCSP only requires 50ms for data exchange.

The results of the inspections are stored in an internal database and can be accessed at any time for fault evaluation purposes.