Harmonic linear drive needs no brake
The harmonic linear drive (HLD) is a linear-belt-drive solution providing high accuracy and low cost without the need for a gearhead or brake. The HLD uses a recirculating belt, folded back upon itself and routed over different diameter pulleys yielding gear reduction by way of the harmonic drive principle, without the cost or backlash of a separate gearhead. The system has a low price-to-performance ratio. It is available in standard stroke lengths from 100 to 3200 mm and equivalent pitch ratios from 2.5 to 12.5 mm/rev.
Animatics
Santa Clara, CA, USA
www.oemdynamics.com
Compact cameras serve many applications
BOBCAT series of cameras are compact (45 × 45 × 39 mm), feature-rich Camera Link cameras designed to address a wide range of applications. All models share the same size, features, and command set, making it easier for end users to switch or upgrade. BOBCAT cameras come equipped with horizontal and vertical binning at 2X, 3X, and 4X; multiple programmable areas of interest; and fully programmable 12-bit look-up tables.
Imperx
Boca Raton, FL, USA
www.imperx.comcom
Camera scans at 70-kHz line rate with 8192-pixel resolution
A dual-line CMOS sensor in the sprint 8k linescan camera boosts image quality to a maximum line rate of 70 kHz with 8192-pixel resolution. A time-delayed line sum feature can double the camera’s sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by up to 3 dB. The two lines in the sensor scan each area on the object twice with time delay and combine the collected information. The sprint camera includes an AOI (area of interest) with speed increase, shading correction, test images, line stamps, configuration sets, and error condition detection. Image variations that may result from optics, lighting, or sensor performance can be modified by PRNU or DSNU shading correction.
Basler Components
Ahrensburg, Germany
www.baslerweb.com
Frame grabber has S-Video, CVBS inputs
Frame grabber supports all color and monochrome cameras that work with standard video signals (PAL, NTSC, or SECAM). Two variants are available: for standard PCI Express slots and low-profile slots. The new model is 100% software compatible with all frame grabbers of the FALCON series. The driver supports multiboard use and the simultaneous use of PCI and PCI Express boards. A programmable EEPROM is provided for storing the user’s data and can also be used as a dongle.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
Obersulm, Germany
www.ids-imaging.de
Software compares color data
Version 1.1 of Spectral Suite software is offered bundled with the company’s SP-100 multifunctional spectroradiometer system. The user can view data from multiple measurements graphically, comparing data within the spectrum and chromaticity charts. Spectral Suite reports radiometric values for radiance and irradiance measurements along with photometric values for luminance and illuminance measurements. Chromaticity coordinates are reported in both CIE 1931 (x, y) and CIE 1976 (u’, v’) color spaces.
Orb Optronix
Kirkland, WA, USA
www.orboptronix.com
Sensor series has high sensitivity
Dragster digital linescan sensors, based on a 12-bit digital sensor architecture, operate up to 40 kL/s. The sensors provide 7e- dark read noise and 50% QE (DR-4k-7)—very good sensitivity and noise performance. All sensors are fully digital and work with 3.3-V single supply. They are supplied on an easy-to-integrate COB module comprising all decoupling elements.
Awaiba
Erlangen, Germany
www.awaiba.com
GigE camera range expanded
GigE cameras are available with various sensors, in color, monochrome, or cooled versions, with megapixel resolution, frame rates up to 30/90 frames/s, and short trigger delay. They allow cable lengths up to 100 m/330 ft (Cat 5E). The software pool offers three different tools: camera control software KCC, software development kit (sdk3) for integration into third-party software applications, and application software KIB for measurement tasks.
Kappa opto-electronics
Gleichen, Germany
www.kappa.de
Ringlights enhance lighting
Low-angle ringlights connect directly to PresencePLUS vision sensors or an external power supply to provide optimal illumination of an inspected part by enhancing the contrast of surface features. The 150-mm lights use three tiers of bright LEDs for high-intensity, low-angle illumination. Models are available with infrared or visible red LEDs and offer a choice of continuous or strobed operation through a dedicated strobe input line. They include a 2-m attached cable with threaded three-pin Pico-style pigtail quick disconnect for direct connection to a P4 sensor or flying leads to connect to a 24-Vdc power source.
Banner Engineering
Minneapolis, MN, USA
www.bannerengineering.com
IR camera offers remote access
AXT110 thermal line camera is for industrial automation and inspection. The camera’s processing capabilities are made possible through the Blackfin DSP, built by Analog Devices. The 32 x 1 focal-plane array delivers temperatures to the Blackfin for processing. Advanced signal processing allows for features such as linear or logarithmic scaling and false color. Total digital control is accomplished through the 10/100 Ethernet port, affecting color palettes, atmospheric correction, scaling, sampling rate, and more.
Ann Arbor Sensor Systems
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
www.aas2.com
Sensor enables superior image capture
Genie C1410 and Genie M1410 cameras feature a high-quality, high-sensitivity sensor and are designed for industrial imaging applications in the semiconductor, robotics, and traffic-control industries. The Genie 1410 features a 2/3-in. CCD sensor from Sony (ICX285) and is available in color (C1410) and monochrome (M1410) versions running at 22 frames/s. Additional features include global electronic shutter with exposure control, on-board flat-field correction, and on-board color conversion to produce crisp and clear images. The C1410 and M1410 are certified GigE Vision compliant and are based on the GigE Vision standard to directly link the camera to a PC.
DALSA
Waterloo, ON, Canada
www.dalsa.com
Camera family expands
High-resolution model of the Flea2 series of compact IEEE-1394b cameras incorporates the Sony ICX274 1/1.8-in. progressive-scan CCD image sensor with square pixel array. It can deliver full-resolution 1624 × 1224 images at 14 frames/s and contains all core features of the Flea2 family, including jack-screw connectors for secure locking, pixel binning, and regions-of-interest modes via Format_7 and in-field firmware upgrades. Additional features include on-camera color processing and white balance, automatic synchronization of multiple cameras, external trigger and strobe output, and low power consumption.
Point Grey Research
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.ptgrey.com
Compact gantry robots deliver high precision
XR-Series four-axis, compact gantry robots feature a ceiling-mounted, flexible SCARA robot combined with a long-stroke Cartesian robot. As a result of the integrated design, the XR-Series robots use up to 40% less factory floor space than conventional SCARA robots. In addition, they can operate in many applications without a conveyor, saving up to 20% in capital-equipment costs. The robots have a reach of 200 to 300 mm and an x-axis stroke of 850 to 1660 mm, with a cycle time of 0.53 s, repeatability of ±0.015 mm, and payload capacity of 3 kg.
DENSO
Kariya, Japan
www.densorobotics.com
Camera tests autos onboard
Memrecam GX-5 digital high-speed camera is for onboard automotive testing. This Hi-G microcamera records color images with 640 × 480-pixel resolution at up to 1000 frames/s in confined, poorly lit spaces. The GX-5 provides more that two times the light sensitivity of any product of its kind.
NAC Image Technology
Simi Valley, CA, USA
www.nacinc.com
Telecentric lenses are illuminated
In-line illumination telecentric lenses offer long working distances and a port for a fiber illuminator, providing tools for machine-vision challenges that require accurate measurements of objects at varying distances, with limited room for imaging and lighting. All eight members of the family have a working distance of 120 mm, are designed to work with a sensor as large as a 2/3-in. format, and offer magnifications ranging from 0.5X to 6X. Each lens also includes a lockable ring to rotate the lens and ensure alignment with the camera sensor.
Edmund Optics
Barrington, NJ, USA
www.edmundoptics.com
Sensor inspects at any position or rotation
Inspector vision sensor is an intelligent vision solution in an easy-to-use package. In any angle or orientation, the Inspector can verify completeness and quality of products, even if they vary in size by as much as 20%. The Inspector offers 384 × 384-pixel resolution and comes in an IP 67 metal housing. There is an integrated dome light that delivers high-quality images on glossy and reflective surfaces without complex setup.
SICK
Minneapolis, MN, USA
www.sickusa.com
Sensor system detects motion
TriggerView, a CMOS sensor-based event-detection system, utilizes image-cued triggering to replace infrared, motion, proximity, and other sensors to provide a TTL trigger to cameras, recording devices, metrology equipment, or PLCs. A user-defined window can be identified within the field of view that tells TriggerView where to look for motion or intensity fluctuations. Each image coming off the sensor is sampled and processed in real time at frame rates up to 17,000 Hz.
Southern Vision Systems
Madison, AL, USA
www.southernvisionsystems.com
COTS FPGA platform has no power overhead
FM577 FPGA platform features the highest-density Cyclone III FPGA EP3C120 for data acquisition and processing, as well as the middle-range EP3C40 for communication interfaces. With up to 4 Gbytes of DDR2 SDRAM available on-board, the FM577 can meet the needs of demanding image-processing applications. Available off the shelf, the FM577 comes with a free board-support package that helps developers to start designing applications immediately.
4DSP
Reno, NV, USA
www.4dsp.com
Frame grabber works with notebooks
FrameLink Express is a Camera Link frame grabber designed for ExpressCard laptops. The video-capture card allows users to view and store real-time megapixel video images from two Camera Link sources on their notebook computers. Each captured frame can be stamped with a customizable user message along with the date and time of capture. The ExpressCard/54 interface (x1 lane PCIe) provides 2.5-Gbit/s bandwidth. The frame grabber features a flow-through pipelined architecture with an intelligent scatter/gather DMA engine to provide more than 200 Mbytes/s of throughput. A software suite, including drivers and an application program, is provided with the card.
Imperx
Boca Raton, FL, USA
www.imperx.com
Linear translation stage is direct drive
Nanotranslation crossed-roller (ANT-LX) stage incorporates direct-drive technology to offer the positioning necessary for mass production of precision devices. ANT-LX performance includes 2-nm linear resolution, ±0.3-µm accuracy, ±0.05-µm repeatability, 5-g acceleration, 500-mm/s velocity, a maximum load up to 8 kg, and a standardized, universal base-mounting pattern that allows its use in a wide range of configurations. The stage is 90 × 33 × 102 mm for the 25-mm travel version and 144 mm long for the 50-mm travel version.
Aerotech
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
www.aerotech.com
5-Mpixel cameras are GigE compatible
Color VCC-F60FV19GE and monochrome VCC-G60FV11GE cameras have 5-Mpixel CCD sensors and can deliver up to 15 frames/s at full resolution. The monochrome VCC-G60 output is 8- or 10-bit monochrome, and the color VCC-F60 device outputs 8- or 10-bit RAW. Both cameras have a compact housing and rugged design that allows them to be installed in a variety of applications.
CIS Americas
Seattle, WA, USA
www.cis-americas.com
Continuous-flex FireWire cable goes long distances
The Chainflex CFBUS.055 FireWire cable is designed for continuous-flexing and tight bending radii inside the Energy Chain cable carrier for longer-distance machine-vision applications. Its bus pairs and supply wires are twisted together with flexible shields and an optimized pitch length. A gusset-filling extruded, flame-resistant TPE outer jacket protects against core ruptures. The cable is tested to more than 6 million flex cycles, and transmission lengths up to 20 m are possible. Harnesses can be assembled in standard and custom lengths. The cables are USA and Canadian UL compliant.
igus
East Providence, RI, USA
www.igus.com
Imaging library offloads image processing to GPU
MIL 9.0, the latest version of the Matrox Imaging Library development toolkit, allows the MIL application to be distributed across several computers over a network and controlled remotely or in a master-slave configuration. To help reduce the load on the host CPU, the development application can offload image processing functions (primitives such as arithmetic, geometric transforms, filters, and morphology) to a graphics processing unit (GPU). The Processing Pack 1 (PP1) add-on features multicore and multi-CPU speed optimizations, a color analysis tool, a 3-D reconstruction tool, and verification of 1-D/2-D codes using ISO/IEC standards.
Matrox Imaging
Dorval, QC, Canada
www.matrox.com/imaging
LED module integrates with multiple camera types
Bright, cost-effective LED lighting modules can be directly connected to The Imaging Source USB, FireWire, and GigE cameras. All parameters can be set via the shipped software, IC Capture and IC Imaging Control, or via custom-built software. IC Capture is used to set all camera parameters, save singular images and image sequences, and display live video streams. IC Imaging Control is an SDK, which consists of a .NET component, ActiveX control, and C++ class library for Windows XP and Windows Vista.
The Imaging Source Europe
Bremen, Germany
www.theimagingsource.com
12-Mpixel camera features 25 frames/s
The CleverDragon CSC12M25BMP19 CMOS-based machine vision camera incorporates a 12-Mpixel, 1.9-in. monochrome progressive-scan sensor. Electronic global shutter captures clear images on fast-moving assembly lines. Other features include an aspect ratio of 4:3, sensitivity of 2000 lx (F5.6), wide dynamic range, and RDM trigger shutter. CMOS sensor resolution is 4096 × 3072 pixels and full frame speed is 25 frames/s. The camera can be integrated into new or existing systems without special cables or frame grabbers via Camera Link standard interface (10/8 bits).
Toshiba Teli
Irvine, CA, USA
www.toshiba-teli.com
Three models of Camera Link cameras support integration needs
The BM-500CL (monochrome) and BB-500CL (raw Bayer color) cameras are equipped with a Camera Link (CL) interface and are built around the Sony ICX625 2/3-in. CCD sensor (2448 × 2050 pixels — QSXGA). CL interface offers a choice of 12-, 10-, or 8-bit output. Potential applications include inspection, sorting, and facial recognition. C3 Compact is an entry-level camera series with a small form factor, single-tap high frame rate architecture, and a standard digital interface; C3 Basic is a high-performance series with single- or dual-tap imagers, inherent thermal management, and a 55-mm cube housing; and C3 Advanced has a broad range of built-in pre-processing functions, resolutions up to 16 Mpixels, and multitap 2CCD and 3CCD architectures.
JAI
Copenhagen, Denmark
www.jai.com
GigE Vision camera combines speed and resolution
The GE1050 is a high-resolution CCD camera with GigE Vision interface capable of running at 60 frames/s at 1000 × 1000 resolution and faster using area of interest (AOI) readout. The camera incorporates Kodak’s KAI-01050 megapixel, 1/2-in. optical format, progressive-scan CCD sensor with low-noise architecture, high smear performance, and electronic shutter. The camera is fitted with a C-mount with adjustable back focus and is available in color or monochrome. Applications include industrial inspection, machine vision, medical imaging, ophthalmology, traffic imaging, and OEM applications. The interface allows cable lengths of up to 100 m using Cat 5e cabling. The cameras are compatible with software from Matrox Imaging, MVTec Software, National Instruments, Norpix, Stemmer Imaging, and others.
Prosilica
Burnaby, BC, Canada
www.prosilica.com
Smart camera aimed at OEMs
Available in large quantities, the VCSBC4012 smart camera is designed especially for OEMs. An Ethernet interface allows for integration into the existing automation environment. Two digital inputs and four outputs (open collector) are available on-board. The CMOS sensor features freely programmable resolution up to 2592 × 1944 pixels. A 400-MHz Texas Instruments processor supplies 3200 MIPS computing power. The intelligent camera incorporates 64-Mbyte DRAM for program and data storage. At full resolution, the frame rate is 11.6 frames/s; VGA skipping allows a maximum frame rate of 102 frames/s. Available in color or black-and-white models, the camera is suitable for use in low-light conditions. An electronic rolling shutter enables short exposure times.
Vision Components
Ettlingen, Germany
www.vision-comp.com
High-speed camera aims at production
TroubleShooter LE is a hand-held, 1000-frames/s digital camera designed for production and packaging line troubleshooting and machinery diagnostics. The model is intended for factory environments to help reduce machinery jams, speed up setups and line changeovers, and to lower scrap and reject material costs. Users can capture thousands of images, immediately review them on the built-in screen, and save them to a compact flash card or computer via USB 2.0 port. Camera includes a built-in battery pack and is available in both color and monochrome.
Fastec Imaging
San Diego, CA, USA
www.fastecimaging.com
Image processing software suite is easily licensed
Open eVision 1.0 is a suite of software tools dedicated to image processing and analysis. Designed to be integrated into existing application, Open eVision offers libraries (DLLs), ActiveX controls, .NET classes, and extensive support of development environments. The distribution, installation, and licensing procedures of Open eVision have been tailored to OEMs and system integrators. Software offers choice of licenses including portable licenses—from platform to platform—as well as bundles, packs, or an SDK, and can be directly downloaded from the company Web site.
Euresys
Angleur, Belgium
www.euresys.com
Cameras comply with CE and RoHS, double memory
LightWise cameras are now fully CE and RoHS compliant and ship with double the memory of the previous generation. The FireWire 800-Mbit/s (IEEE-1394b) cameras now have an image buffer of 128-MByte RAM and 64 MBytes of flash memory. The FireWire 400-Mbit/s (IEEE-1394a) cameras have an image buffer of 64-MByte RAM and 8 MBytes of flash memory. Pricing has remained the same. All camera controls are done via the 1394 interface, which includes a fully programmable image processing pipeline and dynamic range/gamma control LUT for any desired response curve and a range of triggering and strobe control capabilities. All area-array cameras incorporate the ISG Image Pipeline and can be programmed with customer-supplied algorithms inside the on-board FPGA.
Imaging Solutions Group
Fairport, NY, USA
www.isgchips.com
GigE board provides compact, low-power package
iPORT NTx-Mini is an in-camera IP engine with the capability for image streaming at the full GigE rate, a 42 × 42-mm form factor, and 1.45 W of power consumption. Fully GigE Vision and GenICam compliant, the modular design allows high levels of differentiation between camera models in the camera form-factor and local I/O characteristics. A Main Board interfaces to optional AdaptRBoard or FlexEBoards, or equivalents depending on application requirements. Camera vendors can customize the design of the PCB boards. Product comes bundled with eBUS Driver Suite, iPORT PureGEV and Vision suites, and iPort AutoGEV.
Pleora Technologies
Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.pleora.com
GigE IP modules enable small, customized designs
IP cores and development framework enable development of products with GigE Vision interfaces. The FPGA-based IP cores allow maximum performance in a customized, small footprint design. The delivered framework consists of design files and cores, ISE and EDK project files, and a GigE camera system with Xilinx FPGA and CMOS imager. The system is to be used as reference design and evaluation board.
Feith Sensor to Image
Schongau, Germany
www.sensor-to-image.de
Infrared camera provides 360° thermal imaging
The IR Revolution 360 is a 360° linescan panoramic infrared camera designed to replace multicamera perimeter systems that have traditionally required several single or dual-head cameras set to pan, tilt, or zoom within a fixed field of view. Camera creates 3- to 12-Mpixel panoramic thermal images of a surveillance area at a rate of one full image per second for automatic, real-time detection and tracking. The camera operates passively, emitting no light, and can detect a human from 1 to 3 km away. Users control device remotely through a point-and-click interface on a Windows operating system and can deploy the camera in 7 to 8 minutes via an Ethernet connection.
HGH Infrared Systems
Igny, France
www.hgh.fr
Cable assemblies offer rugged reliability for industrial environments
Endurance cable assemblies for vision-system applications provide ultrareliable interconnectivity in motion and vision system applications. EnduroFLEX TPE jacketing material makes cable suitable for rugged industrial and outdoor environments. CCXC analog video cable assemblies meet industry standards for analog CCD cameras and are RoHS-compliant. MVC-800 FireWire cable assemblies are available in standard length (4.5 m/14.8 ft) and extended distance/extended life (type MVC-800EL; up to 7 m/23 ft). Other Endurance products include GEV-1000 GigE Vision, Camera Link (CL), and Mini Camera Link cable assemblies. MiniCL uses a smaller connector than traditional CL but incorporates the same hardware and software protocols.
Northwire
Osceola, WI, USA
www.northwire.com/assemblies
Linescan illuminator increases brightness by 2X
The new generation LED-based COBRA utilizes techniques that increase brightness by a factor of 2 to compete with halogen and metal halide-based fiberoptic illuminators. The chip-on-board approach to LED module fabrication yields an essentially unbroken line of semiconductor light source for high uniformity. Combined higher intensity and uniformity produces clear linescan images. The device targets machine vision applications where brightness, uniformity, and stability are essential.
StockerYale
Salem, NH
www.stockeryale.com/leds
Industrial endoscope gives remote access to small spaces
LightScope mini is a small-diameter industrial endoscope for remote viewing of inaccessible structures. Measuring 5 mm in diameter, the battery-powered scope is supplied with a 1- or 3-m long flexible plastic fiber image guide, providing a 27° view angle with a focal length variable from 10 mm to infinity. High-quality optics ensures distortion-free viewing with true color reproduction. The fully waterproof endoscope includes image fiber, an integral light source, and a straight-on viewing optical system. Optional accessories include lighting systems and adapters for side viewing and mounting of digital cameras.
Moritex Europe
Cambridge, UK
www.moritex.com
Optics provide high-res images in varied lighting conditions
Four new fixed focal-length imaging optics are designed for shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras and applications. Lens focal lengths include two 25-mm designs, a 35-mm, and a 50-mm design. Lenses are constructed for rugged environments and come standard with thumb screws for locking the focus and iris functions. Designed to cover 1-in. (16-mm diagonal) sensors, they offer high-resolution images and transmission in the 700–1900-nm wavelength of 75% or better. Optics are suited for various imaging applications where SWIR cameras are employed, such as food sorting, quality control, and aerial imaging.
Navitar
Rochester, NY, USA
www.navitar.com
Machine vision system integrates into multiple applications
EyeSpector is an all-in-one machine vision system for quality control, measurement, testing, surface inspection, reading 2-D codes (DMC), barcode, and OCR/OCV. It can be used in a range of vision applications, such as sorting, positioning, part checking, surface inspection, and many others. It combines current hardware technology with integrated EyeVision software for maximum ease of operation. Inspection procedures for all applications can be generated without special programming skills, requiring minimal training time. System is also compact and shock resistant.
EVT Eye Vision Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
www.evt-web.com
CCD camera images in starlight conditions
The LL-10MU is an all-solid-state, low-light camera capable of viewing images in starlight (0.1 mlux) conditions. The camera is based on a CCD utilizing on-chip electron multiplication that precedes the CCD output amplifier. This configuration suffers no light coupling inefficiency or artifact problems typical of intensified low-light cameras. Multiplication occurs in a 400-stage CCD shift register, which can provide a gain of up to 1000:1 without increasing noise. USB 2.0 12-bit interface does not require a frame grabber. Optional RS-170 analog output is available. A single 5-V power supply at 1.5 A is included in the 3.5 × 3.5 × 2.2-in. camera package.
Aphotik
Roswell, GA, USA
www.aphotik.com
