Category: Cameras

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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  

 
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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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Get Advanced Infrared Cameras at Affordable Prices

Allied Vision lowers entry barrier into short wave infrared image processing. The new Goldeye G-008 SWIR camera suits high requirements and small budgets.

Allied Vision has released a new entry-level Goldeye model for the short wave infrared spectrum (SWIR).  Packed with all the features and benefits of the current Goldeye camera family, the new model for SWIR applications is equipped with a smaller resolution sensor. As a result, the price for the camera could be significantly reduced so that infrared imaging becomes affordable for many cost-sensitive applications in which the lower resolution is enough to do the job.

Small sensor for a small price
The Goldeye G-008 SWIR is fitted with a QVGA InGaAs sensor (320 x 256 pixels, 30 µm pixel size) making it sensitive in the short wave infrared spectrum ranging from 900 to 1,700 nm.  Many cost-sensitive applications can benefit from the excellent price to performance ratio, for example hyperspectral imaging applications such as plastics sorting for recycling purpose or environmental analysis, high-temperature thermography in the steel and glass industries or laser beam profiling.


High image quality and ultra-high dynamic
Users of the Goldeye G-008 SWIR won’t have to trade off quality or speed for the low price. The new model has all the qualities of the popular Goldeye family. With frame rates up to 344 fps at full resolution, versatile application fields can be addressed and processes can be sped up strongly. Thanks to its ultra-high intra-scene dynamic range of 75 dB, this affordable infrared camera is ideally suitable for applications that require capturing simultaneously bright and dark portions of a scene, such as outdoor and surveillance imaging at night or specific industrial applications like laser welding.

The camera’s industrial-grade housing is extremely robust and compact (55mm x 55 mm x 78 mm) to fit into the smallest machines. Various mounting possibilities, extensive I/O functionalities and a large choice of lens mount options ensure an even easier integration.

The Goldeye G-008 SWIR relies on the GigE Vision industrial standard as an interface. Thanks to its GenICam compatibility, the camera can easily be used with the most popular image processing libraries. With Allied Vision’s powerful software development kit Vimba, which is available free of charge to Allied Vision customers, users can program their application across various platforms (Windows, Linux, etc.).

The Goldeye G-008 SWIR also features all image correction and optimization functionalities of the Goldeye family such as advanced image correction algorithms and fan-less sensor cooling using a thermoelectric module (TEC 1) for low-noise images.

What can SWIR camera technology do for you?  Learn more in this white paper!

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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