App-based embedded vision platform launched by IDS Imaging Development Systems

IDS Imaging Development Systems has introduced IDS NXT, a new family of vision app-based industrial cameras targeting embedded vision applications.

The company touts IDS NXT as a hybrid between a smart camera and a classic machine vision setup with lens, light, camera, cable, PC, and software and is described as an embedded vision platform that includes LED light source, liquid autofocus lens, Time of Flight distance sensor, CMOS image sensor, OLED display, embedded processor, and a full HALCON Embedded machine vision software runtime license.

With IDS NXT, vision tasks can be developed with the IDS NXT Software Development Kit and installed onto an IDS NXT device, such as a smartphone. The freely-programmable platform is not restricted to specific tasks, according to IDS, and can be deployed in disparate applications, including optical quality assurance, as an analytical instrument in medical technology, for monitoring tasks by facial recognition or vehicle and person counting.

The first model in the IDS NXT platform is the IDS NXT vegas, which features a 1.3 MPixel CMOS image sensor, an integrated liquid lens, LED illumination ToF sensor for distance measurement, and RS-232 interface. The camera—which is also available in a board-level option—automatically reports application-relevant events via GPIOs and for data exchange, the sensor is equipped with generic interfaces, including GigE. The RS-232 interface can be configured for individual requirements and the app determines which data are transferred and defines the way to interpret them, according to IDS.

Using the camera’s RS-232 interface, the IDS NXT vegas communicates with any machine controller with the same interface, and available gateways allow even systems with alternative protocols such as CAN-Bus, Modbus-RTU, Profibus, KNX, or PROFINET to be addressed. Additionally, the camera features IP65 protection class, a total weight of just 185 g, vibration resistance in accordance with EN 60068-2-6, an industrial grade M12 circular connector, and integrated 1 GB flash memory for storing images with errors, system logs, user settings and vision apps.

View more information on IDS NXT.

Share your vision-related news by contacting James Carroll, Senior Web Editor, Vision Systems Design

To receive news like this in your inbox, click here.

Join our LinkedIn group | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter