Revolutionising Quality Inspection with a Bi-Telecentric Multi-Mirror System
Quality inspection in high-precision manufacturing is a challenge that often demands complex, multi-camera systems to capture all necessary details. In industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to industrial automation, maintaining product consistency and reliability is paramount and traditional solutions can be both costly and cumbersome.
Recently, we had the opportunity to trial a lens loaned to us by Hinze OptoEngineering GmbH & Co. KG. To have a bit of fun while testing its capabilities, we used a Lego man as our test subject instead of our usual product. The playful experiment not only showcased the lens's performance but also highlighted its potential to transform inspection processes.
Addressing the Inspection Challenge
Traditional machine vision systems typically rely on multiple cameras to capture different views of a sample. For applications such as detailed quality inspection, this multi-camera approach increases the hardware footprint and introduces multiple points of failure. The need for precise alignment, constant calibration, and extensive maintenance complicates operations and drives up costs.
Enter the TCCAGE23096 lens—a bi-telecentric multi-mirror system designed for 2/3" sensors. This innovative lens provides four orthonormal views in a single image that is processed by dedicated vision software. In effect, it generates four simultaneous views of the sample, eliminating the need for expensive and complex multi-camera systems.
Key Features and Benefits
Bi-Telecentric Design for Superior Accuracy
The bi-telecentric design ensures constant magnification across the entire field of view. This is crucial for applications requiring high measurement precision, as it eliminates perspective errors associated with traditional lens designs.
Multi-Mirror System for Comprehensive Imaging
The integrated multi-mirror system captures four orthonormal views of the sample. This simultaneous multi-view capture allows for detailed three-dimensional analysis without the need for multiple cameras, simplifying the inspection process.
Simplified Vision Software Integration
The dedicated vision software processes the single composite image to extract the four distinct views. By eliminating the need to synchronise multiple camera feeds, the overall software setup is streamlined, making calibration and maintenance much simpler.
Reduced Hardware Complexity and Cost
By replacing what would normally be a multi-camera system with a single (or dual) camera setup, the hardware complexity is significantly reduced. This not only results in a smaller system footprint but also minimises potential failure points, leading to cost savings and increased operational uptime.
Seamless Integration with Modern Technologies
The TCCAGE23096 lens integrates effortlessly with deep learning platforms, enhancing both the robustness and repeatability of quality inspections. Its compatibility with smart camera solutions also allows manufacturers to avoid reliance on PC-based systems, further simplifying system integration.
Ideal for Robotic Integration
In automated production lines, speed and efficiency are critical. The compact design of this lens makes it ideal for robotic integration, reducing inspection time and streamlining mechanical handling.
A Playful Experiment with a Serious Impact
During our trial, the lens was put to the test using a humble Lego man as a stand-in for our usual products. This lighthearted experiment not only demonstrated the lens’s ability to capture four precise, orthonormal views in a single image but also underscored its versatility. By using a playful subject, we could easily visualise how the system could be adapted to inspect various small and intricate objects across different industries.
Conclusion
The TCCAGE23096 lens represents a significant leap forward in machine vision technology. By consolidating the capabilities of a multi-camera system into a single (or dual) camera setup, it offers a robust, efficient and cost effective solution for quality inspection. Its bi-telecentric design, multi-mirror system, and seamless software integration set a new standard for precision and reliability in industrial inspection.
For production managers and quality control engineers looking to optimise their inspection processes, this innovative approach from Hinze OptoEngineering GmbH & Co. KG not only simplifies system design but also delivers measurable improvements in performance and cost savings. Our trial, complete with a fun Lego man experiment, confirms that the future of industrial inspection is both bright and highly efficient.
By exploring and adopting advanced optical solutions like the TCCAGE23096, manufacturers can truly push the boundaries of what machine vision can achieve, ensuring that quality and efficiency go hand in hand.