|
ValuScan Applications: Using Zone Functions
|
ValuScan firmware allows users to define zones within the scanner's array. Using the parallel output, the scanner can provide an on-off signal for each zone to indicate if an object is present in the zone. Using the serial output, the scanner can report the size of the largest object found in each zone.
In many applications zone functions allow one scanner to replace several scanners or photoelectric sensors by covering a large area yet still giving discrete outputs. This is advantageous in a process where detection points may need to be repositioned, since it is fast and easy to redefine the zones in the scanner.
|
| What applications can benefit from zone functions? |
Many applications require decisions based on the size or position of an object or objects. Zone functions are a quick and easy way to make these decisions within the scanner. This provides a simple interface to the external control system. In some in-stances, the scanner can provide direct control of the process eliminating an external controller.
Another excellent use of these functions is to replace an array of sensors or smaller scanners when the only function needed is detection. A single, larger scanner is easier to install and maintain than an array of sensors, often at a lower cost. Typical applications include paint spray control, sorting by size, sorting by position, and pokeyoki (verification that parts have been selected from the proper bin). |
|
| A zone is any single beam or group of consecutive beams. The only restrictions are that there can be no breaks in a zone and a zone cannot have more beams that the scanner is using. Zones can overlap and a zone can even be contained entirely within another zone. For an example, let's take a scanner set for 32 beams. |
Examples of valid zones:
1. Beams 2 through 5
2. Beams 3 through 32
3. Beam 10 |
Examples of zones that are not valid:
1. Beams 1 through 48 do not comprise a valid zone because there are more beams in the zone than in the scanner.
2. Beams 1 through 5 and 10 through 20 do not comprise a valid zone because the beams are not consecutive. |
|
