Over the last decade, the vision industry has produced a variety of "all in one" smart camera solutions to address a range of optical inspection needs, from elegant pass/fail vision sensors to compact vision systems. This evolution of integration and software simplification has made it easier for manufacturers to install and maintain machine vision on the factory floor. As a result, embedded vision solutions have become an integral and often essential ingredient for factory automation.

With growing adoption of smart cameras in factories comes even greater expectation for product capabilities and ease of integration. To meet this, Dalsa has introduced a next generation smart camera with all the capabilities of a sophisticated vision system. Simply named BOA, this highly integrated system offers manufacturers and vision integrators an advanced, yet cost-effective solution that is quick to set up, ready-to-deploy and easy to maintain.

Small, Rugged Form Factor
The small mechanical footprint and 360˚ direct mount capability of the smart camera make it ideal for tight-fit applications. When fitted with an optional screw-on lens cover, BOA operates comfortably in harsh wash down factory environments without the need for additional protective housing. The small form factor, easy mounting, and rugged housing allow for easy integration into existing production lines, machinery or moving equipment.

Multiple Processors
BOA combines an on-board Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with other processing elements to offer superior performance at very low power consumption. These multiple engines allow the partitioning of processing tasks such as algorithm optimization via DSP, application management via CPU and sensor functionality via FPGA. In addition, these flexible processing options offer opportunities for more complex, custom development that is typically required by machine builders.

Flexible Cabling
The new product supports standard low-cost M12 style cord sets that are readily available in factories. 8 pole connectors are provided for Ethernet and I/O, while a 5 pole configuration is used for external LED lamp control and RS-232 communication. Integrated lamp control simplifies wiring to and from the point of inspection. To further simplify cabling and reduce cost of deployment, Dalsa has implemented passive Power over Ethernet for applications that demand a single cable solution, as is often the case for robotic handlers. In this configuration, the camera is controlled exclusively over Ethernet.

Versatile Application Software
BOA comes bundled with Dalsa's intuitive and versatile iNspect application software. The development interface and runtime engine is embedded within the camera and accessed through a standard internet web browser. This unique feature eliminates any possibility of version control problems between the set up PC and the vision system.
This flexible application interface allows users to deploy and maintain vision solutions with little or no prior experience. iNspect offers easy-to-apply tools and capabilities to satisfy a diverse range of manufacturing and factory automation needs.
Development Environment
BOA vision systems are configured and monitored remotely using an Ethernet connection to a PC or factory network. An inspection is set up using a web browser portal into the resident iNspect application. The dedicated web server provides a simple user interface for configuration and access to the iNspect GUI. When the user clicks on the iNspect link, the full application is launched from BOA on the connected PC. Once the application is configured, the PC can be disconnected and the smart camera will run autonomously.
The iNspect software has been carefully designed to offer a balance of simplicity and flexibility for all levels of vision expertise:
- Quick four-step set up,
- touch screen style design,
- full complement of vision tools,
- direct PLC interfacing built-in,
- language support,
- scripting,
- history logging,
- password control and user data logging,
- runtime editing,
- operator customization.

An Inspect application can be quickly set up in four steps:
1. Acquire an image of the model
Simple slider controls allow users to adjust sensor exposure and image position referenced to an external trigger source, such as an electronic photo-eye. A reference template image can then be acquired on which the inspection will be developed.
2. Apply Tools
Select and apply tools on the model image. iNspect provides an extensive suite of tools and smart features that allow users to develop complex vision applications with little or no machine vision background.
3. Integrate
Set up communications between BOA and complementary devices within the inspection environment or factory enterprise. iNspect supports standard protocols, such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP. A scripting tool offers users greater control and integration flexibility. The script tool provides a suite of predefined functions and supports user defined inline and/or background scripts.
4. Run
Start the inspection. iNspect offers history logging and runtime editing features to assist with initial development debug and runtime control. When satisfied, the solution can be stored on the smart camera and run with or without the network connection. BOA has plenty of on board storage memory to support hundreds of solution files that can be selected via network commands at runtime.
Included with iNspect is a fully functional emulator that allows users to develop or debug applications offline. Run-time images can be saved directly to the offline PC using BOA's Ethernet interface. The emulator maximizes machine up time during program development and simplifies support.

Applications
BOA offers a versatile vision solution that can be readily applied across a diverse range of applications and industries. The iNspect software enables users of all experience levels to integrate automated inspection into their manufacturing processes. Typical inspection tasks include:
- Positioning: Locate parts or features for alignment or robotic guidance.
- Identification: Decode printed symbols or read printed characters for part verification or traceability.
- Measurement: Check precision dimensional accuracy and geometric tolerances.
- Verification: Verify features, parts, assemblies or contents of packaged goods.
- Flaw Detection: Detect flaws, such as contamination, scratches , cracks or discoloration.
The BOA vision system is currently offered with a 640 x 480 monochrome CCD sensor. Dalsa plans to follow with color and high resolution versions in the coming months.