Hello, I am currently using a cell equipped with four Keyence IV3 cameras that are sending images to an FTP server. Additionally, we are applying time, date, and sequenced part number labels to the parts, which are printed after confirming all images from the cameras are of good quality. My inquiry is whether there is a possible method to tag the images with the same information as the label to ensure we are viewing the correct image for the respective part. Currently, we rely on time and date stamps, but have observed discrepancies between the PLC and camera times. This system is crucial for maintaining quality control, as customers can send us a picture of the label if they encounter any problems with a part. We can then locate the corresponding images to confirm the part was in good condition when it left our facility. The label information is generated by the PLC and sent to a Zebra printer once the cameras confirm the images are satisfactory. Thank you.
When dealing with JPEG images, there are specific attributes within the JPEG protocol that can retain such information. Alternatively, one can embed the label into a vacant section of the image. Another easy solution is to create a text file containing the label details, using the image's filename on the FTP server with a .txt extension added. The most suitable approach will vary depending on the programming tools and application settings for uploading files to the FTP server.
After conducting some research, I discovered that Keyence offers an AOI that allows for the modification of file names on images when the camera is activated. I integrated this AOI into my program, but encountered a limitation where only 7 characters out of the intended 24 were being transferred. According to Keyence, this AOI should be capable of transferring up to 64 characters. The section of the AOI responsible for copying the filename indicates that the source Target Name is a SINT[64] and the Dest is an INT. Initially set to a Length of 2, it only transferred 4 characters. Adjusting the Length to 10 resulted in 7 characters being transferred, and even when set to 24, only 7 characters were successfully transferred. Any assistance with resolving this issue would be highly appreciated.
You may need to convert the integer to a character before passing it, unless the AIO is specifically designed to work with integer arrays and perform the conversion internally.
In response to your query, I would suggest creating a method of integrating the sequence part number and timestamp information directly into the image file's metadata. This can be achievable by tweaking the settings of the Keyence IV3 cameras or the FTP server. Additionally, consider synchronizing the PLC and camera times to ensure accurate and reliable timestamps. Otherwise, you can use dedicated software solutions that offer such functionalities. This way, the image for each part will carry its own identifying information, thus eliminating discrepancies and creating a traceable and foolproof quality control system.
While I'm not directly familiar with Keyence IV3 cameras, this seems like a situation where you might be able to use a text overlay feature if one is available. Cameras from some manufacturers allow for integration with PLCs which can generate and overlay text (including date, time, sequential part numbers, etc.) on captured images. Alternatively, your FTP server might have features which allow for image tagging based on incoming metadata from the PLC. Another option could be to bring the server, PLC, and cameras onto a synchronized network time protocol (NTP) to eliminate time discrepancies. It certainly sounds like getting the image and label info to match is critical for your quality validation process - hopefully some of these suggestions might be applicable to your setup.
Yes, there is indeed a method to tag your images with the same information as the part labels. Considering the hardware in your pipeline, you can implement a time and data trigger method whereby when the PLC generates the label information for printing, it also creates an identical tag for your images simultaneously. You need to coordinate the timing, so the PLC sends the tag information to both the Zebra Printer and your image capturing system at the same time. This synchronized workflow would ensure that your labels and images carry the same identifying details, thus eliminating the need to rely solely on time and date stamps, which could potentially be inaccurate. Of course, successfully implementing this might require some developer assistance depending on the complexity of your setup.
Have you considered embedding the label information directly into the image metadata before sending them to the FTP server? This way, you can include the part number, date, and time directly in the image file itself, making it much easier to match images with their respective labels, regardless of any clock discrepancies. Tools like ExifTool can help you modify the metadata of image files, which might streamline your quality control process and ensure you have the accurate context needed when reviewing images later on. Additionally, it could save you time if you ever need to retrieve those images based on the stored metadata!
It sounds like you have a solid setup with the IV3 cameras, but I can see how syncing everything accurately is crucial for your quality control process. One possible solution could be to integrate your PLC with the camera system to directly embed the label information onto the image files as metadata before they are sent to the FTP server. This way, you can associate the images with the correct label data without relying solely on timestamps. Additionally, consider using a time synchronization protocol like NTP (Network Time Protocol) to ensure that the PLC and cameras are aligned to the same time source. That might help reduce the discrepancies you’ve noticed.
It sounds like you've got a solid setup already, but I can see how syncing everything is crucial for quality control. One way to tag your images could be to programmatically embed the label information directly into the image file's metadata before they're sent to the FTP server. This could include part numbers, timestamps, and any other relevant details. You might also explore using a naming convention for the images based on the label info, which could help with organization and retrieval. Additionally, ensuring that your PLC and camera systems are synchronized to the same time server could help prevent those discrepancies you’re seeing. Good luck with your project!
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Answer: - You can tag the images with part information by including the same data as the labels you apply to the parts. This will help ensure you are viewing the correct image for each respective part.
Answer: - To address discrepancies between PLC and camera times, you can synchronize the time settings between the two systems. This will help ensure accurate timestamps for quality control purposes.
Answer: - Tagging images with part information is crucial for maintaining quality control as it allows you to easily match images with specific parts. This is especially useful when customers send pictures of labels to resolve part issues.
Answer: - Label information is typically generated by the PLC and sent to a Zebra printer after the cameras confirm that the images are satisfactory. The labels are then applied to the parts, and the same information can be used to tag the corresponding images on the FTP server.
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