Author: Jon Chouinard

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High Speed cameras meet low cost with ON-SEMI Python sensors – Starting @ $425 for 800 fps!

The evolution of the next generation of CMOS sensors continues to transform the camera market with high frame rates coupled with prices starting at $425!  ON Semiconductor image sensors are now main stream in several camera lines with interfaces in USB3 and GigE along with offering color, monochrome and NIR variations. 

ON Semiconductor sensors provide exceptional image performance and speed due to multiple LVDS lanes in the sensors running at 720Mbps.  With VGA resolutions achieving frame rates up to 862 frames / second (fps).  




Have a need for Speed?  Partial scan with USB3.0 or GigE with TurboDrive can dramatically increase frame rates!

Partial scan modes can be programmed to crop a specific number of lines within an image.  A vertical offset can be programmed to set the location of the partial scan.  This results in faster frame rates as there are less lines being transferred.  

The combination of high speed sensor and faster interfaces, coupled with partial scan results in incredible frame rates!

1st Vision has conducted tests showing various resolutions and frame rates that can be achieved using the ON Semiconductor Python 1300 (1280 x 1040 image sensor).  We conducted these tests using a USB3.0 camera and a GigE camera using Dalsa’s TurboDrive.     


Test Results: 



The chart to the left shows various frame rates achieved using partial scan’s.  







Note: USB3.0 is typically faster than GigE, however using Dalsa’s TurboDrive, data transfer can be increased exceeding USB3.0!

The ON Semi Python 1300 is one resolution of several found in various cameras;  VGA being one of the fastest with 862 fps in full frame.  Using partial scan modes set to 8 lines, we can reach in excess of 10K fps using the VGA sensor in Dalsa’s new Nano M640.

Do you need to know the frame rates for your specific application?  Contact us and we’d be happy to run some tests for you!   1st Vision can discuss the application and help select the best camera using either USB3 or GigE interfaces.  

Want to select cameras by sensor, frame rate or interface (to name a few)?  Test drive our new Camera Selector!  

1st Vision has extensive knowledge in industrial imaging and can help answer any questions.  We have over 100 years of combined knowledge and look forward to discussing your application.  

Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  

Follow us on Social Media!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Vision/944658058935262?fref=ts           

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Low cost Dalsa Nano’s with TurboDrive (Fast GigE) camera family expanded + NIR sensors

Teledyne Dalsa, whose highly successful, low cost Nano cameras have added NIR enhanced ON-SEMI sensors to their product line in addition to 2MP and 5MP sensors.


The Nano cameras offer Turbo Drive capabilities providing frame rates exceeding GigE capacity using GigE Vision standards.



The low cost series is now available in color, mono and NIR with resolutions from VGA to 5MP.  The new ON-SEMI sensors coupled with TurboDrive, provide frame rates up to 862 fps in full frame mode.  

NIR cameras starting @ $450!


 See the full portfolio of Genie Nano’s featuring Turbo Drive

The quantum efficiency (QE) of the NIR image sensors offers increased sensitivity from 700nm to 1000nm providing a better response in NIR wavelengths as seen in the graph to the right.  
This additional response directly correlates to brighter images when used within the NIR spectrum as seen in the application examples below.

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What are the benefits and results of a Near Infrared enhanced camera?


NIR enhanced cameras when combined with NIR light sources, provide solutions normal cameras and lighting can not solve.

The longer wavelengths can be used to penetrate through various mediums allowing subsurface features to be seen and enhancing contrast.  

The following are a couple application examples where NIR cameras with the correct lighting can solve machine vision applications.  

We can provide full details on the camera, light and lens combination on these applications.  Simply send us an email with the subject “Send me the NIR image details” with your contact information and we’ll send you a brief write-up.

Bottle Inspection:  Various machine vision inspections are needed in bottle manufacturing, but can be challenging due to dark glass and short exposure times. As the bottles are rapidly moving, a short exposure time is required to stop bottle motion, which limits the light collecting on the sensor. To overcome this challenge, a NIR enhanced camera combined with a NIR illuminator allows light to pass through the dark glass.  As the sensor is enhanced in the NIR, a higher grey scale value can be achieved which can allow for shorter exposures and increased throughput.



The image on the left was taken with a standard Genie Nano camera and the new Nano NIR enhanced camera image is on the right.  

Using the identical exposure settings, lighting and lensing, the NIR enhanced camera provided a significantly higher grey scale (130 vs 75) image and better contrast.






PCB conductors:  In electronics manufacturing, various inspections are performed including verification of traces not visible to the naked eye.  In order to overcome this, NIR light is used to help pass through the PCB material.  A NIR enhanced camera is used to provide the best response allowing for shorter exposure times and increasing the system scan time.

The comparison images below used a standard Genie Nano camera (left) and Nano NIR enhanced camera (right).  Using identical settings, the NIR enhanced camera provided a better response and brighter image for light passing through the PCB.  

 






























Do not forget – Send us an email with the subject “Send me the NIR image details” if you want more details

There are many more applications that can be solved with the right combination of vision hardware.  1st Vision has extensive knowledge in industrial imaging and can help select the best camera, lens and lighting combinations for your application.  

We have over 100 years of combined knowledge and look forward to discussing your application!

Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  

Follow us on Social Media!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Vision/944658058935262?fref=ts           

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OEM lenses providing best in class at lower costs

1st Vision‘s factory automation OEM machine vision lenses are designed using glass from one of the top Japanese lens manufacturers. These lenses are not branded and allow our clients to have excellent performance at a better price than the ‘named’ brand manufacturers since there are no marketing costs!


In their class, they offer the most bang for the buck! 






In comparing specifications, our OEM lenses have better resolution in many cases over brand name lenses, but at ~ 30% less cost! in some cases.   If used in an OEM design, a non branded lens will ensure customers are coming to you for replacements and ensure the same performance.  

Details specifications can be found HERE.

As we know selecting a lens can have its challenges, our staff of degree’d sales engineers are here to help!  We can help pair the best lens with the given camera and image sensor to maximize performance.  


Best of all.. 1st Vision has these in stock!  


All our our OEM lenses can be purchased on-line HERE

We also have several blog posts providing additional education on lens selection including handy focal length calculators.  

Resources:  

1st Vision has extensive knowledge in industrial imaging and can help answer any questions.  We have over 100 years of combined knowledge and look forward to discussing your application.  

Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  

Follow us on Social Media!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Vision/944658058935262?fref=ts           

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What can the new low cost AVT GoldEye Short Wave Infrared ( SWIR ) camera do for you?

Allied Vision Goldeye cameras with InGaAs sensor technology enables you to see further into the infrared spectral range than classic CCD / CMOS cameras.  Due to the cameras high sensitivity in the Short Wave InfraRed (SWIR) range of 900-1700 nm, new applications become possible.








What applications can be solved with SWIR?

SWIR cameras help provide contrast and emphasize features in various applications due to the nature of the wavelengths.  Applications ranging from agricultural (food), textile, semiconductor and surveillance, allows the ability to see through materials that are opaque to the eye with SWIR.

Several models are available to help solve these applications.   

Goldeye cameras are now available with Camera link interfaces in addition to GigE and are low cost!    Contact us for a quote!

The following are a few examples of Short Wave InfraRed (SWIR ) applications:


Solar Cell Inspection

Light emitted by silicon in solar cells peak at 1150nm and are impossible to detect using normal CCD/CMOS cameras.  


Using SWIR cameras, luminescent imaging helps identify non uniformities at 1150nm  



Semiconductor Inspection 

At wavelengths above 1100 nm silicon becomes transparent.


In turn, SWIR cameras are perfect for analyzing metallization and electrical contact errors on the backside of wafers.  



Courtesy of NASA

Surveillance Applications

SWIR cameras minimize fog and smoke in surveillance applications allowing scenes not present in the visible realm to be seen.  





 Other applications include:  Airborne Remote sensing (UAV’s), Food inspection, Moisture Detection, Glass production, Recycling, Scientific & Medical Hyper-spectral imaging, Vision Enhancement and more..    

 


Goldeye Short Wave InfraRed cameras now available with Camera LInk and GigE

Allied Vision has now released the new low cost Goldeye G-008 camera in Camera Link creating a comprehensive family of SWIR cameras. 

Models now available include the following: 




Camera Highlights

  • High frame rates at multiple resolutions

  • Camera link or GigE Vision Interface
  • Comprehensive I/O Control options
  • Automated on board image correction
  • Stabilized sensor cooling, no fan
  • Extended operating temperature range
  • ROI Setting for frame rate and data rate control
  • High analog gain mode to increase sensitivity



Data sheets and additional information for all SWIR camera’s can be found HERE. 


UPDATE:  Allied Vision has provide a video detailing SWIR Technology.  
Watch the video below



Curious on what a low cost SWIR camera can do for you?  Contact us to discuss your application and discuss a possible demo!   We can test your application in our lab!

1st Vision has extensive knowledge in industrial imaging and can help answer any questions.  We have over 100 years of combined knowledge and look forward to discussing your application.  

Please do not hesitate to Contact us!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including cameras, lenses, lighting and cables.  

Ph:  978-474-0044
info@1stvision.com
www.1stvision.com  

Follow us on Social Media!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-Vision/944658058935262?fref=ts