Category: Lenses

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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           

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Advantages of Telecentric lenses in machine vision applications

Telecentric lenses are essential in eliminating distortion errors caused by standard lenses in machine vision applications.  


Telecentric lenses are defined by lenses only accepting incoming light ray bundles whose principal rays are parallel to the optical axis of the lens as seen in the diagram below

 




















Key advantages to a Telecentric lens are constant magnification, no perspective error and very low distortion

 









 



How do the advantages of telecentric lenses help in machine vision applications?  

Constant Magnification

Telecentric lenses can provide constant magnification, and not influenced by varying lens to object distances.  



Example: The image to the right shows 2 screws in which the 2nd screw is 10mm further away from screw 1 when viewed from the Telecentric lens in the setup.












Using a standard lens, screw #1 which is closer will appear to be larger














Using a Telecentric lens, the screws look the same size and not influenced by the lens to object distance.  

This is very helpful in applications to ensure accurate measurements negating any deviations from part placement.

Perspective Error

Standard lenses show significant perspective errors, whereas telecentric lenses are able to eliminate any perspective effects.  In cases where measurements are critical, using a telecentric lens is a must!




Low Distortion

Regular lenses have 1-2% distortion, whereas telecentric lenses have 0.1%





Regular lens will either have “Barrel” (left image) or “Pin cusion” distortion (right image) 






    Barrel Distortion                   Pin Cushion Distortion

In barrel distortion, image magnification decreases with distance from the optical axis. This is common in fish-eye lenses.  

In pincushion distortion, image magnification increases with the distance from the optical axis.  

Using telecentric lenses in machine vision applications will eliminate barrel and pin cusion distortion.  Low distortion is imperative where accuracy is required.  

How can it get any better!  – Use Collimated light!

Telecentric lenses provide a high level of accuracy, but when coupled with a collimated light source, edge definition is increased.

Diffused backlights can generate unwanted border effects and create a “fake” image of the edge of a part.  Collimated backlights allow only parallel rays to pass by objects.  This setup would be setup like the diagram below.  

   
The result is very crisp edge definition as seen in the images below.  The left image is using a standard backlight in which light “wraps” around the cap.  The right images use a collimated back light providing excellent edge definition.










 

Images courteously of Opto Engineering!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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Fujinon introduces new HF-XA 5/3 Megapixel lens line

Fujinon’s new HF-XA lenses are optically 5MP in the center, 3 MP at the edges, but are priced at the same or less than competitors 2-3MP lenses.

Other 2-3MP lenses are rated only for their centers, in turn, as you get off axis the quality diminishes.  

Fuji’s lenses are 3MP at the edges and even higher at the center!











Features of the new Fujinon HF-XA Series include

  • Support up to 5 Megapixels in lens center, 3 Megapixel at edge. 
  • 2/3″ sensor format
  • Maintains edge to edge sharpness that fully resolves pixel pitches down to 4.4um
  • Compact and lightweight body with a diameter of 29.5mm.  Fits nicely with common 29mm cube cameras!
  • Designed for installation convenience – Three screw holes are provided on the iris and focus rings for affixing the lens in place.  When screwing down the lenses iris and focus rings in tight spaces, you can choose from those positions for greater installation convenience.  
Fujinon HF-XA main specifications as follows  –  Full data sheets can be found HERE







































Need help?   We’re here for you!

1st Vision has many resources to help you in selecting a lenses and cameras..or you can just contact us!   Here’s a few resources that can help you:

  • Blog – Our Blog posts continue to have new information and tutorials on lenses.  See the specific lens posts 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           

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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