IEN: What innovations are in store for users in the areas of: configurable hardware; improved algorithms; interfaces, self-sustaining communication functionality; mesh systems; color; intelligent sensing; high-end edge detection; MEMS/sensing clusters; nanosensing; data acquisition; software; ruggedization?
Sippel: We are creating new software to add greater functionality for those who wish to configure In-Sight outside of our Explorer environment. This will allow greater access to camera functionality using .NET technology like VB and C#. We are also improving the Explorer interface to make usage more user friendly for users. This includes more flexibility in the interface formatting and appearance to make operator user screens easier to use and understand.
Keating: Cognex sees big innovations in the areas of user interface and "intelligent sensing." Checker, for example (shown here), is revolutionary because of its simplicity, which is mainly due to the simple setup and user interface. However, Checker is also revolutionary because of the intelligence built into the algorithms themselves. To get more people to deploy vision in more areas, the sensor/software has to do more of the work. The user cannot be expected to be an expert, or even fluent in machine vision.
IEN: Are wireless applications increasing? Have the challenges related to connectivity to low-power and ultra-low-power devices been overcome? Are users adopting self-organizing sensor networks?
Sippel: We are being asked once in a while whether we will support wireless technology. At this point, we are not acting on this. Greater throughput capability for communication and image transmission is asked for more often.
We don''t have issues with low-power devices.
Many users are using our vision sensors on networks. For most applications, this is to collect data and provide easy access to these sensors.
IEN: Do you see signs that sensing and machine vision are being used more broadly in collaborative manufacturing? Logistics? Other applications?
Sippel: We have had many applications where sensors and vision are being used in concert with each other. Sensors are used for the simple tasks, like detection, and vision for the more complex applications like inspection, gauging, or position detection. We also have users who combine vision sensors and PC-based vision together on the same lines to share the inspection process when it can be distributed.
For ID, vision is being used for 2D code reading with vision also being used for inspection. This can also include the combination handheld readers with fixed mount readers and vision sensors reading and inspecting respectively. This is a combination of logistics with manufacturing.
Keating: It seems that sensors and machine vision are converging. Because sensors like Checker are becoming easier to set up, they are allowing users to solve applications that they might have tried with many photoelectric sensors and PLC logic.