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Working with Mixed Model Multi-Sensor Systems

Working with Mixed Model Multi-Sensor Systems

The ability to create multi-sensor networks with Gocator® is one of the unique advantages of the smart software built into every sensor, and sets the bar for ease of use in the design and deployment of such systems. With new mixed model support, capturing 360º of a scan target or multiple views by mixing sensor models that optimize field of view and resolution takes multi-sensor networking to the next level.

Standard Multi-Sensor Systems

Up until now, Gocator® multi-sensor networking was limited to systems using the same sensor model only (e.g., 4 X high-resolution Gocator 2410s). This approach assumes you want the same field of view and resolution to build a 3D model of a part. However, what if your application requires you to achieve two different aims simultaneously, like scanning a large area and capturing fine surface features?

These “dual purpose” applications cannot be solved using one sensor model alone without making a compromise on resolution. Sensor models that have wide fields of view typically have lower resolution, and sensor models with high resolution typically have much smaller fields of view.

What the engineer really needs to solve the application is the ability to network two different sensor models. This is now possible with mixed model multi-sensor networking using Gocator® smart 3D laser line profilers.

A New Dimension in Multi-Sensor Networking - Mixed Model Systems

Now you can combine different models of Gocator® 3D line profilers from the same series into a single system, taking advantage of the higher resolution of one model and the wider field of view of another. For example, you can set up a sensor system containing one or more high resolution sensors (such as Gocator 2510) with one or more sensors that provide a wider field of view (such as Gocator 2530).

Mixed model networking capability allows you to perform high resolution inspection only on areas where it’s needed (that is, where there are fine features), while simultaneously getting wide overall coverage from other sensors in the network in order to capture the entire object surface.

Application Example - Wood Floor Panel

Wood panels have to be scanned and measured for complete dimensions, while the panel’s tongue and groove edges must be inspected for fine features and tight dimensional tolerances.

To solve this challenge we can create a mixed model multi-sensor system that leverages a large field of view laser profiler model and a high resolution model from the same series. To create our mixed model system we choose two Gocator 2440s, and two Gocator 2420s.

Mixed Model Multi-Sensor System with Gocator 3D line profilers
Mixed model multi-sensor system with Gocator 3D laser line profilers.

Gocator 2440 has the wider field of view, and is therefore able to achieve greater scan coverage with fewer sensors. This model easily captures the complete dimensions of the panel’s top and bottom surfaces in motion, including the weight-distributing grooves that run lengthwise along the bottom face.

Floor panel Inspection Bottom Face
The wider field of view Gocator 2440 is used to scan the complete surface of the panel.

Gocator 2420 is the higher resolution model in the series, and is therefore able to generate the required high-precision 3D data from the panel’s tongue and groove edges.

Floor Panel Inspection Tongue and Groove
The higher resolution 2420 is used to scan the fine features in the panel’s tongue and groove.

Benefits of Mixed Model 3D Scanning

Mixed model multi-sensor systems allow you to fulfill two different scanning requirements in a single pass. The 3D data from each line profiler is automatically combined into a single profile or surface that is ready for measurement and inspection. Key measurements can be easily applied to the combined data using point and click operations.

Mixed Model Multi-Sensor Measurements
The mixed model multi-sensor network generates a complete 3D profile of the panel for measurement and inspection.

This unique type of multi-sensor system allows users to achieve fine-feature inspection on a specific region of interest (ROI), while simultaneously achieving wide surface coverage. The result is an inspection system built on the fewest number of sensors and the lowest possible total system cost.

Now that’s FactorySmart® 3D scanning and inspection!

Watch the video for more details ...

Jul 20th 2020 LMI Staff

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