Checker Vision Sensors

Product Guide
 The Smart Vision Sensor

Looking for the easiest, most affordable way to error-proof your manufacturing process?
The original Checker® vision sensor defined the category, taking the best attributes of photoelectric
sensors and adding so much more for manufacturers and machine builders. Today, Checker has a complete
product family—spanning from lower-resolution, extremely fast sensors to high-resolution models.

What Checker Is
The Checker vision sensor is an award-winning, all-in-one vision sensor with built-in camera, processor, lighting, optics, and I/O
capable of detecting and inspecting up to 6,000 parts per minute—all in an industrial IP67 enclosure small enough to fit into
the tightest of spaces.

How Checker Works

Checker detects a part by finding an actual part feature, such as the apple graphic on top of a juice box. This provides extremely
reliable part detection, unattainable with photoelectric sensors. The optional SensorView® 2 display lets users see exactly what’s
being inspected, as well as production statistics, right on the factory floor with no PC required!

Checker Advantages
Inspects features that other Overcomes varying part positions.
sensors cannot. Parts on a line typically vary in position, and
Because Checker understands Checker tracks all of them without requiring
what it sees, it can inspect features precise part handling.
that other sensors can’t, such as a
code printed on a label.

Inspects multiple part

features simultaneously.
There’s no limit to the number of
part features you can inspect with
a single Checker!

2 Checker Vision Sensors

 The ROI of Vision Sensors

Wouldn’t it be great if you could use the same sensor for all your product verification tasks?
The Checker product family has the ability to be used for presence, measurement and position
applications. Checker can perform multiple “checks” on each product you manufacture. And now that
Cognex offers a full range of vision sensors, including Ethernet connectivity, you have the opportunity to
choose the right Checker for your application.
Whether it’s price, resolution, or speed that is important to you, Cognex offers a sensor to fit your needs.

Checker 4G Series Model Highlights

• Easy setup through your PC Checker 4G7 delivers 752 x 480 inspection with Ethernet support
• Patented part detection technology for industrial protocols and high-intensity white LED illumination
for detecting and inspecting small parts and part features at up
• Solves both presence and to 800 parts per minute. It’s also available with an integrated
measurement applications color lighting option.
• High Speed and High Resolution
models available Checker 4G7X is the most comprehensive vision sensor and
• Unlimited Image storage allows production managers to check for the presence, size
and position of features simultaneously on a single part.
• Remote setup and display
• PLC Communication with Ethernet Checker 4G1 is the fastest model and provides high-speed
• Logic for custom outputs inspection for fast moving lines up to 6,000 parts per minute.
• Up to 32 job changes Checker 4G7S integrates color lighting and filters into a single
• Up to 4 discrete outputs device to create an exceptional vision sensor at an entry level price.

A partial list of the benefits that a vision sensor brings to a manufacturing

operation include:
• Reducing scrap • Reducing downtime and maintenance • Providing easy setup and maintenance
• Simplifying the overall system design • Displaying and recording images by factory personnel
• Eliminating the need for costly fixturing • Eliminating PLC programming • 100% parts-inspection initiative

CASE STUDY
Checker Helps Automate High-Speed Loading of
Transparent Cartons
A beverage manufacturer uses transparent cartons to package
its bottled drinks so that their distinctive branded labels are
visible to consumers. The need to orient the bottles so that the
right part of the label is visible makes automated packaging a
challenge. Recently, this producer became the first to successfully
automate high-speed carton loading with the use of a bucket
autoload cartoner, using Cognex Checker® vision sensors.
AFA Nordale, a leading producer of cartoner machines, evaluated
several sensors from leading companies but each seemed to
have problems with one or more label types. “For example, one
sensor worked with the red labels but not with the black or blue
labels,” said Sergiu Dinescu, from Nordale. “Another sensor
Because Checker vision sensors are so simple to set up and easy to install, worked with the red and blue labels but not the black. Then we
they offer a very cost-effective solution for inspections where traditional tried the Cognex Checker and found that it was able to read all
sensors are not reliable and a full-blown vision system is too expensive. the labels without difficulty.”

Checker Vision Sensors 3

 Reliable Error-Proofing for All Industries

Verifying component thickness Detecting missing bottles

Automotive products Consumer products

•D
 etermines metal part thickness after machining • Confirms required 12 bottles per case
• Outperforms photoelectric sensors • Replaces 13 photoelectric sensors
• No need for constant adjustment • No need for precise fixturing
• No need for precise fixturing • Improves quality & yield
• Improves quality • Increases line speed
• Reduces manufacturing costs

Correct Thickness Incorrect Thickness Case Full Bottle Missing

Checking component orientation Detecting missing caps and lot codes

Electronics products Beverage applications

•C
 hecks SMT component orientation • Confirms caps & codes on milk jugs
• Outperforms photoelectric sensors • Outperforms photoelectric sensors
• Reliable readings even with variable positions and sizes • Reliable readings even with variable jug positions
•R
 educes downtime by eliminating position adjustments & • Reduces scrap & maintenance costs
minimizing resets • Increases line speed by elimination of fixturing
• Maintains high line speeds

Capacitor Oriented Correctly Capacitor Oriented Backwards Date Code Present Date Code Missing

4 Checker Vision Sensors

 No Matter What Industry, Checker Delivers

Verifying threads in hole Verifying seal and cap presence

Automotive applications Consumer products

•D
 etects presence of threads in engine block • Detects caps & safety seals on bottles
• Outperforms eddy current probes • Outperforms photoelectric sensors
• Consistent accuracy vs. photoeyes • No need for precise fixturing
• Reliable, repeatable results • Minimizes setup & changeover
• No need for precise fixturing • Improves output & decreases scrap
• Lowers cost of ownership • Reduces downtime by elimination of sensor adjustments

Thread Present Thread Absent Safety Seal Present Safety Seal Missing

Matching device product number Verifying label presence

Medical products Beverage applications

• Inspects for correct product number on medical devices • Checks presence of three labels on beer bottle on
• Eliminates manual inspection high-speed (1100 bpm) line
• Improves quality • Replaces unsatisfactory photo sensor
• Drastically cuts rework costs • Eliminates constant readjustment
• Decreases errors during faster line changeovers • Drastically cuts changeover time
• Improves quality
• Reduces manufacturing cost

Correct Product Number Wrong Product Number Label Present Label Missing

Checker Vision Sensors 5

 Reliable Inspection Results for Manufacturers

Verifying part orientation Verifying pill presence

Automotive products Medical products

•D
 etects incorrect orientation of automotive parts in feeder bowl • Detects presence of pills in bottle
• Outperforms photoelectric sensors • Outperforms photoelectric sensors
• Much less expensive than traditional vision system • Reliable readings even with variable bottle positions
• Allows 100% correct orientation • Maintains high line speed without fixturing
• Dramatically reduces scrap & rework • Minimizes inspection errors
• Improves quality

Correct Orientation Wrong Orientation Pill Bottle Full Pill Bottle Empty

Inspecting seal and bushing in battery Verifying registration

Consumer products Consumer products

•C
 onfirms presence and positioning of seals & bushings on batteries • Pattern-based registration
• Reliable readings even with variable battery positions • Eliminates the need for registration marks
• Eliminates inspection part fixturing • Eliminates material waste
• Increases quality & decreases return rates • Flexible working distance
• Enables faster line speeds • For high-speed production lines... up to 6 m/sec
• Better than 100 µsec output repeatability

Good Part Missing Bushing Mark Detected

6 Checker Vision Sensors

 and Machine Builders.

Verifying device assembly Verifying correct bulb

Medical products Consumer products

• Identifies dowel pins & plastic cover • Checks for correct-sized light bulb
• Replaces error-prone manual inspection • Replaces photoelectric sensors
• Increases product quality • Allows fewer & smoother changeovers
• Drastically reduces rework costs • Improves quality
• Increases line speed • Reduces scrap costs
• Increases yields
• Minimizes customer complaints

All Parts Present All Parts Missing Correct Size in Package Wrong Size in Package

Detecting missing box insert Verifying slug ejection

Food products Consumer products

•C
 onfirms flavor pack presence • Detects plastic slug presence in bottle
• Outperforms photoelectric sensors • Eliminates multiple photoelectric sensors
•R
 eliable readings even with translucent insert & • No expensive fixturing
variable positions • Reliable readings even with variable bottle positions
• Cuts rework costs • Maintains line speed
•R
 educes downtime by elimination of sensor adjustments • Handles colors without adjusting

Insert Present Insert Missing Slug Ejected Slug Present

Checker Vision Sensors 7

 Powerful Things Come in Small Packages

Checker is an all-in-one vision sensor with built-in lighting and a variable working distance, capable of
inspecting over 6000 parts per minute—all in a package small enough to fit into tight spaces.

60mm
(2.36in)
Compact size
IP67 quick-disconnect
cables

User-changeable • Industrial I/O

working distance • User-configurable sink
and focus or source
67mm • Ethernet Industrial
High intensity
(2.64in) M12 connectors
color lighting
and filter options
enhances contrast

Rugged IP67 housing

41mm 39mm
(1.61in) (1.54in)

Checker 4G with Ethernet easily integrates into your factory network. From one PC, you can remotely
setup and monitor Checker(s) on your network, communicate to your PLC and FTP transfer an
unlimited amount of images for storage and/or review.

PC 4G PLC FTP

Ethernet Network

8 Checker Vision Sensors

 A Wide Range of Checker

Cognex has expanded the Checker product family to ensure that we offer a sensor for every application.
Whether it’s resolution, price, or speed that is the most important attribute to you, Cognex offers it all.

Vision System

Vision Sensor

Photoelectric Sensor
Range

Performance

Model Features 4G7S 4G1 4G7 4G7X

Part Finding Sensor a a a a
Inspection Sensors: Presence, Measurement or Position a a
Inspection Sensors: Presence, Measurement and Position a
Inspection Sensors: Presence only a
Internal Triggering a a a
Pattern Retrain a a a a
Job Change 32 32 32 32

PC Software Setup a a a a
SensorView Setup & Display a a a a
Encoder-Based Part Tracking a a a a
Logic for Custom Outputs a a a
Number of Inspection Sensors 4 No limit No limit No limit

Maximum Inspection Rate 30Hz 400Hz 60Hz 60Hz

Resolution 752 x 480 128 x 101 752 x 480 752 x 480

PLC Communication – EtherNet/IP with AOP a a a

PLC communication - PROFINET a a a
Store images to FTP a a a

Checker Vision Sensors 9

 One-Click Setup

Checker is simple to set up and operate with One-Click Setup™. Even a first-time user can have it up
and running in minutes—without training and with no PC required. Simply select the built-in part
finding sensor… place inspection sensors on the features to inspect… then check it with Checker!

The image display simplifies setup by Dynamic help is

enabling you to see what the sensor sees. always available.

Four
simple
steps
walk you
through
setup.

SensorView 2: Fully configure, test and monitor

Checker 4G vision sensors—no PC required!
• Large 8.9” (225mm) smart display
• Built-in Ethernet based communication
• Same user interface as Checker PC software

Play a filmstrip back in slow motion, or review recent part failures. Simple sensor controls
Like a video recorder, Checker actually records video of parts! are pass/fail—no data or
parameters to enter.

Checker’s unique inspection sensors provide the most reliable way to inspect your part:
Presence Measurement Position
Brightness sensors look for dark or Height sensors measure the Edge position sensors verify
light areas on the part. height of a part, component, the correct location of edges up to
or feature. 20 degrees rotation.
Contrast sensors look for areas on
the part that contain both bright and Width sensors measure the width Object position sensors verify the
dark areas: date codes, threads, and of a part, component, or feature. correct location of objects (blobs).
many other part features.
Diameter sensors measure the Pattern position sensors verify the
Pattern sensors understand what diameter of a part, component, correct location of patterns up to
your part features look like and let or feature. 360 degree rotation.
you know when the feature appears.
Edge presence sensors verify the
presence of edge features.

The Checker part finding sensor has three important advantages:

1. Detects a part by locating a feature on the part, not just an edge.
2. Tracks parts in varying positions along the production line, overcoming imprecise part positioning.
3. Does not require additional sensors to determine if a part is present.

10 Checker Vision Sensors

 Specifications

CHECKER 4G VISION SENSORS MECHANICAL sensorview 2 350

Dimensions 2.64in (67mm) H x 1.61in
LIGHTING & FILTER OPTIONS MECHANICAL
(41mm) W x 2.72in (69mm) D
4G1, 4G7, 4G7S, 4G7X Integrated red, blue, green, Diagonal screen size 8.9in (225mm)
Weight 148g (4.2oz)
and infrared LEDs Dimensions 9.31 x 5.75 x 1.38in
Integrated bright white LEDs MODES OF OPERATION (236.6 x 146 x 35mm)
Polarization Internal part trigger, external part trigger, free running Weight 468g (16.51oz)
EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT
CERTIFICATIONS USER-SELECTABLE LANGUAGES
Input ON > 10VDC (> 6mA)
4G Series CE,FCC,RoHS,KCC and English, German, Italian, French, Spanish,
Input OFF < 2VDC (< 1.5mA)
BureauVeritas Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified),
Protection Opto-isolated, polarity- Chinese (Traditional), Korean
independent minimum pc requirements
(Only required for setup) Power
OUTPUTS
Operating systems XP™, Vista™, Microsoft® Operating voltage +24VDC (22-26VDC)
Output Solid state switch
Windows 7® 32&64 bit Power consumption +5V @ 1.3A
Rating 100mA, 24VDC
RAM 128 MB RAM
Max voltage drop 3.5VDC @ 100mA Environmental
Interface Ethernet 10/100
Max load 100mA Operating temperature 0°C to 50°C
(4G Series)
(32°F to 122°)
Protection Opto-isolated, protected Screen resolution 1024 x 768 (96 DPI)
from short circuit, overcurrent, Operating humidity 0 to 90%,
or 1280 x 1024
and reverse polarity non-condensing
(120 DPI) display
Storage temperature -10ºC — 60ºC
encoder inputS CHECKER SENSORS (-14ºF — 140ºF)
Differential A+/B+: 5-24V (50 kHz max) Model Part Number Storage humidity 0 to 90%,
A-/B-: Inverted (A+/B+) non-condensing
4G7S C4G7-24S-E00
Single Ended A+/B+: 5-24V (50 kHz max) Shock 80G x 5ms (IEC 68-2-2)
4G1 C4G1-24G-E00
A-/B-: VDC = ½ (A+/B+)
4G7 C4G7-24G-E00 Vibration EN61373 including
JOB CONTROL INPUTS 4G7X C4G7-24X-E00 IEC 60068-2-6,
Jobs supported 32 60068-2-64 6.4,
Note:
Input ON > 10VDC (> 6mA) and 60068-2-27
The 5.8mm lens ships standard with Checker.
Input OFF < 2VDC (< 1.5mA) Altitude 4000m
Optional Accessories
Protection Opto-isolated, polarity- Protection IP65
CKR-4G-CBL-001 Flying lead I/O cable (5m)
independent CERTIFICATIONS
CKR-200-CBL-RT-003 Right angle I/O cable (1m)
power CE, c CSA us, FCC, RoHS, VCCI Vibration
CCB-84901-100X-XX Ethernet Cable(s)
Voltage +24VDC (22-26VDC) CCB-84901-6001-05 Right angle Ethernet Cable (5m) SENSORVIEW 2 PART NUMBERS
Current 250mA max C4G-BAK-000 Basic Accessory Kit Part Number Description
ENVIRONMENTAL CKR-200-LENSKIT Lens Kit SV-890-000 SensorView
Operating temperature 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F) Notes: Smart Display
Basic Accessory Kit includes Quick Start Guide, SV-CF-000 Compact Flash Card
Storage temperature -30° to 80°C (-22° to 176°F) Checker software CD and mounting screws.
Note:
Operating humidity 0%-90%, non-condensing The Lens Kit includes 3.6, 8, 16 and 25mm lenses.
A complete SensorView 2 consists of these two part numbers.
Operating altitude 4000m maximum
Shock 80Gs for 5ms on each axis
(per IEC 68-2-2) Field of View for Checker 4G7 Vision Sensors Field of View for Checker 4G1 Vision Sensors
Curves show the field of view for standard and optional lenses. Curves show the field of view for standard and optional lenses.
Vibration 10Gs (10-500Hz) per Each grid square = 1in (2.54cm) Each grid square = 1in (2.54cm)

IEC 68-2-6
Protection IP67

PLC Communication
EIP w/AOP, PROFINET, TCP/IP, UDP/IP
FTP Image

Checker Vision Sensors 11

 Accessories

SensorView 2 Smart Display

The SensorView 2 display has a large 8.9 inch (225mm) touch screen, making it easy to use and view
on the factory floor. With built-in Ethernet based communication, SensorView 2 can be installed
anywhere Checkers are connected to a network. The SensorView software has the same familiar
user interface as the standard Checker PC software, so no additional training is required to use it.

Adjustable Mounting Bracket

With metric, imperial, and through-hole mounting. It provides an easy way to adjust the
mounting angle of Checker for optimal lighting.

Cables
Power & I/O and Ethernet are available in straight and right angle.

Lenses
The Checker lens kit includes 3.6, 8, 16, and 25mm lenses.

Colored Filters
Bandpass filters for both visible and IR wavelengths (470, 525, 590, 635 and 850nm).

Color Lighting and Polarization Options

Optional lighting accessories include red, blue, green, infrared and bright white
LED lights which can be directly integrated into Checker. A polarization window
is available for specular reflection or “glare” reduction.

Companies around the world rely on Cognex vision and ID to optimize quality, drive down costs and control traceability.

Corporate Headquarters One Vision Drive Natick, MA USA Tel: +1 508.650.3000 Fax: +1 508.650.3344

Americas Europe Asia

United States, East +1 508.650.3000 Austria +43 1 23060 3430 China +86 21 5050 9922
United States, West +1 650.969.8412 Belgium +32 2 8080 692 India +91 20 4014 7840
United States, South +1 615.844.6158 France +33 1 4777 1550 Japan +81 3 5977 5400
United States, Detroit +1 248.668.5100 Germany +49 721 6639 0 Korea +82 2 539 9047
United States, Chicago +1 630.649.6300 Hungary +36 1 501 0650 Singapore +65 632 55 700
Canada +1 905.634.2726 Ireland +353 1 825 4420 Taiwan +886 3 578 0060
Mexico +52 81 5030-7258 Italy +39 02 6747 1200
Central America +52 81 5030-7258 Netherlands +31 208 080 377
South America +1 909.247.0445 Poland +48 71 776 0752
Brazil +55 47 8804-0140 Spain +34 93 445 67 78
Sweden +46 21 14 55 88
Switzerland +41 71 313 06 05
Turkey +90 212 371 8561
United Kingdom +44 1327 856 040 www.cognex.com
© Copyright 2012, Cognex Corporation. All information in this document is subject to change without notice. Cognex, Checker and SensorView are registered
trademarks of Cognex Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Printed in the U.S.A. Lit. No. MK6332-0512.

12 Checker Vision Sensors