VISION 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany Highlights New 1394b Cameras

VISION 2008 in Stuttgart, Germany Highlights New 1394b Cameras

At VISION 2008 in Stuttgart in early November, leading industrial camera and instrumentation companies delivered new products built with1394b, which can transfer data at up to 800 Mbps. This is much faster than GigE and up to four times the rate provided by USB 2.0. The significant number of new systems and cameras underlines the success 1394 has experienced in these important markets.

Allied Vision Technologies presented two new versions of its popular Stingray camera family: the 1394b-equipped Stingray F-125 and Stingray F-504 with 1.3 and 5 megapixels, respectively. Both combine the newest Sony CCD sensors with AVT’s clever Smart Features. The Stingray F-125 is equipped with the new, high-sensitivity Sony CCD sensor ICX445 with 1.3 megapixel resolution. ExView HAD technology enables the camera to deliver high light-sensitivity. With its IEEE 1394b interface, the Stingray F-125 can deliver up to 30 frames per second at full resolution.

Toshiba-Teli added to their popular FireDragon series of FireWire (1394b) machine vision cameras, the FireDragon CCSFU15CC18. The new high-speed, high-resolution industrial camera offers Progressive Scan UXGA resolution (1600 x 1200), 1/1.8" CCD sensor, 15 frames per second, full frame shutter, and backwards compatibility with 1394a. It measures only 44mm x 29mm x 44mm. Eight 1394-enabled models from Toshiba Teli were also on site. Ranging in resolution from VGA to UXGA, these FireWire cameras are available in either B&W or color.

Among many products with 1394 at its booth, Point Grey Research Inc. added four new models to the Flea2 family of the world's smallest IEEE 1394b digital cameras. The Flea2 line now offers a total of 12 different monochrome and color models that are designed to address a wide variety of industrial imaging and machine vision applications, such as 2D and 3D metrology, electronics and semiconductor inspection, medical visualization, packaging verification, and object recognition. The new models are based on the high sensitivity 1.3 MP Sony® ICX445 and the new 5 MP Sony ICX655, and offer a number of new features, including opto-isolated general purpose I/O (GPIO), an on-camera frame buffer for image storage and retransmission, flash memory for non-volatile data storage, and a new high-speed FPGA for improved performance.

Point Grey also featured its new Grasshopper2 line of digital cameras. “The Grasshopper2 was definitely our biggest draw,” said Mike Gibbons of Point Grey Research. “Its unique dual-bus architecture allows it to achieve data rates up to 160 Mbytes/second over 1394b, which enables it to run a variety of new high resolution, quad output Kodak CCDs at their full frame rates.”

Hamamatsu displayed its newly released 1394b-capable ORCA-R2 cooled CCD camera. ORCA-R2 offers high sensitivity from visible to near-infrared (NIR) light, high dynamic range, fast readout speed, and low noise, which makes it ideal for applications including microscopy (fluorescence, TIRF, and real-time confocal), red to NIR fluorescence, time lapse fluorescence imaging, ratio imaging, failure analysis, semiconductor inspection, and others. The ORCA-R2 camera is equipped with both a 12-bit and 16-bit A/D converters. Data output is via 1394b, which provides fast, easy, and reliable operation. Also included are an extended range of programmable trigger signal output options such as edge, level, start, and synchronous readout triggers.

Newnex showcased the S800 FireNEX-800™ and the S400 FireNEX-CAT5™ repeaters along with the new FireNEX-COAX, which is the first 1394b device over a single COAX cable at 800 Mbps.

Sony showed its new 1394b-enabled XCD series of cameras, which provide a full range of resolutions and frame rates. The line includes the XCD-SX-90, XCD-V60, XCD-60CR, and XCD-SX90CR. Featuring outstanding picture quality, high-speed image capturing, and the digital 1394b interface, this new XCD Series is perfect for high-quality industrial and manufacturing solutions. Unibrain’s Fire-i™ application and ubCore™ 1394b drivers are the ideal companions for controlling a single or multiple Sony 1394b cameras. The drivers support all Sony's special features like multi trap functionality, broadcast trigger, and pixel binning. The cameras ship with a Unibrain 1394b 4.5m cable with screw lock connectors.

Basler introduced new 1394b Scout light cameras, which come in a compact 29x44x73.7-mm industrial housing with screw-mount options for the 1394b connector. They are equipped with a standard C-mount lens adapter and provide progressive-scan readout with global shutter technology. The four models deliver resolutions of 752x480 pixels, 1034x779 pixels, 1392x1040 pixels, and 1628x1236 pixels with respective frame rates of 60 fps, 30 fps, 17 fps, and 14 fps. Starting prices are as low as $499. According to Henning Tiarks, product manager at Basler Components, “The Scout light camera series combines the successful and established IEEE 1394b interface standard with the most commonly used sensors at resolutions from VGA up to 2 megapixels.”

PixeLINK announced a new, smaller line of 1394b cameras, the new PL-C series of CCD and CMOS machine vision industrial cameras with new black housing; faster camera frame rates, and1394b.

More than 62,000 people attended VISION 2008 in Stuttgart.

Imaging Glossary

* 1394a: Also known as FireWire (see below).

* 1394b: Also known as FireWire-b (800 mb/s)

* Acquisition: Image acquisition refers to how a computer gets image data from a camera into the computer.

* Analog: Analog cameras do not have a digital output. These cameras generally provide a TV-like signal that needs to be digitized in the host computer if it is to be used in machine vision. Although analog cameras are still used widely in machine vision they are quickly being displaced by digital cameras, which provide a much higher performance machine vision solution. When comparing analog vs. digital cameras, the main differences are image quality, exposure control, speed, and ease of integration.

* Area scan: Area scan refers to a camera sensor consiting of a rectangular array of pixels. Area Scan cameras are sometimes called matrix cameras. By way of contrast, Line Scan cameras are those with a sensor comprising a single line of pixels (linescan camera).

* Autoiris (Auto Iris) : Some lenses, particularly those used in outdoor imaging, incorporate a galvanometer-type drive to automatically control the aperture, or iris, of the lens. There are basically two types of auto-iris: DC-type and video type.

• Binning: Binning is the technique of combining pixels together on a CCD to create fewer but larger pixels. True binning combines charge in adjacent pixels in a manner that increases the effective sensitivity of the camera. Machine vision cameras do not generally have true binning functions.

• Blob Analysis: a machine vision computer algorithm that identifies segmented objects according to geometrical properties such as area, perimeter size, color, etc.

• Brightness: In reference to cameras, an offset setting applied equally to all pixels regardless of the pixel value. Similar to the brightness setting on a typical computer monitor or television. See “Offset”

• Camera Link: One of the common digital camera hardware interface in the market today. It offers high-data transfer rates, but is limited by cable length and does not have a standard communications protocol. Camera Link is largely being displaced by more modern high-performance digital interfaces such as Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision).

• CCD: An abbreviation for charge-coupled device. A CCD sensor is a light-sensitive semiconductor device, which converts light particles (photons) to electrical charge (electrons). CCD cameras are one of two dominant types of sensor technologies used in machine vision. The other sensor technology is called CMOS.

• CMOS: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. CMOS refers to an image sensor technology that is manufactured using the same processes as computer chips. This technology works like a photodiode where the light ‘gates’ a current that that is representative of the amount of light impinging on each pixel. This differs significantly from CCD technology. There are a number of advantages in using CMOS sensors over CCD including cost, speed, anti-blooming, and programmable response characteristics (ie. multiple slope response). CCD’s also have certain advantages.

• Dark Current: Dark current is the accumulation of electrons within a CCD or CMOS image sensor that are generated thermally rather than by light. This is a form of noise that is most problematic in low light applications requiring long exposure times.

• DCAM: DCAM or IIDC is a software interface standard for communicating with cameras over FireWire. It is a standardized set of registers etc. If a camera is DCAM compliant then its control registers and data structures comply with the DCAM spec. Such a camera can be truly plug-and-play in a way that other cameras are not.

• Decibel or dB: A logarithmic unit of measure. When used of digital cameras this unit is usually used for describing signal-to-noise or dynamic range.

• Depth of Field (DOF): The maximum object depth that can be maintained entirely in focus. DOF is also the amount of object movement (in and out of best focus) allowable while maintaining a desired amount of focus.

• Digital Imaging: Refers to the capture of a video image in such a way that the resulting image data is in digital format useful for analysis by a computer.

• Dynamic Range: The ratio of the maximum signal relative to the minimum measurable signal often measured in decibels or dBs. Dynamic range is sometimes used interchangably with SNR. It can also refer to Optical Dynamic Range.

• Exposure Time: This is the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to the light. This is the control that is used first (before gain and offset) to adjust the camera. In Labview, the shutter controls are a little confusing: there are ‘manual relative’, ‘manual absolute’, “One-push’ and “auto’ controls. Normally, you should use ‘manual absolute’ where each unit corresponds to 1 us of exposure time. When using the ‘relative’ controls, the units are different – 20us per unit. This control is called “shutter” in Labview and some DCAM controls.

• Fast Lens: A lens that admits a lot of light. A lens with a low F-number. A typical fast lens will have a F-number of less than 1.2.

• Field of View (FOV): The viewable area of the object under inspection. In other words, this is the portion of the object that fills the camera’s sensor.

• FireWire: A standard computer interface and its various versions otherwise called IEEE 1394, IEEE-1394a, or IEEE-1394b. It is an especially fast serial interface that is low cost with plug and play simplicity of integration. It is currently the only interface for digital industrial cameras that is standardized both in hardware and software communications protocols.

• Filter Driver: With respect to Gigabit Ethernet cameras, a filter driver, or “filter” is used to reduce the CPU burden when handling large volumes of data. The filter strips out, or “filters”, the image data from the Ethernet packets at the lowest level so that the CPU does not have to do this. Using a filter driver can significantly reduce the CPU load associated with image acquisition.

• Frame Rate: Frame rate is the measure of camera speed. The unit of this measurement is “frames per second” (fps) and is the number of images a camera can capture in a second of time.

• Frame Grabber (or Framegrabber): This is the industry name for the circuit board (usually a PCI card) that is an interface to connect analog cameras, or Camera Link cameras, to a computer system. With the wide range of FireWire and GigE Vision gigabit Ethernet cameras, which do not require such specialized interface cards, frame grabbers are generally no longer required.

• Gaging (or Gauging): In reference to machine vision, this is non-contact dimensional examination and measurement of an object using an imaging system or machine vision camera.

• Gain: This is the same as the contrast control on your TV. It is a multiplication of the signal. In math terms, it controls the “slope” of the exposure/time curve. The camera should normally be operated at the lowest gain possible, because gain not only multiplies the signal, but also multiplies the noise. Gain comes in very handy when you require a short exposure (say, because the object is moving and you do not want any blur), but do not have adequate lighting. In this situation the gain can be increased so that the image signal is strong.

• Gigabit Ethernet: An industry standard interface, variously called ‘gige (gig-ee)’, ‘GbE’, ‘1000-speed’, etc., that is used for high-speed computer networks capable of achieving data transfer rates in excess of 1000 megabits per second. Gigabit Ethernet has been now adapted to high performance CCD cameras for industrial applications. This generalized networking interface is being adapted for use as a standard interface for high-performance machine vision cameras that is called GigE Vision.

• GigE Vision: ‘GigE Vision’ is an interface standard from the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), for high-performance machine vision cameras. GigE (Gigabit Ethernet), on the other hand, is simply the network structure on which GiGE Vision is built. The GigE Vision standard includes both a hardware interface standard (Gigabit Ethernet), communications protocols, and standardized camera control registers. The camera control registers are based on a command structure called GenICam. GenICam seeks to establish a common software interface so that third party software can communicate with cameras from various manufacturers without customization. GenICam is incorporated as part of the GigE Vision standard. GigE Vision is analogous to Firewire’s DCAM, or IIDC interface standard and has great value for reducing camera system integration costs and for improving ease of use.

• Global Shutter: Generally speaking, when some one says “global shutter”, they really mean “snapshot shutter”. See “Snapshot Shutter” below. In actuality, a global shutter starts all a camera’s pixels imaging at the same time, but during readout mode, some pixels continue to image as others are read out. (see Rolling Shutter, Snapshot shutter). For machine vision applications, snapshot shutter is generally a ‘must have’.

• Gray Scale: refers to a monochrome image with gradations of grey. An 8-bit camera, for example would represent images in 256 shades of gray. A 12-bit camera would represent images in 4096 shades of grey.

• Histogram: A graphical representation of the pixel values in an image. Generally the left edge of the image represents black, or zero, and the right edge represents white, or 256/4096. The histogram curve represents how many pixels of each luminence value.

• IIDC: IIDC (DCAM) is a software interface standard for communicating with cameras over Firewire. It is a standardized set of registers etc. If a camera is IIDC compliant then its control registers and data structures comply with the IIDC spec. Such a camera can be truly plug-and-play in a way which other cameras are not.

• Image Analysis: The software process of generating a set of descriptors or features by which a computer may make a decision about objects in an image.

• Integration: generally refers to the task of assembling the components of a machine vision system (camera, lens, lighting, software, etc). Usually used as short form for “System Integration”. When used in reference to what the camera does, it is another word for exposure time (see Integration Time).

• Integration Time: Also referred to as exposure time. This is the length of time that the image sensor is exposed to light while capturing an image. This is equivalent to the exposure time of film in a photographic camera. The longer the exposure time, the more light will be acquired. Low light conditions require longer exposure times.

• Interlaced Scan: Refers to one of two common methods for “painting” a video image on an electronic display screen (the second is progressive scan) by scanning or displaying each line or row of pixels. This technique uses two fields to create a frame. One field contains all the odd lines in the image, the other contains all the even lines of the image.
  

• Interline Transfer: A CCD architecture where there exists an opaque transfer channel between pixel columns. Such a CCD does not require a mechanical shutter but spatial resolution, dynamic range, and sensitivity are reduced due to the masked column between light sensitive columns.

• IR Lens: A lens that is specially designed so that chromatic aberrations in the infrared wavelengths are corrected. An IR-lens should be used in cases where both visible and IR illumination is being received by the camera; otherwise the resulting image would be blurred.

• ISO 9000, 9002: Internationally recognized standards that certify a company’s manufacturing record keeping. ISO accreditation does not imply any product quality endorsement, but it is rather an acknowledgement of the manufacturing and/or engineering record keeping practices of the accredited company.

• Jumbo Frames: With respect to Gigabit Ethernet, Jumbo frames refers to the data packet size used for each Ethernet frame. Since each data frame must be handled by the operating system, it make sense to use large data frames to minimize the amount of overhead when receiving data into the host computer. Such large data blocks are called Jumbo frames.

• Linescan (or Linear Array): A line scan, or linear array camera has a single row of pixels and captures an image by scanning an object that moves past the lens. Conceptually similar to a desktop scanner (compare “area scan”).

• Machine Vision: Machine vision is the application of cameras and computers to cause some automated action based on images received by the camera(s) in a manufacturing process. Generally, the term “machine vision” applies specifically to manufacturing applications and has an automated aspect related to the vision sensors. However, it is common to use machine vision equipment and algorithm outside of the manufacturing realm.

• Megapixel: Refers to one million pixels - relating to the spatial resolution of a camera. Any camera that is roughly 1000 x 1000 or higher resolution would be called a mega pixel camera.

• Manual Focus: Refers to a lens which requires a human user to set the focus as opposed to an auto-focus lens which is controlled via a computer or camera.

• Manual Iris: Refers to a lens which requires a human user to set the iris as opposed to an auto-iris lens which is controlled via a computer or camera.

• Microlens: A type of technology used in some interline transfer CCD’s whereby each pixel is covered by a small lens which channels light directly into the sensitive portion of the CCD.

• Morphology: The mathematics of shape analysis. An algebra who variables are shapes and whose operations transform those shapes.

• Motorized Lens: A lens whereby zoom, aperture, and focus (or one or more of these) are operated electronically. Usually, a computer operated controller is used to drive such lenses. The controller often has an RS-232 port through which a camera, or computer, controls the lens.

• Network Adaptor - another word for the Ethernet interface card or port used found on many computers..

• OCR: stands for Optical Character Recognition and refers to the use of machine vision cameras and computers to read and analyze human-readable alphanumeric characters to recognize them.

• OHCI: (Open Host Controller Interface) describes the standards created by software and hardware industry leaders–including Microsoft, Apple, Compaq, Intel, Sun Microsystems, National Semiconductor, and Texas Instruments–to assure that software (operating systems, drivers, applications) works properly with any compliant hardware.

• Offset: This is the same as the brightness control on your TV. It is a positive DC offset of the image signal. It is used primarily to set the level of “black”. Generally speaking, for the best signal, the black level should be set so that it is near zero (but not below zero) on the histogram. Increasing the brightness beyond this point just lightens the image but without improving the image data.

• Pixel: An abbreviated form of picture element. The individual elements that make up a digitized image array.

• Progressive Scan: Also known as non-interlaced scanning, progressive scan is a method for displaying, storing or transmitting moving images in which all the lines of each frame are drawn in sequence. This is in contrast to the interlacing used in traditional television systems where only the odd lines, then the even lines of each frame (each image now called a field) are drawn alternatively.

• Readout: Readout refers to how data is transferred from the CCD or CMOS sensor to the host computer. Readout rate is an important specification for high-resolution digital cameras. Higher readout rates mean that more images can be captured in a given length of time.

• Region of Interest: Region of interest readout (ROI) refers to a camera function whereby only a portion of the available pixels are read out from the camera. This is also referred to as “partial scan” or “area of interest” (AOI).

• Rolling Shutter: Some CMOS sensors operate in “rolling shutter” mode only so that the rows start, and stop, exposing at different times. This type of shutter is not suitable for moving subjects except when using flash lighting because this time difference causes the image to smear. (see Global Shutter, Snapshot Shutter).

• Sensitivity: A measure of how sensitive the camera sensor is to light input. Unfortunately there is no standardized method of describing sensitivity for digital CCD or CMOS cameras, so apples-to-apples comparisons are often difficult on the basis of this specification.

• Sensor Size: The size of a camera sensor’s active area, typically specified in the horizontal dimension. This parameter is important in determining the proper lens magnification required to obtain a desired field of view. The primary magnification (PMAG) of the lens is defined as the ratio between the sensor size and the FOV. Although sensor size and field of view are fundamental parameters, it is important to realize that PMAG is not.

• Smart Camera: Sometimes called “intelligent camera”, or “smart sensor”, the term smart camera refers to a camera with a built-in computer running image processing software in a single compact package capable of doing some simple machine vision tasks.

• Snapshot shutter: Sometimes called a global shutter, snapshot shutter refers to an electronic shutter on CCD or CMOS sensors. A snapshot shutter is a feature of the image sensor that causes all of the pixels on the sensor to begin imaging simultaneously and to stop imaging simultaneously. This feature makes the camera especially suitable for capturing images of moving objects. (see Rolling Shutter, Global Shutter).

• Spatial resolution: A measure of how well the CCD or camera can resolve small objects. Usually used relating not only to the pixel resolution, but also to lens resolution — ie the resolution of the whole optical system. See also High Resolution.

• System Integrator: A company or person who provides turnkey vision systems using cameras, computers, software, and possibly robotics and other mechanical hardware usually aimed at a specific customer application and installation.

• Sync: Refers to an external signal generated by a camera than can be used to synchronize the camera with outside events such as flash illumination, or other cameras.

• Trigger: An input to an industrial digital camera than initiates the image capture sequence. Otherwise, an electrical signal or set of signals used to synchronize a camera, or cameras, to an external event.

• Video-type auto iris: There are two major types of auto-iris lenses: DC-type, and video-type. The video-type auto-iris requires a video signal to determine how far to open the iris on the lens.

• Working Distance (WD): The distance from the front of the lens to the object under inspection.

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.

Baumer Optronics - FWX401D

FWX401D

Baumer Optronics

With the CCD FireWire camera FWX401D, Baumer Optronic has launched a four million pixel matrix camera with an IEEE1394a interface. The matrix camera, with a resolution of 2048 x 2048 pixels and well suited for precise measuring applications, features a high frame rate and outstanding image quality. The available bandwidth of the IEEE1394a standard is optimally used and allows up to 10fps at full resolution in excellent image quality.

As with all Baumer camera models, the FWX401D provides numerous functions such as gain, offset and exposure time settings as well as ‘binning’ and ‘true partial scan’ (ROI) readout modes to improve the sensitivity or to increase the frame rate. Exact synchronisation with the process is accomplished by using the proven trigger-and-flash interface directly on the camera. A 16Mb image memory, integrated in the camera, ensures that all image data is transmitted reliably and at the highest speed, even in multi-camera solutions.

With regard to its housing, stability and immunity to interference, the camera is developed specifically for industrial use. The software driver for the FireWire interface offered by Baumer (FCAM1394) is based on the OHCI standard for Windows and also supports Linux. Together with the Software Development Kit (SDK), powerful functions are available to the programmer for an optimum and quick integration of the camera in existing application software.

Point Grey Research - Flea2

Flea2

Point Grey Research

Point Grey Research has introduced the new 2.0-Megapixel version of its Flea2 camera. This high-resolution model of the Flea2 series of ultra-compact FireWire b cameras incorporates the Sony ICX274 1/1.8-inch progressive scan CCD image sensor with a square pixel array. The new camera can deliver full resolution 1624 x 1224 images at 14fps, and contains all the core features of the Flea2 family, including jack screw connectors for secure locking, pixel binning and regions of interest modes via Format_7 and in-field firmware upgrades.

Additional features include on-camera colour processing and white balancing. It includes the automatic synchronisation of multiple cameras, an external trigger and strobe output, and low power consumption.

FireDragon

Net

Net has released the FireDragon line of progressive scan cameras. The cameras are available in eight FireWire b camera models. In addition to increasing transfer rates, FireWire b enables the cameras to achieve excellent imaging results with less signal distortion and increased throughput. They are available in four monochrome and four colour versions.

Many models deliver full-frame images at up to 90fps, with resolutions ranging from VGA (640 x 480) to UXGA (1600 x 1200). Monochrome output can be set for 8 or 10 bit, while colour output at either RGB 24 bit, YUV422 or YUV411. Camera CCD sizes are 1/3-inch, 1/2-inch or 1/1.8-inch.

Other performance features shared by the eight cameras include full frame shutter even at random trigger shutter operations to provide vertical resolution without degradation; and tetragonal lattice layout of CCD pixels to facilitate faster image processing. All cameras are RoHS compliant and according to the IIDC 1.31 standard.

Baumer Optronic - FGX series

FGX series

Baumer Optronic

Baumer has released the FGX series of GigE cameras, with resolutions from VGA up to 4 Megapixels in monochrome and colour.

The cameras’ robust housing enables them to operate under demanding conditions. High quality progressive scan CCD sensors, minimal noise level and structure-free image information guarantee excellent image quality for repeatable and highly precise measurements.

The new Gigabit Ethernet cameras offer customisable gain, offset and exposure time settings, as well as binning and true partial scan (ROI) readout modes for enhanced sensitivity or higher frame rates. The precise process synchronisation takes place via the trigger and flash interface located directly on the camera housing, which can be extended by additional digital inputs/outputs. The internal 32Mb memory guarantees that image data is transferred safely.

Baumer offers a generic software interface which can support GigE and FireWire. Conformity with future 64-bit PC architecture and platforms such as .NET will be provided.

Point Grey Research - DragonFly2

DragonFly2

Point Grey Research

Point Grey Research has added four remote head models to its line of its Dragonfly2 (FireWire) digital cameras.

The new models’ tiny 20 x 30mm sensor board is extended from the main camera board using a six-inch shielded ribbon cable, making it suitable for space-limited applications

They offer several improvements on previous models, including an improved electrical design that minimises the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) between multiple remote head units, and double the full resolution frame rate.

Monochrome and colour CCD sensor options for the Dragonfly2 remote head include the 0.3MP 1/3-inch ICX424 (648 x 488 at 60fps) and 0.8MP 1/3-inch ICX204 (1032 x 776 at 30fps). Each model comes fully equipped with a smaller and more streamlined cast metal CS-mount lens holder (C-mount adapter included), and general purpose I/O connector for trigger, strobe, and serial I/O. The Dragonfly2 also fully complies with RoHS, FCC and CE regulations.

Key features of the Dragonfly2 camera line include auto iris lens support, a high-speed 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter, memory channels for defining custom power-up settings, gamma and programmable LUT, on-camera colour processing, and a data flash for non-volatile memory storage. Other standard features include multiple trigger and strobe modes, regions of interest and pixel binning, and in-field-updatable FPGA that controls all camera functions.

Point Grey Research - Bumblebee XB3 - stereovision

Bumblebee XB3

Point Grey Research

Point Grey Research has released the Bumblebee XB3 stereovision camera system. The three-sensor multi-baseline IEEE-1394b stereo camera delivers high-resolution 3D images and complete stereo processing support. Incorporating three Sony 1/3-inch progressive scan CCDs, with 12 and 24cm baselines for stereo processing, the Bumblebee XB3 offers 1280 x 960 images at 16fps.

It transmits images to the host PC via a FireWire b interface, and delivers full field-of-view depth measurements from a single image set. It is pre-calibrated for lens distortion and camera misalignments. The system includes the Triclops Stereo SDK for the development of stereo based applications, and the FlyCapture SDK, which enables users to control camera settings and acquire images in real time. Four models (3.8mm or 6mm, colour or black and white) are available.

LightWise LW-5-S-1394 camera

The LightWise LW-5-S-1394 camera has been added to LightWise Family from the Imaging Solutions Group (ISG).

The LW-5-S-1394 is a five Megapixel camera and is available in colour and monochrome versions. All camera controls are done via the

1394 interface, which includes a fully programmable image processing pipeline and dynamic range/gamma control LUT for any desired response curve.

An on-board image buffer is also featured in these cameras, as well as a wide range of triggering and strobe control capabilities. These cameras come packaged with driver software and a user's manual.

All area cameras from ISG incorporate the ISG Image Pipeline and can be programmed with customer supplied algorithms inside the on-board FPGA.

The Monochrome (B&W) version of the camera has proven very useful in machine vision applications.

ISG has seen wide usage of this feature in customers using the camera for security and surveillance applications. Biometrics and facial recognition applications are expected to make use of these new features.

Optical inspection machines use these cameras for high resolution imaging and measurements.

All ISG cameras are fully compliant to the IEEE-1394 IIDC DCAM Specification 1.3 or later. These cameras are guaranteed to work with any compatible software applications complying to this standard such as, National Instruments VBAI & IMAQ, a&b Software ActiveDCAM and ImageWarp, Adcis Aphelion, Norpix StreamPix and many others.

FirstSight - High Speed Cameras

New additions to the CamRecord high speed camera series

FirstSight Vision

FirstSight Vision has released two cameras from its Optronis range of CamRecord high speed cameras, together with GigE connectivity and an enhanced camera control package.

The CamRecord 450 is an entry level high speed camera, offering a frame rate of 1000fps at full 800 x 600 pixel resolution. Frame rate can be increased to 2000fps at 400 x 300 pixel resolution.

The CamRecord 5000 is a high-sensitivity high speed camera with a frame rate of 5000fps at full sensor resolution of 512 x 512 pixels. By selecting reduced sensor areas, the frame rate can be increased up to 320,000fps. Both cameras have a maximum memory of 4Gb.

The entire CamRecord camera range is now available with the new GigE Vision interface. This offers twice the download speed of Firewire versions of the cameras and an increased data transmission distance of 100 metres compared to 10 metres for Firewire. A fibre optic Gigabit Ethernet interface is optionally available.

The new CamControl V2.0 control software for the CamRecord cameras has a fresh new look and can now accommodate the Gigabit Ethernet interface. In addition, it now supports the use of multiple cameras with multi camera control and a new ‘sensitivity scroll bar’ allows easy adjustment of the sensitivity of each camera.

IVS - high-speed ultra-compact digital monochrome cameras

FireWire 800 camera

Industrial Vision Systems

Industrial Vision Systems (IVS) has launched a range of high-speed ultra-compact digital monochrome cameras.

With 90fps image capture rates and 800Mbit/second communications, the cameras can deliver increased throughput in high volume applications such as medical device manufacture and food processing.

The cameras occupy less than four cubic inches for easy installation and provide bug-free, plug-and-play integration with the company's NeuroCheck software.

NeuroCheck image-processing software is used in mission-critical inspection systems for real time quality control on the production line.

Designed to IVS specifications, the new cameras are 30 per cent faster than previous units - even with two Megapixel image sizes - offering increased throughput with no loss of fault resolution. Typical applications include high-speed character recognition, precision gauging and measurement of products, and checking completeness of assembly groups.

Each of the five models in the new NCF range includes IEEE 1394(b) FireWire-compliant interfacing for communications and power, allowing out-of-the-box system integration. Digital image capture and transmission ensures sharp, noise-free 12-bit precision grey-scale images. High-speed setting of light levels and dynamic camera parameters such as gain and exposure can be combined with true partial (region of interest) scanning to extend image capture options, particularly in multi-part applications - even opening the opportunity to develop new image evaluation concepts.

Industry-standard trigger and strobe interfacing enables exact synchronisation with any industrial process whilst the unit's large built-in image buffer ensures secure, reliable high-speed data transfer at high speeds, even in multi-camera applications. The lightweight but robust aluminium housing allows deployment across a wide variety of industrial environments and its size - just 36 x 36 x 48mm – means the camera can be installed in the tightest of spaces.

The five monochrome cameras in the company’s NCF range are the NCF103 delivering 656x494 pixel images at 90fps, the NCF108 delivering 1032 x 776 images at 28fps, the NCF113 and NCF114 delivering 1392 x 1024 images at 20fps and the NCF120 delivering 1624 x 1236 (2M pixels) at 16fps.

Differences to consider when selecting an IEEE-1394 PCI / PCMCIA host adapter card

This article describes some of the differences to consider when purchasing an IEEE-1394 PCI / PCMCIA host adapter card.

Some of these differences can be attributed to the type of IEEE-1394 Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI) (or chipset) used by the card. Common chipsets include: Lucent/Agere, VIA, and Texas Instruments (TI).

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DMA CHANNELS
The number of simultaneous DMA channels (also known as isochronous transmit / receive contexts) supported by the card determines the number of IEEE-1394 cameras that can be running (streaming images) at the same time. Although the 1394a standard limits the maximum number of simultaneous isochronous channels to 16, there is currently no host adapter that is capable of supporting 16 channels.

FIFO BUFFER SIZE
The size of the on-chip isochronous and asynchronous receive and transmit FIFOs for the 1394 packets can affect 1394 streaming performance. Larger FIFO's generally result in better recovery from PCI bandwidth issues.

CABLE INTERFACE
Most PCMCIA cards for laptops and some PCI cards for desktop systems are built for use with a 4-pin FireWire cable, which will not work with PGR cameras that require a 6-pin connector (the additional two pins provide power). Some FireWire accessory manufacturers sell cables that have one 4-pin end and one 6-pin end. However, the cameras still require power to be provided. See the related Knowledge Base article below for more information.

IEEE-1394b SUPPORT
Some IEEE-1394 card manufacturers are now offering 1394b host adapters. 1394b is a significant enhancement to the basic 1394 specification, and is fully backwards compatible with the current 1394-1995 and 1394a specifications. Consult the related Knowledge Base article below for more information.

WHICH CARD SHOULD I BUY?
In general, PGR has had positive experiences with IEEE-1394 PCI cards based on the TI and Lucent/Agere chipset. Aside from the trade-offs listed above, there are no signficant performance variations, particularly between cards based on the same chipset. Some vendors which we have used to ship with our cameras in the past are listed in the Related Article 131 below.

SUMMARY

Chipset	Max DMA Channels	Isochronous Receive FIFO Buffer	Isochronous Transmit FIFO Buffer	Asynchronous Transmit FIFO Buffer	Datasheet
VIA Fire II VT6306	4	2K	2K	2K	DS6306111.pdf
Lucent/Agere FW323 06	8	4K	4K	2K	DS02026-6.pdf
Texas Instruments TSB12LV21B	4	4K (configurable as multiple variable-sized)	4K (configurable as multiple variable-sized)	4K (configurable as multiple variable-sized)	TSB12LV21B.pdf
Texas Instruments TSB12LV26	4	Not available	Not available	Not available	TSB12LV26.pdf
Texas Instruments TSB82AA2 (1394b)	5 (as tested)	2K	2K	5K	TSB82AA2.pdf

Troublesome hardware configurations

Certain motherboards and hardware configurations have problems grabbing images from 1394 cameras. These problems often manifest themselves in the form of:

• noise stripes and folded image patches, particularly at times when file I/O is heavy
• inconsistent recognition of camera devices by the system or Device Manager
• problems with grabbing images from the camera

So far, this has been reported on the following hardware/software configurations or hardware components:

• Shuttle FV-24 / Windows 2000
• Shuttle FN41 / Windows XP
• NOVA 7896FW / Windows 2000
• Dell machines (Dimension 4100 and others) / Windows 2000
• Dell notebooks with PCMCIA 1394 interfaces
• Machines with USB network interfaces
• Matrox G550 Dual-DVI / Windows 2000
• Ricoh 1394 Controller / Windows XP
• Adaptec FireWire PCI cards
• Single-board systems (e.g. Kontron ePCI-200, Advantech PCA6178, etc.) with PCI-based video

The following workarounds are recommended:

• On the Shuttle FV-24, the phenomenon disappears if UDMA (Ultra-DMA) is disabled in the BIOS settings.
• The problem on the Dell machines appears to be resolved by upgrading to Windows XP. There have also been some early reports that Service Pack 3 solves the issue with machines running Windows 2000
• If the problem appears on a Dell Laptop refer to the related article below regarding video corruption on Latitude notebooks.
• On machines with USB network interfaces, it appears that moving to a PCMCIA or PCI based interface solves the problem. Presumably, this is because of the fact that USB network interfaces do very little on board processing and require more resources.
• If using the Matrox G550 Dual-DVI, disable Bus Master in the display settings (Control Panel->Display->Settings tab->Advanced button->Options tab->Bus Master checkbox).
• To resolve the Ricoh 1394 Controller / WinXP problem, obtain the latest Service Pack for Windows XP.
• Try other FireWire cards, such as those listed in the Related Article below.
• Try a high-end AGP video card instead of PCI-based video in order to avoid saturating the PCI bus.

On other platforms, a similar work-around may exist, but has not yet been successfully tested.

Many system configuration problems may also be a result of deficiencies in the operating system's 1394 driver stack. For Windows operating systems, try installing the latest Service Pack. To see a categorized list of fixes included in each Service Pack, see below:

• Categorized List of Fixes in Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
• List of Fixes in Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4)
• Categorized List of Fixes in Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1)

FireWire matrix cameras

Baumer

Baumer has launched its new FireWire matrix camera series. The modular digital cameras support both FireWire ‘a’ and ‘b’, and provide net data transfer rates of up to 80 MB/s. Five models are available, which can achieve frame rates of up to 94fps, with resolutions from VGA to 2 Megapixel.

The progressive scan CCD sensors, 12-bit signal processing, and colour management optimise image quality and colour fidelity. The linear signal processing, low noise levels and structure-free image data ensure reproducible images with highly accurate measurements, even under difficult industrial conditions. The new generation of cameras offers gain, offset, and exposure time settings, as well as binning and true partial scan (ROI) readout modes to enhance sensitivity or increase the frame rate. The 32-MB image data buffer ensures that all image data are transmitted securely and reliably even when used in multi-camera applications.

The uniform and robust housing design has dimensions of just 36 x 36 x 55mm.

For easy integration, configuration and operation of the new cameras, Baumer is providing a generic software interface. In addition to FireWire, the software interface supports Gigabit Ethernet and is designed for future 64 bit PC architectures, and modern platforms such as .NET.

Fire Wire CMOS cameras

Baumer

Baumer Fire Wire – IEEE1394a cameras have been continuously developed for industrial use and are based upon ultramodern CCD and CMOS technology. More than 32 matrix cameras and OEM modules, in colour and monochrome versions, are available, with progressive scan technology and resolutions from VGA up to 4 Megapixel. All models offer extensive functions such as amplification, offset and exposure time settings, together with binning and true partial scan (ROI) options to improve sensitivity or increase the frame rate. Trigger and flash interfaces directly on the camera housing guarantee precise process synchronisation.

With the FCAM1394a Baumer supplies its own software device driver together with the associated Software Development Kit (SDK). This driver complies with the OHCI standard for Windows and Linux.

Connect easily with Firewire Cameras!

Introduction

Firewire is a high-speed data transfer connection. Firewire allows quick downloading of pictures from your digital camera and the ability to plug and unplug the device without restarting your computer. Firewire is a a common connection for high-end digital cameras. If you already have a Firewire camera or are looking into high-end digital cameras, you will need to know how to connect a Firewire device to your computer.

Instructions

Step One

Locate the Firewire port on your computer. The Firewire port is a rectangular opening in the back of your computer which looks similar to a USB port. The difference, however, is a Firewire port is wider.

Step Two

Determine if you need an adapter. There are three types of Firewire connections, Firewire 400, Firewire 800 and Firewire S800T. All have slightly different shapes, but adapters can be purchased allowing you to connect your camera. Take note of the shape of your camera cable and the shape of the Firewire port on your computer and go to a computer hardware store to purchase an adapter.

Step Three

Plug one end of the Firewire cable which came with your digital camera into the Firewire port. Plug the other end into your camera. The Firewire port on your camera will likely be behind a door.

Step Four

Insert the compact disc which came with your digital camera. When you connect your digital camera for the first time, your computer will recognize a new device has been connected and prompt you for drivers to install it. With the compact disc inserted, follow the directions to install the drivers and software.

Step Five

Use the software you installed to access the pictures on your digital camera. Alternatively, if you are using Windows, you can access your digital camera from My Computer. With your digital camera plugged into the Firewire port, open My Computer and then click on the camera icon. From here you can copy pictures off of your camera and paste them onto your computer.

Firewire cameras - Main Stream

	Fire-i™ XGA OEM Board Camera (NEW!) Fire-i™ XGA board firewire digital camera offers high resolution (1024 x 768, 36 fps) and advanced features for industrial OEM and machine vision applications.
	Fire-i™ OEM Board Camera Fire-i™ Board Digital Camera is a board-level fully operational FireWire 400Mbps camera, complying with IIDC spec.for industrial uncompressed VGA picture acquisition.
	Fire-i compact form factor Industrial Firewire cameras The new Fire-i compact industrial camera series, feature fully operational FireWire at 400Mbps, progressive scan CCDs, hardware trigger, and comply with the latest IIDC 1.31 standard.
	Fire-i™ Industrial Firewire cameras The new Fire-i industrial camera series of color and B/W industrial application cameras, feature fully operational FireWire at 400Mbps, progressive scan CCDs, hardware trigger, and comply with the latest IIDC 1.31 standard.
	Fire-i™ Firewire Digital Camera Fire-i™ Digital Camera is the best FireWire Color Digital Camera available for home/office applications. Its superior VGA picture quality and lightweight housing clearly distinguishes it from other FireWire or USB cameras.
	Fire-i™ 400 Industrial camera The Fire-i™ 400 Color Industrial Camera incorporates a low cost solution of 400 Mbps FireWire TI chipset, together with SONY's 1/4" VGA CCD sensor technology into a C-mount equipped industrial housing.
	Sony Firewire digital cameras Every Unibrain "Sony Digital Camera Kit" includes: A high-quality Sony Industrial Camera and Fire-i™ Software application and drivers for Windows.
	Basler Firewire digital cameras The new Basler 'Scout' 1394b cameras are available now bundled with Unibrain's true Windows 1394b drivers and 1394b lock cable.

Firewire Interfaces

Interface

The first three modules are part of any digital camera. The interface is the module that characterizes the FireWire camera. It is based on the IEEE 1394 standard, defined by the organization "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers". This standard defines a bus, which transmits:

1. time critical data, for example a video and
2. data whose integrity is of critical importance (for example, parameters or files).

It allows the simultaneous use of up to 63 different devices (cameras, scanners, video recorders, hard disks, DVD drives, etc.).

Other standards, called "protocols" define the behavior of these devices. FireWire cameras mostly use one of the following protocols:

AV/C

AV/C stands for "Audio Video Control" and defines the behavior of DV devices, for example, video cameras and video recorders. It is a standard, defined by the 1394 Trade Association. The Audio/Video Working Group is in charge of it.

DCAM

DCAM stands for "1394-based Digital Camera Specification" and defines the behavior of cameras that output uncompressed image data without audio. It is a standard, defined by the 1394 Trade Association. The IIDC (Instrumentation and Industrial Control Working Group) is in charge of it.

IIDC

IIDC is often used synonymously with DCAM.

SBP-2

SBP-2 stands for "Serial Bus Protocol" and defines the behavior of mass storage devices, such as hard disks. It is an ANSI standard maintained by NCITS.

Devices that use the same protocol are able to communicate with each other. A typical example is the connection of a video camera and a video recorder. Thus, in contrast to the USB bus, there is no need to use a controlling computer. If a computer is used, it has to be compatible with the protocols of the device with which it is to communicate (please cf. Exchanging data with computers).

Prosilica Firewire and GigE cameras

High Performance CCD and CMOS Cameras for Industrial Applications

• High-performance cameras
• Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision)
• Firewire - IEEE-1394 (IIDC 1.3 & 1.31)
• VGA to 16-megapixel resolution
• Fast Frame Rates
• Snapshot Shutter (global shutter)
• Software Development Kit (SDK)
• Windows, Linux, QNX
• Sophisticated Triggering
• Industrial Ruggedness
• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Region of interest readout (ROI)
• Binning modes
• and much more....
  
  

Prosilica manufactures high performance digital cameras for machine vision and industrial applications. Prosilica's Firewire and GigE cameras are used in a wide variety of applications including industrial inspection, machine vision, semiconductor imaging, food processing, traffic and security, as well as a wide range of test and measurement applications.

Prosilica's CCD cameras are noted for their high performance, excellent driver and SDK, as well as a rich set of camera features. Features that distinguish Prosilica's machine vision cameras include firewire (IEEE-1394) and Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision) interfaces, fast frame rates, advanced triggering functions, progressive scan CCD sensors, global shutter, sophisticated exposure controls, industrial ruggedness, and ease of use. Prosilica also provides an excellent SDK for camera control and image capture for Windows, Linux, QNX operating systems on both Intel x86 and PowerPC platforms.