Firewire Camera Overheating, VBAI hangs

[mini_getz]

I've discovered this new problem. My camera bus is always on. This results camera to overheat. The implications is when i run inspection from CVS-1454, if the camera is hot, then it would only run 3 cycles of inspection before the VBAI inspection screen goes berserk. It won't allow me to continue.

The operating temperature for the camera is from -5deg to 45deg. As for the VBAI inspection screen to go berserk, i've already applied the earlier countermeasure provided, which was to tick [ignore first image] at MAX.

It was working fine. Tentative i've concluded it's because of overheating as when i switch off the system, let it cool down for some time then when i resume it runs with no problem at all.

The room temperature is (+/-)23deg. My question would be is there any algorithm that i can use in VBAI 2.5 to switch on the camera only during inspection (that means supply cut from firewire). Here is some information.

1. Software : NI-IMAQ 2.0.0, VBAI 2.5
2. Hardware : CVS-1454
3. Camera : SONY XCD-X710CR
4. Connection : firewire cable only
5. Inspection Automation Sequencing :
a. sensor detects product, send signal to CVS via PLC
b. camera grabs image, CVS then sends 2 type of signal (only one at a time) if OK (1 signal) and if DEFECT
(another 1 signal)to PLC to segregate the image.
c. this cycle continues.

6. Inspection Cycle time : ave 2.5secs/piece
7. Pitch between product : ave 1.5secs

Please advice. I've now opted for additional cooling mechanism but if the software programming can help then it would be better.

Thayalan
Polymatech (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Malaysia

[Scott_R]

Thayalan,

Unless the camera has that functionality built into it, there is not any way to programmatically deactivate it. How long is the system running, typically, before this issue arises? Could you described what you meant when you said that the inspection screen went berserk? What behavior was being demonstrated?

Applying a heat-sink to the camera will help to reduce the camera temperature. Try reducing the frame rate of the camera. Does that affect the length of time that the system works properly?

Try those steps and let me know if the problem persists.

Regards,
Scott R.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments