Glossary#

Term	Definition
Accept Threshold	Minimum similarity threshold (score 0.0–1.0) required for a detected object to be accepted by pattern matching. Typical values: 0.70–0.90.
Air-blow	Optional pneumatic module for separating components on the disk using compressed-air jets. Requires a 5–6 bar supply.
Artifact	Defect in the acquired image caused by electromagnetic interference, wiring problems, or sensor malfunctions.
Camera Calibration	Pixel/real-coordinate correlation using a calibration target with a known pattern. Calculates the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera.
Clearance	Analysis of the grayscale level distribution over a defined area. Used to detect the presence/absence of objects (gripper check, free area).
POE Camera	Industrial camera powered and connected through a single Ethernet cable. Standard: IEEE 802.3af (15.4W) or 802.3at (30W).
CAPTURE	Software command used to acquire the reference images of the empty and full disk, required for automatic calculation of the hopper thresholds.
COMPLEX / FLAT / CYLINDRICAL	Geometric categories of components in the FlexiBowl Wizard. FLAT: flat shapes (washers, gaskets). CYLINDRICAL: cylindrical shapes (pins, screws). COMPLEX: irregular or asymmetrical geometries.
Working Distance	Optimal distance between the lens and the disk surface. Typically 950–1000mm in standard configurations.
Optical Distortion	Geometric deformation of the image caused by the lens. Automatically compensated during camera calibration.
Exposure	Light collection time of the camera sensor. Measured in μs or ms; directly affects image quality in production.
Feature Threshold	Feature extraction threshold (edges, lines) during model training. Typical values: 0.3–0.8.
FlexiBowl	Vibrating rotary-disk feeding system for random positioning and orientation of components for robotic picking.
FlexiBowl Wizard	Guided procedure for automatic calculation of the optimal FlexiBowl parameters based on component geometry and behavior.
Flip	Pneumatic pulse under the disk used to reposition components. Configurable through Flip Count (number of pulses) and Flip Delay (interval in ms between pulses).
Grab Train Image	Software command used to acquire the image to be used for training a new model.
Gripper Offset	Correction vector (ΔX, ΔY, ΔRZ) that compensates for the offset between the optical center of the vision system and the gripper TCP.
Hotspot	Direct light reflection area in the image. Appears as an overexposed area and may compromise recognition.
Lens	Optical component of the camera. It must be screwed in until metal-to-metal contact; the focal length (e.g. 16mm, 25mm) determines the field of view at the working distance.
Model (Model)	Geometric template of the component created during training. Each recipe supports up to 8 models.
Model Origin	Reference point on the component used as the center of the coordinate system for position calculation. Typically corresponds to the picking TCP.
Orthogonality	Perpendicularity of the camera with respect to the disk (tolerance ±1°). Can be checked with a precision level.
Pattern Matching	Algorithm that locates components in the image by comparing them with the reference model recorded during training.
Protocol (Protocol)	Communication format between VisionController and robot. Defines message structure, coordinate order, and units of measurement.
Recipe (Recipe)	XML file containing all system configuration parameters: models, thresholds, calibrations, FlexiBowl setup, and robot setup.
Region Search	Rectangular area in the image within which pattern matching performs the search. Reduces processing time and increases accuracy.
ROI (Region of Interest)	Rectangular area that delimits the component in the image during model training.
RZ / Rotation Z	Rotation angle around the Z axis communicated to the robot for component orientation. Expressed in degrees (0–360°).
Score	Similarity index (0.0–1.0) between the model and the detected object. Determines recognition confidence.
Gripper Clearance Simulators	Physical objects placed around the component during training to exclude from the model the areas occupied by the gripper during picking.
Steps	Number of hopper vibration cycles required for the components to reach the picking area. Critical parameter for synchronization with the robot cycle.
Subnet	FlexiBowl and VisionController must share the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x) for TCP/IP communication.
Synchronize Parameters	Software command that transfers parameters from the VisionController to the FlexiBowl. Required after each change to make the settings effective.
Calibration Target	Printed geometric pattern (circles or checkerboard) with known dimensions and a flat surface, used for camera calibration.
Timeout	Maximum waiting time for a communication response. An error is generated when it is exceeded.
Tilt	Inclination of the camera relative to the horizontal plane. Allowed value: 0° ± 1°.
Toplight	LED illuminator positioned above the disk that provides uniform top lighting. Power supply: 24V DC.
Training	Process of creating the recognition model by selecting the component’s distinctive features from a reference image.
Trigger	Image acquisition start signal. It may be software-based (timed) or hardware-based (external electrical signal).
Vision Result	Vision system output: coordinates (X, Y, RZ) and score of the detected component, transmitted to the robot for picking.
VisionController	Industrial computer that runs FlexiVision One, manages the cameras, processes images, and communicates with FlexiBowl and the robot.