Posts

Posted on

USB3.0 for Machine Vision? Absolutely! Educate yourself with our white paper to learn some key tips.

For the past decade, Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) has been the preferred choice as a camera interface for machine vision applications. It started off slowly supplementing Firewire (A/400 & B/800) as the then current choice, but picked up steam as it became apparent that Firewire 1600 was not going to gain traction in the marketplace.

Today, USB3.0 is picking up steam and being molded into an excellent choice for machine vision applications.  
How is USB3.0 a good choice today?  

Read our white paper in which you will learn:

1)  What are the requirements for machine vision applications today?

2)  How do camera interfaces compare which including Firewire, GigE, USB2.0 and USB3.0  

3)  Why USB3.0 is a great alternative for today’s challenging Vision applications.  

The white paper also includes links to even more detailed detailed info on USB3.0 which provides specifics on CPU usage, cable lengths, USB controllers and multi-camera applications.  

Have an application to discuss using USB3 Vision?  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           

Posted on

Everything you need to know about USB3.1 vision cameras and the new cost effective IDS LE camera series

Industrial Imaging interfaces and camera sensors continue to become faster and more economical.  For the veterans in the industry, we’ve seen analog (RS-170), Fire-wire and USB2 interfaces phase in and and out as newer faster interfaces are developed.  We are now on the doorstep of several new interfaces, one being USB3.1

The consumer electronics market has given birth to this next generation with data rates up to 10 Gbit/s and power transfer of 100 watts.  


What benefits will USB3.1 provide?

USB3.1 opens up the doors for the new Sony Pregius and ON-Semiconductor Python image sensors and cameras.  The native sensors themselves are designed to run at much higher frame rates, but throttled back to fit within the USB3 bandwidth.  That being said, higher speed interfaces such as CameraLink and CoaXpress could be used, but comes with added cost and complexity.  

USB3.1 will open the doors to these sensors allowing them to run at their fully designed frame rates with ease of use.  

Additional power capabilities is also designed into USB3.1 ports providing 5 amps @ 20 volts.  We expect this may open the door to options which may include power for lighting and controllers. 


What connector and cables will be required?

USB type C plug connectors will be implemented onto the new cameras supporting USB3.1. In turn, cables will be needed that are Type C to Type A for industrial imaging applications.  

1stVision will have cables available later in 2016 to support this upcoming interface.  Stay tuned!  (See current USB3.0 cables including Active and Hybrid Active Optical USB3 cables)

What cameras are up and coming? 

IDS Imaging will debut their first USB3.1 camera in the fall of 2016 starting with engineering prototypes.  The focus will be on the new uEye LE series which will be small in size and be very cost effective with great sensors.  This has been designed ideally for OEM systems.

Camera features will include: 

  • USB3.1 interface with Type C connector
  • Various package options from full board level, board level with lens mounts to housed versions.  
  • Multiple I/O for trigger and flash
  • I2C Bus for controlling external devices
The first models will be the UI-3860LE with Sony STARVIS IMX290 rolling shutter providing 2MP (1936 x 1096) resolution at ~ 120 fps. This will be followed by the UI-3880LE using the Sony STARVIS IMX178 sensor providing 6 megapixel (3088 x 2076) resolution at up to 60 fps.  

Target applications are night surveillance & security, low light microscopy, machine vision, metrology, medical engineering and astronomy applications
 


What benefits do the Sony STARVIS image sensor provide? 

The STARVIS sensor is a back-illuminated pixel technology used in CMOS image sensors. It boasts extremely low light sensitivity with high picture quality in the visible light and near infrared light regions.  

See the key points of the Sony STARVIS Back-illuminated CMOS image sensors

With new releases coming on a regular basis, we know it can get confusing on what sensors are best for a given application.  1stVision has over 100 years of combined knowledge and can help you design in the best solution.  

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

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

Follow us on Social Media!

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

Posted on

Video Tutorial – How to use industrial cameras for high speed imaging from machine vision to event capture

 

CMOS industrial cameras have changed how we perceive “High Speed” imaging.  If we look back 5+ years ago, “High Speed” imaging pertained to specialized cameras for event capture which were relatively expensive.

CMOS image sensors used in standard industrial cameras today have opened up the door due to the ability to achieve up to 2000 frames per second with excellent image quality at prices starting < $500!

These new application areas range from sports analytics, process monitoring to event capture.  



This video tutorial addresses several topics when using standard CMOS cameras in high speed applications.  

Topics covered as follows: 

  • Application areas using the latest CMOS cameras.
  • Evolution of sensor technology from CCD to CMOS
  • Considerations in components used in high speed applications
  • Sensor and camera features supporting high speed imaging.
  • Higher speed interfaces on the horizon

Watch the video below: 





These cameras are also used extensively for high speed recording.  
1stVision has extensive knowledge in recording systems and can help you customize one for your application.  

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

Follow us on Social Media!

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

Posted on

How to solve the dilemma of imaging small pixels in the newest image sensors? See the new FUJI HF-12M lenses!

The Sony Pregius image sensors are becoming the workhorse in industrial cameras providing various resolutions, coupled with high dynamic range and unsurpassed sensitivity.  However, the latest pixel architecture from Sony has moved to a 3.45um pixel pitch which results in more demand on the lens resolution.  It becomes even more challenging on high megapixel and small format image sensors such as the ON-SEMI MT9P031 or AR1820HS which have 2.2um and 1.25um respectively.

To be successful in imaging with these sensors, a lens design must provide the ability to resolve the small pixels ideally to the edge of the lens or image contrast will degrade.  In many cases, this is stated in terms of line pairs per mm (lp/mm) from center to edge (i.e 120/100).  Read more about lens specifications in our “Demystifying Lens performance specificaions” blog

How do we overcome this problem to ensure a high contrast image?   
FUJI 12 Megapixel HF-12M series lenses!

Although lens manufacturers tout a lens series in Megapixels, the key is understanding the lens performance data in terms of its resolution.  The FUJI HF12M series states “12 Megapixels”, but really is a lens designed to resolve 2.1um pixels on a 2/3″ sensor which accommodates 12 megapixels.  The bottom line is that any image sensor with small pixels down to 2.1um regardless of resolution benefit from this lens.. This lens will help resolve the pixel!  

The HF-12M series is great for cameras using image sensors from Sony’s Pregius IMX Series (ie  IMX250, IMX252, IMX264) which have 3.45 um pixels along with ON-Semiconductors MT9P031 or AR1820HS sensors.  


FUJI HF-12M Features  

Advanced Optical performance 

  • When the iris (aperture) is set at the orange F4 marker on  the lens barrel, the HF-12M series delivers the resolving power greater than 2.1um pixel pitch.
  • The HF-12M series is capable of maintaining ultra-high definition with a 2.7um pixel pitch within the whole frame area.  
  • The series brings out maximum performance of the popular Sony Pregius image sensors with a 3.45um pixel pitch.


Unique “4D” High Resolution performance
General machine vision lenses share the issue of resolution degradation when the working distance or aperture is changed.  The HF-12M features Fujinon lenses unique “4D High Resolution” performance.  It maintains a high level of consistent image sharpness at the center as well as the edges, while mitigating resolution degradation that typically occurs when changing a working distance or aperture value.  




Ease of installation and high reliability

  • Compact form factor across five models with 33mm diameter
  • Most lenses use iris and focus locking screws with protruding heads causing interference.  The HF-12M series come with regular as well as headless compact screws to minimize interference
  • Built with metal barrel for durability and robustness.




Industry-leading low distortion design of no more than 0.05%
Unique optical design minimizes troublesome distortion.  The series boasts an industry-leading low distortion rate of not more than 0.05%

 
 

 

 

See the entire Fujinon lens line 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  

Follow us on Social Media!

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