We’ve previously written about Sony STARVIS sensors, and all that still holds true, of course. If you don’t feel like chasing that last link, a two-word summary would be “high sensitivity”. But this is our first piece on the Sony IMX662 STARVIS sensor in particular. And the corresponding 10 camera models into which IDS Imaging has embedded this remarkable new sensor.
Sony IMX662 sensor – what’s so special?
Before reviewing STARVIS in general, let’s cut to the chase on the IMX662. Three specifics jump out.
1. Wider dynamic range:
Dynamic range characterizes the expressive power of the sensor. It’s the ratio between the smallest and largest values the sensor can capture. Per the side by side images below, the more performant sensor (in this case the IMX662 of course), gets the saturated segments bright, the darker segments dark, and a lot more nuance in the middle. Which translates into actionable imaging data for your machine vision algorithms.
2. No chromatic aberration in HDR mode:
Chromatic aberration is the introduction of color artifacts not present in the original scene, due to the physics of light passing through a lens. Note that the “lens” might be the user-added camera lens, or the micro-lens inherent to every pixel on the sensor. Either way, it’s an undesirable phenomenon, since if your application uses color, it can be a source of “confusion” in your image processing.
So it’s a nice benefit that Sony’s “Clear HDR” feature overcomes chromatic aberration when the IMX662 is used in HDR mode. As shown below:
3. Low cost
The Sony IMX662 sensor is very attractively priced. Since it doesn’t cost camera manufacturers very much to buy the sensors wholesale, they can design them into their value-added cameras, and price the overall package attractively for you, the customer. Whether in small volumes or large.
Think “go where no camera has ever gone before.” Or if you already have an application with another sensor, consider a Gen 2 application with a higher return on investment.
Why 10 different camera models for just this one sensor?
The Sony IMX662 sensor is so compelling that IDS Imaging designed it into 10 different camera packages, providing form factors for diverse customer requirements. Per the snapshot below from 1stVision’s camera selector, with sensor dropdown Sony IMX662 selected, we see all 10 models. In fact it’s 20 models, as each is available in a monochrome or color version.
The top 6 rows are GigE models, with framerates to 59fps. The 4 bottom rows utilize the USB3 interface, delivering up to 93fps.
GigE Vision models:
The GV prefix in the model name denotes the GigE Vision interface. M/C indicates both Monochrome and Color offerings. MB stands for MotherBoard, which is an especially small form factor, for applications with tight and/or angled spaces. For MB variants, and optional daughterboard and flex ribbon cable, if desired.
Bottom row: GigE MB C-mount; GigE MB S-mount; GigE S-mount
USB3 Vision models:
The models with the U3 prefix are offer board level and housed models, similarly ideal for tight spaces and embedded applications. And with frame rates to 93fps:
Bottom left: BL C-mount; Bottom right: Housed C-mount
Since both interface options, GigE Vision and USB3 Vision, are industry standards, you can use “IDS peak” SDK, or any other standards compliant software you like.
Sony STARVIS technology
Underlying the Sony IMX662 – and indeed all the Sony STARVIS sensors – is the innovative back-illuminated structure. This means more photons get into the pixel well, greatly enhancing low light performance.
Choose the sensor – and camera – that’s right for the application
Is the Sony IMX662 right for your application? Or other members of the Sony STARVIS sensor collection? While lensing and lighting are also important, choosing the right sensor is at the heart of your application solution. We’re always happy to advise.
1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection. With a large portfolio of cameras, lenses, cables, NIC cards and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!
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