Code reading systems expanded with object recognition

With the Pat-Genius license software, Siemens expands the functionality of its Simatic MV440 code readers with object recognition. After the software has been installed, the code reader can detect and verify objects with up to 2,500 checks per minute. During these checks, the edge structure of a specific object is compared with the specifications of a previously learned reference object. The software is designed for applications such as pick-and-place in robotics, quality control in production, and position detection or quantity monitoring in the feeding technology and in manufacturing. The fields of use are primarily in the automotive, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries, as well as in medical technology and electronics.

Pat-Genius follows the uniform operating concept of the Simatic MV440, which guarantees simple installation and operation for all function packages. In addition, the license can be transferred when the code reader is replaced, regardless of the resolution capability of the new device. The tasks of Pat-Genius include object recognition, also known as classification, and position detection. The angle of rotation and scaling of the objects are also checked. Moreover, the software can detect whether certain objects are present as specified. A third area of application of Pat-Genius is character recognition using the contours of the character or symbol.

Pat-Genius can be installed on all Simatic MV440 devices as of firmware V6.0. Without the license, Pat-Genius is only available in demo mode. The license is supplied on a USB stick and can be copied to the Simatic MV440 using the Automation License Manager. After installation on the code reader, Pat-Genius can be easily integrated in the automation environment with various function blocks for a large number of Simatic and Simotion systems, and also Sinumerik systems via a configuration file. The new software can also be combined with all other function packages for the Simatic MV440 code reader, such as Text-Genius and Veri-Genius.

Simatic MV440 is an optical code reading system that has been specially designed for detecting and evaluating a variety of machine-readable codes in industrial production. The advantages of the Simatic MV440 device family are maximum read reliability, fast reading speed and flexible process connection. Furthermore, the products are robust, easy to use and have a high degree of protection.