Cognex introduces machine vision system for inspecting polished fibre ends

Citation

(2001), "Cognex introduces machine vision system for inspecting polished fibre ends", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721dad.004

Cognex introduces machine vision system for inspecting polished fibre ends

Cognex introduces machine vision system for inspecting polished fibre endsKeywords: Machine vision, Fibre optics

Cognex, a leading supplier of machine vision systems, has introduced FiberInspect™, a machine vision system specifically designed to automatically detect and measure scratches, cracks and spots on fibres that form during the polishing process (see Plate 3). The new system, which can be used in conjunction with existing manual inspection systems, or integrated by OEMs into custom-designed automated systems, will help increase fibre cable yield by detecting defects with far greater speed, accuracy, and objectivity over current manual approaches.

Plate 3 FibreInspect is specifically designed to automatically detect and measure scratches, cracks and spots on fibres formed during the polishing process

"With manual inspection methods, it may take an operator up to a minute to thoroughly examine a close-up image of a fibre end for defects. Because the process is highly subjective, operators may visually interpret defects in different ways, resulting in the false acceptance of defective cables, which may fail in field use. The new FiberInspect system, developed by our fibre optic products team, can accurately and quickly determine if a cable is good, bad, or needs to be re-polished, thereby eliminating guesswork and improving throughput", said Justin Testa, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cognex.

Utilising proprietary, unique software algorithms, FiberInspect can detect fibre end defects smaller than a single micron, even when there is poor image contrast between the defect and background. In a typical application, an image of a polished fibre end is acquired by a fibrescope camera and transferred directly to the FiberInspect system, which analyses the image, graphically highlights each defect, and provides data about the position and size of each. The system can also be set up to classify defects by a certain defect type, such as a crack, to help users better understand problems that exist in the polishing process.

FiberInspect features a Windows-based graphical user interface, making it easy for users to operate the system. Accept/reject criteria are entered into simple dialogue boxes, and the system automatically adapts to the fibre type being inspected. Additionally, the system enables defects to be graphically highlighted in user-defined colours, making it easier for operators to view specific types of defects.

The FiberInspect package consists of advanced machine vision inspection software, a Cognex MVS-8100 frame grabber, and a Windows&#153-based graphical user interface. A Visual C++ software development kit version of the product is also available for OEMs.

Technical contact: Geoff Collins, Cognex UK, Units 7-9, First Quarter, Blenheim Road, Epsom, KT19 9QN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1372 726150; Fax: +44 (0)1372 726276; E-mail: gcollins@cognex.com