Category: Cameras

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SVS-Vistek IP67 cameras with direct drive for LED illumination

SVS-VISTEK makes it easier and more cost efficient to integrate industrial cameras for machine vision into harsh environments.  The BlackLine Series ECO and ECO^2 cameras are equipped with water and dust proof housings (IP67 protection) and M12 connectivity for industrial wiring.  This series features direct drive and control of LED illumination from the camera eliminating external controllers. 


These are perfect for industrial automation, robotics and harsh environment applications.  All cameras are GigE Vision compliant and work with 3rd party vision software such as Cognex Vision Pro, National Instruments, Halcon &  MV Tech.  

Key Features for the Blackline Series

  • IP67 Protection
  • M12 Connectivity
  • Direct Drive and Control of LED Illumination with power cables available for CCS LED illumination.  
  • Advanced I/O functions and hardware supporting industrial automation
  • Advanced thermal management.  (-10 deg C to + 45 deg C)
  • Series includes resolutions from VGA to 5MP using Sony and ON-Semiconductor image sensors
  • GigE Vision compliant  – fully compatible with 3rd party vision software packages

All specifications for the Blackline Series can be found HERE. 

A key feature in the ECO Series is the ability to direct drive LED illumination in continuous and strobe modes.  This feature allows the camera to be used as a strobe controller saving costs.   

Direct Drive of LED illumination features include 

  • Built in ability to strobe up to 3 Amperes
  • Power of the LED light is provided through power of the camera
  • Setting of pulse width and duty cycle is controller via GigE standard Cat 5 cable
  • Up to 2 LED illuminators can be used simultaneously and independent from each other.  
  • Control commands are integrated into SDK

Industrial Automation support
Integration into industrial automation is supported with SVS’s powerful SVCam I/O functions and IOMUX switch matrix.  The IOMUX switch connects inputs and outputs with the various functions of SVCam I/O.  This allows a combination of inputs with Boolean arguments for more advanced deployments.  

Watch this short video showing 4 easy steps to for industrial field connectivity!

SVCam I/O supports various functions in conjunction with the IOMUX switch.  These include a Sequencer, Pulseloop, debouncer and Prescaler function.  A quick start guide to the I/O controls can be found HERE  

Full Specifications can be found HERE.

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  


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It’s a “No-Brainer” – Why not standardize on 1 camera for less than $500?

In working with many OEM customers of the years, historically several camera models were used to cover multiple system designs.  These were cases where there was an offering of lower and higher resolution systems, in turn needing VGA and 2MP cameras for example.

The introduction of the Sony Pregius sensors have changed the need for multiple cameras given excellent performance and pricing.  It has become a “no-brainer” to think about standardizing on one camera and emulate various resolutions for < $500



1st Vision has reviewed various resolutions achievable within given optical formats using the Sony Pregius IMX174 and IMX249 sensors.  

In cases where we wish to standardize with one camera, we can simply set a Region Of Interest (ROI) and emulate various resolutions (7 in this evaluation). 

We reviewed resolutions from VGA to 2.3MP and have put in perspective to the optical format required.  

The following are several configurations you can achieve: 


2.3MP is achieved using the full frame and 2MP by setting a 1600 x 1200 ROI.  This will require a 1″ optical format lens.  






In cases, where your application only requires 1.3MP (1280 x 1024) or 1.4MP (1400 x 1050), simply set a ROI accordingly and pair with your desired 2/3″ focal length lens.




Simply need 0.5MP (800 x 600) to VGA (640 x 480)? Set your ROI accordingly and you can use any 2/3″, 1/2″ or 1/3″ format lens.








Various resolutions against the required optical format are shown in graphical form to the right and summarized below for the Sony Pregius IMX174 and IMX249 sensors


Once you have your desired resolution, you can calculate your lens focal length using our online calculator.  Using 5.86um as a pixel size, enter the effective number of pixels into the calculator along with working distance (WD) and field of view (FOV).  This will calculate your focal length in which you can then select a lens

The Sony Pregius sensors are featured by several camera manufacturers and expanding rapidly.  With pricing @ < $500 for the IMX249… Its a “No Brainer” to think about standardization!  

Why the big hype on the Sony Pregius Sensors?  These new sensors are becoming the workhorse in imaging with incredible dynamic range, sensitivity and speed.  Learn more in our blog which provides technical details and comparison images.  

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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Teledyne Dalsa Turbodrive – GigE, Faster than GigE!

What is TurboDrive?

 

TurboDrive from Teledyne Dalsa, is a technology which enables cameras to transmit information at a rate exceeding the constraints of Gige Ethernet.  TurboDrive is a patent pending innovation that uses advanced data encoding techniques that look at the redundancy in the data coming out of the sensor. It uses image entropy based encoding to model pixel information with no loss of information. This enables faster data transmission on the link as each pixel is comprised of fewer bits for encoding.

 

Machine Vision cameras have traditionally used absolute encoding over 8 to 16 bits to transmit image information. For instance, in 8-bit, each pixel takes a value ranging from 0

(black) to 255 (white). TurboDrive relies on localized relative encoding to examine each pixel in its context before encoding it. This generates a more compact encoding of the pixel information and enables TurboDrive to be more efficient by packing the same information in less bits. 

 

 

What are the benefits of TurboDrive?

 

  • Faster frame rates than GigE (125 MB/s) by up to 235%, BUT using standard GigE networks. 
  • Eliminate the need for faster interfaces (i.e Base Camera Link @ 255 MB/s), saving costs and complexity especially on long cable runs. 
  • Allows aggregate information from multiple camera onto a single link.  For example, data coming from 2 cameras could be sent on same network card.
  • More efficient method of data packaging without any loss.       
  • Its essentially free with TeledyneDalsa cameras supporting TurboDrive 

 

Data sheets for all Teledyne Dalsa cameras with TurboDrive can be found HERE.  

 

Why you should be considering this technology?

 

Watch this short video to explain the technology in detail and how to speed up your systems over standard GigE networks.  

 

Seeing is believing!

 

In addition, we have a video showing Turbodrive in action.  We used the 2.3MP Nano-1940 camera, operating over a PoE network @ 80 fps which is ~ 150% over the GigE bandwidth!

1st Vision has extensive knowledge on Teledyne Dalsa cameras and can help answer any questions. 

Please do not hesitate to Contact us for a quote and to discuss your application!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including lenses, cables and lighting.  

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

 
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Battle of the Image Sensors – Sony IMX174 Vs CMOSIS CMV2000

 

Sony Pregius imaging sensors with a newly advanced pixel design provide unsurpassed high dynamic range, quantum efficiency and excellent signal to noise (SNR) ratios.  With a Dynamic range of 73 dB and a quantum efficiency of 76% (@ 525nm), this sensor will become a major work horse in the industrial imaging market.  Comparing these data points however can be mind boggling and leave you asking, “What’s the end result?” 1st Vision put the CMOSIS CMV2000 and new Sony Pregius IMX174 into the ring to battle it out!   
 
The old phrase of “A picture is worth a thousand words” definitely stands true in comparing sensors and reviewing images.  In our battle, we compared the CMOSIS CMV2000 (2MP CMOS)  sensor to the new Sony Pregius IMX174 (2.3MP CMOS) sensor.  We reviewed several of the key sensor aspects and are as follows. 
Specifications

From the specification standpoint, the IMX174 provides better values across the board.  (Refer to the SonyPregius Sensor page for detailed information on the terms)

   Comparison Data:


Round 1:  Saturation Capacity & Dynamic Range

Saturation Capacity or “well depth” is analogous to a bucket of water, however in lieu of water, we have electrons.  Given a larger bucket, we can pour more water in the bucket without it overflowing.  The water overflowing is analogous to “saturation”.  In turn, a sensor that has a larger saturation capacity (bigger bucket) can hold more electrons (water) without saturating (overflowing).  This would relate to the sensors overall dynamic range in that it will not saturate quickly in a given image, allowing us to see darker and lighter areas. 

The example below shows images comparing the CMV2000 and IMX174.  These were captured with the same lens, camera manufacturer and set at the identical exposures.  

Looking at these images, which one is the better sensor?  We would want to quickly say, “The brighter one!”, however brighter does not always mean better!

On the left CMOSIS image, we see a noticeable difference as it is starting to saturate especially on the lower right corner.  The colors are reaching peak levels in which they are close to saturating (brighter image).  For this given light level, our small “buckets” are getting full!

On the right IMX174 image, we can see similar brightness levels in the upper left corners, but the bottom right part of the image is NOT saturating, as well as the markers are not reaching peak values.  In essence, we have a small bucket with the CMV2000 and will overflow much faster than the larger bucket with the IMX174.  Relating back to our values in the chart, saturation capacity and dynamic range are much greater on the IMX174 and can be visibly seen in the images!  Sony Pregius wins round 1.

(Knowing this.. the brighter image does not always mean its a better sensor! )


Round 2:  Quantum Efficiency (Sensitivity)
In comparing the Quantum Efficiency values, we see the IMX174 is 13% higher.  This relates to the conversion of photons to electrons and in turn providing a higher numeric value in our image.  The images below were taken in very low light with a 10uS exposure.  The IMX174 provides a brighter image due to this added efficiency.



Sony Pregius IMX174 wins round 2 with a Knock Out!

The Sony Pregius pixel architecture is being expanded into many resolutions and will implemented into many industrial cameras.  

For a complete list of cameras with Sony Pregius sensors click HERE.  Keep an eye on this link as it continues to expand.  Need more technical information on the Sony Pregius sensors?  Click HERE

Contact us for a quote on cameras with the Sony Pregius sensors and to discuss your application!  1st Vision can provide a complete solution including lenses, cables and lighting.  

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

 
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