Just nine months since the merger with Headwall, inno-spec is now in a position to showcase the dramatic synergies the relatively recent move has created. “This is the first time we have actually exhibited at a show as the one combined organisation – we are now presenting Headwall-combined inno-spec products,” says Oliver Grass, inno-spec’s MD. “For example, here at VISION 2024, we have the inno-spec UV camera with Headwall UV lighting, which is a great merger. It’s good we can present the full bundle of systems we have now.
“When customers come to us, our ambition is to create a single team or single point of contact all the way through the partnership process. That is the goal, but we have many application engineers and, now, a larger sales partner network around the world. We are getting to that goal fast.”
Key to the company’s offering at VISION 2024 are two new products that captured plenty of interest. The MV.Scan packages contain everything users will likely need for hyperspectral imaging. Its complete, out-of-the-box solution is versatile, robust and portable, with VNIR, NIR and SWIR configurations. Its packages are pre-configured and tested systems, with software and critical components such as the senor, illumination mounts and a scanning stage ready for immediate use.
MV.Scan packages work well on benchtops, but also are small and portable enough to be moved around between locations, therefore they are able to perform quick product checks right next to different production lines. They are ideal for a variety of applications including food, plastics and recycling. One scanning stage can support multiple sensors, such as an MV.C VNIR and MV.C NIR for data from 400 to 1,000nm and 900 to 1,700nm, and all include perClass Mira Software, which enables even non-domain experts to rapidly build solutions for automatic segmentation of hyperspectral images. This means more accurate detection of contamination and consistent grading for quality.
perClass Mira Software controls all acquisition hardware, providing an intuitive analysis interface and enabling model deployment with visual feedback. It’s this sort of simple, efficient solution that’s enhancing the company’s sterling reputation for quality and process analysis. The system can shorten repetitive studies, a user can place a sample on the stage, click a button, replace the sample and click again.
The next-generation BlackEye hyperspectral imaging system was also a draw at the Stutggart show. One of its most compelling applications was its ability to tackle the global issue of sorting black plastics. “We are aware of just how big a challenge this task is,” says Grass. “But I think we are finally close to the tipping point, and we are seeing a lot of interest in this system from all around the world.”
The system’s high-spectral resolution in the optimised 2.9-4.2um range allows the BlackEye to detect differences that many other sensors are still not picking up, and is suitable for chemical and mineral analysis, contamination detection and a range of process monitoring applications. With a robust design for a range of industrial environments, its GigE Vision interface is also considered to be something of a game changer. It is fully compatible with perClass Mira acquisition and analysis software, making it ideal for real-time analysis on conveyors running at high speeds.
“There is a powerful awareness of this technology and how it can help,” says Grass. “For us, we are starting to see the benefit of the opportunities of the merger, with better acceleration of workflows and a stronger footprint in a number of geographies. Our customers understand that we not only provide them with a camera, we provide them with after-sales service, and we can continue working with them for a long time. In machine vision, you don't buy a camera for something, you buy a relationship.”
