X-ray camera provides active area of 20 × 25 cm
The SkiaGraph10 EV, a very large area (VLA) digital CMOS x-ray camera, supports x-ray energies up to 160 kVp. It builds upon a tiled configuration of RadEye100 VLA CMOS image sensors to achieve a total active sensing area of 8 × 10 in. (20 × 25 cm). The cameras are capable of real-time imaging at up to 1.4 frames/s (5.3 frames/s in binned mode), 12-bit or 14-bit digital contrast resolution, 5 lp/mm spatial resolution, and feature a choice of scintillators providing sensitivity as high as 500 ADU/mR.
Rad-icon Imaging, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
www.rad-icon.com
USB cameras acquire images at 60 frames/s
The Lw115 and Lw110 USB 2.0 cameras feature 1280 × 1024-pixel resolution and on-board processing to deliver image detail, auto white balance, auto exposure, and lower fixed pattern noise. The cameras offer a 1.3-Mpixel color image sensor running at up to 60 frames/s. A complete SDK supports OEM integration. Available enclosed (Lw115) or as a board-level device (Lw110) to allow for off-the-shelf purchasing or OEM customization, the cameras can be substituted for the now obsolete Lu170/Lu175 camera series.
Lumenera, Ottawa, ON, Canada, www.lumenera.com
Sealed vision sensors built for harsh environments
Featuring a durable nickel-plated aluminum housing, the PresencePLUS P4 IP68-rated, sealed OMNI vision sensor withstands washdown conditions as well as dust and debris common in harsh-duty environments. Incorporating a complete suite of location, inspection, analysis, and geometric tools, the sensor can perform tasks such as label alignment inspection, color verification and matching, flaw detection, OCR/OCV, and other inspection duties. It exports inspections, images, and results using the Microsoft ActiveX platform.
Banner Engineering, Minneapolis, MN, USA, www.bannerengineering.com
GigE cameras auto-adjust parameters
A line of GigE CMOS progressive-scan cameras features an adjustable frame rate via binning, subsampling, or area of interest (AOI). The reduced footprint makes them cameras suitable for use in locations that previously may have been inaccessible. The user sets the exposure, gain, and white balance to a specified level or can allow the camera to adjust these parameters automatically. Proprietary software allows the user to capture still images in JPEG and bitmap file format or video in AVI format. The software also can perform edge enhancement, image mirroring, and image binning, in the vertical directions, as well as hot pixel correction.
Edmund Optics
Barrington, NJ, USA
www.edmundoptics.com
Kit enables development of VGA capture appliance
The VGA2LAN development kit is a standalone open-source VGA capture Internet appliance intended for developers who plan to create their own VGA capture-based solution. It features a fully open-source architecture, a custom Linux build environment, and access to all drivers and ports. The kit comes packaged with the VGA2LAN Internet appliance, active Kramer splitter, passive Y-splitter, and all associated cables. The VGA2LAN device measures 7.95 × 4.13 × 1.38 in. and weighs in at 1.4 lb. Hardware includes an Epiphan Systems VGA frame grabber, a Motorola PowerPC processor, and a separate FPGA for VGA signal processing. It uses Gigabit Ethernet and features a built-in dual RJ-45 port network hub.
Epiphan Systems
Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.epiphan.com
Load/unload system uses six-axis robot
A new insulated glass (IG) automatic load and unloading system uses a six-axis ABB robot and QComp’s machine-vision system to unload IG units from the production line and place them into slotted glass racks. A system is also available that can pick single lights from slotted racks and load them onto the IG production line. The system can precisely locate rack slots to load and unload glass and can be calibrated for various glass and unit thicknesses. Capable of handling a large range of glass sizes, the IG system also features seamless integration with line controls.
QComp Technologies
Greenville, WI, USA
www.qcomptech.com
Image sensor enables partial readout with ROI mode
The KAI-08050 image sensor, based on the TRUESENSE 5.5-µm interline transfer CCD platform, provides 8-Mpixel resolution at up to 16 frames/s. Region of interest (ROI) mode supports partial readout at higher frame rates, such as 6 Mpixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio at 20 frames/s, or standard VGA—appropriate for fine focusing of an image before high-resolution capture—at more than 60 frames/s.
Eastman Kodak
Rochester, NY, USA
www.kodak.com
Environmental system monitors and records multiple parameters
AMBRA is an integrated device for environmental multiparameter monitoring of buildings and automation activities. Microwave radar records motion in a range of 10 m; a radar collects environmental temperature and another measures air moisture content. Audio components include a double-sensor microphone for audio analysis and voice/sound recording and a speaker for audio playback. The video sensor captures images; a proximity lighting double system is equipped with high-efficiency LEDs. AMBRA is also able to shoot environmental video with an integrated camera. The DSP chip supports high processing capacity with the operating system TOS (Tattile Operating System) and several algorithms for analysis of events, hazards, and critical situations.
Tattile Security Division
Brescia, Italy
www.tattile.com
USB 2.0 Pro smart camera features embedded DSP
The smart USB 2.0 Pro camera adds an embedded DSP. On-camera memory and processing capability enable USB to handle all but the most demanding high-powered applications, virtually eliminating the need for higher-bandwidth interfaces. The stackable camera is available in resolution options from WVGA to 9 Mpixels. It can detect faces by employing multiple dynamic fields of view and tracking their movement across the frame. This enables delivering high sub-frame rates to the host, which a traditional USB cannot typically provide for full frames.
Imaging Diagnostics
Nes-Ziona, Israel
www.imagine2d.com
Splitter/repeater supports all Camera Link modes
The PHANTA splitter/repeater for Camera Link distributes an image from one Full configured camera to up to four frame grabbers, at up to 85-MHz pixel clock rate. It supports Camera Link Full/Medium/Base modes. One frame grabber is the master selectable by the user. The device offers independently controlled image data path, control signal path, and SerCom path for signal-routing flexibility. Output ports can be shut off independently when not used to avoid signal glitch to frame grabbers. Housed in a standard 1-U, 19-in. chassis, the splitter/repeater features reconditioned/synchronized output and provides optional DC output power for cameras. It can also be used with the company’s fiber extenders for longer-distance applications.
Phrontier Technologies
San Jose, CA, USA
www.phrontier-tech.com
Software images welding processes for improved control
The WeldWorks Software Suite now features vision capabilities to improve small-scale resistance welding, hot bar reflow soldering, and micro-laser welding processes. The vision kit includes a gas shock articulating arm to position the USB color camera, zoom lens, and integrated LED light to the desired position. The system displays a large live video image within the WeldWorks application, making it easier to see small features compared to using a boom microscope. The kit automatically captures preweld and post-weld images and allows the user to snap additional images in the event of weld failure. Optional Cognex VisionPro software is available for advanced gauging applications.
techMatrix, Saint Paul, MN, USA
www.techmatrixllc.net
Platform enables parallel processing via CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs
The Matrox Supersight e2 high-performance computing (HPC) platform supports OEMs for machine-vision and medical imaging applications that generate large amounts of data. Applications include semiconductor wafer and mask inspection, flat-panel display inspection, and CT scanning. The platform leverages multiple clusters of CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs for data and task-level parallel processing, using a PCI Express x16 2.0 (Gen2) switched fabric that removes I/O bottlenecks between the multiple processors. Applications are developed with the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) and its Distributed MIL API. MIL is supported on all Matrox Imaging hardware platforms to ensure source code is portable across all devices.
Matrox Imaging, Montreal, QC, Canada
www.matrox.com/imaging
Compact vision system supports solar cell production
Combined with the VC Solar Solution software library, the company’s network-compatible smart cameras form an autonomous robot guidance system for solar cell production. The compact size allows the vision systems to be retrofitted into existing installations. They process several images simultaneously and transmit data in real time. Inspection tasks include detecting wafer positions, measuring all geometric dimensions, monitoring surfaces, and detecting damaged edges. The new VC4067/NIR near-infrared camera has been developed primarily for use with the VC Solar Solution. Its sensor operation mode ensures the photosensitive technology delivers precise images at wavelengths up to 1100 nm.
Vision Components, Ettlingen, Germany
www.vision-components.com
Stereoscope equipped with camera port and C-mount adapter for digital cameras
Featuring 7.5x zoom, the SMZ-745T line of trinocular stereo microscopes is suited for digital imaging in the industrial and biomedical fields. It is equipped with a camera port and a built-in 0.55x C-mount adapter permitting direct mounting of Nikon DS Series digital cameras. Total magnification ranges from 3.35x to 300x. With the adoption of a new total reflection prism, the SMZ-745T obtains bright and high-contrast images. The microscope features a zooming knob equipped with click-stop for each magnification and a working distance of 115 mm, providing room for fabrication and manipulation of the sample.
Nikon Instruments
Melville, NY, USA
www.nikoninstruments.com
Cameras directly control pulsewidth-modulated signals
Baumer TXG multi-I/O GigE cameras are outfitted with four independent I/O ports—with customizable pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) signals—located adjacent to the trigger and flash connection. The ports allow a direct connection between the camera and the illumination module, eliminating PC control over lighting. The cameras are available with resolutions ranging from VGA to 5 Mpixel and rates up to 90 frames/s.
Baumer
Southington, CT, USA
www.baumergroup.com/cameras
Software supports video acquisition with Imperx HD-SDI Express card
StreamPix/TroublePix digital recording software tools now support the Imperx HD-SDI Express card 54 to acquire video from 1080p, 1080i, or 720p cameras. Compressed video can be acquired from an HD-SDI 1080i camera using the Cineform codec. Laptop solutions for capturing compressed or uncompressed video running on Microsoft Windows are available. Audio can be recorded along with video using StreamPix4. An extender is required for running the software on a MacBook Pro.
NorPix
Montreal, QC, Canada
www.norpix.com
Operator interface enables more detailed part visualization
The VisionView 1.2 touch-screen operator interface expands the choices available to users for customizing the vision-system display and capturing application data. Pan and zoom capability enables closer examination of defective parts and simplifies focus for high-resolution images. Line operators can download images of failed parts automatically to an external storage device and save application parameter changes directly to an existing job or rename and save as a new job. Also new is the option to run the VisionView operator interface on a PC. The PC software has all the features of the operator panel, plus the flexibility to use any display that can be connected to a PC.
Cognex
Natick, MA, USA
www.cognex.com
Mini camera head takes up less than 2.5 in.3
The miniature remote CMOS IK-HR1H camera head can be configured with either of two camera control units (CCUs): the IK-HR1CD and IK-HR1CS. The camera head measures approximately 1.18 × 1.37 × 1.41 in. and weighs 1.76 oz (without lens). The 1/3-in. CMOS sensor is designed for imaging applications where space is critical and the remote head can be linked to the CCU via a standard power over Camera Link (PoCL) cable. The IK-HR1CD CCU offers a DVI-I with 720p/1080i/1080p; the IK-HR1CS CCU features an HD-SDI with 720p/1080i video signal outputs. With optional auto and manual white balance controls plus optional auto and manual electronic shuttering, the cameras are suited for scientific/life sciences, microscopy, and diagnostic imaging as well as industrial video and inspection.
Toshiba Imaging
Irvine, CA, USA
www.cameras.toshiba.com
Piezomotor slide achieves 200 mm/s velocity
The patented P-653 piezomotor linear slide features velocity up to 200 mm/s, millisecond responsiveness, travel range of 2 mm, and force generation to 0.15 N. The 8-mm-long piezomotor drive comes preassembled and mounted on a PCB. A developer’s kit plugs into a USB port and includes the necessary control software. The true linear motor system (no conversion of rotation) consists of four parts and can replace classical drive elements like miniaturized motor/lead screw systems or other linear motors.
PI (Physik Instrumente)
Auburn, MA, USA
www.pi-usa.us
ATCA blade uses dual processors
The dual-processor ATCA blade MIC-5322, based on Intel’s Xeon Processor 5500, uses an underlying architecture and software drivers that are identical to the MIC-5320 single-processor model, making software fully reusable. Customers can choose the module that matches their application performance needs and chassis cooling capabilities. In addition to supporting hot-swappable rear transition modules (RTM) for explicit carrier grade or HA applications that require it, the blade adheres to Advantech’s Common RTM definition developed to maximize interoperability and re-use between RTMs and ATCA blades. These guidelines clearly define the management interface and RTM port mapping for interconnects such as USB, PCIe, XAUI, and SAS.
Advantech, Irvine, CA, USA
www.advantech.com/NCG
TDI scanning enhances throughput for cameras
Piranha ES cameras use time delay and integration (TDI) technology, a method of line scanning that provides increased responsivity compared to single-line scanning methods. TDI permits greater scanning speeds in the same lighting condition or allows reduced lighting levels while maintaining the same speeds. The product line features cameras with up to 8k resolution with a 7 × 7-µm pixel size and provides a maximum line rate of 68 kHz and throughput of 640 Mpixels/s. All models are capable of bidirectionality with selectable 32 or 16 stages. Cameras are compatible with DALSA’s X64-CL Series and Xcelera-CL Series frame grabbers.
DALSA, Waterloo, ON, Canada
www.dalsa.com
Adapter enables motorized lens control on large-format cameras
The 11-Mpixel GE4000 and 16-Mpixel GE4900 35-mm-format GigE cameras are typically configured to accept F-mount lenses but, using a Birger adapter, can accept Canon EF lenses. The adapter brings motorized lens control for functions such as iris and focus control to large-format industrial cameras. The lens control functions are facilitated by connecting the Birger adapter to the RS-232 peripheral port of the camera and can be programmatically operated via the Prosilica SDK. This functionality is suitable for remotely controlled applications such as specialized traffic or security control. The GE4000 and GE4900 can be ordered with the Birger adapter already integrated into the cameras.
Prosilica
Burnaby, BC, Canada
www.prosilica.com
Barcode reader performs 1300 scans/decodes per second
The Keyence BL-1300 ultracompact digital barcode reader uses parallel digital processing technology that permits noise reduction and compensation functions to overcome the reading performance difficulties of conventional analog circuits. Constructed with die-cast magnesium bodies, the IP-65 rated readers are resistant to dirt and harsh environments, and can be easily mounted. The new high-speed parallel processing engine (HPPE) allows for stable performance of up to 1300 scans and decodes per second. An aspherical lens doubles the intensity of the received laser reflection, increasing the effective label reading distance.
Keyence, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA
www.keyence.com
