Cognex introduces TestRun, a new feature for its In-Sight vision systems that allows manufacturers to easily and automatically test the vision system and verify that it is functioning correctly. This functionality is available only with these vision systems and gives users increased confidence in the validity of their vision inspection results. Now, users can confirm program changes by quickly checking against the “baseline” configuration. The feature also makes it easy for system integrators and OEMs to demonstrate that the vision system meets the acceptance criteria when the system is installed at the end user’s facility. And, machine operators can minimize bad results by easily checking that the vision hardware is performing properly. In addition to testing system functionality, TestRun assists quality managers to identify “borderline” inspections and to refine pass/fail criteria. Vision programs can contain many setup parameters. The solution assigns range limits to the parameters, and when it executes, confirms that the current setup parameters are within the expected limits. In image inspection, it provides application validation against an image database. A library of “challenge” images includes examples of “good” parts and “bad” parts. Reference images of bad parts can be further graded by the specific defect present in the part. When the feature executes, each image in the library is evaluated by the current vision program. TestRun confirms that the results from the current vision program match the “expected” results. Consistent results from a vision program depend on image acquisition quality. Hardware tests measure the integrity of the image acquired by the vision system by checking factors such as the focus, position, and the illumination of the current system. “For OEMs and systems integrators, TestRun ensures that the machines they manufacture and the systems they develop will continue to provide the required functionality when their clients’ conditions change,” said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager. “Machine operators can now manage a myriad of changes on the factory floor and maintain the reliability of the inspection systems with little effort.”
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