Camera is PC-controllable
The CV-A11 compact progressive-scan 1/3-in. monochrome CCD camera comes in a 29 x 44 x 66-mm housing and eliminates operator setup errors by means of an RS-232C command protocol that allows camera setup from a PC. A partial scanning capability is software configurable for 1/2, 1/3, or 1/6 of the vertical resolution imaging area. By eliminating unnecessary pixels from the image area, scan rates from 56 to 124 frames/s can be achieved. JAI America Inc., Laguna Hills, CA 92653; (949) 472-5900.
Camera uses remote head
Aimed at online-inspection, barcode-reading, gauging, and character-recognition applications, the IK-7XD remote-head video camera captures objects at 60 frames/s using a progressive-scan, 1/2-in. CCD sensor with square pixels. Other features include an effective resolution of 659 x 494 pixels, a variable shutter rate from 1/60 to 1/100,000 s, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 56 dB. Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Irvine, CA 92618; (949) 461-4986.
Motion-analysis camera uses CMOS sensor
Offering an image resolution of 500 x 500 pixels at a frame rate of 500 frames/s, the CMOS-based Photron Fastcam-Ultima 1024 motion camera is available in both color and monochrome versions. Video is captured and converted to NTSC or PAL format or can be viewed through an SXVGA monitor or IEEE-1394 (FireWire) ports. Image capture runs to 16,000 images/s with electronic shuttering as fast as 7.8 µs. Another camera model can capture images and import data into a PC using a PCI-based add-in card. MCT Inc., Charlotte, NC 28202; (704) 562-1362.
Board cameras use remote sensors
The VCSBC line of single-board cameras consists of the VCSBC -13, -11, and -38 models, each of which features a remote-sensing head that allows the cameras to be used in applications where space is restricted. They work with standard C-mount lenses and fixed-focal-length 12-mm lenses. Models VCSBC -13 and -11 provide interlaced CCIR video, 12-V power and 500 x 582- and 740 x 580-pixel resolution, respectively. Model -38, available with either 12- or 24-V power, offers progressive-scan image capture, instant triggering, SVGA video signal output, and an electronic shutter. Vision Components, Burlington, MA 01803; (781) 229-5842.
Software runs on laptops The NI-IMAQ software for IEEE 1394 cameras can analyze and process images from an IEEE 1394-compatible camera on a laptop computer. It contains a set of virtual instruments (VIs) and C functions for creation of LabVIEW and Measurement Studio programs. The driver VIs and C functions contained in the software are seamlessly integrated with IMAQ Vision so that an IEEE 1394 camera can be connected to a laptop computer and begin acquiring images. Using IMAQ Vision, images can be analyzed and processed as they are acquired. NI-IMAQ can be used for color-image acquisition at 30 frames/s at up to 640 x 480-pixel resolution. National Instruments Corp., Austin, TX 78759; (512) 794-0100.
Camera offers precision Designed for precision imaging, the Cohu 7500 Series monochrome progressive-scan camera features 1k x 1k-pixel resolution, measures 52.3 x 52.3 x 73.5 mm, and weighs 340 g without a lens. It features a 1300 x 1030-pixel imager with 6.7 x 6.7-µm-square pixels. Video rate for full resolution at normal speed is 12 frames/s, and double speed at half resolution is 24 frames/s through a single 10-bit digital output or a Camera Link connection. Changing between modes can be accomplished on the fly, simplifying location of components or fiducials. Power, control, and 10-bit video output signals pass through a 44-pin D-connector that puts all camera functions on one cable. Control signals can be configured for either LVDS (RS-644) or TTL (single-ended) levels. Cohu Electronics Division, San Diego, CA 92186; (858) 277-6700.
Sensor reads barcodes The Legend 530 vision sensor includes FrameWork 2.3 software. Designed as a small Ethernet-ready vision sensor, it can measure, count, find features, compare likenesses, and communicate to robot controllers and PC-based control systems. The sensor reads most 1- and 2-D barcodes and other printed characters using a trainable OCR algorithm. Other features include a digitizing time of 75 full frames/s and separate control of up to four strobes. DVT Corp., Norcross, GA 30093; (770) 449-4960.
Additional Checkpoint systems Two models have been added to the Checkpoint line of machine-vision systems. Checkpoint III is a frame-grabber-based system for use with host PCs. Checkpoint IV is a packaged system requiring no PC. Both systems feature a library of MMX-optimized vision software tools and a Windows-based graphical programming environment. Software library includes the company's PatMax and PatInspect software tools for locating and inspecting parts with up to a 1/40-pixel accuracy despite changes in part orientation, scale, or appearance. Both models support a range of camera types, including RS-170, CCIR, and large-format analog cameras. Cognex Corp., Natick, MA 01760; (508) 650-3000.
Camera runs on Camera Link The A202k progressive-scan camera provides 48 frames/s, 1004 x 1004-pixel resolution, 7.4 x 7.4-mm pixels, and a 2 x 40-MHz pixel clock. Video output is Camera Link based at 8 or 10 bits. The camera measures 38.1 x 62 x 62 mm and comes with a C-mount, F-Mount, or M42 lens mount. Gain and offset are programmable. Basler Vision Components, Exton, PA 19341; (610) 280-0171.
Vision system is PC-based The stand-alone Visionscape Express machine-vision system offers more than 50 built-in vision and automatic identification software tools to support a range of applications. In standard mode, it supports two cameras with an option to cover four cameras. The other features include Ethernet networking, digital I/O, and serial and parallel communications. RVSI Acuity CiMatrix, Nashua, NH 03063; (603) 577-5955.
Mini camera captures near-infrared images The MiniCamera video camera captures images in the near-infrared wavelength band (900-1700 nm) that suits laser-beam profiling and fiberoptic-component inspection. Using an InGaAs 320 x 240-pixel imager, the 5 x 6 x 9.5-cm camera weighs less than 350 g without the lens. A C-mount lens allows attachment to microscopes. Outputs include RS-170-compatible analog video and 12-bit RS-422 digital. Sensors Unlimited Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540; (609) 520-0610.
Cameras are small LC3000 Series analog linescan cameras offer photodiode-array detection, charge-coupled scanning, and low noise. The 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.72-in. cameras come in array lengths of 512, 1024, and 2048 pixels with output rates of 10, 20, and 30 MHz, respectively. Key specifications include 14-µm square pixels, 500:1 dynamic range, 65% peak quantum efficiency, and 4700 to 36,000 l/s linescan rates. The cameras suit lumber processing, noncontact measurement, document scanning, dimensional gauging, biomedical imaging, barcode scanning, and other industrial and scientific applications. PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, Fremont, CA 94538; (510) 979-6817.
Cameras and camera modules Two cameras, the 20Z704, with a 480 TV line resolution, and 20Z714, with a 380 TV line resolution, offer customizable mirror mode, gain and gamma control, negative image option, a flickerless mode, and variable shutter speeds. White-balance function provides an automatic range from low halogen temperatures through full outdoor sunlight. A "push-lock" white balance is available for special fixed lighting applications. Major functions can be remotely controlled through RS-232C, RS-422, and RS-485 protocols using a mini-DIN connector on the rear panel of the cameras. Videology Imaging Solutions Inc., Greenville, RI 02828; (401) 949-5332.
Halogen light shines Able to autosense power voltages from 90 to 265 Vac, the DCR III 150-W dc-regulated, halogen light source focuses on machine-vision applications. It features current-limiting to protect the unit from overheating due to defective and aging bulbs. A transient protection system allows the remote location of the bulb device. Schott-Fostec LLC, Auburn, NY 13021; (315) 255-2791.
Software is upgraded DT Vision Foundry 3.0 Windows-based machine-vision software package offers custom vision tools that perform applications requiring feature finding, classification, barcode reading, gauging, counting, presence verification, and sorting. The software's multitier architecture includes an Enhanced Picture Tool to control asynchronous triggering, AVI capture that allow images to be captured to memory, and user-selectable date and time stamps for each AVI frame captured. The software's Import Tool allows variable data, images, and text files to be imported from external applications. Using DT information eXchange (DTiX), applications such as Visual Basic and Delphi can transfer data to DTiX servers for processing, measurement, and analysis by all applicable tools within DT Vision Foundry. Data Translation Inc., Marlboro, MA 01752; (508) 481-3700.
Lens views in tight areas Available in two versions, the Rodenstock 90° Vario focus inspection lens (VFIL) features a right-angle structure and can be used in a macro mode to infinity by means of a focusing stick in working distances from 2 to 3000 mm. It is free of vignetting and produces diffraction-limited image quality across the entire angle of view. Offering a 1/2-in. format with a 50° angle of view, the VFIL's iris can be adjusted from f/6 to f/16 and locked into position with a set screw. Linos Photonics Inc., Rockford, IL 61109; (800) 467-8457.