Vision + Automation Products
Driver package supports camera families
Pylon driver package integrates both a GigE Vision and an IEEE 1394 interface to support all models of the company’s scout and pioneer cameras, as well as older camera families such as the A100, A300, and A600 series. All cameras can be controlled with a single set of commands via pylon’s unified C++ camera API. To achieve fast, reliable image data transport into the memory of the PC, pylon offers performance, filter, and DMA drivers with low resource requirements. Other components included are an intuitive viewer, an MS DirectX interface, and several sample programs.
Basler
Ahrensburg, Germany
www.basler-vc.com
2-D FPAs come in three spectral bands
Two-dimensional (2-D) focal plane arrays (FPAs) in three spectral bands provide comprehensive solutions for users in the commercial, military, and aerospace communities. Custom-designed FPA formats, matched ROICs, and application-specific housing packages are included in the product portfolio. The first FPA families being offered are InGaAs and InSb. The InGaAs FPAs include both the 1.7-µm standard cutoff operating at room temperature and the 2.6-µm cutoff operating with three-stage TEC temperature. The InSb FPA operates in the 2- to 5-µm spectrum at 77 K. The initial FPA format is 320 × 256 with a 30-µm pitch. HgCdTe and larger-format FPAs and will be introduced.
Judson Technologies
Montgomeryville, PA, USA
www.judsontechnologies.com
Wafer reader targets Data Matrix codes
In-Sight 1720 model is an addition to the company’s high-performance wafer readers. It features OCR and barcode reading in a stand-alone package with a 752 × 480 CMOS sensor that is suitable for both new equipment and retrofits; incorporates a high-resolution 1024 x 768 CCD specifically for wafers with T7 Data Matrix codes; and includes infrared lighting for new ultrathin oxide, nitride, and polyimide wafer coatings.
Cognex
Natick, MA, USA
www.cognex.com
Camera is optimized for low noise
The svs414 progressive-scan camera with resolution of 640 × 480 pixels and a Camera Link interface is a new model in the company’s SVCam camera series. It is optimized for high sensitivity and low noise. Its output is digitized with a 12-bit AD converter. The svs414 is reversible. In partial-scan mode higher frame rates can be achieved with reduced spatial resolution. Binning with 2 × 2 pixels is also possible. Camera measures 50 × 55 × 43 mm.
SVS-VISTEK
Seefeld, Germany
www.svs-vistek.com
CMOS cameras are compact
Latest additions to the FOculus IEEE1394a CMOS camera line are offered in a compact industrial housing measuring 29 × 29 × 39 mm with C/CS lens-mount option. FOculus cameras offer fast frame rates at 752 × 480-pixel through 2048 ×1536-pixel resolution. Partial-scan capability allows user to achieve higher frame rates at lower resolution. All product models are supported by a free FOculus SDK that is activeX compatible. No frame grabber is required.
New Electronic Technology
Finning, Germany
www.net-gmbh.com
Software removes haze
Image-Pro Plus Version 6.2 scientific image-processing and analysis software offers the ability to remove haze from image stacks with built-in SharpStack image deconvolution tools in addition to enhanced file format support. These built-in tools include real-time 2-D deconvolution, Nearest Neighbor and No-Neighbor deconvolution, and the Inverse Filter algorithm. The SharpStack deconvolution algorithms, previously available as an add-on module, allow users to remove blur and haze from image stacks for more detailed analysis.
Media Cybernetics
Silver Spring, MD, USA
www.mediacy.com
DIO cards are for industrial control
PCI-744X high-density DIO PCI card series delivers up to 128 optoisolated channels for demanding applications such as industrial I/O control and automation, large-scale test and measurement, and relay control. The PCI-744X series consists of the PCI-7442, a 64-CH isolated DI and 64-CH isolated DO card; the PCI-7443, a 128-CH isolated DI card; and the PCI-7444, a 128-CH isolated DO card. The PCI-7443 can collect digital inputs with a high tolerance for noise. It features a channel-programmable change-of-state interrupt function that monitors the status of input channels. The PCI-7444 module provides 128 channels of open drain Power MOSFET driven digital outputs.
Adlink Technology
Irvine, CA, USA
www.adlinktech.com
Camera features enhanced color
SPOT RT3 Slider digital camera system combines improved performance and FireWire connectivity. RT3 Slider has improved optical color rendering, particularly when used with SPOT imaging software featuring correct color technology/ICC color profiling. Low read noise and deep pixel wells of its Kodak KAI 2020 CCD give sensitivity. With effective differential cooling of -43°C, dark current has been reduced to less than 0.003 e/p/s.
Diagnostic Instruments
Sterling Heights, MI, USA
www.diaginc.com
Device illuminates web
Power Lightline (PLL) is an LED-based scalable illumination solution for web inspection and comes with white (5600 K), red (617 nm), or green (525 nm) surface-mount LEDs. Available in lengths from 16 in. to 11 ft, output intensity is controlled in 1.3-in. segments via an Ethernet interface. Profiles for different applications can be created, stored, and recalled. Integrated sensors monitor the PLL and report overtemperature conditions, as well as LED, power supply, and software failures. High-output LEDs provide 4500 lm/m under normal operating conditions.
Volpi USA
Auburn, NY, USA
www.volpiusa.com
Camera system monitors production
InLine camera system is designed for high-speed event capture and analysis in production and packaging environments. Using advanced software and triggering techniques, the InLine system captures line stoppages and automatically downloads the images, via Gigabit Ethernet, to a preselected computer on the network for analysis. The InLine camera features several mounting options and easily fits into tight spaces on production lines.
Fastec Imaging
San Diego, CA, USA
www.fastecimaging.com
Microstepping driver is compact
MForce PowerDrive is a powerful, highly integrated new microstepping driver delivering a high per-phase output current of 7 amps peak, 5 amps rms, with optional programmable motion controller or variable speed controller in a compact, enclosed package with integrated heat sink, and user-friendly pluggable locking connectors. It has a broad input voltage range of +12 to +75 Vdc and accepts up to 20 resolution settings from full to 256 microsteps per full step, with CANopen communications optional.
Intelligent Motion Systems
Marlborough, CT, USA
www.imshome.com
Controller enables picometer res
E-755 ultrahigh-resolution motion controller is designed to drive NEXLINE linear motor actuators and enables the combination of long travel ranges and picometer resolution. NEXLINE is a patented high-force, ultrahigh-precision linear motor actuator developed to bridge the gap between micro- and nanopositioning technology. The all-ceramic NEXLINE is suited for static and dynamic high-precision positioning of high loads. The E-755 controllers come with a software package including LabVIEW drivers for simple and flexible automation of nanopositioning tasks.
PI (Physik Instrumente)
Auburn, MA, USA
www.physikinstrumente.com
Gimbal aids surveillance
Cobolt 275 CG-a multisensor gimbal for airborne surveillance missions-is 11 in. in diameter and has a total mass of less than 12 kg, making it useful for light helicopters and drones. The C275 CG integrates a high-performance thermal camera, as well as a color day camera. To facilitate tracking of moving targets and locking on static scenes the Colbalt C275 CG also comes standard with VILGA video tracker technology.
Polytech Airborne Imaging
(subsidiary of Cedip Infrared Systems)
Malmkoping, Sweden
www.polytech.se
Lenses provide high resolution
TECHSPEC lenses offer object-space resolution better than 2 lp/mm and are available in focal lengths such as 8.5 and 12 mm. The high-resolution fixed-focal-length lenses support sensors as large as 2/3 in. and provide an angular field of view greater than 40º. TECHSPEC imaging lenses offer a robust set of mechanics to complement the high-quality optics. Features include low-profile housing, variable focus and iris adjustments with detents, and a standard C-mount interface for camera coupling.
Edmund Optics
Barrington, NJ, USA
www.edmundoptics.com
Software provides OCR option
NeoCharisis, robust industrial OCR software that provides reliable reading of wafer IDs throughout semiconductor-manufacturing processes, provides high levels of reading performance even when characters are of very low contrast, degraded, partially obscured, reside on complex patterned backgrounds, suffer from uneven illumination, or display other undesirable yet often unavoidable characteristics. It is trained to read the SEMI-OCR, IBM, and CANON fonts in which wafer IDs are commonly marked, as well as more widely used ANSI-standard OCR-A and OCR-B fonts.
The Value Engineering Alliance
Cambridge, MA, USA
www.The-V-E-A.com
Frame grabber supports notebooks
PIXCI EC1 ExpressCard/54 frame grabber is for Camera Link cameras and notebook computers. It supports almost all Full, Medium, and Base configuration Camera Link cameras with 250-Mbytes/s burst rate and 204-Mbytes/s sustained data rates. It comes with the XCAP-Lite imaging program.
EPIX
Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
www.epixinc.com
Zoom-lens system is upgraded
Zoom 6000 high-magnification zoom-lens system is now compatible with large-format sensors up to 30-mm diagonal, including the Kodak KAI sensor (15.6 × 15.6). The Zoom 6000 can be incorporated into larger format sensor systems with F-mount requirements and attain the same optical quality, accuracy, and performance as with C-mounts. System magnification ranges from 0.35X to 18.0X and field of views from 1.7 to 85 mm.
Navitar
Rochester, NY, USA
www.navitar.com
FireWire cameras have high res
Grasshopper IEEE-1394b (FireWire) cameras offer megapixel resolution and an IEEE-1394b 800-Mbits/s digital interface. The cameras are effective in imaging applications such as those in electronics manufacturing, life sciences and microscopy, surveillance and security, and ITS. The Grasshopper line features a variety of high-resolution, large-format image sensors, including the Sony ICX625 dual-output 5-Mpixel CCD. Monochrome and color CCD sensor options for the Grasshopper include the 1.4-Mpixel, 2/3-in. ICX285 and 2.0-Mpixel, 1/1.8-in. ICX274. Each model is available in a 44 × 29 × 58-mm form factor with dual IEEE-1394b ports, general-purpose I/O connector, and industry-standard C-mount lens holder.
Point Grey Research
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.ptgrey.com
Device inspects flat surfaces
Super Optical Device 3 (SOD-III) is optimized for vision and inspection applications that require a mounted lens and lighting. Available in three different versions, the SOD-III series includes an optical body that uses coaxial episcopic illumination to image flat surfaces. To enhance the versatility of the SOD-III, customers can choose from a suite of high-performance peripherals including cameras and lightguides.
Moritex Europe
Cambridge, UK
www.moritex.com
Camera delivers high resolution
CSB4000CL-10A progressive-scan camera extends the scope of CMOS sensor capabilities with its high resolution, Camera Link output, full-frame global shutter, and window-of-interest functionality. Built around a 4-Mpixel CMOS monochrome sensor with 12.048 × 12.282-mm image area and 6 × 6-µm pixels, the camera yields frame rates of 7.4 frames/s. In addition to a random trigger shutter, the CSB4000CL-10A offers a global (synchronous) electronic shutter control that exposes all pixels simultaneously for frame-on-demand acquisition.
Toshiba Teli America
Irvine, CA, USA
www.toshiba-teli.com
System measures 3-D surface
SurPhase is a 3-D topography device based on the company’s digital phase technology. It is for surface characterization and measurements such as profiles, heights, roughness, and waviness parameters. The device relies on fully digital algorithms. In less than 5 s 3-D topography images of material samples with nanometer resolution can be obtained. SurPhase combines 2-D video microscopy and automated 3-D microtopography. It is a fully certified measurement system providing data according to international standards.
PhaseView USA
San Diego, CA, USA
www.phaseviewusa.com
Mini imager reads tiny codes
With 3-Mpixel imaging, the Quadrus MINI 3 extends barcode imaging technology by providing high resolution for data tracking. The Quadrus MINI 3 can decode high-density codes of less than 3 mil. Features include dynamic autofocus and single-point easy-setup software. The imager has a wide field of view and can read up to 100 different codes in a single capture, including both long linear codes and small 2-D codes. The visible-symbol locator pattern, EZ button setup, and dynamic, real-time autofocus provide ease of use.
Microscan Systems
Renton, WA, USA
www.microscan.com
System captures multiple images
StreamPix 4-200 is a complete solution for high-speed, high-resolution digital video capture from multiple cameras. It includes a custom computer and four cameras running at 200 frames/s at VGA (640 × 480) resolution. Features include the ability to capture in monochrome or color from GigE, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), analog, digital, Camera Link, and USB 2.0 cameras and the ability to export images as BMP, TIFF, multi-TIFF, JPEG, PNG, FITS, or AVI.
NorPix
Montreal, QC, Canada
www.norpix.com
Telephoto lens has narrow FOV
DSL208 day/night product line has a lens-limited field of view (FOV) of 22º on a 1/3-in. or 17º on a 1/4-in. sensor. This narrow FOV provides a telephoto effect and multimegapixel resolution. The form factor is compact with 21.3-mm total track length and M12 (12-mm) barrel. An IR cut filter or day/night exchanger can be added. The all-glass design of the DSL208 delivers high performance over a wide range of environments.
Sunex
Carlsbad, CA, USA
www.sunex.com
Slides travel short strokes
Miniature slides deliver high carrying capacity, smooth motion, and precision guidance for linear-motion applications requiring short strokes. They are available in four basic sizes (7, 9, 12, and 15) with widths ranging from 17 to 32 mm and lengths ranging from 26 through 165 mm. Slides can achieve running accuracies up to 2 µm over a stroke of 100 mm. They are supplied as complete, ready-to-mount units for quick and easy installation and are manufactured from stainless steel to resist corrosion and hardened to optimize endurance and performance.
SKF USA
Bethlehem, PA, USA
www.skfusa.com/linearslides
Camera optimized for near-IR
MicroVista-NIR has 100% fill factor and proprietary antireflection coatings and matches near-IR imaging performance of more expensive CCD-based cameras. Applications include biometrics, near-IR microscopy, general low-light near-IR imaging, medical imaging, hyperspectral imaging, and surveillance. The camera’s focal plane array has a 1280 × 1024 format, 10.8-µm-square pixels, high quantum efficiency at near-IR wavelengths, and supports 30-frames/s, full frame, and Camera Link data port.
Intevac
Santa Clara, CA, USA
www.intevac.com
Cameras have 5-Mpixel sensor
Camera design of the TX and F series makes use of a 5-Mpixel monochrome CCD sensor. This imaging sensor and a 12-bit signal processor are the basis for use in applications that require high frame rates in combination with high resolutions. In high-speed mode the cameras support up to 15 full frames/s and can be used in many industrial applications. The 2/3-in. sensor format allows the use of commonly available standard lenses. Settings such as binning and true partial scan readout modes are available to improve sensitivity for low-light applications.
Baumer Optronic
Radeberg, Germany
www.baumeroptronic.com
Panel PC has multiple slots
PPC-155T Panel PC comes equipped with a 15-in. TFT LCD panel, Intel Pentium M/Celeron M CPU, and 855GME chipset. It supports dual LAN, IEEE1394, USB, COM, PCMCIA, PCI, and Mini PCI expansion. PPC-155T smart fan control minimizes thermal emissions and reduces system noise. There are three optional types of standardized touch screens: resistive, capacitive, and surface acoustic wave. PPC-155T comes with one PCI expansion slot, a mini-PCI, and one PCMCIA for functional expansion. Additionally, an internal CompactFlash card slot can be used with the HDD function for OS booting.
Advantech
Irvine, CA, USA
www.advantech.com
Software integrated in camera
Iris E-Series cameras now have Design Assistant, an integrated development environment. In the Design Assistant environment, users create a flow chart of the application that instructs the Iris E-Series camera to capture, process, and remotely display images and communicate with external devices. It eliminates the need for programming and scripting. The development environment is fully self-contained for both application development and deployment, and the integrated HTML editor and layout tool gives flexibility to create a custom web-based operator view for monitoring the application.
Matrox Imaging
Dorval, QC, Canada
www.matrox.com/imaging.
Software is upgraded
New version of LabVIEW, LabVIEW 8.5, offers deterministic real-time multithreading, improved thread-safe I/O drivers and automatic scaling based on the total available number of processing cores to deliver performance gains. Other features include an extension of multicore performance for applications to real-time embedded systems with symmetric multiprocessing; multichannel filtering and PID control algorithms to reduce the FPGA resources required for high-performance machine-control systems; and a new statechart module to help engineers design and simulate event-based systems using notations based on the Unified Modeling Language standard
National Instruments
Austin, TX, USA
www.ni.com
Vision sensor is simple to set up
FZ color vision sensor automates inspection of low-contrast color objects at high speed using true color technology and intelligent cameras. Advanced real color- sensing engine captures and processes 16.77 million colors, approaching human color perception, and outperforms systems that use monochrome or false-color contrast conversion and analysis methods. The FZ controller comes built into a touch screen LCD monitor to reduce panel space, or in a conventional box-type unit. Embedded simulation software allows trial measurements to be performed on a computer using prepared images.
Omron Electronics
Schaumburg, IL, USA
www.omron247.com
Encoder IP Core supports Arrix
High-definition MPEG-2 Encoder IP Core for the Arrix field-programmable object array (FPOA) supports high-definition 720-pixel resolution at 60 frames/s, as well as all standard definition formats. The MPEG-2 Encoder IP Core is part of the company’s Pro Video Library, which also includes the MPEG-2 Multi-Stream Decoder, the JPEG-2000 Encoder IP Cores, as well as a roadmap to MPEG-4/H.264 IP. The MPEG-2 Encoder IP is scalable across one or two FPOA devices, depending on the level of compression required. The IP core will also be enhanced to support 1080i formats before the end of 2007.
MathStar
Hillsboro, OR, USA
www.mathstar.com
Illuminator is improved
Fiber-Lite DC950H machine-vision fiberoptic illuminator is a 150-W quartz halogen regulated illuminator that has been improved to produce a higher output with greater reliability and is now RoHS compliant. It features dc-regulated output, fast lamp response, and a 0-5-Vdc remote intensity control interface with linear voltage adjustment (8-bit D/A module available). The DC950H can be operated remotely and offers remote notification of lamp failure. It is made of stackable heavy-duty steel housing with mounting capability. Several illuminating options are available including color filtering, manual iris, and an analog or digital remote interface.
Dolan-Jenner
Boxborough, MA, USA
www.dolan-jenner.com
Enhanced kits for TFT LCDs
A new range of kits for TFT LCD solutions consist of a display, adapted industrial single-board computer, and all accessories, tested and ready for use. These systems or “kits” consist of combined and coordinated components. New kits range in size from 6.5- to 82-in. diagonal used in a wide variety of industrial applications, as well as medical, ruggedized, marine, and digital signage.
Apollo Display Technologies
Ronkonkoma, NY, USA
www.apollodisplays.com
Thermal imager is compact
Jade LR is a high-performance third-generation thermal camera optimized for long-range images from fixed-position surveillance. Based around a trifocal design, the Jade LR uses motorized lenses (25-, 80-, and 320-mm focal length), switchable by a single command, to provide optimal detection or recognition capabilities at distances ranging from 5 to 25 km. The camera can be remotely operated though a communication line with the video image provided in either analog or digital RS422 format. Incorporating an InSb FPA sensor (3-5 µm), 14-bit digital electronics, and motorized optics in a compact, weatherproof housing, the Jade LR camera is fully compliant with military specifications.
Cedip Infrared Systems
Croissy-Beaubourg, France
www.cedip-infrared.com
Sensors available in ac/dc version
Rhino ac/dc cube-style inductive proximity sensors are available with a 20-mm sensing range and are rated for 20-250-Vac/Vdc operation. The sensors are for automotive manufacturing and applications requiring a 120-Vac power source. They are flush mountable and feature a coated die-cast housing and durable thermoset plastic sensing face. Additionally, these sensors feature a five-way quick pivot sensing face for operational and mounting flexibility, as well as two corner LEDs for high-visibility status indication.
Pepperl+Fuchs
Twinsburg, OH, USA
www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com
Platform includes Simulink coder
Digital video infrastructure platform (DVIP) now supports Simulink HDL Coder from The MathWorks. This integration will enable embedded-software engineers to target field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) without detailed knowledge of programming such devices. The DVIP simplifies hardware implementation by providing a platform that combines Texas Instruments DSPs and Xilinx FPGA processing. Starting price is $25,000 in single quantities.
Sundance Multiprocessor Technology
London, UK
www.sundance.com/dvip
Camera taps full potential of GigE
mvBlueCOUGAR GigE camera offers a range of sensors: CCD sensors with resolutions of 640 × 480 pixels (frame rate: 60 Hz), 1024 × 768 pixels (39 Hz), and 1600 × 1200 pixels (16 Hz) in both color and gray-scale versions, and CMOS sensors with resolution of 1280 × 1024 pixels (30 Hz), also as gray scale version. Additionally the camera offers two digital inputs and two digital outputs for trigger and flash. With 128 Mbytes SDRAM, the mvBlueCOUGAR has enough memory to reduce delays during the sending and receiving of data packages effectively. C-mount, as well as CS-mount and S-mount, lens holders are available. The mvBlueCOUGAR is compatible with GenICam.
Matrix Vision
Oppenweiler, Germany
www.matrix-vision.com
Smart camera functions added
Pike IEEE 1394b camera family has additional functions that improve picture quality, optimize speed and the reactivity of the applications, and facilitate the integration of the camera in an image-processing system during the development phase. For example, The Pike’s new antismear function reduces the smear effect significantly, thus creating a better basis for an error-free image analysis. The new functions can be easily retrofitted for already installed Pike cameras via firmware update and the FireWire interface.
Allied Vision Technologies
Stadtroda, Germany
www.alliedvisiontec.com
Board has new features
USB digitizer board, 60V002-USB, features1x composite video, 1x S-Video option inputs, USB 2.0 uncompressed image data streams or USB 1.1 outputs, maximum resolution (NTSC/ RS-170) of 640 × 480 at 30Hz, driver for WDM, DirectX, TWAIN, and VFW, and a software development kit (.NET Component, ActiveX, C++ Class Library).
Videology Imaging Solutions
Greenville, RI, USA
www.videologyinc.com
HALCON supports new devices
HALCON, a comprehensive standard software library with an IDE for machine vision, provides blob analysis, morphology, pattern matching, measuring, 3-D object recognition, and binocular stereo vision. It now offers several new interfaces, including an interface to uEye Gigabit Ethernet cameras from IDS; an interface to microEnable IV Camera Link boards from Silicon Software; and interfaces for camera series TXF and TXD from Baumer.
MVTec Software
Munich, Germany
www.mvtec.com
Camera has new interfaces
Newest uEye camera range includes a Gigabit Ethernet interface (1000BaseT). The bandwidth is 2.5 times higher than with USB, and cable lengths up to 100 m are possible. The camera supports a range from 6 V through to 24 V and is equipped with a C-mount lens connector with adjustable mounting dimensions. A symmetrical housing permits mounting at 90˚/180˚ without having to create new holders. A GenICam interface will be released at the end of 2007.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
Obersulm, Germany
www.ids-imaging.de
Sensor has visual functions
SCS1 smart camera offers visual inspection and identification functions. SCS1 models offer code for optical character reading and verification, as well as 1-D barcode and 2-D Data Matrix reading. Illumination can be integrated or external; a complete range of illuminators is available as accessories, connectable by a standard M8 plug. The sensor is a completely integrated device and can work in a stand-alone mode, without any external control. Standard CS- or C-mount optics are interchangeable.
Datasensor
San Pietro, Italy
www.datasensor.com