Overview and first impressions
Omron FQ2-S25100F Color smart camera
Let me start out by saying I have avoided omron vision systems for over 10 years. Back in ~ 2005, 2006, 2007 I had a few projects that used the Omron F150 and F160 vision systems. I thought the software was limiting. The only way to program it was with a proprietary keypad. The camera and the controller were separate items. It was just too much trouble to use, so I avoided it. Fast forward to today...
Omron's current smart camera, the FQ2-S, is an improvement over the F150 and F160. The FQ2-S is one unit, camera, light and vision processor in one. It is optimized for high speed inspections. It can be programmed with a computer or with a small touchscreen display via Ethernet. It performs very well when imaging glossy/reflective surfaces when the included polarizing filter is used. For basic patterns, edge, and code reading it does a good job. The software steps you through connecting, getting an image, adding an inspection, and automatically drives the OK/NG (No Good) output.
There are some problems. Mainly, when you go outside of the basic setup things get confusing again. For instance, I still haven't figured out how to move inspection tools based on the results of previous tools. Along the same lines, Instead of moving the tools, it appears that the image is moved and rotated. That causes part of the image to be clipped.
[Documentation doesn't include any code read examples]
The image sensor make and model is not listed in the documentation. It is likely an OmniVision OV07962 sensor. The color reproduction looks like it is 16 bit RGB 565 (not 24bit RGB 888). This limits the color dynamic range to 5 or 6 bits per channel (instead of the typical 8) The video is susceptible to electrical noise (hum). When the built in LED's are used the longest exposure is limited to 1/250th sec (4ms). The longest exposure when the LED's are disabled is 1 second; but you have to experiment with settings to figure that out.
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| Working distance is about 16 inches. |
Some example images using the built in light.
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| Depth Of Field |
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| Color reproduction |
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| Auto white balance |
