RM-BR300
Seven cameras at one time. That is the amount of cameras Sony’s RM BR300 remote camera controller can control. Pan/Tilt/Zoom is all under control of the RM BR300’s easy to use interface and ergonomically designed joystick. Six preset camera lens positions can be programmed for immediate recall. The RM BR300 can control and adjust auto focus, white balance, the auto exposure feature and back light compensation. The Remote control features are carried out using the visca protocol. The controller can control 7 cameras in a daisy chain configuration.
RM BR300 specs:
Illumination
Today we will look into one of the lesser known subjects in the industrial imaging world, Illumination.
There are a couple of different factors that go into choosing the right illumination set-up. One of those factors is what type of light source to choose from. LED, halogen or fiber optic. Another factor is what type of light line you want and what type of fixture will be attached to the end.
Light sources are split into three types based on which type of bulbs they have. The first type is LED (light emitting diode) . LEDs are a great choice due to there longevity, durability and low heat output. Halogen is the tried and true light source that has been around the longest. Fiber optics is a top of the line bundle of glass fibers that transmit light very well. Most light sources and the light lines are fiber optic.
Light lines are what carries the light to the light fixture. One end plugs into the light source and the other into the fixtures. These cables are also fiber optic and split off into multiple leads for multiple angle lighting.
The light fixture is what plugs into the the light line on the opposite end from the light source. Light fixtures Come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your needs. They range from light rings to flat panel led bars. They also come in light panels which is exactly what it sounds like, a flexible panel of fiber optics the emit light .
So in order to have a complete light system you will need either a halogen, led or fiber optic light source which powers the whole system. After you have got a light source its time to pick out the right light line. When the time comes to choosing the right light line make sure you get a line with the same amount of leads you will be using. Unused or used leads still use the same LUX. After all of that it finally comes down to the fixture you need. This piece of the illumination system is dependent on what your application is. Close up single lens work will usually call for a light ring or panel where as a multi camera assembly line applications will call for a led light bar.
-BRADLEY FRY
Space shuttle Atlantis
The space shuttle Atlantis launched yesterday may 11th 2009 to make the final repairs to the 19 year old Hubble telescope. NASA says this is the most risky operation they have ever done and the most dangerous repair job they have ever attempted. This mission is so risky they have for the first time ever a second shuttle standing ready to rescue the 7 astronauts if something goes wrong.
With this being said NASA has doubled efforts to ensure the safety of the 7 astronauts by inspecting every inch of the shuttles hull. As it was leaving they checked for falling debris and while it is in orbit it is being checked constantly for damage. The Hubble sits in the most littered part of orbit, filled with space junk from older collapsing and crashed satellites. So when NASA does these checks of the vital parts that keeps there astronauts alive they rely on a camera that is small enough to fit into very compact places, bring them the highest quality images (it is hard to see falling debris on a blurred or fuzzy image), and is light. After all they cant load up the shuttle with thousands of pounds of cameras.
NASA relies on cameras like Sony’s XC-555. Small enough to deliver the image with crisp precise video and detail. Rugged enough to be placed a mere few feet from a Shuttle while it is launching and light enough to be placed on the actual shuttle Atlantis with out weighing it down.
The XC-555 is an integrated 1/2 inch type it CCD camera that will obtaine a video output signal while only using a 12V DC power supply. This camera is ultra compact and is built in one piece so no camera control units slowing it down. This camera can be placed anywhere and will get the job done and is a direct replacement for the XC-999 and 777a cameras.
Using cameras like the XC-555, NASA is able to get shots like these:
-BRADLEY FRY
Sony’s new GigE cameras
Sony is still on top of things in the camera technology field with the newest line to the industrial camera sector – the XCG GigE series. The XCG series cameras are GigE interface which is standard for machine vision applications, this technology uses a Ethernet cable to transfer signal and information.
This series will consist of four GigE cameras:
- XCG-V60E – 1/3-type PS CCD, VGA resolution at 90 fps
- XCG-SX97E- 2/3-type PS CCD, SXGA resolution at 16 fps
- XCG-U100E – 1/1.8-type PS CCD, UXGA resolution at 15 fps
- XCG-5005E – 2/3-type PS CCD, 5 Mega Pixel at 15 fps
These cameras are close to there counterparts in the XCD seris with similar features including bulk trigger mode and partial scanning function. The new features include IR wavelength coverage in the XCG-SX97E and 5 mega pixel resolution in the XCG-5005E. GigE technology is the solution to the problem large scale systems run into with transferring data over long distances. A cost effective option with an array of peripherals and availability makes GigE a clear option.
Some FEATURES
- VGA, SXGA, UXGA and 5 MP versions
- GigE Vision compliance (Ver 1.0)
- Variety of trigger modes
- Power on LED settings
- Sony Image Filter Dedicated Driver
- XML File (GenICam Compliance)
- Bulk Trigger Mode and Sequential Trigger Mode
- High Shock and Vibration Resistance
- Two connectors: RJ-45 (locking – 20mm pitch)
- EIAJ -12 pin (power, trigger-in, strobe-out, isolated digital I/O)
- Compact & Lightweight: 44 x 33 x 67.5 mm/ 145g.
GigE is a faster technology with more options and availability that make it a winning choice. GigE can transfer images up to 100 meters in length where as Firewire can only transfer a distance of 4.5 meters. GigE has a bandwidth of image transfer 200 mbps higher than Firewire and resend mechanism packet transfer.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- XCG-V60E XCG-SX97E XCG-U100E XCG-5005E
- Image Device 1/3-type 2/3-type 1/1.8-type 2/3-type
- Cell Size
- (H x V) 7.4 x 7.4 µm 6.45 x 6.45 µm 4.4 x 4.4 µm 3.45 x 3.45 µm
- Std. Picture
- Size (H x V) 640 x 480 1,360 x 1,024 1,600 x 1,200 2,448 x 2,048
- Std. Frame
- Rate 90 fps 16 fps 15 fps 15 fps
- Sensitivity –
- 0dB 400 lx at F5.6 400 lx at F8 400 lx at F5.6 400 lx at F5.6
- Power
- Consumption
- (Max) 3.1W 3.1W 3.1W 4.3W
- Operating
- Temperature -5 to +45 °C
- Storage
- Temperature -30 to +60°C
- Operating
- Humidity 20 to 80% (non-condensing)
- Storage
- Humidity 20 to 95% (non-condensing)
- Vibration
- Resistance 10G (20 to 200 Hz)
- Shock
- Resistance 70G
- Supported Cable
- Cat 5e or higher
These Cameras are perfect for a vast amount of applications including Security systems, any machine vision application, and Factory automation. They are versatile and filled with some of the latest technology and are definitely a top pick for anyone looking for a high-end camera.
-BRADLEY FRY
The ICONIX RCP-160: Staying in Control.
Six cameras at once with dedicated and assignable encoder knobs the ICONIX RCP-160 is about is good as it gets when it comes to controlling cameras. The Remote Control Panel is a rack mountable design built to control as many as six ICONIX remote camera heads. Touch screen GUI makes it easy to use all of the features such as camera lens motor control for zoom, focus, and iris movement. There is also a full camera point feature control.
RCP-160 Specifications
| Inputs/Outputs | |
| Camera control | Up to six (6) with EIA-485 |
| Camera | 9-pin D-sub connector: RS-232, EIA-485 |
| Tally | 15-pin D-sub connector: contact closure, open-drain style |
| Product Details | |
| Dimensions | 12.0VDC (9.0VDC min, 22.0 VDC max) |
| Weight | 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg |
| Power Consumption | 4W max. |
| Maximum Cable Length | 500 ft (150 m) RS-232 4000 ft (1200 m) EIA-485 |
Pixelink’s CCD Firewire camera
The Pixelink PL series of CCD Firewire cameras are designed for a broad range of industrial imaging applications. Pixelink pulled out all of the tricks for their PL-B955HF. With a Sony based ICX205 progressive scan CCD sensor The PL-B955HF will capture every bit of light with surreal detail. Packed into a rugged case this camera has 2 Firewire ports so it is truly Plug and Play capable, ready for operation with the host computer. External triggering is also an option for the PL-B955HF.
Flexibility isn’t a problem with this camera either, 2 general purpose outputs allow it to sync with processes and illumination devices. Another amazing feature about this Pixelink camera is the fact that it is able to be daisy chained with 62 other cameras using the dual 6-pin Firewire ports. The PL-B955HF also has user selectable 8 or 12 bit outputs and 2 9-pin micro d connections.
This camera is built to handle almost any machine vision application such as:
- Automated inspection
- Pcb and semiconductor inspection
- Container inspection
- Food and Lumber inspection
With the Software Developer’s Kit (SDK), PixeLINK supplies an extensive Application Programming Interface (API) and camera control Graphical User Interface (GUI) for fast and easy application development. This functionality includes several triggering and GPIO modes for quick and easy integration with strobed illumination and motion controllers. Included is an on-board user-programmable lookup table (LUT) applied in real time, on-board non-volatile memory for camera configuration. Some of the other user controllable camera settings are: gain, offset, frame rate, auto exposure, gamma, color balance and saturation. All of these features, plus many more, are available in PixeLINK’s free demonstration GUI. The SDK also includes wrappers for National Instruments LabVIEW versions 7.1, 8.0 and 8.2.
With that said the Pixelink PL-B955HF is a rugged machine vision camera that will deliver crisp images and cutting edge technology in any low light fast moving environment.
-BRADLEY FRY
USB
GigE, Firewire, and Camera Link cables have all been outdone. But it is not a new cable, it is the tried and true USB cable, still the preferred choice of the consumer. Why is this though? USB is a slower and older technology, right? Yes that is true, however, USB has maintained its popularity over the years due to price point and ease of use.
At a fraction of the cost of GigE, Firewire, and Cameralink, USB cables are a top choice that give great results without breaking the bank. Another thing USB has going for it is the fact that it is much less complex. USB is true plug and play technology. This means that set up is fast and all you need is a computer, the USB cable and a camera. Interface boards or extra expansion slot cards are not required reducing costs even further.
In today’s economy price and simplicity is everything, which is why USB systems give companies with little or no budget viable solutions to their problems.
FEATURES: STC-TB152USB
| Signal Format | SXGA Monochrome | |
| Image Sensor: | 1/2” CCD | |
| Minimum Frame Rate: | ||
|
Full Scan
|
19.26 fps | |
|
1/2 Partial Scan
|
38.52 fps | |
|
1/4 Partial Scan
|
77.04 fps | |
| Total Picture Element: | 1434(H) x 1050(V) | |
| Effective Picture Element: | 1392(H) x 1040(V) | |
| Active Picture Element: | ||
|
Full Scan
|
1280(H) x 1024(V) | |
|
1/2 Partial Scan
|
1280(H) x 476(V) | |
|
1/4 Partial Scan
|
1280(H) x 184(V) | |
| Chip Size: | 7.60 (H) x 6.20 (V) mm | |
| Cell Size: | 4.65 (H) x 4.65 (V) µm | |
| Pixel Clock Frequency: | 36.818MHz | |
| Scanning Method: | Full, Partial scanning (1/2, 1/4), Variable | |
| Sync System: | Internal Sync | |
| Scanning System: | Progressive | |
| Shutter Speed: | Auto / Manual (Software Selectable) | |
| Minimum Illumination: | Lux at F1.2 | |
| Gain: | Auto / Manual (Software Selectable) | |
| Gamma: | Manual (Software Selectable) | |
| Lens Mount: | C Mount | |
| White Balance: | Auto / Manual / One-shot | |
| Video Output: | USB 2.0 High Speed | |
| Shock and Vibration: | Vibration: 10G (20 to 200Hz)
Shock: 70G (3 Directions, 3 Times Each) |
|
| Power: | ||
|
Input Voltage
|
+5 V through USB port | |
|
Consumption
|
< 500mA | |
| Temperature: | ||
|
Operating
|
0°C ~ 40°C (32F° ~ 104°F) | |
|
Storage
|
-30°C ~ 65°C (-29°C ~ 149°C) | |
| Dimensions: | 51 (W) x 51 (H) x 44.3 (D) mm (2” x 2” x 1.74”) | |
| Weight: | Approximately 145g (55.114oz) | |
Some of the ways USB cameras are used:
As in some of my latest blogs show the field of Microscopy is going digital. This digital transition has left the field wanting cheap and easy to use solutions. USB cameras have delivered just that, an easy to use cheap solution with adaptable cameras that fit into eyepieces or whole new microscopes with built in screens.
So as you can see if you are wanting a cheap easy solution USB is still used and is still the clear choice of many consumers in the field of industrial imaging.
-BRADLEY FRY
HOLLYWOOD CAMS:ICONIX HD-RH1
Camera operators from Reebok, Knight Rider, ESPN, CSI, mini series The Kill Point, VH1, Oceans 13, National Gepgraphic and Dirty jobs are just some of the projects that use Iconix cameras when shooting in tight spots. Iconix is the maker of the revolutionary HD -RH1, an ultra small camerahead with 2048×1080 resolution in a package that weighs less that 2 1/2 ounces.
The HD-RH1 is a multiple format camera in a small package ideal for numerous applications including cinematography.
| “You can stick the Iconix almost anywhere. It’s so small, so light, that you can rig it to almost anything—from actors to cars to bicycles. Now that I know how well the Iconix works, I consider it a part of my arsenal, another color on my palette. It opens the way for me to introduce other ideas to directors while I’m shooting and it helps me design shots when I’m directing. Because of its small size, there are fewer limitations on how we can use it.” Michael Slovis, DP, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |
The Iconix camera is also ideal for stereoscopic 3d applications such as IMAX films. It is small enough to be put almost anywhere for the best P.O.V. shots on a helmet or under a car these cameras seem to suited for anything anyone would want to do with a normal HD camera but couldn’t because of size restrictions. The Iconix HD-RH1 was actually ran over during the filming of Knight Rider. Here Jamie Barber explains,
“The driving shots could only be accomplished with the Iconix, and the film would not have turned out the way it did without it. The camera is so small that I was able to put it in places where I wouldn’t have been able to put an ordinary camera without a lot more time and effort. There was one shot where the car runs literally right over the camera, right down the middle of the street. Using black paper tape, I taped the camera to the road, ran the cable, and then had the car run over it at high speed. There was maybe a half-inch clearance over the camera—there’s no other high def camera I could have done that with.”.
The Iconix cameras are not just for cinematography. Small camera heads like these have been used in applications including assembly lines, inspection stations, reality T.V. and sports. This camera will fit just about anywhere and with 2k resolution bring you a crisp clear image.
FEATURES:
-BRADLEY FRY
- Image Sensor
- Optical System
- Limiting Resolution
- Lens Mount
- Scanning System
2K x 1080sF: 30, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98
1080p: 60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98
1080sF: 30, 29.97, 25, 24,23.98
1080i: 60, 59.94, 50
720p: 60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.98
30n60, 29.97n59.94, 25n50, 24n60, 23.98n59.94
576i: 50
480i: 59.94
- Sensitivity
- Signal/Noise Ratio
- Quantization
- Gamma
- White Balance
- Black Balance
- Gain
- Electronic Shutter
- Scene File
- Output Signals
BNC x2,
Fiber Optic x2:
Two Single Link 4:2:2
Dual Link 4:4:4: RGB
Dual Link 4:4:4 YCbCr
Dual Link 4:2:2 YCbCr for 1080p: 60, 59.94, 50
- Analog Video
Sync on Y/G or YPbPr/RGB
- DVI-I
- Input Signals
HD-SDI & SD-SDI: BNC x1 (SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 259M)
Fiber Optic: HD or SD with SFP transceiver or receiver module
Analog: Tri-Level (HD) or Bi-Level Sync (SD)
Remote-Control: RS-232, EIA-485
- Power Requirements
- Weight
Controller: 4.4lbs (2.0kg)
- Dimensions
Controller: 8.35”W x 1.72”H x 12”D (212×44x305mm)
- Tripod Mount
- Fiber Optic Receptacle
Tx, dual/single Rx** or transceiver (1 Tx and 1 Rx)
DO YOU REALLY GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR?
I know in the last blog i said something along the lines of “price is everything”. Well in a way i lied. Price is not everything but is one of the most important factors along with quality, functionality and overall value of a product. That’s why in this blog i wanted to go over consumer cameras in comparison to industrial cameras.
•The first thing we will look at is durability. Average consumer cameras just cant hold there own in this category. Built to withstand 24/7 operation in extreme heat or cold where as the 30 dollar consumer camera would melt , freeze or just stop working. The industrial camera will also withstand the most arid deserts to the most humid places on earth. Industrial housings are able to take a barrage of vandalism, rain, sleet, snow, blizzards, dust storms, extreme sun, heat, they are fire resistant , water proof and mounted high have risk of exposure to lightning they are also shock and vibration resistant so they can be mounted in or on cars, trucks, planes,on helmets and dirt bikes for P.O.V. (Point of View) shots. Looks like industrial cameras and there housings have most things beat in the durability category.
At extreme depths under water
near fire
•Secondly we are going to look at there life spans. Industrial cameras are clearly going to last longer that your average consumer camera but how much longer you ask? Average is 4x longer than the consumer camera. You cant expect the consumer cam to last anywhere as long aa the industrial.
•Technical support may or may not be a big deciding factor but take into consideration the lower quality the camera is the more vague operating instructions will become. Not only do high end industrial cameras come with the instructions that are packed with info they have the technical support so you always have some one there to help with set up.
•Last but not least is price. Price is the one category where the average consumer camera will beat the industrial camera. the average consumer cam can range 20 dollars to 1000 dollars . Industrial cams and range anywhere from 300 dollars to 50 thousand. but just like the age old saying goes. You get what you pay for right?
NISSAN’S CMOS SOLUTION
Nissan’s Around View Monitor technology uses 4 CMOS cameras strategically placed around the vehicle creating an Aeriel view type image on a screen in the dash. Why is this odd? CMOS. CMOS until now was thought of as a camera only used in stationary perfect condition applications. Now it is being used in moving all types of lighting applications. So now lets look into the actual system how it works and if it works?
So what is Around View Monitor ( AVM for short) technology? AVM is 4 cameras place in the cars blind spots. The technical team at Nissan put together stats to figure out where the blind spots are. Cameras mounted on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle put together a synthesised image that pops up onto the dashboard to ease parking and backing out worries.
Now what else could this AVM technology be used for? Pair this with a GPS system (which most cars come with now) and this turns into a great tool for insurance companies and police to investigate causes of crashes much like the cameras on Phoenix’s Metro Light Rail system which has been used in over 12 accidents (Can be seen here). Pair this system with the vehicles factory alarm and you have just set up a motion sensor parameter around the car when it is off. So as you can see CMOS is ever changing and so is the applications it can be used in.
-BRADLEY FRY
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