Electricity + Control March 2015

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Vision sensor sets new standard for image inspection and code verification
According to Omron country manager,
Victor Marques, the recently launched FQ
vision sensor was created to primarily ad-
dress themarket’s requirements for an easy-
to-use vision sensor that can address more
complex applications, thanks to improved
performance, expanded functionality and a
wider range of models.The FQ2 vision sen-
sor combines the camera, lens and lighting
in a single compact package, complete with
image processing capability which elimi-
nates the need for a separate controller.
The FQ2 supports all of Omron’s inspec-
tion algorithms, including shape search, col-
our inspection, optical character recognition
(OCR), code reading and verification. For
shape detection, the Shape Search II algo-
rithm achieves high speed, highly reliable
detection of position and 360°angle even if
the objects are overlapping. In addition the
Shape Search II algorithm can detect up to
32 objects in the same image, enabling high
speed inspection of groups of items.
For character recognition, Omron’s
unique OCR technology enables stable
recognition and verification of even worn or
distorted characters, and requires no setting
of parameters to compensate for character
contrast or positional offsetting.
The large, built-in dictionary includes
over 80 different fonts, plus worn, blurred
and distorted character variations, and
numerous size and background variations.
Ensuring the best possible image detec-
tion, models are available with resolutions
from 360 000 pixels up to 3 million pixels.
The FQ2 can make up to 32 simultaneous
measurements, checking more than 5 000
pieces per minute.
Enquiries: Michelle le Roux.Tel. 011 5792600
or email
High performance HMI with smartphone-like navigation
Schneider Electric ’s Magelis GTU allows
users to create the perfect HMI for their
application by simply snapping together
the panel box and display of their choice.
Optimised for the latest HMI configura-
tion software from Schneider Electric,Vijeo
XD, Magelis GTU is as easy and comfort-
able to use as a smartphone or tablet, with
intuitive navigation and many connectivity
options, including remote access.
Magelis GTU is easy to integrate with
system architecture, thanks to an un-
matched variety of embedded interfaces:
dual Ethernet Gigabit port for network
connectivity, dual serial and one optional
fieldbus interface for easy communication
with industrial devices, and up to four USB
ports for connecting peripherals while mini-
mising wiring.
“Magelis GTU offers unmatched ease
and comfort of use for both the application
developer and operator.Thanks to industrial
multitouch, users can zoom in/ out, swipe,
and scroll through intuitive menus while
wearing protective gloves or through pro-
tective screen cover,” says QuintinMcCutch-
eon, marketing and operations manager for
the Schneider Electric’s Industry Business in
southern Africa.
The high-resolution, 16-million colour
screen delivers a crystal-clear view of the
same key functions and tools as a PC,
including Office viewer, Adobe viewer,
Internet Explorer, multimedia player and
more. Magelis GTU applications can also
be accessed through a second display via
the DVI interface and managed remotely
through theVijeo Design’Air app for mobile
devices.
Enquiries: Quintin McCutcheon.
Tel. 011 254 6400 or email
Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions
Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces a collaboration with Cisco
Systems, Inc to deliver Shell’s SecurePlant initiative. SecurePlant is
a comprehensive security management solution for plant control
systems that was jointly developed as an initiative between Cisco,
IT industry, Yokogawa, mission-critical plant automation systems,
and Shell. The three companies have agreed to proceed over the
next three years with the implementation of SecurePlant at around
fifty Shell plants globally. Industrial producers around the world
face a wide range of operational challenges in areas such as cyber
security that pose a pervasive threat to safety and availability. Most
companies with global operations, however, still take a relatively
simplistic plant-by-plant approach, such as implementing operat-
ing system security patches and anti-virus pattern file updates. As
a result, security levels tend to vary at each plant.
In the general practice of control system security management,
individual control system vendors extensively validate security
patches and anti-virus pattern files to confirm that they do not in-
terfere with system operation, and then report the results to their
customers for implementation. Since plants tend to use a variety of
control systems and equipment fromdifferent vendors, occasionally
with multi-generation platforms from a single vendor, this process
is often complicated. For this reason, plants increasingly have the
need for plant-wide integrated services that take a more holistic and
efficient approach to the management of system security.With the
aim of standardizing security practices at Shell plants around the
world and minimising control system vulnerability,Yokogawa and
Cisco collaborated on the design of the SecurePlant service and will
jointly provide deployment and operational services. The Secure-
Plant solution is designed as a standard solution that consists of the
delivery of OS patches and anti-virus pattern files for control systems
and the provision of real time and proactive monitoring of solution
delivery, as well as a help desk operation to manage this solution.
Enquiries: Christie Cronje.Tel. 011 831 6300 or email
ROUND UP CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
Electricity+Control March ‘15 10