VisionScope Technologies - Vipaq TVP-5

Vipaq TVP-5

VisionScope Technologies

VisionScope Technologies in the UK is distributing the latest endoscope from Richard Wold - the Vipaq TVP-5. The Vipaq is a CCD-based endoscope that makes use of standard fibre optic lighting. It includes both s-video output and USB 2.0 output. The USB port can also be used to power the device.

The system is compatible with standard monitors or PCs, and the associated software package, supplied with the system, is Windows XP compliant. Windows Vista compatibility will be available in the near future. The package includes an image management program that can switch between NTSC and PAL signals at the same time as image capture. The Vipaq can be used in conjunction with the Moritex Palmscope to save and store the video clips.

The Vipaq has a diameter of 4.7mm, with two length options: 800mm and 1400mm. The small diameter lends itself well with more micro applications. Further upgrades scheduled for 2008 and 2009 include will increase the range of lengths and diameters available.

Cedip Infrared Systems - VILGA

VILGA

Cedip Infrared Systems

Cedip Infrared Systems has introduced the VILGA – an advanced video tracking and image processing package for applications including maritime and aerial surveillance, missile evaluation and trajectory measurements.

Incorporating the latest image processing algorithms embedded in a compact and rugged package, the VILGA offers video tracking from multiple video sources installed in the optical payload. It is easily adapted to meet a wide range of applications and provides electronic stabilisation of images from external sensors. VILGA operates under a robust real time operating system (RTOS) with minimum latency time for critical tasks.

The VILGA highlights targets which are overlaid on screen during tracking. The user can select a given target amongst several proposed by the tracker. Once engaged, the video tracker will drive the turret to the target. The VILGA card offers a picture-in-picture mode (PIP) where two sensors can be displayed on a single display. The user can select which sensor to display as full screen when operating the PIP mode. The PIP mode feature is particularly useful when using a spotter scope in combination with a TV zoom camera.

Vision Components - VC4438 smart camera

VC4438 smart camera

Vision Components

Vision Components has released its VC4438 model, which extends its range of freely programmable, intelligent high-performance cameras whose key component is a 1GHz (8,000 MIPS) processor from Texas Instruments.

The VC4438 acts as a stand-alone image processing system and renders additional PC stations unnecessary. The VC4438 features a 1/3-inch CCD sensor with a 640 x 480 pixel resolution and offers a maximum frame rate of 63fps (126fps in binning mode).

Standard equipment also includes an RS232 and an Ethernet interface, a high-speed encoder interface and an external trigger input that enables jitter-free image recording even at high reading frequencies. Basic camera versions come with 4MB Flash EPROM and 64MB SDRAM for program and data picture storage, which can be optionally extended to 128MB. Featuring four digital PLC inputs and four outputs, the camera can be easily integrated into existing automation environments.

An external monitor can be connected to the camera's integrated SVGA video output for maintenance and testing purposes. Like all cameras from Vision Components, the VC4438 has a robust industrial housing which makes it suitable for rugged environments.

Turbo Inspector - PCO

Turbo Inspector

PCO

PCO AG has developed the Turbo Inspector, a mobile inspection system that resides in a special case, has its own energy supply via storage batteries, and can be transported and implemented directly at the suspected source of error.

Discovering disruptions is often not easy, especially if a fast production process is involved, and the human eye is forced to capitulate – such as in paper production. With brisk speeds of around 33 metres per second, the paper webs whip through rolling mills and press works, over drying cylinders, through the calendar and, finally, onto the bearing rolls. What can happen in this situation is that something gets stuck or the machines don’t run smoothly. In such cases, the observational capacity of a technical specialist on-site is insufficient because a human being can only differentiate up to 16 individual pictures per second. On the other hand, the artificial eye of the Turbo Inspector can achieve more than 1000. The Turbo Inspector case contains a heavy-duty, 10-Bit CMOS camera, the pco.1200 hs.

At a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels the nimble eye inspects at 636 images per second, and in VGA-resolution even 1357 images, all without any trouble. Up to 4Gb of storage capacity is available, and the camera communicates via a FireWire interface (IEEE 1394) with an integrated tablet PC in the case as the processing unit.

Super Optical Device 3 - Moritex

Super Optical Device 3

Moritex

The Super Optical Device 3 from Moritex is a high performance unit optimised for vision and inspection applications that require mounted lens and lighting.

Available in three different versions, the Super Optical Device 3 (SOD-III) series includes an optical body that uses coaxial episcopic illumination to capture flat surfaces. When used in conjunction with metallurgical microscope lenses, the SOD-III produces images of the highest quality. To enhance the versatility of the SOD-III customers can choose from a suite of high performance peripherals including cameras and light guides.

Compatible with a wide variety of different manufacturers ‘bright field’ lenses and offering flexible mounting options the compact SOD-III is the perfect device for applications including LCD and wafer defect inspection and alignment, optical alignment and automated inspection of small components.

NorPix - StreamPix4-8x100

StreamPix4-8x100

NorPix

NorPix has introduced StreamPix4-8x100, a turnkey system providing simultaneous, synchronised image capture from eight cameras to a single computer using a GigE Vision interface. The setup includes StreamPix4 digital video recording software, a fully configured computer, and eight cameras with either CMOS or CCD sensors.

The camera is suitable for applications in the special effects industry by providing motion capture at multiple angles. The system can capture images at 90-12-fps at resolutions of 640 x 480 in 8-bit monochrome or raw Bayer colour. Each camera can record up to 400 minutes of footage. All images are individually time-stamped.

TM Robotics - Scara

Scara

TM Robotics

TM Robotics has launched a new Toshiba Machine Scara robot in the UK and European markets. Called the TH250A, it offers improved speed compared to existing robots in the range, providing quicker cycle times with high levels of accuracy. The new, more cost-effective, model has a much more advanced visual system than previous models.

The robot will find applications in electronics, plastics, packaging, pharmaceutical, automotive component handling. It could be used to place and package small components or to handle laboratory equipment.

The new SCARA features absolute encoders, eliminating the need for a home return function. It also includes a payload of up to 3kg and repeatability of +/-0.01mm. The robot is also attractive to look at, with a simple and clean design.

The TH250A features a built in PLC to control I/O equipment. It can be programmed using a ladder sequence program and, as an option, can feature devicenet or Profi-bus connectivity.

OmniView - Cognex

OmniView

Cognex

The OmniView system from Cognex uses four cameras to obtain a seamless 360° view of all the features on cylindrical surfaces. It can read barcodes, verify text, inspect graphics and measure features at production line speeds of up to 1,200 parts per minute.

Alternative methods, which make use of just one camera, would require the object to spin in front of the imaging system. However, this introduces complex mechanisms that slow down the production line.

The OmniView captures images from four area scan cameras positioned around the cylindrical object. These images are then mapped together to create an undistorted, 2D image of the complete surface, which can be inspected using image analysis software.

Nikon iNEXIV VMA-2520TP

Nikon

Nikon has launched its iNEXIV VMA-2520TP multi-sensor measuring system, which combines touch probe-based capability with its range of laser-based video measuring systems.

By adding the Renishaw TP20 touch-trigger probing system, 3D contact and non-contact measurements can both be made at the same time, thereby significantly reducing overall assessment times.

Nikon Instruments has also released a new concept that combines the versatility of a stereo with the resolution of a compound microscope. Called the AZ100 Multizoom, it offers the wide field of view and long working distance usually associated with macro imaging with the high degree of resolution that characterises advanced research microscopes.

Matrox Nexis - Matrox Imaging

Matrox Nexis

Matrox Imaging

Matrox Imaging has launched the Matrox Nexis, an integrated image acquisition sub-system. Featuring two remote camera heads combined with a dual camera control unit (CCU) and frame grabber on a single PC/104-Plus card, Matrox Nexis is intended for use and sold with the Matrox 4Sight M industrial vision computer.

Matrox Nexis supports simultaneous acquisition from two camera heads, which are available in a compact or ultra-compact body. The camera heads make use of interline transfer progressive-scan CCD image sensors with square pixels; the family of available sensors includes support for sub to megapixel resolutions, higher readout or frame rates, and monochrome or colour imaging. Matrox 4Sight M can accommodate up to two Matrox Nexis sub-systems for simultaneous acquisition from up to four independent camera heads.

Matrox 4Sight M is a self-contained imaging platform offering desktop PC performance in a compact, industrial enclosure. It provides the core functionality needed to build high-performance and cost-sensitive applications. Image capture, processing and display, along with networking and general purpose I/Os, are all integrated into a single unit.

Matrox Imaging - Matrox Morphis DVR-16

Matrox Morphis DVR-16

Matrox Imaging

Matrox Imaging has released the Matrox Morphis DVR-16, a scalable video capture card with real-time multi-channel compression specifically designed for digital video recorders (DVRs).

The Morphis DVR-16 captures from NTSC, PAL, RS-170 and CCIR video sources. A PCI/PCIe card, the Morphis DVR-16 is scalable and can record from four to 16 channels of compressed video and audio. Each channel supports motion, blind and night detection, as well as detection of video loss. The hardware engine can perform real-time compression in MJPEG, and MPEG-4 formats. The display overlay also supports region blanking.

Software support is available for Microsoft Windows XP, and consists of the hardware-independent Matrox Imaging Library (MIL)/ActiveMIL or MIL-Lite/ActiveMIL-Lite development toolkits for creating custom applications.

Moritex - Lightscope

Lightscope

Moritex

The new expanded range of Lightscope video endoscopes from Moritex provides convenient micro-inspection in inaccessible spaces.

Incorporating a high-resolution CCD sensor and high quality optics, the Lightscope enables crystal clear, true-colour images, free of distortion to be displayed and studied on a TV monitor. The endoscopes are available in four different lengths (1m, 2m, 3m and 18m).

Offering a focus range from 40mm to infinity and flexible probe each compact and portable Video Lightscope can be used to image inside engines, air conditioners, pipes, exhaust openings, and storage tanks. Integral long-life rechargeable batteries ensure continuous operation for up to three hours.

Designed to work from -10 to +60C the Video Lightscope is covered with a protective metal sleeve and inert industrial grade polymer inner sleeve to provide high durability and waterproofing for a long operational lifetime.

Nikon Instruments - iNEXIV VMA-2520

iNEXIV VMA-2520

Nikon Instruments

The iNEXIV VMA-2520 is a simple-to-use video measuring system for 3D work pieces, provided by Nikon Instruments. It is inexpensive and requires minimal bench space, yet combines a 250 x 200mm stage with a 200mm Z-axis stroke. With a working distance of 73.5mm, it is ideal for rapid QC checks and demanding R&D work on mechanical, pressed metal, plastic moulded parts, as well as medical devices and electronic components.

The camera provides excellent resolution at high magnifications and wide viewing fields at low magnifications, with 10x zoom optics. It includes an eight-segment LED ring light source and advanced autofocusing, providing significantly improved throughput while ensuring stable measurement accuracies. The illumination can be controlled from eight different directions, with an average incidence angle of 18°, providing visibility for low contrast edges that are usually invisible under standard episcopic illumination. If required, the iNEXIV VMA-2520 can also work in diascopic mode.

The new AutoMeasure software included with the system is intuitive and easy to use. Teaching wizards take the user through all the necessary steps required to set up a measuring routine, complete measuring processes and evaluate the results.

Moritex - Hawkeye Pro Precision

Hawkeye Pro Precision

Moritex

Available from Moritex the new Hawkeye Pro Precision range of rigid borescopes provide bright, clear, detailed, high-contrast images with plug-and-play versatility for video and digital photography.

Hawkeye Pro Precision borescopes have been upgraded to improve performance and operational utility/durability. These improvements include a patented lens system that lowers chromatic dispersion, a new objective lens with a wider field of view, an improved mirror adaptor for seeing around corners, improved scratch resistant mirror technology in the 90° mirror adaptor, and improved multilayered, broadband antireflection coatings on the objective lenses for truer colour reproduction.

The new SuperNova light source and LightConcentrator light post provide brighter, even, illumination making even challenging applications routine. The borescopes come in a wide range of sizes.

Syngene - G:BOX Chemi XT16

G:BOX Chemi XT16

Syngene

Syngene has introduced the new version of the G:BOX Chemi XT16 automated chemiluminescence and fluorescence imaging and analysis system.

The G:BOX Chemi XT16 includes a 16-bit camera with a new f0.95 variable aperture lens, making it possible to quickly and easily produce accurate images of large gels and blots. To save time, the G:BOX Chemi XT16 also has PC control of its motor driven stage, which allows the system to memorise and feedback set positions for specific applications.

The camera, which features a highly sensitive 6.3-Megapixel resolution, is ultra cooled to separate close band and spot images with virtually no background noise, even during the imaging of chemiluminescence blots for long exposure times.

Additionally, the new G:BOX Chemi XT16 darkroom comes with an overhead EPI white lighting module, a UV to visible light NovaGlo converter screen and a 20 x 20cm UV transilluminator (other sizes available) to allow rapid and accurate imaging of common DNA and protein stains.