Vision + Automation Products
Barcode imager fits constrained industrial spaces
The Matrix 200 imager reads all standard 2-D or linear barcodes at high speed, with rugged full metal construction, IP65 protection class, and 50°C maximum operating temperature for industrial applications. It also has the flexibility to be mounted and positioned in narrow spaces. It is available in two models: straight and with 90° reading window, both equipped with WVGA image sensor and serial and USB interfaces. The X-PRESS interface enables installation and maintenance. A multifunction push button sets relevant functions such as test mode, aiming, automatic imager calibration, and code setting.
Datalogic Automation, Bologna, Italy
www.automation.datalogic.com
Repeater transfers signals over 50 m
The new 1394 over coax repeater S800 FireNEX-COAXT uses a single cable to transfer 1394 signal at 800 Mbits/s over 50 m, offering a reliable long-distance connection for machine-vision applications. Standard coax cables enable low-cost connections, terminations by the end user, and the possibility of using existing cabling infrastructure, as well as offering high EMC performance.
Newnex Technology, Sunnyvale, CA, www.newnex.com
CMOS camera runs up to 20 frames/s full-res
The EHD-SI4000 MegaCamera is a CMOS camera that delivers 4.2-Mpixel resolution and can run up to 20 frames/s at full 2048 × 2048 resolution and more than 1500 frames/s at 320 × 240 resolution. Its 12-µm2, six-transistor pixel architecture enables full-frame stop-action snapshot shutter with readout for continuous video modes. A fill factor of 60% yields a QE greater than 60% between 500 and 700 nm with a dynamic range of 2000:1 (66 dB). The 24.6 × 24.6-mm imaging area can be covered using F-Mount optics. A low-latency TTL or CC-1 trigger rapidly initiates an exposure cycle with 2-ns precision. Camera is fully supported by Epix frame grabber and software.
EHD imaging, Damme, Germany, www.ehd.de
Linescan cameras available in 2k/4k/8k color variants
The sprint linescan family features maximum line rates of 70 kHz for 2k or 4k resolution variants and 39 kHz for the 8k color model. Line rates for monochrome models are up to 140 kHz for 2k and 4k models and up to 70 kHz for 8k at full resolution. CMOS dual-line sensor has a pixel pitch of 10 µm. The first line contains red and green information; the second line contains green and blue information. For direct RGB data and higher sensitivity, the camera can be switched to an effective pixel pitch of 20 µm. Error detection prevents damage such as that caused by incorrect voltages. PRNU and DSNU correction let users correct image variations that may result from optics, lighting, or sensor performance.
Basler
Ahrensburg, Germany
www.baslerweb.com
Frame grabber reaches data rate of 1 Gbyte/s
The PCI Express x4 interface of the mvHYPERION-CLf frame grabber provides the bandwidth for image transfer and makes it possible to operate one Camera Link camera with Full, Medium, or Base configuration. A data rate up to 1 Gbyte/s is reachable. The frame grabber features two MiniCL connectors for camera control, opto-isolated I/Os (for trigger and flash control), and a camera power supply. Alternatively, it is possible to power the Camera Link cameras via Power over Camera Link (PoCL). mvHYPERION-CLm is a another x4 frame grabber with the same features as the mvHYPERION-CLf but is enabled with connection for either two Camera Link cameras with Base configuration or one Camera Link camera with Medium configuration.
MATRIX VISION
Oppenweiler, Germany
www.matrix-vision.de
Image scanner performs 18k linescans/s
The i-cis family of linear CMOS imagers is designed for large-format linescan imaging applications where a continuous, undistorted image is required. Line rate and exposure time may be programmable or triggered. Each image scanner is designed around the C206 CMOS image sensor chip. Multiple chips are assembled end-to-end; a single chip contains 344 active pixel sensors on a 42.3-µm pitch, resulting in a resolution of 600 dpi. A single linescan camera is composed of 18 such chips, resulting in a single linescan camera containing 6192 pixels covering 0.26 m. Available in half-meter increments, the scanners include options for LED, fiber, or fluorescent external illumination sources with single-side, dual-side, or transmission illumination and feature a standard Camera Link interface.
CMOS Sensor
Cupertino, CA, USA
www.csensor.com
UV telecentric lenses provide high image contrast
TC UV SERIES telecentric lenses operate in the 365/425-nm range, providing higher image contrast than common telecentric optics that operate in the visible light range. They are compatible with very small pixel sizes, with high resolution that allows them to tolerate object displacements (field depth) larger than VIS lenses before any image defocusing becomes evident. With UV lenses at 340 lp/mm contrast information is still theoretically present and pixels as small as 1.5 µm can bear significant image information.
Opto Engineering
Mantova, Italy
www.opto-engineering.com
Inspection systems enable linear or rotational inspection
trevista MOTION is designed for the inspection of surfaces of components and materials in linear motion. Depending on camera resolution, a speed up to 2 m/s can be achieved. A sector can be scanned to check parts or endless material for grooves, scratches, or other defects. The system is based on “shape from shading” technology, combined with evaluation software and a standardized lighting setup. trevista CYLINDER offers inspection of rotation-symmetric parts used in the automotive industry, such as control pistons or turning parts for fuel injection systems. Up to 60 parts/minute can be inspected automatically with linescan cameras.
OBE Ohnmacht & Baumgärtner
Ispringen, Germany
www.obe.de
X-ray linescan cameras offer a variety of resolutions
The 0.4-mm-resolution XR8804 x-ray linescan camera family includes six models covering various active lengths, resolutions, speeds and sensitivity modes. Each incorporates proprietary CMOS silicon imaging detector-array chips with on-chip fully integrated signal-processing circuits designed for visible wavelength and x-ray imaging applications. The proximity of analog-to-digital converters (ADC) to the detector chips and the use of low-voltage-differential-signal (LVDS) technology help to minimize noise and maximize bandwidth. Typical dynamic range is 6000 to 1. Standard detector resolutions range from 50-µm to 0.8-mm pitch. At the 0.8-mm pitch resolution, scan rates of 9000 lines/s are achieved. Each camera includes a contiguous linear array of photodiodes, low-noise signal-processing circuitry, 16-bit ADCs, digital control, and Camera Link interface to a remote PC-based data acquisition system.
X-Scan Imaging
San Jose, CA, USA
www.x-scanimaging.com
Line of cooled cameras delivers low-noise images
New cooled cameras with controlled double-stage Peltier cooling are designed for low-light applications with extremely long exposure times such as in fluorescence microscopy, astronomy, electrophoresis, and gel documentation. The cooled cameras feature a 2/3-in. CCD sensor and 12-bit pixel depth. Available interfaces are FireWire, Camera Link (also PCMCIA), or GigE. For virtually noise-free images, at room temperature the sensor is cooled to -15°C with the controlled double-stage cooling (unregulated max. DT = -42°C). Reduction of thermic noise enables low-noise signal (66-dB SNR) even for exposure times of several minutes. Readout noise can be reduced using Slow Scan Mode with a lower clock rate.
Kappa opto-electronics
Gleichen, Germany
www.kappa.de
Hub and repeater extend cable lengths
A two-port industrial repeater and five-port industrial hub are the latest additions to the FirePRO professional IEEE-1394b (FireWire) component lineup. The compact repeater (25 × 56 × 17 mm) can extend IEEE-1394 devices beyond the standard 4.5-m cable length in applications where space is limited. The 57 × 94 × 20-mm hub can also be used as a cable extender and supports simultaneous connection of multiple FireWire cameras. An external power input provides system stability for large multicamera arrays. Both devices use locking nine-pin 1394b bilingual ports and a status LED and support transfer speeds up to 800 Mbits/s. The products are fully compatible with IEEE-1394b and i.Link and backward-compatible with 1394a.
Point Grey Research
Vancouver, BC, Canada
www.ptgrey.com
Analog output card uses hardware-timed waveform generation
The PCI-6202, a four-channel, 16-bit resolution analog output (AO) card, features differential nonlinearity <1 LSB (least significant bit). Designed specifically for dynamic signal simulation and control applications that require 16-bit accuracy through voltage output, it provides hardware-timed waveform generation supporting a simultaneous updating rate for four analog output channels simultaneously at 1 MS/s per channel. Multiple programmable I/O options are available: digital I/O (TTL), general-purpose timer/counters, motor encoder inputs, and pulsewidth modulation outputs for simple motion control. All are integrated on a single board to reduce the need for additional motion and digital I/O boards. Linear position trigger is provided for encoder input; when the encoder counter reaches a preset value, an interrupt or trigger signal of 200-µs, 2-ms, 20-ms, or 200-ms pulsewidth is generated.ADLINK TechnologyTaipei, Taiwanwww.adlinktech.comThree-CCD camera can be customized for flexibility
FD-1665 series CCD cameras allows three CCD sensors fitted with customer-specified optical filters to simultaneously capture images through a single lens. Camera is offered in 1.4-, 2-, and 5-Mpixel resolutions using Sony ICX-285, ICX-274, and ICX-625 CCDs, respectively. Users can select cameras preconfigured with three, five, seven, or nine channels, or configure an application-specific three-CCD system with any combination of color and monochrome sensors and custom filters. It allows the use of standard Nikon F-mount lenses, correcting the image at each sensor to precisely match alignment, focus, and magnification and reduce chromatic aberration introduced by the prism beam splitter. Any combination of narrowband or broadband filter coatings between 380-1000 nm can be used.
FluxData
Rochester, NY, USA
www.fluxdata.com
Imaging system features two camera heads
Fastcam MC2 incorporates two small (35 × 35 × 35-mm) and lightweight (3.2-oz) camera heads. Designed for production line and automation fault-finding, the new imaging system features a global electronic shuttering rate from 20 ms to 6 µs for clear slow-motion image capture. The high frame rate, image resolution, and precision motion analysis meet rigid requirements for manufacturing, processing, and quality control. Automatic download allows cameras to be left unattended, recording indefinitely on a production line. When a line jam or problem occurs, an alarm signal will trigger the cameras to automatically download high-speed imagery to a remote computer. The light-sensitive, CMOS (Bayer system color), 10-µm pixel, single-sensor camera is available in three models, which feature 512 × 512-pixel resolution.
Photron
San Diego, CA, USA
www.photron.com
Linear motor stage provides sub-nanometer resolution
The ALS130H linear motor stage, with sub-nanometer (0.5 nm) resolution, employs a center-driven, non-cogging linear motor as the driving element. With the direct-drive device there is no backlash, windup, or “stiction” associated with lead screw or ball-screw drives. Moving magnet track design eliminates the need for cable management. The compact linear motor drives the ALS130H to a peak unloaded acceleration of 1 g and a maximum velocity of 300 mm/s, allowing precise, small-resolution steps for alignment applications where step accuracy is critical. Straightness and flatness for the standard ALS130H is <±2 µm over the entire travel.
Aerotech
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
www.aerotech.com
Laser produces minimal speckle interference
The ZV-SLD laser series uses light sources that create less speckle interference due to a shortened coherence length. The devices combine higher spectral bandwidth with the higher intensities of laser diodes. An evenly distributed and low-speckle laser line can be created. “Speckle” describes random light patterns or sprinkles that occur if a coherent beam of light is diffusely reflected by a rough surface. By using a Powell lens, the laser projects a red line with a homogeneous intensity distribution at 680 nm and a maximal linewidth of 50 µm. The ZV-SLD provides 3 mW of output power with a 5-VDC power supply. Laser is freely focusable and available with all common optics, and is also equipped with automatic power control (APC) and reverse voltage protection.
Z-LASER Optoelektronik
Freiburg, Germany
www.z-laser.com
Software packages analyze digital imaging system performance
Imatest Studio 3.0 and Master 3.0 both include full support for Bayer RAW formats and improved tolerance for distorted images in Colorcheck. The new Imatest API 3.0 analytical software package for integrated and automated image analysis includes all new features of Master plus multiple image file selection using wildcard characters. Applied Image is packaging these Imatest applications, as well as the individual API.exe modules, with test targets including the ISO and I3A standard targets, such as ISO12233 Digital Camera Still Resolution Chart and the Applied Image Enhanced Digital Resolution Chart, ISO14524 Digital Camera Contrast Chart, and ISO16067-1 Reflective Scanner Test Chart, in addition to other standards, such as the IEEE STD 208-1995 Video Resolution Chart and the Slant Edge Target. The software measures the sharpness and image quality of digital camera images and digitized film images to determine the performance of cameras or imaging systems.
Applied Image
Rochester, NY, USA
www.appliedimage.com
OCR reader recognizes various languages, symbols
The BR40 OCR reader with autofocus can read, compare, and read out up to four different objects per image (with 25 characters each). Data is read out via RS-232 port after image evaluation. Up to 20 projects and 20 character sets can be stored to the sensor with global shutter. The reader records up to 100 sharp images/s. It is controlled by multilingual, Windows-based software that connects to PC via USB 2.0 port. Reader is available with three light options: red, white, or infrared. External spot lights, ring illuminators, and flood lights are available in white, red, blue, green, UV, and infrared as well.
wenglor sensoric
Tettnang, Germany
www.wenglor.com
Temperature-stabilized NIR camera is actively cooled
The near-infrared camera line is enhanced by the NIR-600 high-resolution camera with 640 × 512 pixels, delivering up to 30 images/s, with 14-bit digitalization and processing and 12-bit output. Camera is based on an InGaAs sensor and optimized for wavelengths within 0.9-1.7 µm. Data outputs include Camera Link and Gigabit Ethernet. The NIR-600 camera is actively cooled and temperature stabilized.
VDS Vosskühler
Osnabrück, Germany
www.vdsvossk.de
Frame grabber supportshigh-speed camera
The Karbon-CL frame grabber now supports the Basler A406k 10-tap Camera Link camera. The frame grabber can take in up to 160 bits of data, up to 20 taps, and clock rates of up to 85 MHz. Karbon-CL plugs into the x8 PCI Express bus and DMA’s camera data directly into application memory at up to 1.7 Gbytes/s. Several I/Os of every type support demanding applications. User-friendly software developer kit (SDK) aids in image acquisition with the Basler A406k camera.
BitFlow
Woburn, MA, USA
www.bitflow.com
11-Mpixel camera uses Camera Link interface
The SVCam camera line includes a new 11-Mpixel model, svs11002-12, with 12-bit data format and Camera Link interface. Progressive-scan camera provides 4008 × 2672-pixel resolution using a Kodak Interline Transfer CCD sensor with 43.3-mm diagonal, which corresponds to the small picture format of an ordinary camera. Camera provides 6.3 frames/s; higher frame rates can be achieved in partial scan mode with a reduced number of lines. Binning with 2 × 2 pixels is also possible. System integration and configuration is achieved with ConvenientCam software, used to adjust parameters and operational modes such as gain, offset, exposure time, free running, or triggered. It is available in monochrome or color versions.
SVS-VISTEK
Seefeld, Germany
www.svs-vistek.com
4k camera adds speed, responsivity
The Spyder3 4k dual linescan camera provides three times more responsivity and twice the speed of the Spyder2, without impacting noise levels. Camera features 4096 × 2-pixel resolution with 10 × 10-µm pixel size, 80-Mpixel/s throughput at 18-kHz line rate, and 1300 DN/nj/cm2 responsivity at 0 dB. Camera Link interface is currently available, with Gigabit Ethernet to follow. The camera is suitable for film, glass, 100% print and web inspection, and other general machine vision applications.
DALSA
Waterloo, ON, Canada
www.dalsa.com
Imaging library and software provide complete GigE system
Common Vision Blox Version 10 is the latest release of the programming library for imaging, supporting the 32-bit version of Windows VISTA. To avoid unnecessary delays when using the installation program, user prompts are minimized. No further system restarts are required, even after the installation of the hardware drivers. All other system settings can be accessed via central management console. With the new GigE Vision Server, a suitably equipped computer behaves like a complete GigE Vision and GenICam compatible camera, with configurable features. The data output from the Vision Server conforms to the GigE Vision and GenICam standards and is compatible with any standards-compliant software interfaces from other providers.
Stemmer Imaging
Puchheim, Germany
www.stemmer-imaging.de
Image intensifiers capture events at UV through NIR wavelengths
Extensive triggering facilities and a comprehensive programmable timing range allow the SIL-2 family of gated image intensifier systems to be readily interfaced to most manufacturers’ high-speed cameras and high-speed video systems. A quartz input window enables the SIL-2 to capture events that emit radiation at the shorter wavelengths of the UV region right through to the near infrared. Triggered synchronously at high speed, the image intensifiers allow fast framing rates and short exposure times for investigating rapidly evolving, low-light processes. An integral mechanical capping shutter is included to provide additional protection for the sensitive image intensifier. Operating parameters can be locally programmed from the local keypad and menu-driven software or remotely from a PC via Ethernet link, which also allows archiving and loading of timing setups.
Specialised Imaging
Tring, UK
www.specialised-imaging.com
Board combines video and audio capability
The Picolo V16 H.264 video capture board with audio capability features H.264 onboard compression for 16 video inputs. Each video input simultaneously delivers a raw and compressed video stream, allowing simultaneously capture and preview of each video input. Compressed images can be stored on hard disk or transferred by the network while the uncompressed images can be immediately displayed or can be used for video analytics. Both streams are independently configurable: frame rate control, resolution control, overlay, and masking features can be set autonomously. The PCI Express 1-lane board implements 32 general-purpose I/O lines and a pass-through buffered video output with cascade capability. DirectShow filters interfaces for Windows are provided.
Euresys
Angleur, Belgium
www.euresys.com
Multicolor tester aids in proper LED selection
The Smart Color Box is a tool for field or in-lab testing of what light colors work best with various applications. With push-button operation, the Smart Color Box works with standard CCD or CMOS cameras. The tool is equipped with six high-current LEDs in white, red (625 nm), blue (470 nm), green (530 nm), UV (395 nm), and IR (850 nm); Li-ion battery with power adapter and integrated charger provide up to 2 hours of operation before recharging.
Smart Vision Lights
Muskegon, MI, USA
www.smartvisionlights.com
Xenon light source offers high-power halogen alternative
The LFQ 35X xenon cold light source offers an alternative to halogen light sources with 35-W light power (on nominal). The xenon source is suitable for linescan cameras, delivering more light in the blue spectrum of visible light than halogen light sources. It is available in a 19-in. housing and in table housings. Used xenon burners have a typical service life of 2000 hours.
IB/E Optics
Hutthurm, Germany
www.ibe-optics.com
Frame grabber’s capture/processing units capture 16 separate channels
Model 817 PCI-Express JPEG frame grabber captures 16 separate channels of compressed JPEG or uncompressed bitmaps at 480 total frames/s. All capture parameters can be set independently for each capture channel. The frame grabber supports x1 or wider (x4, x8, x16) PCI Express slots. An internal crosspoint 16 × 4 analog crosspoint video switch is used to route any combination of four input channels to external video monitors. Each of the four video outputs can be individually turned on or off, allowing the outputs of multiple cards to the same monitor. Each of four identical video capture and processing units (VCPUs) handles four input video channels, using a four-channel video decoder to convert analog video into digital and DSP to capture digitized video and handle frame decimation, caption overlay, JPEG compression, status reporting, and other tasks.
Sensoray
Portland, OR, USA
www.sensoray.com