Servo amplifier uses FireWire
Ndrive MP digital servo amplifier is the ultracompact, high-performance discrete drive option for the Automation 3200 motion system. It measures 41 × 141 × 107 mm and can drive brushless, dc brush-type servomotors, and stepper motors and can perform both current loop and servo-loop closure. Ndrive MPs are built on DSPs to allow them to perform complex calculations in real time. Standard options include software-based encoder multiplication, brake relay, additional I/O, and separate logic supply inputs for “keep-alive” operation during an e-stop condition. Any combination of Ndrive MP amplifiers can be used on the FireWire network to allow the user to customize the system.
Aerotech
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
www.aerotech.com
MIL 8.0 offers new features
Software-development toolkit for machine vision, medical imaging, and image analysis, MIL 8.0 is for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The programming library features integration of MIL’s string-reader module, an improved camera configuration utility, new multibuffered image-capture mode for reliability and performance, and improved display management. MIL 8.0 offers an intuitive function set, as well as a choice of programming environments: classic C/C++ or ActiveX.
Matrox Imaging
Dorval, QC, Canada
www.matrox.com/imaging
Sensor stores images on-board
F210-ETN Ethernet vision-sensor controller has on-board storage for compressed inspection images, which can be streamed via Ethernet to a remote PC or laptop for analysis and long-term storage without interfering with on-going production output. The controller features parallel processors for measurement and communication functions, enabling it to continue inspecting without interruption while processing and sending data. Access from a remote location lets users start or stop sensing and set or change scan parameters without directly accessing onboard controls. The sensor uses digital cameras to capture higher-resolution inspection images with minimal noise.
Omron Electronics
Schaumburg, IL, USA
www.packaging.omron.com
Three-CCD cameras fit in small space
IK-TF7 cameras are compact (44 × 44 × 78 mm), lightweight (5.82 oz), three-CCD cameras with a form factor designed for space-sensitive applications. They have a small pixel size (4.65 × 4.65 µm) and a removable IR filter and feature a variable-speed, electronic nine-step shutter with speeds ranging from 1/100 to 1/100,000 s and advanced trigger function. In the partial-scan mode, readout is up to 90 frames/s. Full-pixel, independent readout is 30 frames/s. Other features include an RS-232C serial communications port and 60-dB S/N.
Toshiba America Information Systems
Irvine, CA, USA
www.toshiba.com
Camera adds functionality
Ladybug2 is an enhanced redesign of the company’s Ladybug spherical video camera. It features an increased maximum frame rate of 30 frames/s and enables full-frame image streaming directly to a PC. The system’s head unit and solid-state compression unit are connected via a fiberoptic cable, and an IEEE-1394b interface connects the compression unit to the host computer. The camera head transmits six 1024 × 768 uncompressed Bayer tile images and features a maximum frame rate of 15 frames/s uncompressed. Before images are sent to the PC they can be JPEG-compressed.
Point Grey Research
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.ptgrey.com
Switch integrates with extender
DCS72 matrix switch line is a fiber-in/fiber-out large-scale switching solution that integrates with the company’s Thinklogical fiber extenders, providing transparent switching of video, keyboard, mouse, stereo audio, USB, and stereo graphics. The switch has full nonblocking matrix capability for 8 to 144 source inputs and 8 to 144 fully configured remote graphics consoles.
Logical Solutions
Milford, CT, USA
www.thinklogical.com
System tests lenses
The OS200 is a modular system that can be configured to test a range of camera lenses, relay lenses, and telescopes. Features include a smaller, lighter, high-resolution video camera; a larger, more robust rotary stage that handles centered loads up to 10 kg; and a larger xyz stage assembly that allows for precise adjustments. It also features Version 2 of the company’s PixelScope image-analysis software incorporating an optical configuration window that eliminates the need for the user to compute magnification values and scalable plot windows with pan and zoom to enhance the observation of a particular area of interest.
Wells Research and Development
Lincoln, MA, USA
www.wellsresearch.com
Digital camera is small
TroubleShooter RS is a ruggedized, self-contained high-speed digital camera that provides point-and-shoot capability for high-speed video applications. The battery-powered camera’s rugged housing, designed to prevent dirt and moisture from affecting it and the LCD monitor built into the body of the camera, allows it to be used in harsh factory environments. The camera is available in four models and, depending on the model, has resolution up to 1280 × 1024 pixels and can record up to 16,000 frames/s at reduced resolution.
Fastec Imaging
San Diego, CA, USA
www.fastecimaging.com
Laser supports machine vision
The Lyte-MV machine-vision laser is available with a uniform (non-Gaussian) line with powers up to 50 mW in the red and 100 mW in the IR. Its electronics allow for both continuous-wave and pulsed/modulated operation. Via a control lead power can be linearly attenuated to any level from zero to maximum. The internal lens optics provide thin lines and large depth of fields. Standard accessories include focus tool, mounting clamp, and a range of power-supply options including 5 V, 11-32 V, and 110/240 Vac.
Global Laser Technology Solutions
Abertillery, UK
www.globallasertech.com
Mpixel camera has high definition
ARTCAM-500P high-definition USB 2.0 CCD 5-Mpixel camera does not require a frame-grabber, power is supplied from the PC bus, and an SDK is available as an option. Pixel size is 3.45 × 3.45 µm, frame rate is 3.75 frames/s, and S/N is 50 dB or higher. The camera is C mount (lens not included).
Artray
Tokyo, Japan
www.artray.co.jp
Camera gives high resolution
The TM-1402CL is a high-resolution, 1.4-Mpixel CCD camera. Based on a standard 1/2-in. Sony ICX205AL image sensor, it can capture 30 frames/s at full resolution (1392 × 1040 pixels). The interline-transfer CCD permits full vertical and horizontal resolution with shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 s. It can be reset asynchronously by external pulse control. Power consumption is 4.3 W. In addition, the black level and video levels are resistant to thermal variations from -10ºC to 50ºC. The TM-1402CL is available in both monochrome and color formats.
JAI Pulnix
San Jose, CA, USA
www.jaipulnix.com
Thermal system targets research
The OptoTherm R&D thermal-imaging system is for applications such as product design, NDT, and medical research. It consists of the Infrasight thermal-imaging camera, tripod, wide-angle lens (resolution 100 μm to infinity), cables, and Thermalyze image-analysis software. The Infrasight camera obtains the temperature at 19,200 individual points on each image with temperature sensitivity of 0.1˚C. Thermalyze software provides real-time (30 frames/s) viewing and a set of analysis tools to obtain temperature information quickly.
OptoTherm
Sewickley, PA, USA
www.optotherm.com
USB cameras connect directly
DNV series of USB CMOS cameras need no additional capture card and can be directly connected to a PC USB 2.0 port. No external power supply is supplied. High-resolution uncompressed video can be viewed with 24 bits of color. Software drivers are included that support Microsoft DirectShow; WDM, TWAIN, and VFW drivers are also included. The camera case is made of aluminum with a tripod mounting socket, and the cameras take any C-mount lens. Software driver allows control of contrast and brightness, exposure, sharpness, and auto white balance. Hue and saturation are user-configurable through the driver. Resolutions are from 640 × 480 to 2048 × 1536 pixels.
Digital Network Vision
Waltham, MA, USA
www.digitalnetworkvision.com
CPU is for PC/104
Model 303 CPU comes standard with six ports: two are full-featured RS-232, and the remaining four are three-wire ports. Rapid communication is available from two USB V2.0 channels and one 1000 base T-Ethernet port. The 303 low-power Elan SC520 runs at 133 MHz and is x86 code compatible. It comes with 32 Mbytes of soldered-on flash memory, a compact flash memory card, and sockets for 128 Mbytes of SDRAM. Programmed into the on-board flash is the system BIOS, which enables portable applications and operation system via the compact flash module. Hard-drive storage is available through the IDE port. The bus-driver ICs enable addition of up to five PC/104 boards to the same stack. A built-in watchdog timer resets the CPU and external circuitry.
Sensoray
Tigard, OR, USA
www.sensoray.com
Smart sensor operates easily
The Inspector 5111, a high-resolution, compact smart sensor system, enables users to quickly set up a product inspection. With a 143-MHz CPU, this camera system can run vision applications without a PC. The Inspector comes with two FireWire connectors for daisy-chaining, a trigger input, two independent flash outputs, and a VGA monitor output. The camera sensor can obtain 1280 × 1024-pixel images, and images can be captured at 27 Hz.
Philips Applied Technologies
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
www.apptech.philips.com/industrialvision
System captures images
HDX-ray 16-bit system captures high-resolution images with film-like quality for applications requiring high magnifications, such as MEMS/MOEMS, semiconductor packages, high-density interconnects, hybrids, and encapsulants. The fully integrated 2.6-Mpixel imaging subsystem features more than 65,000 gray scales with freely selectable frame rates from 1 to 30 frames/s. HDX-ray is available on all of the company’s FOX systems or as an upgrade to existing systems. The FOX series of x-ray inspection systems provide x-y feature recognition of 300 nm and focal spot size of less than 1 µm. The series is available in multiple configurations. The geometric magnification is up to 2720X (total magnification up to 8120X).
Feinfocus
Garbsen, Germany
www.feinfocus.com
Software previews images
PixeLINK Capture Standard Edition is an image-capture application designed for use with microscopes and the company’s digital cameras. Key features include fast live preview of image data from the computer, full control of camera and image-capture settings, image calibration and measurement to quantify image features, and user-defined presets to rapidly change camera settings and measurement calibrations as microscope objectives are changed. The software is designed to assist with rapid image capture in a high-productivity environment where a large number of images have to be captured, analyzed, and archived. A 15-day trial version is available from the company’s Web site.
PixeLINK
Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.pixelink.com
CompactPCI/PXI module is programmable
The CP387 is a single-width, 6U, CompactPCI/PXI module with up to 256 digital input/output channels. The CP387 baseboard provides 128 TTL level digital I/O channels. Additional expansion up to 128 digital channels is provided by four mezzanine-card sites. These sites can be populated with I/O options such as isolated input, isolated output, relay output, ac-switch output, or differential I/O to extend the capability of the module. Data transfers to and from the CP387 are programmable and support 16- and 32-bit data words. The module contains flash memory that can be used to restore basic digital input and output configuration parameters on powerup.
KineticSystems
Lockport, IL, USA
www.kscorp.com
Processor goes wireless
S5500 software-configurable processor provides high-performance and fast time to market in a smaller package than previous members of the company’s S5000 family. Based on the S5 engine, the device tailors embedded programmable logic within the processor engine to optimize complex algorithms used in wireless, video, and imaging applications. The processor combines the speed and efficiency of a DSP with the programmability of an FPGA and is configured with standard C/C++ programming tools. The processor identifies sequences of operations that are executed many times and combines them into a single instruction.
Stretch
Mountain View, CA, USA
www.stretch.com
CCD system gives high resolution
The sensicam em integrates electron multiplication CCD sensors with resolution of 1004 × 1002 pixels. The digital 12-bit CCD camera system features thermoelectrical cooling of the image sensor (down to 45°C vs. ambient) and quantum efficiency (up to 65 %), which achieves a high spectral sensitivity in general and especially in the near-infrared. Exposure time modes (software selectable) range from 75 µs to 1 h. A high-speed serial data link connects the system to the PC. The system is for scientific imaging (microscopy, biomarker, and label imaging) and night vision.
The Cooke Corp.
Romulus, MI, USA
www.cookecorp.com
Reader checks wafers
In-Sight 1721 wafer reader tracks semiconductor wafers through the manufacturing process. It offers a slimmer package and twice the speed of its predecessors, yet maintains mounting and functional compatibility with them. Image-formation technology and OCR and 2-D matrix and barcode-recognition algorithms enable the In-Sight 1721 to deliver reliable reading performance on SEMI-standard scribes. The reader offers flexible mounting options for easy installation on wafer sorters, ion implanters, probers, and other tools. A graphical user interface simplifies setup, and automatic tuning minimizes operator intervention. Built-in network and serial communications provide connectivity to other process tools and the plant network.
Cognex
Natick, MA, USA
www.cognex.com
Laser meters measure thickness
LT-9000 Series of laser confocal displacement meters give accurate 0.01-mm thickness measurements on transparent objects using a single sensor head, even when target surfaces are wet, angled, or irregular. Multiple measurement modes include profile measurement, transparent object-thickness measurement, angle measurement, and cross-sectional area measurement. The LT-9000 sensor head incorporates a built-in CCD camera that provides a microscopic image of the target surface. A cross-hair cursor facilitates precise positioning of the LT’s ultrasmall, 2-mm beam spot. A continuous waveform display of topographic surface detail is provided by the LT’s built-in microscope.
Keyence Corporation of America
Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA
www.keyence.com
Camera series improved
The MX12D megapixel camera series is the next generation of the MX12P. It has 65-dB dynamic range, 14-bit digital processing, and 1024 × 1024-pixel resolution at 30 frames/s. Medical applications for the MX12D include x-ray, ophthalmology, and high-end microscopy. The MX12D can be used in vision systems where medical-quality images are required.
Adimec USA
Stoneham, MA, USA
www.adimec.com
Lenses support automation
F-mount fixed-focal-length lenses for several linescan cameras are available in common 35- and 50-mm focal lengths. Wide angular fields of view and numerous working-distance ranges allow integration into macroprocess automation applications. Designed for factory automation, a locking screw prevents system defocusing, even in areas subject to shock and vibration. A click-stop iris allows for reliable and repeatable illumination conditions, while a low f/2.8 aperture setting increases overall system sensitivity.
Edmund Optics
Barrington, NJ, USA
www.edmundoptics.com
New cameras in the series
The FOculus camera series has been extended by two new cameras: FO134B/C and FO234B/C. Both are available in color or monochrome and feature the same IEEE 1394 interface as the existing 18 models. Equipped with a 0.5-in. Sony CCD sensor, the FO134B/C supports 60 frames/s at VGA resolution (659 × 494 pixels), and the FO234B/C supports 50 frames/s at SVGA resolution (782 × 582 pixels). All features, such as housing dimensions, C-mount, progressive scan, external trigger, and electronic shutter, are identical to the other cameras in the series.
New Electronic Technology
Finning, Germany
www.net-gmbh.com
Imaging software has upgrades
SPOT 4.5 Imaging Software is now available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. New feature allows acquired images to be saved in a separate layer from annotations, calibration marks, and measurements, so that the layers can be linked together for documenting work while preserving the original image data for analysis. SPOT 4.5 includes correct color technology, which provides color corrections based on ICC profiling standards. Upgrades are available for registered SPOT users on the company’s Web site.
Diagnostic Instruments
Sterling Heights, MI, USA
www.diaginc.com
Digital microscope cameras integrate easily
ProgRes digital microscope cameras have fast data transfer with a standard FireWire interface. C-mount is the optical interface to any common microscope. All cameras can be controlled with ProgRes Capture Basic software, included with the cameras, which can be used either as a stand-alone software or Twain plug-in on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Color, contrast, saturation, and brightness can be adjusted in live mode. Shading correction can be adapted to both the live image and the captured image.
Jenoptik Laser, Optik, Systeme
Jena, Germany
www.jenoptik-los.com
Systems have more features
High-performance versions of the company’s NetSight II machine-vision systems, the “M” systems are form-and-fit-compatible with their predecessors but include more features and can deliver up to three times the overall performance. They are powered by a 1.6-GHz processor with 2 Mbytes of local cache and 512 Mbytes of high-speed program memory. In addition to the standard analog and Camera Link interfaces, NetSight II M systems are compatible with camera technologies such as IEEE 1394 and GigE. NetSight II M systems provide a choice of software options for building vision solutions and are fully supported by the company’s Sherlock vision software.
ipd
Billerica, MA, USA
www.goipd.com
Infrared cameras are small
Based on a 384 × 288 uncooled alpha silicon 7-14-μm microbolometer detector producing 110,592 effective pixels, MIRICLE 110 K cameras achieve 44% more image resolution than 320 × 240 detector cameras and combine digital technology with flexible configurations, from ultracompact, subminiature, ruggedized aerospace cameras to modular OEM high-performance IR cores and engines. MIRICLE 110 KXS cameras can be mounted in any orientation. A powered track head with environmental enclosure, remote focus, and joystick control are available for external installation. Optional portable lithium ion battery pack and MIRICLE low-power mode maximize operation under harsh conditions.
Thermoteknix Systems
Bellevue, WA, USA
www.thermoteknix.com
Pan-and-tilt modules are accurate
The PTU-D300 is a family of modular computer-controlled pan-and-tilt units designed for fast, accurate positioning of heavy payloads. They provide torque sufficient for payloads up to 70 lb, while maintaining speed, precision, and a very small form factor. The units offer multiple mounting options and a single connection point and are designed for demanding applications that require high duty cycles and long life in harsh all-weather environments. Features include simple control from host computer via RS-232/485, 360° continuous-pan option with pass-through for many payload types, and a range of pan speeds (<0.0°/s to 50°/s).
Kane Computing
Northwich, UK
www.kanecomputing.co.uk
