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.

Teledyne Dalsa Imaging – New Technology Showcase 2020

Teledyne Dalsa

A must-attend Virtual Event! Join us for all 6 Industrial Imaging Technology Sessions

While the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of trade shows and conferences across the world, we have learned to adapt in keeping up to date on new technologies for industrial machine vision and imaging. The engineering team at Teledyne Dalsa has continued to develop innovative imaging solutions during the pandemic. The team has developed dozens of new imaging components, which are driving advances in industrial machine vision, including machine learning and AI; extremely high-resolution and high-speed imaging; 3D sensing and multi-spectral imaging to name a few. Please join us for this multi-session, virtual event to learn more about the latest innovative imaging solutions.

Agenda Overview: Sign up for one, or all six of the various sessions

Tuesday November 17, 2020 9:00 AM (ET) – Clarity at High Speed – Performance Imaging
Tuesday November 17, 2020, 10:30 AM (ET) – Connection is everything – Camera/Data Interfaces
Wednesday November 18, 2020, 9:00 AM (ET) – AI & Embedded Vision – Driving System Innovation
Wednesday November 18, 2020, 10:30 AM (ET) – New Advances in 3D Sensing
Thursday November 19, 2020, 9:00 AM (ET) – Beyond Sight! Non-Visible and Multi-Spectral Imaging
Thursday November 19, 2020, 10:30 AM (ET) – Evolving CMOS Sensor Technology

UPDATE: Video’s are now on demand!

Clarity at High Speed – Performance Imaging
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – 9:00AM (ET)

Connection is Everything – Camera/Data Interfaces
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – 10:30AM (ET)

AI & Embedded Vision – Driving System Innovation
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 – 9:00AM (ET)

New Advances in 3D Sensing
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 – 10:30AM (ET)

Beyond Sight! – Non-Visible and Multi-Spectral Imaging
Thursday, November 19, 2020 – 9:00AM (ET)

Evolving CMOS Sensor Technology
Thursday, November 19, 2020 – 10:30AM (ET)

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 is the largest distributor in North America for Teledyne Dalsa Imaging products. Contact us to discuss your application with our experienced technical advisorsCLICK HERE Full Data sheets on Dalsa product can be found HERE

InfraRed (LWIR) Imaging used for fever screening

Teledyne Dalsa Calibir LWIR camera

Long Wave Infra Red (LWIR) cameras have been used for industrial applications to detect infrared light in the 8-14um wavelength region. This infrared light is invisible radiant energy that we experience as heat but can not see.   Applications for LWIR cameras continues to expand past industrial applications now entering into medical markets such as fever screening.

Teledyne Dalsa has expanded the Calibir LWIR camera series introducing the latest Calibir GXM model now with radiometric capabilities. With outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Covid 19, LWIR cameras can be used for fever screening by detecting elevated skin temperatures. Using optics, the cameras provide the ability to take the temperature of individuals keeping save distances between patients and medical practitioners.

Click HERE for a quote on the Calibir GXM LWIR camera

All cameras are factory-calibrated for reliable radiometric performance, have outstanding dynamic range and allow the best possible NETD over a vast range of temperature (>600C). . Coupled with many features such as multiple ROI, color maps, LUTs and the ability to sync and trigger multiple cameras, makes the Calbir GXM a good solution for many thermal imaging applications.

Image threshold
Example: Thresholding with Look Up Table (LUT) allows the Calibir GXM to mark certain temperatures with color while leaving the rest in monochrome.

Download the full Application note from Teledyne Dalsa HERE: “Thermal Imaging technology for fever screening”

Full specifications on Teledyne Dalsa LWIR cameras can be found HERE

Watch this 1 minute overview video

Need a full turnkey “Fever Detection System”? Contact our partners at Integro Technology. Click here to learn more

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

Previous related blogs:

Learn about Thermal Imaging – Problems solved with Dalsa’s new LWIR Calibir camera!

1stVision acquired by Next Imaging

We are excited to announce that 1stVision has been acquired by Next Imaging as of February 7, 2020. We will be doing business as 1stVision, Inc. keeping our well-known presence in the imaging market for the foreseeable future and continuing to serve the North American Market at the highest level.  Industry veteran Mike Troiano [has joined us to expand our presence and knowledge.

Next Imaging also owns Image S SpA, the largest imaging distributor in Italy.  Next Imaging’s focus is to build a strategic platform for imaging distribution in the American and European markets.  Together we are the only distribution partner in the world to service both North America and Europe for many of our principals.  

We have helped deploy nearly 100 systems since early March for the detection of COVID-19 and for diagnostic systems to help patients recover.  Global suppliers have supported us with lead times in as short as 4 business days for products that normally take 4-8 weeks in our fight.  As the North American market’s largest supplier of imaging components, we have been sited by several of the world’s top healthcare organizations as a key partner and an essential supplier during this time.  We remain open for business Monday through Friday 8-4PM EST.

During the difficult time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to a bright future supporting our existing and new customers for medical, industrial and emerging imaging applications.

1stVision’s team of experts have nearly 200 years of combined experience providing a high level of technical know-how.  With a large portfolio of cameras, lensescablesNIC cards and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution! Freel free to contact us for immediate technical assistnace HERE