Color Sensor

DECOMPOSITION OF COLOR SENSOR

EMX Industries, Inc. ColorMax-1000 RGB Color Sensor link to data sheet

Main Function

The main function of the color sensor is to differentiate products based on their color.

Operation and Energize

The color sensor uses a high-intensity white light to determine the color of an object. The sensor shines the light (either a 4mm diameter or 8mm diameter spot depending on the model) onto the object and records the reflected RGB values and intensity. Unlike many other color sensors, the ColorMax-1000 is able to actually determine how much of each color is present in an object rather than a color-specific yes or no. The color sensor draws its power from a 12-pin power connector which draws either 12 VDC or 30 VDC to the sensor based on spot diameter.

Output

The output of the sensor is an analog value for each RGB reading. This output differentiates the ColorMax-1000 from other color sensors as it is able to determine which color is present and its intensity.

Specifications

Detection Range: This defines the distance from the object the sensor should be placed for proper operation. Any distance between 30mm and 100mm is supposed to provide a correct analysis.

Recommended Operating Distance: This is the suggested operating distance for the ColorMax-1000. The optimal range is 50mm.

Spot Diameter: The spot diameter is determined by the ColorMax-1000 model. The ColorMax-1000-4 RGB4 has a 4mm diameter spot while the ColorMax-1000-4 RGB8 utilizes an 8mm diameter spot.

Switching Frequency: The frequency at which the DC power source is switched on and off during the pulse. The ColorMax-1000 has a switching frequency of 20 kHz.

Discrete Outputs: The ColorMax-1000 has 4 discrete outputs which means that it can be programed to remember 4 discrete colors. This test is performed on a "match/no match" basis.

Power: The sensor must have either a 12 or 30 VDC power source to operate properly. This is dependant on the spot diameter of the model.

Communication: The color sensor communicates with a computer by way of an RS-232C serial cable. This allows the sensor to transmit the recorded data to a computer for further analysis.

Operating Temperatures: The temperatures at which the color sensor operates properly is -10 to 55 C. Outside of this range, proper operation is not guaranteed.

Length x Diameter x Mass: The sensor is 110mm long and has a diameter of 30mm . Its mas is approximately 180g (0.4lbs).

Cost

~$2000.00

Sensor Interface with Electronics

The color sensor is attached to a computer through the RS-232C serial cable. It receives its power through the 5-meter 12-pin power cable.

Sensor Interface with Dynamic System

The sensor interfaces with the dynamic system using the included mounting bracket. The sensor itself is enclosed in an M30 enclosure. This common, threaded enclosure allows the sensor to be very acurately adjusted by a simple twist.