What can multifield linescan imaging do for me?

Multifield imaging is a new imaging technology that enables capturing multiple images simultaneously at various lighting conditions e.g. brightfield, darkfield, and backlight in a single scan. It’s a variation on the concept of sequence modes. Teledyne Dalsa Linea HS is the industry’s first TDI camera capable of capturing up to three images using light sources at different wavelengths.

OK, cool.  How does that help me?  How does it differ from other imaging methods?  What applications can it solve that couldn’t be tackled before?

Backlight, Darkfield, and Brightfield images of same target

Perhaps a quick review of area scan imaging and conventional linescan imaging will help set the stage:

Area scan cameras are most intuitive, creating in one exposure a rectangular array of pixels corresponding to an entire scene or field of view.T hat’s ideal for many types of machine vision imaging, if the target fits wholly in the field of view, and if the lighting, lens, and image processing can best achieve the desired outcome at an optimal price point.

But linescan imaging is sometimes a better choice, especially for continuous-flow applications, where there is no discrete start and end point, in one dimension.  Linescan systems can capture an image “slice” that is enough pixels wide to make effective imaging computations, and, where required, to archive those images, using fewer active pixels and reducing sensor costs compared to area scan.  Other benefits include high sensitivity and the ability to image fast moving materials without the need for expensive strobe lighting.

Understanding line scan applications: concepts still relevant!

… so much for the review session.  So, what can multifield linescan imaging do for me?  Multifield capable linescan cameras bring all the benefits of conventional linescan imaging, but additionally deliver the perspectives of monochrome, HDR, color/multispectral (NIR), and polarization views.   This can enable machine vision solutions not previously possible, or solutions at more attractive price points, for a diverse range of applications.

Multifield imaging is a new imaging technology that enables capturing multiple images simultaneously at various lighting conditions e.g. brightfield, darkfield, and backlight in a single scan.

Consider OLED display inspection, for example. Traditionally an automated inspection system would have required multiple passes, one each with backlight, darkfield, and brightfield lighting conditions. With a multifield solution, all three image types may be acquired in a single pass, greatly improving throughput and productivity.

Flat panel glass is inspected at every stage of manufacturing

So how is multifield imaging achieved? In this blog we’re more focused on applications. For those new to Time Delay and Integration (TDI), it is the  concept of accumulating multiple exposures of the same (moving) object, effectively increasing the integration time available to collect incident light. The key technology for a multifield linescan camera is the sensor uses advanced wafer-level coated dichroic filters with minimum spectral crosstalk to spectrally isolate three images captured by separate TDI arrays, i.e. wavelength division multifield imaging.

Multifield images on one sensor using filters to isolate wavelengths

This new technology significantly boosts system throughput as it eliminates the need of multiple scans. It also improves detectability as multiple images at different lighting conditions are captured simultaneously with minimum impact from mechanical vibration.

1stVision is pleased to offer our customers a multifield linescan camera from Teledyne Dalsa, the HL-HF-16K13T: https://www.1stvision.com/cameras/models/Teledyne-DALSA/HL-HF-16K13T

Contact 1stVision for support and / or pricing.

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Give us some brief idea of your application and we will contact you to discuss camera options.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have an average of 20 years experience to assist in your camera selection.  Representing the largest portfolio of industry leading brands in imaging components, we can help you design the optimal vision solution for your application.

Computar ViSWIR Visible + SWIR lenses

1stVision is pleased to make available two new lens series from Computar: both the ViSWIR HYPER / APO Lens Series, and the VISWIR Lite Series. Traditionally, applications landed in either the visible or the SWIR range, so components tended to be optimized for one or the other. The new lens series are designed to perform well with for both visible and SWIR, enabling cost-effective and performant imaging systems for a range of applications.

ViSWIR Hyper / Multi-Spectral Lens Series were created for the latest Vis-SWIR imaging sensors, the IMX990/IMX991 SenSWIR, currently found in the new Allied Vision Goldeye G-130. The series was recognized as a Gold Honoree by Vision Systems Design in 2021:

With fully corrected focus shift in visible and SWIR range (400nm-1,700nm), spectral imaging is achievable with a single sensor camera by simply syncing the lighting. Per Sony, “the IMX990/IMX991 top indium-phosphorus (InP*2) layer inevitably absorbs some visible light, but applying Sony SWIR sensor technology makes this layer thinner, so that more light reaches the underlying InGaAs layer. The sensors have high quantum efficiency even in visible wavelengths. This enables broad imaging of wavelengths from 0.4 μm to 1.7 μm. A single camera equipped with the sensor can now cover both visible light and the SWIR spectrum, which previously required separate cameras. This results in lower system costs. Image processing is also less intensive, which accelerates inspection.”

With ViSWIR HYPER-APO, it is unnecessary to adjust focus for different wavelengths or to keep the high resolution from short to long working distances. The focus shift is reduced at any wavelength and any working distance, making the series ideal for multiple applications, including machine vision, UAV, and remote sensing.

Computar ViSWIR HYPER-APO lens series

Since diverse substances respond to differing wavelengths, one can use such characteristics as the basis for machine vision applications for materials identification, sorting, packing, quality control, etc. To understand the value of these lenses, see below for an example of conventional lenses that cannot retain focus across different wavelengths:

Conventional lenses only focus in specific wavelengths

Now see images across a wide range of wavelengths, with the award winning Computar lens, that retain focus:

Diverse materials under diverse lighting – in focus at each wavelength.
The same lens may be used effectively in diverse applications.

Also new from Computar is the VisSWIR Lite series, providing:

— High transmission from Visible to SWIR (400-1700nm) range
— Reasonable cost performance for narrow band imaging
— Compact design
Key features of Computar VisSWIR Lite seriesComputer

Computer ViSWIR Lite lens series

Which to select? APO or Lite series?

Contact 1stVision for support and / or pricing.

Contact us to talk to an expert!Give us some brief idea of your application and we will contact you to discuss.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have an average of 20 years experience to assist in your camera selection.  Representing the largest portfolio of industry leading brands in imaging components, we can help you design the optimal vision solution for your application.

1stVision Announces New Logo, Refreshed Website, and Continued Investment in Customer Support

1stVision

We are excited to be shining the spotlight on ourselves today as we introduce for the first time our new logo and website user interface (UI) design . Our new logo signifies our continuous high-level commitment to all your machine vision needs and captures the new foundation laid by a capital investment by and strategic partner relationship with Next Imaging.

On February 7, 2020, we announced that 1st Vision had been acquired by Next Imaging but would continue doing business as 1st Vision, Inc. We are keeping our well-known identity and presence in the North American Market and looking to excel even further at becoming your 1st choice for all your imaging requirements.

Check out our new website!

1st Vision’s sales engineers have an average of 20 years experience to assist in your camera selection.  Representing the largest portfolio of industry leading brands in imaging components, we can help you design the optimal vision solution for your application.

Ultra-Uniform lighting provides enhanced contrast for machine vision

The old saying of a chain is only as strong as its weakest link stands true in machine vision applications. A machine vision hardware solution typically consists of a camera, lens, and light to obtain an image for processing. If anyone of these components are improperly selected, its the weakest. Lighting is a key component to produce features and contrast for image processing. Uniformity, brightness, wavelength and specific geometries used in conjunction with each other are key elements to a good lighting component. In this blog, we introduce Phlox machine vision lighting, which is unsurpassed in uniformity and has many key advantages.

Phlox lighting provided much more than just lighting, regardless of the application. Below are 5 main attributes making Phlox unique


1 – Better uniformity: A precise mathematical model and the micro prisms (< 30 µ) enable us to reach up to +/- 5 % uniformity for the backlight surface.


2 – Higher luminance: Up to 80% of the light injected is emitted onto the target surface, up to twice as much as light pipes using diffusion.


3 – More compact design: Phlox technology is well suited to the manufacture of very thin pipes (1 mm). This feature enables Phlox to create very low profile (very thin) products in response to the need to reduce bulk for various applications.

4 – Long life cycle: The combination of Phlox technology and the quality of the designs ensures constant control of temperature and provides an exceptional life cycle.


5 – Faster response: Fast delivery of a standard products and five (5) weeks on average to design and delivery of a prototype or custom-made product.

How do Phlox back lights compare to the competition?

The following are application examples showing the increased contrast generated by Phlox back lights:

Less stray light & better contrasts
Phlox image comparison
Gear profile is prominent
Phlox backlights emit more direct light

In conjunction with the unparalleled uniformity, Phlox lighting can be configured with a variety of wavelengths optimizing contrast as seen in the examples below.

color to create contrast
color to enhance contrast
solve any application with the right wavelength

Phlox uses exclusive technology, providing many key advantages along with a 2-year warranty

Phlox technology
Watch this short video detailing the engraving process

1stVision is the exclusive distributor in North America for Phlox product. Contact us to discuss your application with our experienced technical advisors – CLICK HERE

1st Vision’s sales engineers have an average of 20 years experience to assist in your camera selection.  Representing the largest portfolio of industry leading brands in imaging components, we can help you design the optimal vision solution for your application.