Gocator Firmware 4.5 is now available for free download. The new firmware introduces several features that greatly expand Gocator’s measurement capabilities and offline support.

Major Developments in Firmware 4.5

Gocator Development Kit (GDK)

GDK is a major advancement in Gocator’s flexibility and an industry first in sensor firmware customization. With the GDK, users can develop and execute their own measurement tools in the Gocator Firmware itself, with the same speed and output as native built-in tools. The GDK provides full IP-protection and allows users to quickly respond to on-site issues by modifying and deploying custom tools on-site.

• Extend your existing set of measurement tools and make specialized measurements for applications with unique requirements while protecting your IP

• Produce optimized custom firmware builds that run within the realtime OS of the Gocator

• Use custom solutions on a variety of different sensors, all on a single platform

• Run your customized measurement tools in the Gocator Emulator for offline development, testing, and support

LMI is also offering a number of GDK-based sample tools (binary only) that you can try out now, with more to come in the future. Refer to <Gocator Manual GDK section> for more details.

Gocator Accelerator (GoX)

Accelerator increases Gocator’s speed and memory capacity by seamlessly offloading data processing to a PC. GoX’s user interface and output protocols are the same as those in standalone Gocator sensors, and no additional development is required to take advantage of this enhanced data processing capability.

• Increase processing speed and reduce cycle times

• Remove memory limitations

• Handle large 3D point clouds

• Configure and operate multiple networked Gocators

• When speed is critical... use the power of your PC to share the data processing tasks

Gocator Accelerator can run as an independent application, or can be fully integrated into an SDK-based application with minimal additional lines of code.
 

Gocator Emulator

The Gocator Emulator allows you to run a "virtual" sensor using pre-recorded data without the need for a physical sensor.

Emulator supports SDK developers to create their applications using a virtual Gocator before real hardware is needed. A physical Gocator is used to record live data without disrupting inline inspection performance. The recorded data can then be loaded into the Emulator for offline development and review.

• Use all the Gocator functionality, including measurement tools and part matching on recorded data –– in a virtual environment.

• Analyze and create measurement solutions on data recorded from a real sensor in true production conditions.

• Determine issues with current sensor configurations, then design and test improvements in a safe environment prior to deploying the solution on an actual sensor.

• Develop fully integrated solutions in a stable offline environment.

• Includes online version from LMI’s web site

Improved Filtering

The firmware 4.5 release includes two new filtering options. The Slope Filter (for G1 family sensors) detects sharp or steep edges within a profile in the presence of slow vibration. Slope Filter is useful for applications like inspecting defects on a rotating drum or shaft.

In addition, X-filtering (median, smoothing, and decimation), which was previously only available on G2 family sensors, is now available on G1 sensors. The X-filtering option allows G1 users to generate more accurate data out-of-the-box.

Measurement Tools Improvements

The new Profile Round Corner Tool accurately locates rounded corners using radius values from a CAD model. The Profile Rounded Corner Tool is ideal for measuring structures like the rain channels on a car roof. The improved Countersunk Hole Tool can measure slight tilts in countersinks, and achieves more accurate hole diameter measurements––even when not perpendicular to the surface.

Plus, users can now control script measurement behavior in real-time from a PLC or SDK application. This will allow users to change control decision behavior without any resulting downtime.

Continuous Improvement

We love listening to your feedback and are always working to improve our firmware according to your needs. Gocator 4.5 Firmware offers  a wide range of additional improvements in response to customer feedback, including:

• Simplified login and faster toggling to different languages

• Display frame information during recording and replay

• Receive event notification via digital output or SDK when the sensor finishes acquisition

• Support for both point and mesh 3D rendering

• High quality Reduce Occlusion Mode to improve quality of merge

• Control and retrieve recording using SDK

• Much improved SDK .NET wrapper

• Additional template for ASCII protocol

Firmware 4.5 Now Available for Free Download

For more information on Firmware 4.5’s main features, we invite you to watch the  GDK tutorial video, GoX tutorial video , and Emulator tutorial video.

If you already own a Gocator, you can download Firmware 4.5 for free here: www.lmi3d.com/support/downloads/

Gocator firmware 4.5 is officially available for free download for all Gocator users. The Firmware 4.5 files, release notes, SDK files, and user manual will also be made available at that time and can be downloaded from www.lmi3d.com/support/downloads/.

Alternatively, you can download the new firmware from the Gocator interface. To learn more about the latest Gocator Firmware, please visit www.lmi3d.com/products/gocator/firmware/.
To experience the power of GDK before doing any programming, check out an experimental firmware build using the sample GDK tools from the same location where new firmware is found at www.lmi3d.com/support/downloads/.

With the need to fulfill astronomical supply needs for consumer electronic devices, manufacturers are always looking for quality inspection systems that can handle the volume and deliver the required precision and repeatability. Furthermore, the drive toward more compact devices means manufacturers need to measure ever finer details. The Gocator 2400 series of blue laser line profile sensors provides the fine measurements and high speed that electronics manufacturers need.

Read Application

Cutting into assemblies such as plane fuselages is risky business. If the cutting tool is damaged or not properly installed, the assembly may need costly repairs or could even be ruined. The fast scan time of Gocator snapshot sensors, which are ideal for robotic mounting, lets you quickly scan test material before making crucial cuts on expensive components.

Read Application

Gocator 2410 and 2420 Models Provide Industry-First 2-Megapixel Camera Technology, Highest X Resolution Ever Achieved (6 Microns), High Repeatability Down to 0.2 Microns and Wide Field of View

September 13, 2016, Vancouver, BC – LMI Technologies (LMI), a leading developer of 3D scanning and inspection solutions, is pleased to announce the official launch of the Gocator 2400 Series, the latest addition to the Gocator series of smart, all-in-one 3D line profilers.

The Gocator 2400 Series is a new line of 3D smart sensors optimized for specific industries. The first two models in the series, the Gocator 2410 and 2420, are blue-laser profiling sensors designed for electronics and small parts inspection. These high-performance line profile sensors provide the highest X resolution (6 µm) among 3D sensors on the market today, along with highly repeatable results (down to 0.2 µm in height).

“Leveraging industry-first 2-megapixel cameras and a powerful, next-generation embedded processor, Gocator 2410 and 2420 offer higher data density while achieving 50% wider fields of view over our competitors”, said Chi Ho Ng, Director of Product Management.

Twice the speed as the Gocator 2300 series (400-5000 Hz with windowing), the 2410 and 2420 sensors double the possible resolution of scan data in the direction of travel. In addition, because the sensors use a blue laser to create profiles, data around the edge of specular targets is cleaner, which is crucial for electronics and small part feature recognition.

The Gocator 2410 and 2420 come in a revised IP67 industrial housing offering all-in-one functionality including web-based user setup, built-in 3D visualization, drag and drop measurement tools, and communication protocols that are unmatched in the 3D sensor market.

“Resolution and speed are key requirements in small parts inspection. With the Gocator 2410 and 2420, we’ve addressed this need and more. These 2Mp smart sensors are the next generation solution for automated small parts 3D inspection, allowing users to scan, recognize and inspect complete micro-features that the competition can’t even see, all at production speed”, said Terry Arden, CEO at LMI Technologies.

See how Gocator 2400 Series stacks up against the toughest competition with this complimentary comparison chart.

About LMI Technologies

At LMI Technologies we work to advance 3D measurement with smart sensor technology. Our award-winning, FactorySmart™ sensors improve the quality and efficiency of factory production by providing fast, accurate, reliable inspection solutions that leverage smart 3D technologies. Unlike contact based measurement or 2D vision, our products remove complexity and dramatically reduce implementation cost.

To learn more about how LMI’s inspection solutions can benefit your business, we invite you to contact us at contact@lmi3d.com or visit us at www.lmi3d.com to explore the possibilities of smart 3D technology.

Gocator 2410 and 2420 Models Provide Industry-First 2-Megapixel Camera Technology, Highest X Resolution Ever Achieved (6 Microns), High Repeatability Down to 0.2 Microns and Wide Field of View

LMI Technologies is pleased to announce the official launch of the Gocator 2400 Series, the latest addition to the Gocator series of smart, all-in-one 3D line profilers.

The Gocator 2400 Series is a new line of 3D smart sensors optimized for specific industries. The first two models in the series, the Gocator 2410 and 2420, are blue-laser profiling sensors designed for electronics and small parts inspection. These high-performance line profile sensors provide the highest X resolution (6 µm) among 3D sensors on the market today, along with highly repeatable results (down to 0.2 µm in height).

“Leveraging industry-first 2-megapixel cameras and a powerful, next-generation embedded processor, Gocator 2410 and 2420 offer higher data density while achieving 50% wider fields of view over our competitors”, said Chi Ho Ng, Director of Product Management.

Twice the speed as the Gocator 2300 series (400-5000 Hz with windowing), the 2410 and 2420 sensors double the possible resolution of scan data in the direction of travel. In addition, because the sensors use a blue laser to create profiles, data around the edge of specular targets is cleaner, which is crucial for electronics and small part feature recognition.

The Gocator 2410 and 2420 come in a revised IP67 industrial housing offering all-in-one functionality including web-based user setup, built-in 3D visualization, drag and drop measurement tools, and communication protocols that are unmatched in the 3D sensor market.

“Resolution and speed are key requirements in small parts inspection. With the Gocator 2410 and 2420, we’ve addressed this need and more. These 2Mp smart sensors are the next generation solution for automated small parts 3D inspection, allowing users to scan, recognize and inspect complete micro-features that the competition can’t even see, all at production speed”, said Terry Arden, CEO at LMI Technologies.

See how Gocator 2400 Series stacks up against the toughest competition with this complimentary comparison chart.

Gocator 1320-3B is designed to inspect shiny and dark objects at a close range, at very high speeds (up to 32 kHz).

Gocator 1370-2M is ideal for measuring objects far away from the sensor. 

Furthermore, class 2M lasers are safe for applications where the operators might view the laser directly.

Since Gocator 1320 and 1370 sensors use a top-mount housing, they can be easily fit into low-profile, height-restricted machinery. 

As with any Gocator 1000 sensor, users can generate profiles of scanned parts using Profile Mode to greatly reduce processing latency and network bandwidth, and even to eliminate the need for an external PC. This is a unique capability of the Gocator single point.

Profile Mode builds 3D part profiles by intelligently combining high speed range data into a profile of the scanned part, with flexible part detection logic that supports a variety of acquisition methods, such as fixed length of movement, digital input control status, and height thresholding.

For more details, please refer to the Gocator 1300 series datasheet and updated pricesheet on the FTP under the following file paths: 

We would also like to remind all Gocator users that when the sensor’s connectors are not being used, they must be covered with an IP67 connector plug to remain IP67 compliant. Connector plugs are included with sensors shipped in 2015 and later.

Please contact LMI Sales if you didn’t receive the connector plugs. You can also purchase these plugs directly from the supplier:

• Power/Sync/Ethernet Connector: Binder 08 2670 000 000
• I/O Connector: Binder 08 2671 000 000

The Part Detection feature in Gocator analyzes a 3D point cloud created from either laser profile or fringe projection scans to automatically identify and separate discrete objects. The discrete objects or parts can then undergo correction for rotation to establish a common orientation ready for slicing and feature measurement.

Sophisticated Built-in Detection Logic

Gocator’s unique Part Detection feature is able to auto detect the beginning and end of parts and track multiple parts appearing simultaneously.

Typically, part detection is performed outside of a sensor by using an SDK on a PC and adding blob processing software. With Gocator, these capabilities are built-in and tightly coupled with the acquisition engine––processing on-the-fly as scans are developed into point clouds.

Tracking Multiple Parts

Using Part Detection, multiple parts can pass through the laser at the same time and will be individually tracked. Parts can be separated along the laser line (X axis), in the direction of travel (Y axis), by height thresholding or external input.

Gap Length and Gap Width to Connect Related Parts

Gocator’s Gap Length and Gap Width settings allow users to combine similar parts into a single part as they pass under the sensor.

Gap Width determines the minimum separation between objects on the X axis. Gap Length determines the minimum separation between objects on the Y axis. If parts are closer than the gap interval, they are merged into a single part.

Height Thresholding

Height Threshold controls the profile height threshold for part detection. The setting for Threshold Direction controls whether parts should be detected above or below the threshold. Above is typically used to prevent the belt surface from being detected while the object moves along a conveyor (eg., tracking bread dough and not the crumbs).

Gated External Input

An external input can be used to control when the sensor should scan to build a part. For example, a photocell is typically used in cases where a part travels past a photo detector that triggers scanning to capture the part. Another scenario is when a robot is moving the sensor past a feature and activates the external input to capture the feature as a part scan.

Future Enhancements

Part Detection handles collecting scans to form discrete objects for downstream measurement which often involves part rotation, slicing, and profile processing. With Gocator, many inspection tasks are easily solved with this built-in capability. In the future, separation of touching parts (like blood cells or plastic beads) and a count function (how many blood cells or beads were found) is planned to handle other part segmentation tasks.

JOIN US AT VISION 2016 IN STUTTGART GERMANY

November 8-10, Booth #1H51
Located In Stemmer City

REQUEST A FREE PASS

Learn how 3D smart sensors can be used in gang lumber size machine-monitoring and error-proofing to ensure the highest levels of quality control and productivity.

Discover how Gocator 2420 3D Smart Sensors are used for smart 3D inspection of cellphone nano-SIM connector pins in fast moving inline processes.

LOCATION: Shanghai, China

LMI Technologies, recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Workplaces, is a medium-sized technology company built on a culture of openness, respect and professional excellence. At LMI our staff work passionately toward the common goal of designing and delivering innovative 3D machine vision solutions to OEMs and System Integrators working in industrial factory automation around the world. The result of this teamwork is high-performance, easy-to-implement and cost-effective 3D sensor technologies that deliver the best results in even the most challenging 3D inline inspection applications.

JOB SUMMARY

You will apply your machine vision and data processing knowledge to create proof-of-concept, prototype or final 3D measurement tools and inspection applications. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to extract application requirements from customers and develop complete high-performance inspection applications using the company’s 3D smart sensor hardware and software tools - from measurement algorithms to an HMI interface. 

This position is expected to be intermediate level where independent skill and company knowledge are applied to meet well established project deliverables.The Vision Software Engineer position routinely applies their skills to design, develop, test, document, and deliver against requirements and specifications to deliver project-driven deliverables under tight timelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop algorithms to solve generic and specific inspection applications 
• Meets tight delivery expectations against key project milestones 
• Produces required technical reports and documentation  
• Produces task lists to breakdown project assignments into appropriate level of detail
• Participates in regular design reviews and demonstrates strong adherence to checklist requirements
• Understands and utilizes the tools and processes defined by the group to effectively carry out project work
• Follows clearly established standards and guidelines as provided by the Team Leader
• Works closely with their team mitigating issues with solutions
• Frequent travel and on-site customer visits required to assess sample parts, formulate solutions, and deliver prototype systems

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree or equivalent. Master degree in related fields a strong plus. 
• 2-5 years experience in software and algorithm design for real-time 2D or 3D inspection applications. Expertise in areas such as pre-processing, feature detection, feature extraction, feature segmentation and final measurement. 
• Proven knowledge of machine vision and image processing.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills with a good mathematical background. 
• Knowledge of 3D and/or sensor design is a strong plus. 
• Pursues problem solving with clear understanding of facts and defines test plan and solution strategies
• Good verbal and written communication skills. Produces clearly written reports summarizing analytical results and proposing solutions to customers. 
• Solid interpersonal skills are required to function appropriately in a team or an independent environment and to build up good customer relationships. 
• A valid passport and the ability to travel domestically or internationally.

If you are interested in working for a fast-growing global technology company with an inspiring and engaging workplace environment, we invite you to contact us at careers@lmi3d.com and talk about the possibilities of beginning a rewarding new chapter of your career.