Panasonic LightPix AE20 User manual

http://www.nais-e.com/vision/
Panasonic...the new name for Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
User's Manual

Before Reading This Manual
Thank you for purchasing the LightPixAE20.
In this manual, information on the hardware (installation, wiring, etc.) and the software (functions, setting
procedures, etc.) is described. Read this User’s Manual carefully before use.
Safety Precautions
To ensure that you use this product correctly, read this User’s Manual thoroughly before use. Make sure that
you fully understand the product and information on safe.
Conventions used in the Safety Precautions
Symbols:
The following symbols used in Safety Precautions.
Symbol Explanation:
WARNING
This indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in death of or serious damage to the operator, if
the safety instruction is not observed.
CAUTION
This indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in serious bodily injury or property damage, if the
safety instruction is not observed.
WARNING
• Do not use the product in the environment where combustible gas presents. This might cause
explosion.
• Never attempt to disassemble or alter the product. Failure to do so might result in an electric shock and
physical damage.
CAUTION
• Be sure to ground the product. Failure to do so might result in an electric shock.
• Do not touch the terminals while the power is on. This might result in an electric shock.
• Do not place heavy objects on the product. Do not use a heater near the product. This may result in
smoke coming from the product.
• Do not allow metallic objects or other flammable foreign matter inside the product. This might cause a
fire, electric shock or product damage.
• Use the product following the specifications. Failure to do so might result in abnormal heat and smoke
coming from the product.
• If you want to use the product for the purposes that are expected to lead to physical damage or serious
loss, safety measures, such as the installation of fail-safe systems, should be taken.

Table of Contents
Precautions before Use .................................................................................. iv
1. Overview of Light Pix AE20...................................................................... 1
1.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................2
1.2 Product Configuration........................................................................................3
1.3 Inspection Applications......................................................................................4
2. Names and Functions of Parts................................................................. 5
2.1 About the Main Unit ...........................................................................................6
2.2 Operation Unit ...................................................................................................7
2.2.1 Operation Unit ...........................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Texts Displayed on the LCD Monitor of the Operation Unit.......................................8
2.2.3 Lock Function............................................................................................................9
2.3 Finder Unit.......................................................................................................10
3. Installation and Wiring............................................................................ 11
3.1 A List of Connectable Units and Devices......................................................... 12
3.2 Connection between the Units......................................................................... 13
3.2.1 Connection the Main Unit to the Operation Unit ......................................................13
3.2.2 Connection of the Operation and Finder Units ........................................................14
3.3 Fixing and Removing the Main Unit.................................................................15
3.3.1 Main Unit.................................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Operation Unit .........................................................................................................18
3.3.3 Finder Unit...............................................................................................................19
3.3.4 Installation Environment..........................................................................................20
3.4 Input/Output Cables for Connecting Power Supply Unit or External Devices .. 21
3.4.1 Sequence of Input/Output Signals...........................................................................21
3.4.2 Input Signal .............................................................................................................22
3.4.3 Output Signal ..........................................................................................................23
3.4.4 Power Supply Unit and the Wiring...........................................................................24
3.4.5 Grounding the Main Unit .........................................................................................25
3.4.6 Comformity to the EMC standard ............................................................................25
3.5 Serial (RS-232C) Port......................................................................................26
3.5.1 Connecting to the External Devices ........................................................................26
3.5.2 Wiring Method .........................................................................................................27
4. Inspection Applications.......................................................................... 29
4.1 Overview .........................................................................................................30
4.1.1 Inspection Applications............................................................................................30
4.1.2 Inspection Time.......................................................................................................31
i

4.2 Color Area and Color Judgement .................................................................... 32
4.2.1 Overview of Color Area........................................................................................... 32
4.2.2 Overview of Color Judgement................................................................................. 33
4.2.3 Setting Procedures and Modes............................................................................... 34
4.2.4 Setting up the LightPixAE20 in CONFIGURATION Mode....................................... 35
4.2.5 Teaching in TEACHING Mode................................................................................ 37
4.2.6 Setting Judgement Criteria in JUDGEMENT CRITERIA SETTING mode .............. 41
4.2.7 Inspection Execution............................................................................................... 42
4.3 Color Pattern Matching.................................................................................... 44
4.3.1 Overview of Color Pattern Matching ....................................................................... 44
4.3.2 Setting Procedure and Modes................................................................................. 48
4.3.3 CONFIGURATION mode........................................................................................ 49
4.3.4 Teaching in TEACHING Mode................................................................................ 52
4.3.5 Setting Judgement Criteria in JUDGEMENT CRITERIA SETTING Mode .............. 56
4.3.6 Inspection Execution............................................................................................... 57
4.4 Edge Detection................................................................................................ 59
4.4.1 Overview of Edge Detection.................................................................................... 59
4.4.2 Setting Procedure and Modes................................................................................. 61
4.4.3 Setting Up the LightPixAE20 in CONFIGURATION Mode...................................... 62
4.4.4 Executing a Teaching in TEACHING Mode ............................................................ 64
4.4.5 Setting Up the Judgement Criteria in JUDGEMENT CRITERIA SETTING mode... 68
4.4.6 Inspection Execution............................................................................................... 69
4.5 Peak Detection ................................................................................................ 70
4.5.1 Overview of Peak Detection.................................................................................... 70
4.5.2 Setting Procedure and Modes................................................................................. 72
4.5.3 Setting Up the LightPixAE20 in CONFIGURATION................................................ 73
4.5.4 Teaching in TEACHING Mode................................................................................ 75
4.5.5 Setting Up the Judgement Criteria in JUDGEMENT CRITERIA SETTING Mode... 79
4.5.6 Inspection Execution............................................................................................... 80
4.6 Measurement .................................................................................................. 81
4.6.1 Overview of Length Measurement .......................................................................... 81
4.6.2 Setting Procedure and Modes................................................................................. 84
4.6.3 Setting Up the LightPixAE20 in CONFIGURATION Mode...................................... 85
4.6.4 Setting a Minimum Value for a Mesurement Object................................................ 87
4.6.5 Teaching in TEACHING mode................................................................................ 88
4.6.6 Setting Up Judgement Criteria in JUDGEMENT CRITERIA and MEASUREMENT
OBJECT MIN. SETTING modes............................................................................. 92
4.6.7 Measurement Execution ......................................................................................... 93
4.7 Detailed Functions in CONFIGURATION Mode.............................................. 95
5. Parallel Communication..........................................................................99
5.1 Operations through Parallel Communication ................................................. 100
5.1.1 Using Input Signals from External Devices ........................................................... 100
5.1.2 Output Signals from the LightPix........................................................................... 100
5.2 Input/Output Timing....................................................................................... 102
ii

5.2.1 Performing a Reading Operation (Internal Trigger: OFF)......................................102
5.2.2 Switching Product Types.......................................................................................103
5.2.3 Swtiching to TEACHING Mode .............................................................................103
5.2.4 Teaching ...............................................................................................................104
6. RS-232C Communication ..................................................................... 107
6.1 Overview .......................................................................................................108
6.2 Command Format .........................................................................................110
6.2.1 Reading Data Area: RD ........................................................................................110
6.2.2 Writing in the Data Area: WD ................................................................................111
6.2.3 Notation Sytem for Data in Command/Response Messages ................................112
6.2.4 A List of Error Codes.............................................................................................113
6.3 Communication Conditions............................................................................ 114
6.4 A List of Data Registers for Each Application ................................................116
6.4.1 Color Area/Judgement ..........................................................................................116
6.4.2 Color Pattern Matching..........................................................................................119
6.4.3 Edge Detection......................................................................................................122
6.4.4 Peak Detection......................................................................................................125
6.4.5 Measurement ........................................................................................................128
7. About AETOOL and GT11 .................................................................... 133
7.1 AETOOL........................................................................................................134
7.1.1 Overview of AETOOL............................................................................................134
7.1.2 Obtaining and Installing the AETOOL ...................................................................135
7.1.3 Connecting to a Computer ....................................................................................135
7.2 GT11 136
7.2.1 Functions of GT11.................................................................................................136
7.2.2 Sample Data for GT11 ..........................................................................................136
7.2.3 Connection to the GT11 ........................................................................................137
8. General Specifications, Product Numbers and Dimensions............. 139
8.1 General Specifications................................................................................... 140
8.2 A List of Product Numbers............................................................................. 142
8.3 Dimensions.................................................................................................... 143
Record of Changes ...................................................................................... 146
iii

Precautions before Use
Installation Environment
Avoid installing the LightPixAE20 in the following locations:
 Locations with direct sunlight or environmental temperatures exceeding a range of 0ºC to +40ºC.
 Locations with a relative humidity exceeding a range of 35%RH to 85%RH (without dew condensation
at 25ºC)
 Locations with a lot of fine particles, iron filings, salt, oily smoke or conductive dusts.
 Locations with an atmosphere containing corrosive gases or flammable gases.
 Locations where the product can contact oil or chemicals.
 Locations near organic solvents (such as benzene, paint thinner, and alcohol) or strongly alkaline
materials (such as ammonia and caustic soda)
 Locations within 100mm of high-voltage wires (or devices), power-driven lines (or devices), radios,
transmitters and devices generating large switching surge (be sure to keep more than 100mm space
between the LightPixAE20 and these devices)
Power Supply
 Take care not to generate excessive static electricity from the LightPixAE20.
 When supplying power to the LightPixAE20, do not commonly use the power source for powering the
device and be sure to install a protection circuit such as a fuse.
 Use an insulated power supply unit with a built-in protection circuit. The LightPixAE20 power supply
unit is a non-insulated circuit. Therefore, applying an abnormal voltage might damage the internal
circuit. If you use a power supply unit without a protection circuit, supply power through a protective
device such as a fuse.
About grounding
 Do not commonly use the ground with other devices.
 Grounding should be as close as the main unit as possible, and keep the distance short.
Noise Countermeasure
 Do not bundle the optional cable connecting between the main unit and the operation unit, and input
/output signal cables connecting to the main unit together with motor or power cables. Ensure that they
are at least 100m apart. Keep the signal cables as short as possible.
 If the external devices connected to the main unit are connected with directive conduction load (a motor
or relay), equip noise absorption elements such as noise killers at the load side.
 Lighting equipment for image process generates signal of extremely high noise level due to high
frequency lighting. If you use external lighting, arrange the wiring of power transmission and signal
cables carefully.
Before Turning on the LightPixAE20
Pay attentions to the followings when turning on the LightPixAE20 for the first time;
 Confirm no wiring waste or especially any conductive substance coming from installation is on the
printed circuit board
 Confirm that the power voltage, power wiring and input/output wiring is correct.
 Confirm that the fixing and terminal screws are securely tightened.
 Do not turn the LightPixAE20 on within 10 minutes after turning the main unit off. This may result in
malfunction.
iv

General Cautions
 Do not connect Ethernet to the connector on the operation unit for connecting the optional cable or the
port for connecting the operation unit.
 Use the operation unit and finder unit of a product number specified by Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
A breakdown, damage or destruction by using any other than the specified will not be covered by our
guarantee.
 Do not disassemble and remodel the LightPixAE20 or change its internal settings. A breakdown,
damage or destruction caused by disassembling, remodeling the LightPixAE20 or not following the
instructions described in the manuals will not be covered by our guarantee.
 Do not change or set items that should not be as described in the manual or the specification.
Breakdown, damage or destruction resulting from changing or setting them will not be covered by our
guarantee.
To USA Customer
 Products sold by Seller are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions in its Terms
and Conditions of Sale only.
v

Chapter 1
Overview of Light Pix AE20
1

1.1 Overview
LightPixAE20 (hereinafter called “the LightPixAE20”) is a device that is integrated with CPU, camera, lens
and lighting equipment. With AETOOL software for the LightPixAE20 (free), you can download one of the
inspection applications to the main unit, check scanning conditions or images and document the images
stored in the main unit (or save them as bmp file).
In addition, with the operation unit and finder unit, you can check the current image or modify the scanning
conditions, and with our programmable display GT11, you can change settings or control start of code read.
The operating instructions mainly for the operation unit and finder unit are described in this manual.
Refer to the AETOOL help files (available after installation) for further details of the AETOOL.
About the AETOOL: Page 134
2

1.2 Product Configuration
Main Unit
The LightPixAE20 is a device that is integrated with CPU, a camera and lighting
equipment. Inspections can be performed by using the main unit only. You can
download one of the inspection applications to the AETOOL. The LightPixAE20
has parallel I/O and serial RS-232C ports for communication with external
devices.
Operation unit
The operation unit has eight buttons and a display area (7-segment
negative/positive LCD display). With these buttons, you can make various
settings. In the display area, setting items and options are displayed. If the
device is connected to the main unit with the provided cable while scanning
codes, the detected data, results, and operation status of the main unit are
displayed in this area.
Finder Unit
The finder unit is a device that displays the images captured with the main unit.
Mount the device onto the operation unit before use. Do not directly connect the
finder unit to the main unit.
AETOOL*
The AETOOL is software exclusively for LightPixAE20. Before using this software, install it to the PC
connected to the LightPixAE20 with USB cable (AB type). The key features of this software are shown in
the table below.
Features Description
Transferring the inspection
application to the main unit
Switches the applications for LightPixAE20
Setting up inspection conditions Carries out all of the operations you can perform with both the operation
unit and the finder unit.
Backing up configuration data
and downloading backup
configuration data
Backups the configuration data, saves files on PC and downloads the data
to the main unit. Thus, if you use multiple main units under the same
reading conditions, you can copy and use the data in individual main units.
Documenting configuration data Writes out the backup configuration data in the CSV format.
You can freely download this software from our website.
"http://www.nais-j.com/vision/uacs"
3

1.3 Inspection Applications
There are six kinds of inspection applications available on the LightPixAE20. You can download one of the
following inspection applications to the main unit before use.
Inspection Applications
Type Overview
Color Area Measures the registered color area
Color Judgement Selects the color of the object from maximum seven registered
Color Pattern
Matching
In a color extraction image, detects the same image as the saved base image
(template)
Edge Checks whether or not the detected edges of the object move from the
registered base position
Peak Finds out whether or not the detected vertices of the object move from the
register base position
Measurement Finds out whether or not the measured max./min. values in the horizontal and
vertical directions are equal to the registered base size
The number of inspection applications that you can download is only one.
Refer to section 4, “Inspection Applications“(page 30) for the details of each inspection application.
4

Chapter 2
Names and Functions of Parts
5

2.1 About the Main Unit
Designations and Descriptions of Each Part
No. Name Description
1 Capture part Camera for capturing images, lens and white LED are built in this part.
2 I/O cable This external input/output cable used for supplying 24 VDC, inputting scan start
TRIGGER signal and outputting inspection result signal.
3 Optional cable
connector
(for connection
to the operation
unit and for
RS232C)
Port used for connecting to the operation unit and to external devices such as PLC,
our programmable display GT11, etc. through RS-232C communication.
Select a proper optional cable for your connecting equipment.
• When connecting to operation unit (plus finder unit), use the optional cable
ANE2813.
• When connecting to external devices through RS-232C communication,
use the optional cable ANE2803.
• In the both cases above, use the optional cable ANE2823.
4 USB port This port is used for connecting to the PC in which AETOOL is installed. Use a AB
type cable for USB2.0 or 1.1 (max. cable length: 5m)
OUT1 - 3 Output state of inspection results. The OUT1-3 LEDs goes on when
each signal is output.
READY The READY LED goes on when the main unit performs no process.
The LightPixAE20 can receive inspection start signal (TRIGGER
signal in RUN or RUN VIEW mode) from the external devices only
while the READY signal is being output.
5 LED indicators
ALARM The ALARM LED goes on when the LightPixAE20 could not finish
teaching properly.
Use only the specified cable and device for the optional cable connector and USB port respectively.
Failure to do so may result in product damage.
• If the ALRAM signal is output when teaching is finished properly, reboot the LightPixAE20.
In the case of frequent output of the ALARM signal, the LightPixAE20 may be broken. Please
contact us.
• Expected service life of the white LED built in the main unit is 30,000 hours. (Light intensity drops
to 50 % under the conditions of high-speed operation at 25ºC while internal trigger is ON.) It is
advisable to make regular adjustment for light intensity and carry out a re-teaching, because
lower light intensity may negatively affect the measurement results.
6

2.2 Operation Unit
2.2.1 Operation Unit
Designations and Descriptions of Each Part
No. Name Description
1 Display area Operation status of main unit, modes, inspection results and setting items are
displayed in the display area. Refer to the next page for further details.
2 Operating buttons Used for operating the main unit. There are eight operating buttons.
3 Port for connecting to
the main unit
Used for connecting to the main unit. Use the cable ANE2813 or ANE2823 to
connect to the main unit.
4 Connector for finder
unit
Used for connecting to the finder unit
Do not connect any other device to the port for the main unit. Failure to do so may result in product
damage.
7

2.2.2 Texts Displayed on the LCD Monitor of the Operation Unit
The display area of the operation unit displays measurement data and setting values and operating status of
the LightPixAE20 as a text string.
Displayed
text
Mode Description
SET CONFIGURATION mode Indicates the LightPixAE20 is in CONFIGURATION mode
RUN RUN (RUN VIEW) mode Indicates the LightPixAE20 is in RUN mode.
TEACH TEACHING mode Indicates the LightPixAE20 is in TEACHING mode.
VIEW RUN VIEW mode Indicates the LightPixAE20 is RUNVIEW mode. In this mode,
captured images are displayed on the finder unit.
READY RUN (RUN VIEW) mode
TEACHING mode
Displayed when parallel output signal “READY” is ON.
LOCK RUN (VIEW) mode Means the lock function is activated. In this mode, you cannot
operate the LightPixAE20.
ALARM
(Red)
RUN (VIEW) mode
TEACHING mode
(May be displayed when the
device is in the other
modes.)
Displayed when the parallel output signal “ALARM” is ON.
OUT1-3 RUN (RUN VIEW) mode Represents output state of parallel output signals OUT1-3. The
signals that are turned on are displayed.
For example,
• OUT 1 2: OUT1 and OUT2 signals are on.
mm RUN (RUN VIEW) mode Indicates the unit for the measured data is millimeter. You can
check it only if you are using the following applications:
• Color Pattern Matching
• Edge
• Peak
• Measurement
mm2RUN (RUN VIEW) mode Indicates the unit for the measured data is square millimeter.
You can check it only if you are using the following applications:
• Color Area
• Color Judgement
8

2.2.3 Lock Function
The LightPixAE20 comes with a built-in Lock function that helps you avoid accidental operation of the
operation unit (if connected). As long as this function is activated, the current operation mode and settings of
the LightPixAE20 are not changed even if the operating buttons are accidentally pressed.
Buttons to be used for setting the Lock function
To lock the operation unit:
1. Press the buttons 1 and 8 on the operation unit at the same time for approximately three
seconds.
The word “Lock” appears on the LCD display (refer to the previous page for details of displayed texts).
To unlock the operation unit:
1. Press the buttons 1 and 8 on the operation unit at the same time for approximately three
seconds.
The word “Lock” disappears.
Even when locking the operation unit, you can input signals from AETOOL or external devices, or
change settings and switch modes via RS-232C communication.
9

2.3 Finder Unit
Designations and Descriptions of Each Part
No. Name Description
1 Image display area A captured image is displayed when the LightPixAE20 is in RUN-VIEW
mode. (Images are not displayed in RUN mode.)
2 Connecting connector Used for connecting the operation unit.
Expected service life of the backlight is approx. 40,000hours (at operating ambient temperature
25ºC). The LightPixAE20 comes with a built-in Backlight OFF-TIMER function. This function would
be helpful if you want to turn the device off in 10, 30 or 60 minutes. Refer to Section 4.7, “Detailed
Functions in CONFIGURATION Mode” for more details of Backlight OFF-TIMER function.
10

Chapter 3
Installation and Wiring
11

3.1 A List of Connectable Units and Devices
No. Connectable unit/device Purpose Ref.
Page
1 Operation unit and finder
unit
To set inspection conditions and display images 13
2 I/O – power supply unit and
PLC
To control the LightPixAE20 with external devices such as
power supply unit and PLC and import measurement results.
15
3 Serial (RS232C) – PLC,
POT, etc.
To receive inspection results, control the LightPixAE20 by
sending commands from external devices and import
measurement results.
26
4 AETOOL installed PC To perform all operations without using the operation unit and
finder unit.
135
12

3.2 Connection between the Units
3.2.1 Connection the Main Unit to the Operation Unit
Use only the specified cable ANE2813 (cable length: 3m) or ANE2823 (cable length: 3m) to connect the main
unit to the operation unit.
When connecting to only the operation unit (with the finder unit)
When connecting the main unit to the operation unit (with the finder unit) and to the
external devices such as PLC and POT via RS-232C
13