Sony - XCL-5005/XCL-5005CR

XCL-5005/XCL-5005CR

Sony Europe

Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division has introduced two additions to its XCL-5000 family of high-resolution industry-standard Camera Link camera modules - the XCL-5005 and XCL-5005CR.

The XCL-5005CR adds 5-Megapixel colour image capture to the product family. Designed for machine vision applications, they now feature selectable Power on Camera Link (PoCL) capability. Units can be powered using PoCL or by a separate 12V DC supply. Using the PoCL function, the compact cameras can be installed in physically small spaces such as inside robotic arms and semiconductor pick-and-place machines.

The XCL-5000 series cameras provide high quality, 1600 x 1200 UXGA resolution and deliver up to 15fps. Using 2/3-inch 12-bit CCD, progressive scan and interline transfer technology, they are suitable for production quality applications such as precision inspection, item recognition and detailed object measurement. The units could also be used with existing systems to further improve output resolution.

The cameras are compact, C mount designs measuring just 44 x 44 x 57.5mm. Operating temperate ranges from -5 to +45°C. They have been designed for use in industrial environments and have a shock resistance of 70G and a vibration tolerance of 10G. These new models also benefit from an improved signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to use longer cable lengths.

Sony - XCI series

XCI series

Sony Europe

The new additions to the XCI series of intelligent cameras from Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division will offer a more powerful 1GHz processor with MMX and SSE support. Designed to run an enhanced Windows XP embedded operating system, the units are suitable for software-based machine vision, security and traffic control applications.

Two cameras will be added to the XCI family, a 1,280 x 1,024 SXGA and a 640 x 480 VGA model, available in both monochrome and colour variants. An open FPGA processor allows a high-level of custom image processing. The image output is selectable between grabbed or pre-processed image.

The XCI series employ high-resolution, progressive scan interline transfer monochrome CCD sensors from Sony Semiconductor. Depending on the model, either a 1/2-inch or 1/3-inch type sensor is used. These sensors have been designed for industrial machine vision applications.

The cameras can provide output via Gigabit Ethernet and dual USB 2.0 interfaces. Opto-coupled I/O is provided by four input and eight output ports. The camera is housed in a robust enclosure measuring just 55 x 70 x 110mm.

A software development kit (SDK) supplied with the camera allows users to customise the operating system environment, build image processing applications and control camera parameters. The SDK also includes an example application and comprehensive programming and reference guides.

JAI - TM-2040GE

TM-2040GE

JAI

JAI has expanded its line of high-resolution, high performance GigE cameras with the TM-2040GE. It offers two-Megapixel UXGA resolution and software-selectable operation that allows users to choose between dual tap mode at 34fps (with automatic channel balancing) or single tap mode operating at 17fps. Using a one-inch Kodak progressive scan IT CCD sensor (KAI-2020), the TM-2040GE produces 12-bit linear images, or 10-bit/8-bit images that are modifiable by a user-defined look-up table (LUT) for use in difficult lighting situations.

The TM-2040GE camera features JAI’s high-fidelity front-end circuitry and low-noise power supply to produce exceptional sensitivity and a typical signal-to-noise ratio of greater than 58dB.

All TM-2040GE cameras include image centre partial scanning (600, 300, or 150 lines), as well as variable partial scanning where the user can choose both the starting point and the specific number of lines to be scanned.

Other high performance features include a PIV mode enabling the capture of pairs of images separated by only a few microseconds, and a defective pixel compensation feature that uses neighbouring pixels to adjust for bad ones.

Uses for the TM-2040GE cameras span a wide range of machine vision, medical, and intelligent transportation system applications, where high speed and high resolution are required.

JAI Pulnix - TM-1327GE

TM-1327GE

JAI Pulnix

JAI Pulnix has added a new member to its growing line of Gigabit Ethernet cameras. The TM-1327GE is a compact progressive scan CCD camera, featuring a 2/3-inch image sensor and the ability to capture 30fps at a full 1.4-Megapixel resolution. The camera is contained in 50.8 x 50.8 x 84.8mm housing. It offers a wide dynamic range with high sensitivity over both visible and near IR portions of the spectrum, making it well suited to applications involving widely varying light conditions.

JAI Pulnix’s patented look-up table (LUT) allows full dynamic range control of the CCD by externally selectable knee slopes. An extensive software kit, provided with the camera, includes a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling LUT settings and other camera functions, as well as an integrated API and a set of C++ classes for controlling the grabbing of images, and configuring local I/Os.

Applications include machine vision, intelligent transportation systems, fruit inspection, medical imaging, gauging, character recognition, surveillance, and failure analysis.

JAI Pulnix - TM-2016-8

TM-2016-8

JAI Pulnix

The TM-2016-8, a member of JAI Pulnix’s AccuPiXEL line of cameras, is a 2.1 Megapixel camera with a one-inch progressive scan CCD. This machine vision camera features a Kodak KAI-2093M imager and is available in two versions: Camera Link and LVDS (RS-644). Featuring 1920 x 1080 resolution and with large 7.4µm square pixels, the camera includes 8-bit output with lookup table. Similar to HDTV, the pixels are arranged in a 2K x 1K, 16:9 aspect ratio.

The TM-2016-8’s progressive scan provides full vertical and horizontal resolution at up to 8fps. Two-row binning can be used to achieve 16fps. The TM-2016-8 features full asynchronous reset with electronic shutter up to 1/10,000 sec or pulse-width exposure control, which allows triggered image capture and processing. The housing measures 44mm x 44mm x 64mm and accepts standard C-mount lenses. The TM-2016-8’s 2:1 aspect ratio makes it suited to a variety of machine vision applications, especially those requiring a wide field of view. These include airborne imaging, head-up displays, ITS (intelligent transportation systems), online inspection, defence, microscopy, medical imaging, PIV/measurement, and motion analysis.

Imperx - TEC Series

TEC Series

Imperx

Imperx has released its TEC family of cameras for applications requiring the lowest possible thermal noise. The cameras are equipped with thermo-electric cooling of the image sensor and provide a housing designed to maximise heat removal. Resolutions of 4- 11-, and 16-Megapixel are available in standard housing 100mm on a side.

The TEC series cameras use thermo-electric cooling elements attached to the sensor and are housed in a larger-than-average enclosure with integral heat-sink to help dissipate thermal energy efficiently and reduce thermal noise. In addition, the housing encloses the sensor in a sealed chamber equipped with a fill/purge valve to prevent condensation.

The TEC series cameras are available in either monochrome or colour configurations, offering 8-, 10-, or 12-bit pixel data under software configuration control. Electronic shutter control offers features such as pre-exposure and double exposure and speeds as fast as 1/12000 of a second to as long as ten seconds. The shutters can be triggered under software control or use external trigger signals in addition to providing programmed exposure times. Automatic iris control is optionally available.

Software support includes Windows and Linux drivers, development kits for C++ and Visual Basic, and support for a variety of instrument control packages. For command and data communications, the cameras are available with an RS-232 port and either a CameraLink or a Gigabit Ethernet connection. The Ethernet connection allows network-controlled installations using the Internet Protocol (IP).

SVS-Vistek - SVCam-GigE

SVCam-GigE

SVS-Vistek

SVS-Vistek has introduced its camera family SVCam-GigE, designed according to the new international GigE Vision standard. The cameras are available in various resolutions from VGA, XVGA, one, two, four up to 11 Megapixel. Their small size (e.g. 51 x 55 x 65mm) means these cameras can be used in limited-space environments.

The use of Gigabit Ethernet reduces the need for frame grabber boards. Transferring image data over standard Gigabit Ethernet components makes transmission to distances of more than 100m possible.

The SVCam-GigE family uses progressive scan CCD sensors from Sony and Kodak. Each camera model is available in a monochrome or colour version. Due to the progressive scan abilities, applications can be realised where jitter-free images are needed. Cameras of the GigE line possess a hardware trigger input as well as a strobe output. Both can be flexibly configured.

A special feature of the SVCam-GigE line is the high-precision timestamp that is assigned automatically to each image. Suitable software tools for system integration and camera configuration are provided, including: network packet filter, camera driver, SDK and an application to acquire images and control the camera.

Multipix - Runner

Runner

Multipix

Multipix has introduced the new Basler Runner GigE Vision line scan camera series. The Runner series features seven models with up to 2k pixels in monochrome or colour, 1,024 or 2,098 pixels and a range of line rates up to 59kHz.

The leading member of this series is a tri-linear CCD colour line scan camera. The camera features three independent CCD lines with 2,098 pixels per line to collect colour information at a 9.2kHz line rate.

The software features compact housing and Basler’s easy-to-use Pylon software. Former Camera Link lines can camera users will experience a quick and easy setup process that lets them see their first images within minutes.

Basler - Pilot

Pilot

Basler

Basler's Pilot series of CCD cameras is now commercially available. The Pilot family consists of 10 camera models from VGA to 5 Megapixels in resolution and up to 210fps in speed. They are equipped with Kodak or Sony CCD image sensors to ensure the best mixture of speed, resolution and an attractive price.

All Basler Pilot cameras feature Basler's robust and easy to use GigE Vision compliant interface that has proven its industrial reliability in the successful Basler Scout series.

All image quality parameters for the new Basler Pilot series are measured according to the EMVA1288 standard. This includes measurements for noise, full well capacity, dynamic range, quantum efficiency, linearity and many others.

Basler-VC designs and manufactures advanced vision components for industrial users. Products include colour and monochrome line scan, area scan, and intelligent area scan digital cameras ideal for high-speed and/or high-resolution applications. Product designs are driven by industry requirements and offer easy interfacing, compact size, and a strong price/performance ratio.

Leutron Vision - PicSight

PicSight

Leutron Vision

Leutron Vision is providing an extensive range versatile digital camera with the PicSight digital camera series. The modular nature of the PicSight series enables cameras to be tailored to suit the user’s individual requirements and to be supplied at very short notice. A variety of sensors, interfaces and processor modules can all be combined with each other to generate a range of 300 different types of camera. This means that the application engineer has a selection of 28 different types of sensors available to him, whether CCD monochrome or colour, ranging from VGA resolution up to 1628 x 1236 (UXGA) pixels, or CMOS with resolutions of more than 5 Megapixels. Digital interfaces such as Gigabit-Ethernet, Camera Link and USB 2.0 are all available for data transfer.

PicSight includes on-board image storage as well as pre-processing capabilities such as Bayer decoding for colour models. Digital input and output enable external trigger and stroboscopic operation. In this highly diverse offer, the OEM user can also find smart-camera versions of PicSight with high performance RISC-processors. This enables PicSight to be operated entirely autonomously, as an intelligent camera quite independent of a PC, at very high cost efficiency. The industrial housing with a cross-section of 44 x 31mm and a length of 29 or 86mm is optionally available with a right-angled lens mount.

Adimec - OPAL-1000m

OPAL-1000m

Adimec

Adimec has introduced a new CCD camera for fast inspection applications. The OPAL-1000m offers high spatial resolution at high speeds. Combined with Adimec’s electronics, this provides excellent linearity over the full dynamic range through optimised embedded video processing. Other important performance parameters include channel matching to below noise level, automatic black and shading, and defect-pixel correction.

The OPAL-1000m uses a ½-inch CCD area array sensor with 1024 x 1024, 5.5µm square pixels. It can deliver up to 120fps at full resolution, with good image quality and high signal to noise ratio. To enable high frame rate image acquisition in combination with standard frame grabbers, the cameras have a built-in frame memory that decouples the asynchronous image acquisition and image readout. The image readout and Camera Link interface of these cameras allow for software configuration and easy integration.

Lumenera - Lx11059

Lx11059

Lumenera

Lumenera has released the Lw11059 series of CCD Megapixel USB 2.0 cameras, designed for use in a variety of industrial and scientific applications that require high resolution and good performance in low light conditions.

With a 4008 x 2672 resolution and on-board processing, the cameras deliver excellent image quality at a low price. Ideal applications include display and document inspection where optical performance is important throughout the entire image including its edges.

Uncompressed images such as streaming video and still image capture can be streamed using a USB 2.0 digital interface, requiring no frame grabber. Advanced camera control is available through a complete Software Developer’s Kit (SDK), with sample code available to quickly integrate camera functions into OEM applications.

This camera series includes a hardware- and software-based synchronisation trigger, and is available with three different lens mount options: Lw11059 with a Canon Bayonet-Style Mount; Lw11058 with a K-Mount; and the Lw11057 with an F-Mount.

Lumenera - Lm family

Lm family

Lumenera

Lumenera has launched the Lm family of cameras – a mini CCD USB 2.0 camera line aimed at industrial markets. Offering the same performance as Lumenera’s USB 2.0 cameras, the Lm075, Lm135 and Lm165 are ideal for applications with low light conditions and/or tight space constraints.

Lm cameras measure 44 x 44 x 56mm, offer fast frame rates at VGA through Megapixel resolution, and include such features as a new industrial locking USB and GPI/O connector, eight mounting points, electronic global shutter for capturing objects in high-speed motion, and onboard processing and sensitivity for outstanding image quality. Higher frame rates are available at lower resolution, with full sub-window control and live focusing modes. As with the entire line of Lumenera cameras, no framegrabber is required. Both colour and monochrome product models are fully supported by the Lumenera Software Developer’s Kit with an application programming interface compatible with C++ and Visual Basic.

Eastman Kodak - KAI-04022

KAI-04022

Eastman Kodak

Eastman Kodak has introduced the KAI-04022 image sensor - a low-noise four-Megapixel interline transfer CCD that is optimised for low-light imaging.

With a 2048 x 2048 array of 7.4μm pixels, dual outputs with up to 15fps readout speed, and fast line dump to facilitate region-of-interest (ROI) imaging, the KAI-04022 shares key design and performance features of the existing KAI-4021 image sensor. However, a new amplifier has reduced the read noise by 25 per cent, making the product particularly suitable for fluorescence microscopy.

To facilitate adoption of the new sensor, the KAI-04022 shares the same package and pin-out configuration as the current KAI-4021, allowing existing designs to be easily modified with the new model.

Imperx - IPX-16M3-G & IPX-16M3-L

IPX-16M3-G & IPX-16M3-L

Imperx

Imperx has added two new members to its Lynx digital camera line, the IPX-16M3-G and the IPX-16M3-L. Both cameras offer fully programmable resolution, frame rate, and exposure control, allowing users to tailor the camera’s operation to the application’s needs.

The new cameras utilise a 16 Megapixel Kodak KAI-16000 interline-transfer CCD sensor to deliver up to 4872 x 3248-pixel resolution. High-speed data clocks allow full-resolution images to transfer at rates up to 3fps using dual output. In area-of-interest (AOI) mode, the output frame rates can reach as high as 29fps for the 16M3-L and 16M3-G.

The 16M3-L offers a standard RS-232 port for control and the base Camera Link interface for the image data. The 16M3-G offers a Gigabit Ethernet connection for both control and data, allowing network-controlled installations using the Internet Protocol (IP). Software support for the 16M3-G includes Windows and Linux drivers, development kits for C++ and Visual Basic, and support for a variety of instrument control packages, including LabView, MIL, Image Pro, Halcon, and Video Savant. Software tools for data acquisition and display, camera configuration, and triggering waveform generation are built in.

Toshiba Imaging Systems - 3CCD HDTV Camera

IK-HD1 3CCD HDTV Camera

Toshiba Imaging Systems

Toshiba Imaging Systems Division has released a small high-definition camera head and ultra-compact control unit, the IK-HD1 3CCD HDTV Camera. Small (1.6 inches) and lightweight, the HD colour camera system is ideal for applications where size and weight are critical.

The affordable 3CCD (1/3-inch chip) interlace HD camera uses Toshiba’s sophisticated 3CCD prism block imaging technology, delivering true colour with sharp detail and bright contrast from the remarkably small camera head. Features include a C-mount lens flange, RS 232C serial interface, and multiple outputs including HD-SDI (SMPTE 292M), analog RGB or Y/Pb/Pr, making it very easy for integration.

It delivers 30fps for reality TV, specialty broadcast, scientific imaging and diagnostics, homeland security, and industrial video inspection applications.

Other features include 1920 x 1080 resolution, power requirements of 12 V DC and power consumption of only 10.3W, making this new IK-HD1 camera system an ideal solution for a variety of imaging needs. Accessories for the camera system include a 4mm or 15mm lens and camera cables in 3, 6, 10 or 30-meter lengths. Toshiba’s new, lightweight HD camera head is easy to mount on a performer, a helmet or hat, or in a confined space or tight corner. It can also be integrated into a larger system for imaging applications that require the flexibility of a very small HDTV camera package.

Prosilica - GE4900

GE4900

Prosilica

Prosilica has released its highest resolution camera ever. The 16-Megapixel GE4900 runs at 3fps at 4872 x 3248 pixel resolution over a GigE Vision interface. The industrial digital camera incorporates a Kodak KAI-16000 progressive scan CCD sensor with an electronic global shutter suitable for capturing high-speed motion events. Exposure times are programmable from 1/100,000 to 60 seconds.

The GE4900 offers advanced functionality including asynchronous external trigger and sync, automatic exposure and white-balance, region of interest read-out, binning modes to 8 x 8, and a wide range of other features suitable for machine vision and image processing. Applications include LCD panel inspection, aerial imaging, industrial inspection, 3D measurement, specialised traffic and public security.

Available in either monochrome or colour models, the GE4900 provides uncompressed digital output in Mono8, Mono16, Bayer8, or Bayer16 image formats. The 12-bit A-to-D provides very high-quality images to meet the most demanding applications.

Prosilica - GC2450

GC2450

Prosilica

Prosilica has released the new GC2450 GigE Vision camera. The compact GC2450 runs at 15fps with 2456 x 2048 resolution. The camera housing measures just 33 x 46 x 43mm.

The GC2450 uses Sony’s new 5-Megapixel ICX-625 progressive scan CCD sensor with global electronic shutter suitable for capturing high-speed motion events. Key features include: programmable exposure controls, area-of-interest readout (AOI), advanced binning modes, 12-bit readout, asynchronous external trigger and sync I/O, auto-iris control, and RS-232 peripheral port.

The RS-232 port could be used to control a pan-zoom-tilt unit; and the auto-iris capability covers the wide range of outdoor lighting conditions. Applications for the GC2450 include inspection applications, 3D measurement, food processing, aerial imaging, machine vision, and security applications.

To facilitate integration, Prosilica provides a free software development kit (SDK) for use on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Linux, and QNX operating systems with support for both Intel- and Power PC-based platforms.

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.

FOculus Tiny

NET

The FOculus Tiny IEEE1394 camera series comes in monochrome and colour and includes a 1/3-inch CCD image sensor. The two models are available in VGA/XGA resolution. The lens mount can be a C-/CS-mount. The FOculus Tiny series completes the FOculus line and is IIDC 1.31 compliant.

The FOculus S-series has been completed by the FO442SB/SC with a 2/3-inch CCD image sensor. The S- and T- series are available with a lockable IEEE1394 connector via lock screws.

After completing the FOculus Series, NET is able to offer the ideal camera for many applications given their range of casings, image sensor sizes, resolutions and frame rates. The main fields of application are machine vision, positioning, microscopy, semiconductor inspection, barcode, matrix code, OCR, and OVC.