Vision + Automation Products

Camera records up to 113k frames

The HiSpec camera features a monochrome ASA rating of 2500 to capture images without high-intensity lights at 1.3 Mpixels. It can record up to 500 frames/s at a resolution of 1280 × 1024 pixels and up to 113,000 frames/s at reduced resolution. The software-based auto-trigger only requires the user to specify a region of interest in the field of view. Any change in the preset image area will stop the recording and save the event sequence in memory. No special hardware or wiring is required.
Fastec Imaging, San Diego, CA, USA
www.fastecimaging.com

Lens AR coating increases transmission up to 12%

Large maximum apertures allow TECHSPEC compact fixed-focal-length lenses to be used in restrictive lighting conditions. Each lens includes a broadband antireflection (AR) coating, which increases transmission by up to 12% over standard MgF2 coatings. A locking iris and a focus adjustment with recessed set screws prevent unintentional lens adjustments. The lenses are available in focal lengths of 8.5, 12, 16, 25, and 35 mm and support up to 2/3-in. sensors.
Edmund Optics, Barrington, NJ, USA
www.edmundoptics.com

Image sensor inspects without a PC

The iVu seriesTG image sensor combines properties of a photoelectric sensor and a vision sensor. It uses a 2.7-in. LCD touch-screen with an intuitive interface and features inspection parameters that are configurable on the factory floor, without a PC. A software emulator allows offline programming and loading of parameters using a USB drive. Integrated or external lighting (red, blue, green or infrared options) is available. Other features include a 752 × 480-pixel CMOS imager, adjustable focus lenses, and onboard help functions.
Banner Engineering, Minneapolis, MN, USA, www.bannerengineering.com

USB cameras available as modules or complete with housing

The iCube series consists of two monochrome and five color cameras in two versions, either complete with housing or as a camera module, for installation in machines and industrial facilities. Micron CMOS image sensors with resolutions ranging from WVGA to 5 Mpixels provide plug-and-play operation and up to 87 frames/s for all models. Higher frame rates are attainable by selecting the free scalable region of interest, binning, or sub-sampling mode. iControl is part of the SDK software and included in the package.
NET, Finning, Germany
www.net-gmbh.com

4-Mpixel camera provides 209 frames/s

The A406k camera can provide 209 frames/s at full resolution (2320 × 1726 pixels) using a 10-tap, 85-MHz Camera Link configuration, which transfers approximately 800 Mbytes/s. The bandwidth limits the camera to a maximum data depth of 8 bits. PCI Express-based frame grabbers with eight lanes (PCIe x8) are able to handle this large data volume in the PC. The camera is available in monochrome and color and extends the portfolio of Basler A400k cameras. This camera series is used in automated optical inspection systems to verify the position and soldering quality of devices on populated, soldered PCBs. When the camera is used with the supplied AOI (area-of-interest) list editor, it is possible to quickly change the size, position, and exposure time of a series of AOIs.
Basler Components
Ahrensburg, Germany
www.baslerweb.com

Frame grabber supports Base through Full modes

The PCIe8 DV C-Link is an x8 frame grabber that supports the fastest cameras on the market (Base through Full mode) on a PCI Express host computer. It provides onboard ROI control and sends images of any resolution directly to the host via DMA. Full SDK, API, and software/driver packages for Windows, Linux, Solaris, MacOS, and (upon request) VxWorks are provided.
Engineering Design Team (EDT)
Beaverton, OR, USA
www.edt.com

Camera range relies on progressive-scan sensors

The latest cameras from GEViCAM include the GP-2400 (NIR); GP-4360 (ExView), GP-182000, GP-21400, GD-3400 GigE models; and MTVS (V1KU) USB model. The GP-2400, GP-4360, GP-182000, GP-21400, and GD-3400 feature a low-noise design in a 34 × 34 × 68-mm package and include 12-, 10-, or 8-bit selectable digital output; dynamic channel balance; ROI; RS-485; audio codec; temperature sensor; and an industrial RJ-45 connector. With an active resolution of 768 × 490 pixels running at 84 frames/s, the GP-2400 incorporates a Sony ICX428 NIR sensitive interlace format CCD sensor. The GP-4360 (656 × 494-pixel resolution at 100 frames/s) incorporates a Sony ICX618 NIR sensitive progressive-scan CCD sensor. The GP-182000 (1628 × 1236-pixel resolution) runs at 17 frames/s and uses a Sony ICX274 progressive-scan CCD sensor. The 30-frames/s GP-21400 features 1392 × 1040-pixel resolution and a Sony ICX205 progressive-scan CCD sensor. The GD-3400’s active resolution of 648 × 480 pixels at 270 frames/s is supported by a Kodak KAI-340D progressive-scan CCD sensor. The MTVS (V1KU), manufactured by General Vision, operates with a Cognimem CM1K neural network chip and Micron MT9V022 progressive-scan CMOS sensor to offer 752 × 480-pixel resolution running at 60 frames/s.
GEViCAM
Milpitas, CA, USA
www.gevicam.com

Motion controller/driver offers 1000X microstep resolution

The ESP301 motion controller and driver provides the same functionality as the ESP300 motion controller with a supplemental, standard USB interface and extended front-panel functions. The controller can drive and control up to three axes of motion using any combination of DC or two-phase stepper motors up to 3 A per axis. It uses a 64-bit, floating-point DSP processor for synchronized control. A digital PID-FF (feedforward) servo loop ensures velocity profile tracking and positioning accuracy. A 1000X programmable microstep resolution provides smooth, low-speed stepper positioning and 18-bit DC motor command output offers stability. Positioning modes include synchronized and non-synchronized point-to-point, jogging, linear or circular interpolation, and continuous path contouring.
Newport
Irvine, CA, USA
www.newport.com

Platform allows up to 10 minutes recording time

The Taurus Platform, long-recording technology compatible with M-Series cameras, allows 1–10 minutes of record time on a single system. Fully configured for turnkey operation, the platform’s compact server writes to one card and uses Motion Studio software. Powered by the quad-core dual Xeon platform, it is designed for long, slow-motion recordings and includes the M-Series camera. Practical applications of the Taurus Platform include lab use, production time, analysis, and optical tracking mounts. Features include 32-Gbyte ECC FBDIMMs capacity (4 Gbytes standard); 160-Gbyte standard solid-state memory; dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet connections; 4X hard disk drive (3 1/2-in. SATA300; 320 Gbytes standard, configured in RAID 0).
Integrated Design Tools (IDT)
Tallahassee, FL, USA
www.IDTvision.com

Sensor can be integrated without PC

The IP 54 rated BVS-C sensor is simple and quick to use for retrofitting equipment with its separate Configurator and 3.5-in. color display, which permits continuous in situ status monitoring of the sensor with constant sensor function checking. Deviations can be corrected with the Configurator. The user selects one of several different functions such as counting edges, check brightness, comparing contrast, OCV, detecting patterns, and monitoring positions. Settings can be password protected. The Configurator requires no separate power supply; it receives power from the sensor and can be installed on a DIN rail or in the control panel. An aluminum housing is also available for installing the Configurator using the Balluff Mounting System. M12 fittings are used for connecting to the power supply and peripherals. The sensor is available with three freely programmable PNP outputs as well as in two different optical versions.
Balluff
Neuhausen, Germany
www.balluff.de

Frame grabbers ship with drivers and control/capture packages

PCI Express frame grabbers ship with various video inputs and are deployed for applications in which analog video signals (PAL, CCIR, NTSC, RS-170) need to be processed by a PC. Video input devices may include ultrasound and x-ray machines in addition to cameras. Some frame grabbers are available for low-profile PC cases. They ship with drivers for Windows, the SDK “IC Imaging Control,” and the end-user application software “IC Capture,” which allows the setting of all frame grabber parameters, the display of live video stream, and the acquisition of single images and sequences.
The Imaging Source Europe
Bremen, Germany
www.theimagingsource.com

GigE Vision-compliant cameras can be powered by Ethernet interface

The mvBlueCOUGAR-S camera range has been expanded to include two new models. mvBlueCOUGAR-S124 has a CCD sensor with a resolution of 1620 × 1220 pixels (2 Mpixels) and a frame rate of max. 30 Hz. mvBlueCOUGAR-S125 has a CCD sensor with a resolution of 2448 × 2050 pixels (5 Mpixels) and a maximum frame rate of 16 Hz. Both CCD sensors are available as grayscale and color versions. All color versions of the mvBlueCOUGAR-S series execute Bayer demosaicing directly on-board. After acquisition, the image data can be transferred as raw or RGB. The cameras offer one digital input and one digital output for trigger and flash as well as a C-mount lens holder. Either an external power supply or power over Ethernet (PoE) interface can be used, allowing the cameras to be operated in 100-Mbit networks. The mvBlueCOUGAR-S series supports the GigE Vision interface standard and are compliant with GenICam, the software interface to GigE Vision. Drivers for Windows as well as Linux are available (mvIMPACT Acquire). The mvIMPACT Base library is also included in delivery.
Matrix Vision
Oppenweiler, Germany
www.matrix-vision.de

Sensor is insensitive to ambient lighting

The operating principle of the CCS sensors is based on the chromatic confocal measurement principle (STIL patent), a noncontact dimensional measurement technology. The CCS Prima sensor incorporates the “double frequency” function, which enables the sensor to work simultaneously with two different frequencies to optimize the quality of the measurement in each point of the analyzed surface. The user can transparently activate the function because in each point the sensor only transmits the optimized measurement. The saturation-free sensor can perform measurements on any kind of material, reflective or diffusing, and is insensitive to ambient lighting.
STIL S.A.
Aix-en-Provence, France
www.stilsa.com

CCD camera provides color and monochrome capability

The INFINITY3-1U color camera offers 6.45 × 6.45-µm pixels in a 2/3-in. format with a maximum resolution of 1392 × 1040 pixels. The Sony ICX285 1.4-Mpixel CCD sensor performs in low light conditions, making it suitable for fluorescent and brightfield imaging. The camera’s adaptability for various resolution and frame rate requirements, combined with low noise performance and 8- or 12-bit pixel data mode, make it appropriate for both live and fixed cell imaging. Live video preview allows for real-time focus; auto exposure and auto/manual white balance efficiently capture the optimal image. The complete solution includes INFINITY CAPTURE and INFINITY ANALYZE software and is offered with both color and monochrome capability. Advanced camera control is available through SDK; TWAIN and DIRECTX drivers ensure integration and compatibility with a variety of third-party software applications.
Lumenera
Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.lumenera.com

GigE camera uses various cooling mechanisms

The ProEM EMCCD camera with GigE interface is designed to address low-light applications associated with single-molecule fluorescence, astronomy, and ion imaging, as well as other high-frame-rate, light-starved applications. The camera uses 512 × 512- and 1024 × 1024-pixel back-illuminated EMCCDs and supports both electron multiplication (EM) and traditional readout ports. The EM port is used when high frame rates are required under low light conditions, while the traditional readout port is appropriate for slow-scan applications. The EMCCD camera platform can be cooled with air, liquid, or a combination. Other features include a Bias Active Stability Engine (BASE), Princeton Instruments Noise Suppression (PINS) technology, and OptiCAL on-demand EM gain calibration that produces a linearized EM gain map. Hardware generates a timestamp on each frame to reduce uncertainty in time-resolved photometry.
Princeton Instruments
Trenton, NJ, USA
www.princetoninstruments.com

Camera inspects in challenging lighting conditions

The CSGS15BC23 GiantDragon GigE industrial camera provides 1280 × 1024-pixel resolution at 15 frames/s. Integrating at 500 ms and exhibiting a response range of 230 to 1050 nm, the CSGS15BC23 has sensitivity in the visible, UV, and NIR portions of the light spectrum, allowing it to inspect products for blemishes, surface artifacts, or defects not observable in standard lighting conditions, as well as where there is changing light intensity or on reflective surfaces that produce high levels of visible-spectrum noise. Plastic film, glass, coating, or other UV-blocking materials are not needed. The camera features a 2/3-in., monochrome, progressive-scan CCD with antiblooming capability. Its global shutter and external trigger permit synchronization in machine-vision applications. An application programming interface (API) is included in the free SDK. The camera supports the GigE Vision open standard, enabling real-time delivery of high-bandwidth, uncompressed imaging data to host PCs over standard Ethernet cables at up to 100 m without specialized interface hardware or frame grabbers.
Toshiba Teli America
Irvine, CA, USA
www.toshiba-teli.com

1394 bus driver eliminates speed limits

A new IEEE 1394 bus driver for FireWire cameras closes gaps in Microsoft’s standard driver. The new driver eliminates the speed limits of the original Windows driver. As a result, AVT cameras with the IEEE 1394b interface, such as the Pike and Stingray, can transfer image data at the maximum data rate (S800), even when using Windows Vista and XP (SP2/SP3). The driver package conforms to the Microsoft Windows OHCI 1394 bus driver standard so other FireWire devices connected to the PC, such as hard drives, can continue to operate without difficulty. The AVT bus driver is intended for use with the AVT Active FirePackage SDK but also supports FireWire camera drivers included in imaging software from suppliers such as Cognex or Matrox. The package is compatible with the CMU (Carnegie Mellon University) 1394 camera driver.
Allied Vision Technologies
Stadtroda, Germany
www.alliedvisiontec.com

Cameras resist moisture, particulates in harsh environments

For harsh and demanding applications, new GigE cameras are engineered with IP67-rated enclosures that withstand both moisture and particulate contamination. All critical components on the Baumer TXG cameras are contained within the IP67 housing, specifically the electronics, CCD sensor, and C-mount for the lens. The enclosure is available in four different lengths that correspond with lens length. Industrial M-12 connectors connect the cameras with the network interface. High-speed multicamera operation and frame rates of up to 90 frames/s are possible, with resolutions from VGA to 5 Mpixels. The cameras can change image formats on the fly and offer low readout noise and minimal heat generation. Standard functions include gain, offset, and exposure time settings as well as binning and true partial scan (ROI) readout modes. A generic application programming interface, Baumer-GAPI, facilitates integration.
Baumer
Southington, CT, USA
www.baumerelectric.com/usa

Small USB cameras offer multiple image rates

The small-form-factor VRmC-8+ and VRmC-9+/BW USB 2.0 cameras are equipped with a 1/2-in. CMOS sensor with rolling shutter and standard mini USB B connection with high-speed USB 2.0 (EHCI), which is also used for power supply. The color camera (VRmC-8+) operates with the Bayer RGB matrix. Pixel size is 3.2 × 3.2 μm. Possible image rates are 13 images/s with a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels, 35 images/s with 1024 × 768 pixels, or 50 images/s with 640 × 480 pixels. The monochrome model (VRmC-9+/BW) has a pixel size of 5.2 × 5.2 μm. Possible image rates are 30 images/s with 1280 × 1024 pixels or 109 images/s with 640 × 480 pixels. No additional frame grabber hardware is required for camera operation.
VRmagic
Mannheim, Germany
www.vrmagic.com

Color camera uses dual-line sensors

The Spyder3 Color camera is based on the Spyder3 monochrome models using dual-line sensor technology. The first array contains red and blue pixels, while the second array contains green pixels only. The camera offers data output options including RGB, RG/BG, or G only to meet requirements in various imaging applications. The two adjacent linear arrays have no spacing in between, eliminating spatial artifacts and resulting in high color quality, especially when capturing images of rotating or freefall objects. Other features include flat-field correction, automatic white balance- and precalibration with common light sources (such as white LEDs). Cameras are available in 2k and 4k resolutions with a 14 × 14-μm or 10 × 10-μm pixel size. It offers both Camera Link and GigE interfaces.
DALSA
Waterloo, ON, Canada
www.dalsa.com

Remote head allows camera to process 120 frames/s

Part of the C3 camera Suite, the 0.3-Mpixel CM-030PMCL-RH industrial CCD camera features a remote head lens and power over Camera Link (PoCL) digital interface. The camera is based on the 1/3-in. Sony ICX424 monochrome progressive-scan CCD, with 0.3 million pixels resolution (656 × 494 active pixels). Digital video is output via Mini-Camera Link with PoCL compatibility and 8- or 10-bit pixel depth, using the CL Base configuration. With the PoCL interface there is no need for a separate power supply. The camera’s remote head configuration enables it to operate at 120 frames/s in continuous operation, an increase over the 90 frames/s of its non-remote-head counterpart, the CM-030GE. Higher frame rates can be achieved with the camera’s vertical binning and partial-scan modes (up to 504 frames/s). Three trigger modes—preselect, pulsewidth control, and preselect with smear-less—are available, in addition to continuous operation.
JAI
Copenhagen, Denmark
www.jai.com