Vision + Automation Products
Linear stepper travels at 80 in./s
Compact, 12-lb linear steppers (53 N continuous force, 16 lb, 71 N peak force) travel at 80 in./s (2 m/s), with 1-µm (0.00004-in.) resolution and can operate in any axis. They feature 1G acceleration and are appropriate for new and existing gantry robots; pick-and-place systems; wire bonders; parts transfer; and fiberoptic, semiconductor, medical, and other robotic applications. Available with a hard chrome solid or hollow platen in lengths up to 144 in. (3.65 m), longer travel can be achieved by supplying the platens in sections.
H2W Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA
www.h2wtech.com
3-D scanner supports multiple applications
The Pythagoras PTG-03ML-Z50 3-D scanner is built around a laser line generator and Firefly MV FireWire camera from Point Grey Research. The scanner provides x resolution of <50 μm and z accuracy of ±50 μm, with a scanning speed of 60 profiles/s or 120 profiles/s in ROI mode. The scanner unit is 110 × 80 × 44 mm and comes with several types of 3-D sensor heads, providing options for rapid, noncontact measurements using external synchronization.
Cylod Vision & Robot, Daejeon-City, Korea, www.cylod.com
3-Mpixel camera operates at 500 frames/s
The MotionBLITZ EoSens Cube7 3-Mpixel camera features variable adjustable resolution and speed to meet the requirements of different applications. With a resolution of 1696 × 1710 pixels, the GigE Vision-compatible camera provides a frame rate of 500 frames/s. Built-in fixed-pattern-noise (FPN) correction on a pixel-by-pixel basis corrects black level and dynamic deviation with the help of an internally stored reference image. The selectable, nonlinear dynamic transfer function delivers distinctive details in extremely bright areas, where competitive cameras would saturate.
Mikrotron, Unterschleißheim, Germany, www.mikrotron-highspeed-cameras.com
FireWire cameras feature protective enclosures
Designed for Firefly MV FFMV-03M2 FireWire camera models, a 44 × 24 × 34-mm enclosure protects the camera’s PCB from physical damage, minimizing system downtime due to repairs or replacements. A tripod mount adapter is included with every camera at no extra cost; M2 × 3.5 holes on the top and bottom of the case simplify mounting. An opening at the rear of the case allows access to the GPIO pins, which enable the camera to be powered externally or to synchronize with external devices like a hardware trigger or light source. The case also allows access to the camera’s LED, which provides information on camera status.
Point Grey Research, Richmond, BC, Canada, www.ptgrey.com
Linescan cameras use panoramic x-ray sources
The XU8800 series of x-ray, U-shape linescan cameras use panoramic x-ray sources. The camera is appropriate for tire inspection applications. At the heart are proprietary CMOS silicon imaging detector-array chips providing wide dynamic range and solid-state reliability. A selection of scintillation material converts x-rays into visible light for detection by the imaging array and optimizes sensitivity and resolution. The close proximity of the analog-to-digital converters to the detector chips minimizes interference noise. A collection of hardware for interfacing to computers and software, including drivers and an application programming interface (API) with sample code, expedites development of x-ray scanning systems.
X-Scan Imaging, San Jose, CA, USA, www.x-scanimaging.com
Sensor module can be customized
The AF910 is an autofocus sensor module used with infinite objective video microscopes for the electro-optics industry, combining a proprietary optical configuration with flexible interface architecture. The module can be used on most surfaces: low and high reflectivity, specular and diffuse, transparent and opaque, and patterned surfaces such as TFT arrays, semiconductors, and PCBs. It can be optimized from the factory specific to the customer’s material sample.
Quantum Composers
Bozeman, MT, USA
www.quantumcomposers.com
CMOS imager offers true global and rolling shutter modes
Featuring dual “true global” and “rolling” shutter modes, the EV76C560 is a high-sensitivity CMOS imager targeted for industrial machine vision, barcode scanning, surveillance, and other imaging applications. The 1280 × 1024-pixel imager comprises 5.3-µm pixels with an architecture that ensures 3000:1 global shuttering while maintaining quantum efficiency (QE). It outputs full-resolution images in a 10-bit parallel format at 60 frames/s. With the ability to switch “on the fly” to a true 4T electronic rolling shutter mode, users can optimize signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) performance against available lighting and scene motion content capture requirements. Pixel integration/readout modes and embedded image preprocessing deliver a biframe dynamic range greater than 100 dB, free of the artifacts typically encountered with nonlinear WDR techniques.
e2v
Chelmsford, UK
www.e2v.com
Image sensor tester supports a range of interfaces and analysis functions
The ISL-3200 CMOS image sensor tester delivers critical test features/functions at a fraction of the price of an ATE. The fully integrated, off-the-shelf, hardware/software tester for image sensors and camera modules provides a full range of interfaces, controls, advanced image analysis test routines, and evaluation/characterization capabilities in one tool. It is suited for a variety of test environments, such as in engineering characterization and image-quality analysis, QA test, and volume manufacturing. It is designed to be easily adaptable and upgradeable over time through both the FPGA and adapter board. Communication is done via I2C, SPI, and UART. Image data rate is up to 16 bits wide per pixel at 100 MHz. The ISL-3200 isolates noise sources from being coupled to the image data. Current measurement mode delivers resolution down to 100 nA.
Jova Solutions
San Francisco, CA, USA
www.jovasolutions.com
CCD system collects video at three polarization orientations
The FD-1665P is a camera system capable of collecting video at three linear polarization orientations simultaneously. The FD-1665P captures simultaneous registered video from its three sensors, a feature not available in competing systems based on sequential switching. The optical system is based on the FD-1665, a 3CCD camera system that can be configured with user-specified filters in front of each sensor. The standard offering for the FD-1665P is 0°, 45°, and 90° linear polarization filters in front of the three RGB sensors at up to 120 frames/s. The three CCDs can be simultaneously or sequentially triggered via software or hardware. The system accepts 14–1500-mm lenses in F-mount and t-mount styles, and includes connection points for fixed or tripod mounting.
FluxData
Rochester, NY, USA
www.fluxdata.com
ICCD camera features gating repetition rate of 1 MHz
PI-MAX 3, an intensified CCD (ICCD) camera, offers readout ranging from video rates (at full 1k × 1k resolution) to thousands of frames per second for capturing dynamics. Its sustained gating repetition rate of 1 MHz is 20 times higher than most research-grade ICCD cameras on the market, allowing it to keep up with the repetition rates of pulsed and modulated lasers. A built-in SuperSynchro timing generator can be used to store a sequence of gate delays and widths and execute them quickly to generate time vs. intensity data. SuperSynchro also provides less than 27-ns insertion delay. SyncMaster allows the camera to output two continuously running pulse trains to trigger pulsed lasers without interruption, or to trigger Q-switched flashlamp lasers or double-pulse lasers separately.
Princeton Instruments
Trenton, NJ, USA
www.princetoninstruments.com
Software driver eliminates image tearing
Direct3D support is available for optimized display of live images. The new driver is part of the latest uEye software package version 3.40; it includes additional overlay functions and options for synchronizing image rendering to the monitor refresh rate. This eliminates undesired image tearing, which is the result of unsynchronized image acquisition with image display. The driver update is compatible with all USB and GigE industrial cameras of the uEye family. PCs equipped with the latest DirectX Runtime version can run the new graphics functions of the Direct3D interface right out of the box.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
Obersulm, Germany
www.ids-imaging.de
Image-processing software provides flexible masking function
Open eVision 1.1 image-processing and analysis software now includes flexible masks. Masking a region is a way to restrict processing to a part of the image; masked regions are freely shaped and can be disconnected. A mask is a BW8 image coming from any program including Open eVision. The software also includes two feature point detectors: the optimal Canny edge detector and the Harris corner detector. A new morphological operator, the Hit-and-Miss transform (on grayscale plus color images), has been added. Open eVision 1.1 is thread-safe and supports the latest OS including Windows Vista. It is designed to be integrated into C++, .NET, or ActiveX applications.
Euresys
Angleur, Belgium
www.euresys.com
Laser operates in temperature range from -20° to +55°C
The Lasiris PowerLine structured light laser is a line generator developed for industrial machine-vision and scientific applications such as industrial inspection, 3-D profiling and mapping, flow visualization, fluorescence-induced inspection, and medical applications. Bridging the power gap between the SNF and Magnum series lasers, the thermoelectrically cooled device is able to emit uniform laser lines at high powers, up to 2 W at 810 nm and 500 mW at 670 nm. With stable beam pointing and focusing, the laser can be operated in extreme environments ranging from –20° to +55°C. The laser is protected against over-voltage, reverse polarity of the power supply, over-temperature, and electrostatic discharge.
Coherent Canada
Dollard des Ormeaux, QC, Canada
www.coherent.com
TDI linescan camera performs x-ray inspection
The C10650 x-ray time-delay integration (TDI) linescan camera fits under a conveyor to perform rapid x-ray inspection of objects on a production line, such as medicines, printed circuit boards, and surface-mounted components. The camera features a 128-stage TDI-CCD coupled to a fiberoptic plate with CsI scintillator. TDI mode increases the signal collected (128 times) without increasing the integration time for one exposure, enhancing the camera’s sensitivity to low light signals. Each square pixel of the TDI-CCD measures 48 µm per side, which is suited for high-resolution imaging. The camera is available in two configurations: C10650-221 has an x-ray sensitive area of 146 × 6 mm, and C10650-321 has an x-ray sensitive area of 221 × 6 mm. X-ray images are output as 12-bit data via Camera Link interface, and dark current and shading correction are performed in real time.
Hamamatsu
Bridgewater, NJ, USA
http://sales.hamamatsu.com
Linescan camera combines chip on board with graded index lens technology
The new MIDICIS linescan camera is provided with an RGB image sensor option. It offers pixel resolutions of 25 dpi for basic imaging to 3600 dpi for greater image detail for demanding machine-vision applications. Standard MIDICIS camera scan widths are 260 and 520 mm. Custom scan widths are available upon request. Customers can order the camera with integrated LED lighting; color options are red, white, RGB, IR, and UV. Light configuration options available are single side, double side, coaxial, or external lighting. The camera can be ordered with industry-standard Camera Link or GigE interface. The MIDICIS is powered with 24 VDC.
Tichawa Vision
Friedberg, Germany
www.tichawa.com
Panel PC offers dual Gigabit LAN ports
The PPC-177T panel PC comes with a large, bright 17-in. LCD. It is an Intel Core2 Duo processor-based panel. In order to satisfy security concerns, PPC-177T also offers a dual Gigabit LAN port configuration. Four serial ports and four USB 2.0 ports combine with the ability to run Windows XPE, WinXP Pro, or Vista. The industrial PC can be used in applications such as factory and machine automation. The terminal meets IP65/NEMA4 protection standards; it is dust-tight and resistant to water. Onboard hardware monitoring protects it against overheating and enhances reliability for critical applications.
Advantech
Irvine, CA, USA
www.advantech.com
Solar toolset is an alternative to standalone inspection systems
The VisionPro Solar Toolbox includes preconfigured software tools for the most common vision alignment and inspection applications in photovoltaic (PV) solar production. Users have the option of working with the basic VisionPro software library or using the preconfigured tool set as a starting point for setting up vision inspection and alignment applications. Suitable for solar equipment suppliers and line builders, hardware-independent VisionPro software offers an alternative to standalone inspection systems and can be used with any camera, frame grabber, or direct-connect digital standard.
Cognex
Natick, MA, USA
www.cognex.com
Surface profile system allows 900 frames/s image capture
The BW-H501 high-speed 3-D surface profile system features real-time height observation with precise height measurement, making analysis and evaluation of object surface roughness possible. A heated stage allows observation and analysis of the deformation process of film and gel samples in real time. Using the fringe cycle method, the coordinate value on the z-axis with the maximum local focus measure is taken as the height of each pixel, generating an interference fringe on the surface of the object with a two-beam interference objective lens. This allows the system to achieve effective height resolution of 100 nm and repeatable precision of = 10 nm. The X-Cycle Imager makes image capture of 900 frames/s possible with output and display of real-time height images at 5 frames/s. Equipped with BridgeElements software, multiple images can be processed simultaneously for real-time image comparison.
Nikon Instruments
Melville, NY, USA
www.nikoninstruments.com
USB device restores camera operating system
The Rescue USB stick allows developers to restore a camera’s internal Linux operating system to its factory state quickly and easily if necessary. The user plugs the USB stick into the USB host port of the camera and then reboots the camera. Application software updates can be applied quickly with the USB stick. Developers also can create their own update stick by means of a simple script. The USB device can then be used to install the current software version on a camera, reducing maintenance costs of applications at different locations. The stick will be included in the accessory package for smart cameras with the power supply unit and adapter cable for S-video and serial interfaces. The SDK with preconfigured toolchain is available free of charge.
VRmagic
Mannheim, Germany
www.vrmagic.com
Smart camera system is available for 3-D inspection tasks
The 3D-Eye L smart camera system makes the third dimension accessible to the user. An evaluation processor can thread in up to 40,000 3-D profiles per second. The cabinet measures 110 × 80 × 60 mm and contains a calibrated laser triangulation sensor as well as the evaluation processor. Complete evaluation software is programmable by drag-and-drop. The system can be used for any three-dimensional inspection tasks. Results and image data can be transferred via Gigabit Ethernet, RS-232, or RS-485 interfaces.
EVT Eye Vision Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
www.evt-web.com
LED dome light reduces shadows in vision system
The IQD Series tunnel-type dome lights integrate easily into production systems where parts on conveyor lines must be presented to a vision system for measurement, inspection, or code reading. The IQD’s cylindrical dome delivers a broad angle of illumination onto a part surface, reducing shadows that can make imaging shiny, spherical, and irregular surfaces problematic. With the “half-pipe” configuration, large entry and exit doorways allow parts to be positioned inside the dome using standard part conveyance systems. IQD models are diffuse and available with red, white, blue, or green LEDs.
LDDLIGHT.com
Milford, NH, USA
www.lddlight.com
CCD sensor supports partial sensor readout for high frame rates
The 4-Mpixel KODAK KAI-04050 image sensor, based on the TRUESENSE 5.5-µm interline transfer CCD platform, provides broad dynamic range, high imaging performance, and full resolution frame rate up to 32 frames/s for 1-in. optical format devices. A region of interest (ROI) mode supports partial sensor readout at higher frame rates, such as 40 frames/s for 3 Mpixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio, or more than 90 frames/s for standard VGA—appropriate for fine focusing of an image before high-resolution capture. These features make the KAI-04050 appropriate for applied imaging markets such as machine vision, industrial inspection, traffic monitoring, and medical applications. The sensor will be available in both color and monochrome configurations.
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, NY, USA
www.kodak.com/go/imagers
Electrical shutters incorporate minimal moving parts
The UNIBLITZII N-CAS NS series of electrical shutters includes the NS15 (15 mm), NS25 (25 mm), and the NS45 (45 mm). Reliability has been enhanced by reducing the number of moving parts. The total number of moving parts has been reduced to six, five of which are the shutter blades themselves. There are no solenoids, no linkages, and no external damping system. The damping system has been integrated into the device to provide long-lasting, quiet operation. The only protruding component is the unit’s actuator coil. The shutters are bistable, requiring power only to change their state. They can also be configured unistable (powered active and return to the default state once power is removed).
Vincent Associates
Rochester, NY, USA
www.uniblitz.com
Tool measures intensity and output of LEDs and other light sources
The handheld BTS256-LED spectrolightometer is designed to measure luminous flux or illuminance, color data, and spectral distribution of PCB-mounted LEDs, discrete LEDs within a module, miniature lamps, endoscopes, and any narrow-beam-emitting light source. Larger-size light sources can be measured by either attaching the BTS256-LED tester to a Gigahertz-Optik integrating sphere or by measuring illuminance using a screw-on diffuser window. Key components include a built-in 50-mm-diameter integrating sphere with interchangeable input optic nozzle designed to minimize positional error, auxiliary LED, and GO Bi-Tech sensor. The Bi-Technology BTS256P light sensor houses a high-precision photometric filtered photodiode for accurate flux detection over a wide dynamic range as well as a compact, low-stray-light design spectrometer.
Gigahertz Optik
Newburyport, MA, USA
www.led-measurement.com
CCD camera fits in small spaces
The CS9501 1/6-in. CCD camera head measures 7 mm in diameter and weighs 3 g. The camera head with integrated 3-m cable connects to an included camera control unit (CCU) to fit into confined spaces or be integrated into a moving part, such as on the end of a robotic arm. The camera captures 470-TVL horizontal resolution (768 × 494 pixels NTSC) or (752 × 582 pixels PAL) full-frame images. Automatic light control and auto white balance ensure optimum image quality against variations in intensity or color temperatures. Video output is available for VBS and Y/C (S terminal).
Toshiba Teli America
Irvine, CA, USA
www.toshiba-teli.com
Camera adds viewing screen to any microscope
Built-in image display and image capture capabilities provided by the Aven miniVue camera eliminate the need for a workbench PC or monitor. The compact accessory, featuring a 3.1-Mpixel CMOS camera and 2-in. LCD screen, attaches to any microscope trinocular head with C-mount threading. Images on the high-resolution screen can be captured instantly with an included SD memory card and transferred later to a computer or directly to a printer via USB interface. The camera includes MicroCap 2.0 software with JPEG and BMP digital imaging; time-lapse interval imaging; cross-hair placement for location and measurement on images; and automatic mode or manual selection of exposure, brightness, contrast, and white balance.
Aven
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
www.aveninc.com
Camera offers alternative to 3CCD technology
Equipped with the patented CIELAB engine that offers advanced real-time color processing, the TXG06ac camera requires one CCD sensor to deliver high-quality color images comparable to those taken by 3CCD cameras. The camera captures images with resolutions of 776 × 582 pixels. Appropriate for food, pharmaceutical processing, and life sciences applications, the camera can identify the nuances of colors within a narrow color palette for consistent and repeatable color image quality. A generic programming interface, Baumer-GAPI, facilitates the camera’s integration. A software development kit (SDK) includes all libraries, help files, and drivers for camera control.
Baumer
Southington, CT, USA
www.baumer.com/cameras
Housings dissipate heat from installed camera
The IP67-protected Salamander housing series has been designed for compact cameras with cross-sections between 29 × 46 mm and 36 × 36 mm. Measuring 66 × 66 mm, the housings are suitable for tight installations. Like the larger Gecko series, Salamander housings are available in various lengths starting at 130 mm. With a patented quick-lock and heat guide system, cameras can be easily installed in the housing. The mounting elements also dissipate heat generated by the installed camera, effectively cooling it.
autoVimation, Karlsruhe, Germany
www.autovimation.com
Robots ship with controller and integrated software
EPSON C3 Compact six-axis robots feature a SlimLine design that allows the robot to reach into confined and restricted work spaces from many angles with smooth motion. C3 robots are up to 43% faster than similar-sized competitive models. The Micro PowerDrive RC180 controller comes standard with the robot, along with RC+ Controls software and fully integrated options such as Vision Guidance, .NET support, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP.
EPSON Robots
Carson, CA, USA
www.robots.epson.com
CCD camera features 3296 × 2472-pixel resolution at 5.5 μm
The VMV-8M is an 8-Mpixel camera based on the Eastman Kodak KAI-08050 CCD sensor. It offers 3296 × 2472-pixel resolution at 5.5 μm. The VMV-8052 is the first camera in the new VMV line and is joined by the VMV-1M (1-Mpixel), VMV-2M (2-Mpixel), VMV-2MHD (2-Mpixel HD) and will be joined in 2010 by the VMV-4M (4-Mpixel) camera. All cameras are one- and two-tap versions. The four-tap version will become available in 1Q10.
illunis
Minnetonka, MN, USA
www.illunis.com
Motion controller handles motion tasks for up to 30 devices
The compact Trajexia motion controller module integrates with CJ-Series PLCs to handle complex motion tasks for up to 30 servos or inverters (AC drives) over a high-speed motion network. The Trajexia-PLC module CJ1W-MCH72 simplifies integration with an HMI. It is fully compatible with low-cost CPU model CJ1M, standard and high-speed processing CPU models CJ1G and CJ1H, and advanced programmable automation controller (PAC) CPU model CJ2H, enabling OEMs to scale control to match machine and process requirements.
Omron Electronics
Schaumburg, IL, USA
www.omron247.com