Machine Vision: End User Solutions
iNspect FAQ
What
is iNspect?
What does it do?
Where can it be used?
What are some typical applications?
What makes it easy to use?
How many cameras can iNspect interface?
What types of cameras are supported?
What are GigE cameras?
How many job files can I create?
How do users access the iNspect GUI?
What if my production line is miles away?
How robust is the underlying technology?
Do I need a PLC?
What PLCs does iNspect support?
How can I diagnose setup problems?
What if I need help in choosing the correct lighting
and lens for my application?
Where do I go if I need support?
What
is iNspect?
iNspect is a machine vision software application that runs on a
DALSA Vision Appliance or a Windows based PC.
What
does it do?
It automatically inspects images taken from cameras for the purpose
of detecting product defects during the manufacturing process.
Where
can it be used?
All types of online or offline manufacturing or production operations
that require verification for quality control. iNspect offers a
general set of common tools that can be applied across a diverse
range of industries from Automotive to Pharmaceutical.
What
are some typical applications?
Presence/absence of features, part alignment, part measuring, package
and content inspection, bead inspection, surface inspection (looking
for scratches, stains or irregular features), ID verification (barcode
and 2D), character reading, label inspection, color verification
etc.
What
makes it easy to use?
iNspect is built on a simple interface framework, with wizard-like
capabilities, that guide users through the setup process. All of
the complexity normally associated with vision algorithms has been
carefully abstracted in favor of more logical and intuitive control.
How
many cameras can iNspect interface?
iNspect can interface and process data from up to 8 cameras. These
cameras can be configured for synchronous (all triggering at the
same time) or asynchronous (each camera triggers independently)
operation. Support for multiple cameras significantly reduces the
deployment cost per camera.
What
type of cameras are supported?
Analog, Firewire or GigE cameras are supported by iNspect. Analog
cameras are only supported by the Vision Appliance hardware, whereas
Firewire and GigE (DALSA Genie cameras) are also supported for PC
configurations.
What
are GigE cameras?
GigE stands for Gigabit Ethernet. These cameras are relatively new
technology that use 1000BaseT Ethernet for transporting images to
the vision controller. The major advantages of this technology are
distance (up to 100 meters) between camera and controller and the
ability to use commodity switches to build larger system configurations.
How
many job files can I create?
iNspect can supports in excess of 1,000 solutions. These solutions
can be dynamically switched via I/O (in the case of a Vision Appliance)
or network commands. Solutions can also be switched using the iNspect
GUI.
How
do users access the iNspect GUI?
Depending on the hardware platform being used, iNspect is accessed
either through a network as a web application or locally via a desktop
interface.
What
if my production line is miles away?
No problem! Our web browser interface enables you to check the status
of your production line whether it is a few feet or half a world
away.
How
robust is the underlying technology?
Our evolving technology has been used to service manufacturers for
over 20 years. DALSA is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing
machine vision components and systems for industrial deployment.
Do
I need a PLC?
Not necessarily. Many manufacturers are already using PLCs for process
control, so it's natural to interface the vision components with
them. Other manufacturers only need to perform point inspections
and for these tasks a PLC is not usually required.
What
PLCs does iNspect support?
iNspect supports several common protocols such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP,
as well as direct support for many PLCs. DALSA is also a Rockwell
Automation Encompass partner.
How
can I diagnose setup problems?
To make setup and debug easier, iNspect records information (images
+ results) on recent passed, failed and reworked parts; It also
allows users to store images that can be run on the offline emulator.
This is very useful for fine tuning the application without disrupting
the online process..
What
if I need help in choosing the correct lighting and lens for my
application?
DALSA IPD channel partners have been trained in lighting and lensing
techniques and are ready to help.
Where
do I go if I need support?
DALSA IPD channel partners are situated in 21 countries. You can
also use the support hotline that is monitored daily by the factory
(email: support.ipd@teledynedalsa.com)
