Learn how liquid lenses keep continuous focus on machine vision cameras when the working distance changes.

Optotune focus tunable lenses
Optotune lenses
Optotune lenses

Optotune lenses solve a machine vision industry problem! 

IDS Imaging camera with Optotune lens

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Machine Vision applications requiring the inspection of objects at various heights can become a challenge as normal lens have limited depth of field.  Objects outside of the depth of field become out of focus, limiting the vision application.  Historically, a lens with motorized focus adjustment would be implemented adding complexity, cost and long cycle times.  In reality, this challenge is applicable to any imaging application requiring refocusing due to various lens working distances.

Optotune Focus tuneable lenses solves this problem eliminating motorized zoom lenses or manual intervention.

Click here NOW for full detail specifications on tunable lenses

Adding an Optotune tunable liquid lens to the optical system on a standard C-mount lens and camera, allows refocusing of the imaging system on the fly.   When used in conjunction with distance sensors, its possible to  inspect objects of various heights, refocusing within 15 milli-seconds.

For example, vision systems using 8mm to 50mm focal length lenses can be equipped with a tuneable lens in the front, typically mounted on the filter thread.  In this configuration it is possible to focus from infinity down to about 100mm  or less if spacers are added.

This solution can be applied to industrial machine vision applications, ophthalmology, laser, microscopy, postal, packaging and laser applications to name a few.

Contact 1stVision for a quote on Optotunes Tunable lenses

Technology 411
 Optotune’s focus tunable lenses are shape-changing lenses based on a combination of optical fluids and a polymer membrane. The core element consists of a container, which is filled with an optical liquid and sealed off with a thin, elastic polymer membrane. A circular ring that pushes onto the center of the membrane shapes the tunable lens. The deflection of the membrane and with that the radius of the lens can be changed by pushing the ring towards the membrane or by exerting a pressure to the outer part of the membrane or by pumping liquid into or out of the container.
Watch this video to see the Optotune liquid lens in action

Advantages

A change in lens radius of several micrometers can have the same optical effect as moving the entire lens several centimeters. In turn there are several advantages

  • Optical systems can be designed more compact, oftentimes with less lenses and usually with less or no translational movement.
  • Large working distance ranges can be achieved
  • Eliminate expensive mechanical actuators resulting in a more robust design, which can be completely closed so that no dust can enter.  Essentially no moving parts for long life cycles (> 1B cycles)
  • Weight and volume is reduced in the system.
  • Low power consumption.
  • Fast response time of systems, down to the order of milliseconds.
  • Easy installation and remote focus control
  • Advanced controls for very accurate and repeatable control of the lens using Gardasofts TR-CL180 controllers

Want to know more?  Download Optotunes comprehensive white paper here 

This white paper will review the overall principles of tunable lenses, response times, wavefront quality, drive methods, and applications.

Contact 1stVision for a quote on Optotunes lenses and discuss an overall solution with cameras, lenses and lighting if required. 

UPDATE:  Video showing some great demo’s from the Stuttgart Vision show in 2018

71MP camera now with support for Cognex priced below $10K!

71 Megapixels just got even more attractive! 

The Crowley Company has lowered the price to $9,995 for the MACHCAM industrial camera and has implemented several improvements.

Now with support for Cognex Vision Pro, this makes this camera an excellent candidate for machine vision applications requiring ultra-high resolution.

Contact us for pricing now!

For high resolution applications that required multiple cameras, you can now replace them with a single camera!

Applications include aerial surveillance, metrology, document scanning, quality control inspection & medical research to name a few.

The following enhancements have been made to the MACHCAM 71 Megapixel camera.

  • Price, Price, Price!!!   – With pricing below $10K, this truly is the lowest price per pixel now on the market!
  • Cognex Vision Pro capable / USB3 compatible – Software is now released to be compliant with Cognex Vision Pro software and other key industry 3rd party vision packages.
  • Continual improvement to noise reduction –  Noise reduction has been significantly reduced via software improvements
  • Real-time pixel correction has been implemented in the software to enhance image clarity.
  • Internal fan option  Fan options available for active cooling.
  • Color calibration creation – It’s critical to represent accurate color when capturing color images.  To accommodate this, MACHCAM users are provided with procedures to calibrate color based on the camera’s physical environment.  Additionally, The Crowley Company is offering color consultation services to help identify and correct for environmental issues (lighting, stability, etc.).   This is very important in document scanning when considering the camera for FADGI compliance.

Click here now for full camera specifications 

Key features of this camera include

  • Ultra High resolution, 71 MP @ 3 fps using the CMOSIS CHR70M image sensor
  • Small camera case for the sensor size (83 x 83 x 63.5mm ) for easy integration.
  • USB3.0 compatible / Cognex Vision Pro capable
  • Pleora Software development kit (SDK)
  • F-mount standard
  •  Available in color and monochrome.
  •  Meets NARA, FADGI and Metamorfoze image guidelines for document imaging

UPDATE Jan 1, 2019 – Crowley MACHCAM 71MP Camera VIDEO to Outline key features

https://youtu.be/Uvr06VcqxCA

1stVisions sales engineers have 25+ years of experience in the industrial imaging market.  Contact us to discuss your application. 

Lenses for large format cameras can also be a challenge to select.  Click here now to read about considerations in lens selection for large format image sensors / cameras. 

Popular Sony Pregius Image sensors expand camera lines with 3.1MP and 5MP resolutions – Download the comparison chart!

Sony’s popular Pregius (IMX) image sensors have expanded the camera offering with 3.1MP and 5MP resolutions.

This sensor has continued to impress us with high dynamic range, low noise and excellent sensitivity.   (Learn more on this image sensor here ) 

As debuted in the 2.3MP, IMX174 and IMX249 sensors, the image sensors are released with slow and fast versions of a given resolution.  This directly translates to lower and higher cost cameras within a given resolution.  In cases where you do not need speed, you can benefit from the great performance without paying a premium for speed.  Speed is there if desired, but at a small premium.     

This has provides camera manufacturers a nice price vs performance offering covering various resolutions… and the offering will continue to expand.   

 


Having a hard time keeping up with all the new sensor models?  So are we!

1stVision has created a document to help review the Sony Pregius sensors at a glance.

Resolution, sensor format, frame rate are included along with data for comparison.  

 



 We will continue to update this document as new camera lines are added!  Stay tuned.



Want to learn more?  Additional resources can be found below.  Our sales engineers are extremely knowledgeable on these sensors, associated cameras and accessories.  


Need help?  Contact us to help you make the right selection!


Resources

Learn more about the Sony Pregius Image sensors
Battle of the Image Sensors – Sony IMX174 Vs CMOSIS CMV2000

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             

What can the new low cost AVT GoldEye Short Wave Infrared ( SWIR ) camera do for you?

Allied Vision Goldeye cameras with InGaAs sensor technology enables you to see further into the infrared spectral range than classic CCD / CMOS cameras.  Due to the cameras high sensitivity in the Short Wave InfraRed (SWIR) range of 900-1700 nm, new applications become possible.








What applications can be solved with SWIR?

SWIR cameras help provide contrast and emphasize features in various applications due to the nature of the wavelengths.  Applications ranging from agricultural (food), textile, semiconductor and surveillance, allows the ability to see through materials that are opaque to the eye with SWIR.

Several models are available to help solve these applications.   

Goldeye cameras are now available with Camera link interfaces in addition to GigE and are low cost!    Contact us for a quote!

The following are a few examples of Short Wave InfraRed (SWIR ) applications:


Solar Cell Inspection

Light emitted by silicon in solar cells peak at 1150nm and are impossible to detect using normal CCD/CMOS cameras.  


Using SWIR cameras, luminescent imaging helps identify non uniformities at 1150nm  



Semiconductor Inspection 

At wavelengths above 1100 nm silicon becomes transparent.


In turn, SWIR cameras are perfect for analyzing metallization and electrical contact errors on the backside of wafers.  



Courtesy of NASA

Surveillance Applications

SWIR cameras minimize fog and smoke in surveillance applications allowing scenes not present in the visible realm to be seen.  





Other applications include:  Airborne Remote sensing (UAV’s), Food inspection, Moisture Detection, Glass production, Recycling, Scientific & Medical Hyper-spectral imaging, Vision Enhancement and more..    

 


Goldeye Short Wave InfraRed cameras now available with Camera LInk and GigE

Allied Vision has now released the new low cost Goldeye G-008 camera in Camera Link creating a comprehensive family of SWIR cameras. 

Models now available include the following: 




Camera Highlights

  • High frame rates at multiple resolutions

  • Camera link or GigE Vision Interface
  • Comprehensive I/O Control options
  • Automated on board image correction
  • Stabilized sensor cooling, no fan
  • Extended operating temperature range
  • ROI Setting for frame rate and data rate control
  • High analog gain mode to increase sensitivity



Data sheets and additional information for all SWIR camera’s can be found HERE. 


UPDATE:  Allied Vision has provide a video detailing SWIR Technology.  
Watch the video below



Curious on what a low cost SWIR camera can do for you?  Contact us to discuss your application and discuss a possible demo!   We can test your application in our lab!

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