Field proven design and CXP interface offer high-performance image capture solution At Vision 2011, Matrox Imaging announced the Matrox Radient eV-CXP, a cost-effective CoaXPress (CXP) frame grabber derived from the original Matrox Radient family. By combining a field proven design with the new CXP interface, the Matrox Radient eV-CXP offers a dependable high-performance image capture solution.

The Matrox Radient eV-CXP provides four independent CXP links through the required BNC connectors. This allows for simultaneous capture from up to four cameras each running at different CXP speeds. For high-bandwidth applications, the frame grabber can also capture from a single camera transmitting image data at up to 25 Gbps using link aggregation

November 8, 2011, Stuttgart, Germany — At Vision 2011, Matrox Imaging is announcing enhancements to the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) 9, a software development toolkit for image analysis, machine vision, medical imaging, and video analytics. These enhancements include improvements to code reading and verification, GPU-based processing, and GenICam™ support.

For More information please readthe full press release located on our website:
www.matrox.com/imaging/en/press/releases

Who would have thought it - Robots being responsible for job creation? It has been demonstrated repeatedly that automation and robotics increase productivity and efficiency and growth. The Automating Manufacturing Programme, funded by Government aims to increase the competitiveness of UK manufacturing, which will create growth and in turn result in greater employment.

The latest study conducted by the market research firm, Metra Martech Positive Impact of Industrial Robots on Employment published recently by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) in Tokyo, demonstrates that 3 million jobs have been directly created in recent years by the use of robots and a further 1 million positions estimated globally by 2016.

Omron has introduced a new vision sensor developed specifically to meet the needs of pick and place applications. Highly compact, and with a processing speed of 5000 pieces per minute even with full 360 degree rotation, the new FQ-M vision sensor comes with Ethernet and EtherCAT embedded for ease of integration into any environment, and includes an incremental encoder for easy tracking and calibration. Providing smart camera guidance for dynamic pick-and-place robots, the FQ-M is easily configured using Omron's Sysmac Studio software, and is complemented by the palm-sized TouchFinder console for local monitoring and access to functions and settings.

Multipix launch the new COBRA™ Flex from ProPhotonix, designed for high-speed linescan and web inspection where installation space is restricted. This innovative new product offers the high performance of our COBRA Slim product in a more compact package. Control electronics are housed separately achieving a much more compact module. With ‘chip-on-board’ technology Cobra FLEX is extremely bright with high uniformity.

A number of mounting options are available to allow for maximum flexibility and the modular nature of the product means that it is available in any length up to 5metres. UV, Visible & IR wavelengths are available along with a wide range of optical options to ensure the optimum illumination for your application. Additional options include strobing function and onboard Ethernet control.

Image processing specialist FRAMOS, announces the new USB3.0 Super-Speed Interface for  the Visiosens VFU Camera Platform enabling data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.

The Visiosens platform concept provides a single highly sophisticated software interface for all your cameras in all your applications, including specifically customised devices. The table below shows the range cameras with their respective USB interfaces and frame rates.

The newly extended VF camera series is available now and is much more than just a range of cameras; it is a highly flexible and customisable image capture platform with more than 140 camera variants per image sensor.

Lambda Photometrics are proud to release the latest generation of VeriSens vision sensors from Baumer, who sets new standards of operating simplicity and dependability. Three new ranges of VeriSens® provide optimal solutions for various applications in automation systems.

Cognex Corporation, the world's leading supplier of machine vision systems, has announced Linux support for the Cognex Vision Library (CVL), the world’s best-selling machine vision toolset. “This will open new markets for our products, so that machine builders using Linux platforms will have access to the same Cognex machine vision tools that have been available for years to our OEMs on Microsoft Windows®,” said Dr. Markku Jaaskelainen, Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Vision Software. “With Linux, they can obtain more predictable performance in critical machine control applications. It also offers them greater ability to manage operating system patches and upgrades for end customers who insist on Copy Exactly! procedures.”

Cognex Corporation has introduced a line of new position tools, coloured lighting and filters, and a new sensor model, Checker® 4G7X, to expand the practical applications of its Checker 4G line of machine vision sensors.

Checker now offers a new pattern-based position tool that supports 360-degree rotation to verify object location regardless of its position on the production line. Other new position tools integrated into Checker perform a variety of other important applications such as inspecting cap height and skew, label position, fill level, web position, and component placement.

The UKIVA (UK Industrial Vision Association) and EMVA (European Machine Vision Association) have jointly recognised the contribution made to the vision industry by the late Don Braggins. They chose the occasion of the recent VISION Show in Stuttgart to present Don's widow, Anne, with a gift for her garden. The timing was particularly appropriate as Don had attended every VISION show up to and including 2009 and had been a regular member of the jury for the VISION Award.

UKIVA Chairman, Mark Williamson praised Don’s foresight in seeing the potential of industrial vision back in 1983 when he left Cambridge Instruments to set up his company, “Machine Vision Consultancy”. Mark said: “Don was absolutely passionate about the subject and resolute about promoting its capability and technologies throughout industry. It was no surprise that his company was one of the founder members of the UKIVA in 1992 and that he went on to champion the Association until 2009, before overseeing the transition to a special interest group of the PPMA. He probably did more for the vision industry than any other individual.”

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer the new Prosilica GX3300 camera from AVT. The GX3300 combines 8 Mpixel resolution with high speed (240MB/s) data transfer and a frame rate of 17 fps at full resolution, meaning that it is no longer necessary to compromise resolution for speed. Supplied complete with a rich set of smart features, the GX3300 is ideally suited to a range of machine vision applications.

The GX3300 features the new quad-tap Kodak KAI-08050 CCD progressive scan sensor which provides exceptional image quality, high sensitivity and dynamic range, improved anti-blooming and reduced smear. Dividing the sensor into a four quadrant parallel readout allows this device to support an impressive 17 fps at 8 MP.  The GX3300 is equipped with an F-mount to make full use of the 4/3” optical format and is compatible with a wide-range of high quality commercial and industrial lenses.  

Multipix brings new CameraLink framegrabbers technology from Euresys, ECCO. ECCO stands for “Extended Camera Link Cable Operation”.

This new feature allows Grablink Full, Dual Base and Base to go far beyond the Camera Link specifications in terms of speed and/or cable length. Depending on the clock frequency and the quality of the cable, ECCO allows the new Grablink boards to operate with cable lengths in excess of 30% further, compared to those specified by the Camera Link standard, and those achievable by a “conventional” implementation of the standard.

This additional 30% cable length between the camera and the PC is available with the Grablink Full, DualBase and Base at no additional cost! Contact Multipix to evaluate these boards.

STEMMER IMAGING has made a donation of £1495 to EDT, after pledging to make a contribution for every response received to an independently commissioned, confidential customer satisfaction survey. STEMMER IMAGING is the UK's largest independent supplier of vision technology and services to industrial and scientific OEMs, system Integrators and reseller markets and EDT is the largest provider of science, technology, engineering and mathematics enrichment activities for UK youth.

Mark Williamson, Director – Corporate Market Development at STEMMER IMAGING, said: "STEMMER IMAGING has always considered training and education to be extremely important. Our success is linked to finding the best staff who work closely with competent and motivated engineers on customer projects. Machine vision is an exciting area of engineering which is playing an ever-increasing role in people's lives. More and more products in a host of industries are inspected using machine vision technology right the way through the production process to final labelling and packaging. It is essential for continued development in this important field that the country maintains a strong output of engineers and EDT does excellent work in encouraging young people to pursue an interest in engineering-related subjects, I am pleased that STEMMER IMAGING is able to play a small part in motivating more young people into our exciting profession".

STEMMER IMAGING can now provide system developers with specialized monochrome and colour cameras which can provide ultra-high resolution yet use standard lens technology. Measuring just 55 x 55 x 84.5 mm, the CVC Ultra 125MP CL monochrome and CVC Ultra 45MP CL colour cameras offer a resolution of up to 125 and 45 million pixels respectively using pixel shift technology. Applications that benefit from this exceptional performance include all types of surface analysis, the inspection of printed circuit boards, documentation tasks and many scientific applications.

Since the camera is based on a 5 Mpixel image sensor, it can be used in conjunction with a 5 Mpixel lens even in ultra-high resolution mode. There is no need for ultra-high resolution lens optics. The ultra-high imaging resolution is achieved by using a piezo element to shift the sensor by fractions of a pixel both horizontally and vertically in quick succession. This allows a sequence of images to be captured which are then interpolated into the high resolution image on a host PC. 

Olmec-UK, a leading vision systems integrator in the healthcare, food and pharmaceutical sectors, has successfully implemented a custom designed high speed in-line code reading system to meet the track and trace code reading requirements for CIP13, now mandatory in France. The system, fully integrated into the control system at a leading healthcare manufacturer, provides 100% reading and verification of codes on cartons and is capable of read rates up to 1200 cartons/min.

Since January 1st 2011 all pharmaceutical products distributed in France are required to conform to French CIP13. This means they must have an ECC200 Data Matrix barcode that incorporates the CIP13 code, a batch number, expiration date and human readable text.  

These systems are used by flat panel display, communications, and scientific companies worldwide as part of their R&D and manufacturing quality control processes. Originally founded in 1991 ELDIM is located in Herouville Saint Clair, France; in 2 buildings of 1000 square meter each including a large clean room for optical system assembly.

For internal needs, ELDIM manufactures optics in the visible range in all forms but cylinders and free-forms. For customers, ELDIM's core business is focused on manufacturing spheres, aspheres and windows up to 150-200mm diameter, in both visible and IR ranges; proprietary processes have led to the development of an impressive capability for processing silicon, germanium or ZNS windows. ELDIM also manufactures square and spherical lenses up to 800mm.

The 4th edition of STEMMER IMAGING's extremely popular Imaging & Vision handbook is available. Packed with over 50% more pages than Issue 3, and including improved technical overviews and easier to use selection guides.

The handbook is an extremely useful guide to machine vision. The comprehensive ‘technology overviews’ featured in each section not only explain clearly how the products work, but also show how they can best be applied in vision systems. In addition to the updated technical overviews, the sections on cables and systems have been significantly expanded, while infrared cameras have been included for the first time.

For your free* copy, please register your details on our website here.

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer the BOA Pro smart camera from Teledyne DALSA. This new camera combines the robustness of the BOA hardware with the flexibility of the Sherlock inspection software to provide an extraordinarily versatile industrial vision solution for a host of applications.

Key to the BOA Pro performance is the versatility of the Sherlock software, which offers machine vision system professionals extensive tools and capabilities for design, development, debugging, and user administration. Sherlock's extensive library of instructions, preprocessors and advanced algorithms can be combined in a variety of ways to solve simple or very demanding tasks. Maximum design flexibility is provided to allow users to customize algorithms, construct scripts and develop operator interfaces that best suit their factory environment. 

The FLIR A series can keep watch on your production site with their infrared eye trained to spot anything that is incorrect. Spoting abnormalities before they become a serious, costly and potentially life threatening failure.

The fixed mounted FLIR A310 can be installed almost anywhere to monitor your critical equipment and other valuable assets. Safeguarding your plant and measuring temperature differences to assess the criticality of the situation can prevent costly failures, downtime and enhance worker safety.  The FLIR A-Series thermal imaging cameras are Plug&Play devices that can work together with  third party Machine Vision Imaging software, such as, MVTec’s HALCON.

Looking for a demonstration? Contact MultiPix today.

Zemetrics, Inc., a Zygo Corporation company, introduces the ZeGage™ non-contact optical profiler for quantitative shop floor measurements of 3D form and roughness on precision machined surfaces. The ZeGage profiler eliminates the need for vibration isolation or specialized enclosures, resulting in footprint reduction, cost savings and increased ease of use. The industry-ready design produces fast, accurate metrology in a compact, cost-effective package.

National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) has announced the latest version of its NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite software, which provides a comprehensive collection of analysis and signal processing tools for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) testing, machine condition monitoring (MCM) and audio test applications. Engineers can use the suite as stand-alone software or combine it with NI hardware and NI LabVIEW system design software to greatly simplify test system development and control. With its new vibration data-logging functionality and other enhancements, the Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite 2011 helps engineers to more easily customise and automate any MCM or NVH test or monitoring application.

NI LabVIEW FPGA-Powered Frame Grabber and Motion Drive Help Engineers Create Custom Inspection and Machine Control Solutions

National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) has introduced two new additions to its popular NI reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology including a reconfigurable Camera Link frame grabber for demanding embedded vision applications and a motion module for the NI CompactRIO platform. The NI PCIe-1473R frame grabber is a PC-based embedded vision board that combines field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology with a Camera Link interface to help engineers create high-performance embedded imaging and inspection applications. The NI 9502 brushless servo drive C Series module makes it possible for engineers to drive brushless servo motors, including six new custom NI motor options, directly from the reconfigurable CompactRIO system to address advanced motion control challenges.

STEMMER IMAGING has announced the availability of a new, economical and compact lighting system from Volpi. The IntraLED 3 is characterised by its excellent light intensity, very good homogeneity values and long service life.

The IntraLED 3 LED light source features a light intensity of over 500 lumens, more than 30% greater than the previous IntraLED 2020+ model. The typical colour temperature is 6000 degrees Kelvin. This excellent performance, combined with a service life of 50,000 hours and low running costs, makes the IntraLED 3 a very attractive alternative to 100 or 150 watt halogen light sources for machine vision applications.

New Cameras Deliver Colour and High-Resolution Options, IP67 Rating for Rugged Applications, and Increased Performance Using Intel® Atom™ Processor

Oct. 20, 2011 – National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI) has announced it is expanding its NI Smart Camera family of products by introducing seven new models, including colour and high-resolution options. The new NI 177x Smart Cameras feature a 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor for increased processing power and an IP67 rating to protect the hardware from dust and water, making the cameras ideal for industrial inspection applications that require high-performance in a rugged form factor. Additionally, the cameras have a real-time operating system to deliver the reliability and determinism needed on a production floor.

SICK (UK) is launching the miniature TiM300 series laser scanner for a wide range of industrial automation, collision-protection and security duties where high performance detection must be combined with maximum reliability.

Although the rugged, metal-housed sensor is only tennis-ball sized, the SICK TiM300 is based on the same time-of-flight infra-red scanning technology as SICK’s highly regarded LMS series of long range laser scanners. The TiM300 also has easy-to-use Zonal programming functionality via a USB port or on-sensor buttons, for accurate determination of protected areas.

The TiM300 has a range of up to four metres with a scanning angle of 270°, and can be configured for indication, warning and stopping fields. Its 2D scanning capability enables it to both protect and guide unmanned vehicles and overhead rail conveyors, even on curves. It will also provide presence detection, monitor pallets and load integrity in tight spaces and even guard displays where a discreet or hidden sensor is desirable.

STEMMER IMAGING has added the JAI AM-800CL and AB-800CL8 megapixel cameras to its camera range. These new monochrome and colour CameraLink cameras combine high resolution with high image fidelity and fast frame rates.

Both versions use the 4-channel KAI-8050 sensor from Kodak, which provides a full resolution of 3296 x 2472 pixels at a frame rate of 17frames/s in monochrome or Bayer format. Data output is via a digital standard CameraLink 8-, 10 or 12-bit interface. In addition, the AB-800CL includes internal colour interpolation and also enables 24-bit RGB output at a frame rate of 8.5 frames/s.
Both cameras use Kodak's quad-tap architecture for quick image acquisition. They combine the four taps in two output channels for monochrome and Bayer scans or, in the case of interpolation in the camera in a single output channel. Internal channel balancing options ensure a uniform image.

Olmec-UK, a leading vision systems integrator in the healthcare, food and pharmaceutical sectors, has successfully implemented a custom designed high speed in-line code reading system to meet the track and trace code reading requirements for CIP13, now mandatory in France. The system, fully integrated into the control system at a leading healthcare manufacturer, provides 100% reading and verification of codes on cartons and is capable of read rates up to 1200 cartons/min.

STEMMER IMAGING has announced a massive increase in turnover for the financial year ending 30th June 2011. Total turnover for the four STEMMER IMAGING companies, headquartered in Germany, exceeded 55 million Euros - a rise of more than 50% on the previous year. In the UK, turnover showed an impressive rise of nearly 40% compared to 2010.

David Hearn, Managing Director of STEMMER IMAGING UK, said: “These are superb results. The Group performance has exceeded the growth figure of around 35% for the industry in Europe recently announced by the European Machine Vision Association, meaning that we have increased our overall market share. We are also delighted with the UK figures, which show that it is possible to be very successful even in a generally cautious economy”.

STEMMER IMAGING has signed an agreement with the Allison Park Group Inc (APG) for the distribution of APG’s extensive range of camera and lighting enclosures for machine vision. The agreement covers distribution of these products throughout Germany, France, Switzerland and the UK.

APG manufactures camera and lighting enclosures for use in harsh industrial environments, including the food industry. Many of these products are specifically designed to meet or exceed regulatory compliance specifications such as Explosion Proof, NEMA 4X, IP66, IP50, IP53, and FDA regulations. APG housings are available for a wide range of cameras and illumination sources from different manufacturers.

A new family of FPGA-based GigE frame grabbers is now available from STEMMER IMAGING. The Silicon Software microEnable IV AQ4-GE and VQ4-GE can accommodate up to 4 GigE cameras simultaneously. The on-board FPGA provides real-time image processing significantly reducing the load on the host CPU. Both frame grabbers are also available in PoE (Power Over Ethernet) versions.

The microEnable IV AQ4-GE is a simple to use acquisition board that, through standard AcquisitionApplets®, provides simple FPGA processing functions. This allows processes such as flat field corrections and high quality colour reconstructions from raw Bayer data to be carried out at high speed without any complex set-up.

The VQ4-GE offers the added versatility of providing extended FPGA image processing using VisualApplets® and SmartApplets®. SmartApplets allow application-specific image processing sequences to be loaded to the FPGA from pre-programmed designs, whilst VisualApplets is a software tool for programming powerful customised image processing tasks into executable hardware code for the FPGA from a library of more than 200 basic and complex image processing operators. 

A variety of ‘add-on’ boards are also available for the AQ4-GE and VQ4-GE to extend the range of image acquisition, processing and signal processing. PixelPlant features an additional vision processor, memory and digital I/O for even more complex image processing tasks, and is accessed through a high bandwidth interface. The Trigger digital I/O interface enables the integration of peripheral devices such as conveyor encoders or light source controllers.

The STEMMER IMAGING website,  www.stemmer-imaging.co.uk is now live with a fresh, new look and more options than ever before. The new design is a result of listening to the feedback from customers on how the company’s internet presence could be improved. Technical innovations ensure that the site is compatible with all of the latest browsers and mobile devices.

The driving motivation for the alterations was to provide visitors with an even faster information source, with better transparency and a modern design.  As a result, the new, clearly structured home page provides an immediate overview of news and events and the existing, tried-and-tested fast information search function has been further extended with the addition of an option to select and deselect key words.

The ‘Market’ area is completely new and provides the company with the opportunity to present information about its extensive skills and experience in individual market areas. The applications section also provides an insight into some of the most interesting recent uses of industrial vision across a broad spectrum of market areas. These sections will be regularly updated.

Medical implant manufacturing demands maximum precision for differentiating between a good part & a reject in the production process. In view of those demands, a leading manufacturer of miniature medical components is relying on the know-how of experienced vision system experts for its new laser-cutting line. A key factor is ensuring high-precision positioning and orientation of the tube that is being processed.

The intelligent vision system In-Sight Micro 1403, ensures the tube coordinates are registered to a high level of precision prior to laser-cutting. The machine continually adjusts the object to its target position by means of the clamping jaws mounted on a linear axis, all carried out to just a few thousandths of a millimetre.

Artur Theis GmbH & Co. KG of Wuppertal, Germany has decades of expertise in the field of manufacturing folding cartons for pharmaceutical products.

The new Artur Theis machine can affix labels, stickers, and bollinos to up to 200 different types of folding cartons and check that they are in the correct position.

The Cognex In-Sight® Micro 1400 intelligent vision system with PatMax® pattern matching technology is fully integrated in the machine and checks the exact positioning of the labels.

The In-Sight Micro also provides extremely high repeat inspection accuracy within specified tolerances and identifies possible defective products so they can be reliably removed.

For over 30 years, EISAI Machinery GmbH, located in Cologne, Germany, has been an expert in the field of high speed pharmaceutical product testing. Its latest device, the AIM 596, can inspect delicate glass vials in fractions of a second, thanks to two Cognex In-Sight vision systems.

The first In-Sight 5600 determines the cake height of the freeze-dried contents and detects the presence of any foreign objects on their surface. It also looks for splatters caused by unwanted boiling during the freeze-drying process. The second In-Sigth 5600 checks the underside of the glass vials for cracks.

Finally, an In-Sight 5400C checks both the vial cap and the flip-off seal. The criteria for which is part presence and cover colour.

Ackley Machine needed to be able to inspect all printed products in order to identify & reject bad items to comply with the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) mandate that each printed tablet be identifiable. The company's existing technology was not suitable for meeting this requirement as it was using cameras to acquire & a single personal computer (PC) to process images on its tablet printing machines, a process that too often slowed down.

Ackley solved this problem by switching to Cognex In-Sight vision systems, a solution incorporating both camera & image processing in a single enclosure. Ackley deployed this solution in its latest system, which prints and inspects over 400,000 tablets per hour, much faster than other machines.

Visitors to the Photonex Exhibition at The Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK, 18 & 19 October, 2011, will find the series of seminars run by the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) Illuminating in every sense of the word! Entitled “Vision And Imaging Technology Demystifed”, this interesting and informative series of seminars fits perfectly into the theme of Photonex by concentrating on the many of facets of lighting and their applications to industrial imaging.

With many of the talks featuring live demonstrations, the seminars cover topics ranging from hyperspectral imaging to the use of structured light lasers for profile assessment. Other talks include a review of UV and IR imaging and their associated camera technologies, and an overview of the challenges faced in getting the optimum illumination conditions for a wide range of machine vision applications.

With 3D imaging becoming increasingly important in industrial vision, other talks will cover sheet of light illumination for 3D imaging together with some of the important 3D software tools, and some practical applications of stereo vision for robot vision.

The seminar programme will run on both days of the Photonex Show, commencing at 10:30 AM with the last presentation commencing at 15:00 PM. The talks will be given by presenters from GIlden Photonics, Alrad Imaging, STEMMER IMAGING, Leuze electronic, Multipx Imaging and Scorpion Vision. A full programme can be found on the UKIVA website at: www.ukiva.org

All talks are free to attend, but pre-registration will secure a CD containing PDF copies of all of the presentations. Visitors can pre-register by e-mailing info@ukiva.org.

Alrad Imaging is pleased to announce they now offer machine vision light solutions from TPL Vision. Currently a leader on their home market in France, TPL Vision develops solutions to answer your most complex machine vision lighting challenges.

TPL Vision designs and manufactures lighting products using exclusively high Power LED lighting. As a lighting expert involved in machine vision, TPL Vision offers a consultancy and feasibility service for each project you may have.

Quality, know-how and availability are the company’s key principles. TPL Vision is a pioneer especially in the miniaturization of High Power LED lights. TPL Vision products are designed to meet the most demanding industry standards.

TPL Vision

Vision systems integrator, Olmec-UK Ltd, has launched a versatile, extremely simple to use code reading system for standard and hi-speed character recognition and verification on labels. Originally developed to meet the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry, the self-contained VP2-CR offers fully validated character recognition, character verification and robust 2D data matrix handling and grading, and can be used for tasks ranging from simple verification through to GS1 and CIP13 conformance.

The VP2-CR is capable of verifying codes whilst simultaneously detecting changing batch code orientation and differing quantities and location of characters on a wide variety of label types, sizes and colours. Auto detection and extraction of the lot code, combined with filtering of background colours allows hundreds of label variants to be reduced to just a few format combinations for easy set-up and measurement. Capable of inspecting labels statically or at high speeds, the system provides a batch report at the completion of each job, supporting production traceability.

A simple, graphical user interface using a touch screen controller allows the system to be set up for any type of label in just 3 menu-driven steps. An embedded electronic user manual further enhances ease of use. Powerful facilities include image storage, statistical counting and batch reporting. Supplied with a full IQ and OQ documentation package, the VP2-CR meets current and future regulatory requirements.

Featuring an integrated camera, light source and touch screen controller in an IP67-rated housing, the scalable VP2-CR is available in different configurations including sliding track for implementation behind the industry's leading print systems. Remote connectivity allows remote monitoring and diagnostics.

Multipix Imaging announce the launch of their new website which has been in development for six months. Packed with the latest machine vision products, news and industry views, this website has been design to harness the power of .com communication.  Interactive links with Facebook and Twitter ensures the latest news is shared quickly and efficiently. In additional to product related contents there is also an emphasis on white paper’s and case studies, with the aim of being a resource centre for all levels of machine vision users.

Julie Busby, Business Development Director comments; ”With web presence more important than ever before, this is an exciting development for Multipix Imaging. We wanted to ensure that not only product information is presented in a modern web design but also technical and application content is readily accessible, so making multipix.com a resource centre for machine vision”

Whether you are a System Integrator, OEM or End User don’t miss out, take a look for yourself at www.multipix.com

National Instruments has announced the NI PXIe-1435 High-Performance Camera Link Frame Grabber.

The NI PXIe-1435 is the industry's highest throughput PXI frame grabber and acquires from all Camera Link camera configurations, including 10-tap extended-full, with up to 850 MB/s of throughput. Engineers can power cameras through Power over Camera Link (PoCL)-enabled cables, eliminating the need for additional wires in deployment environments.

Onboard digital I/O includes four bi-directional TTL, two opto-isolated inputs and one quadrature encoder input, for triggering and communicating inspection results with automation devices.

Twitter: NI announces the NI PXIe-1435 the industry's highest throughput PXI frame grabber with full configuration and PoCL. http://bit.ly/PXIe1435

Following Cranfield’s selection recently to lead three (with involvement in a further two), of the nine new EPSRC Centres for Innovative Manufacturing across the UK, the University is set to further reinforce its reputation in this growing sector with the launch of a new Masters course in Manufacturing Technology and Management.

The UK Government’s manufacturing strategy is focused on high value manufacturing, which is seen as critical to economic growth. A significant number of highly trained manufacturing engineers will be essential to provide the leadership skills necessary to drive UK manufacturing forward and provide the vision for future success. The rapid growth in technology also presents an opportunity for re-skilling for professionals already in industry.

The MSc in Manufacturing Technology and Management draws on the University’s world-leading expertise in manufacturing to develop professionals with the ability to transform knowledge into action. The course provides students with the breadth of both technical and business skills to make a real impact in their career.

Professor David Stephenson, Director of Cranfield’s Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC), said, “Cranfield University works closely with a range of organisations in the manufacturing sector, conducting cutting edge research in high value manufacturing. The University is therefore in the unique position of being able to rapidly identify and respond to skills shortages in industry. This course has been designed to develop the right people with the right skills to respond to the needs of industry today and in the future.”

The course is offered both full and part-time and commences October 2011.

For further information, visit www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/mtm or come to an open day www.cranfield.ac.uk/openday at Cranfield University.

Improving the velocity and material length measurement of continuous web or profile products can make a decisive contribution towards optimizing production processes by improving yield and quality, while minimizing rejects, is crucial to commercial success and competitiveness in globalised markets.

Traditionally, the velocity and length of items such as plastic foil, tape and tubing, fabric, fleece, paper and many others are determined using tactile measuring wheels. Despite the prevalence of these sensors, this method has significant disadvantages due to the direct contact between sensor and object being measured.

Accordingly, slippage between measuring wheel and material leads to increased measurement errors. Abrasion and material deposition can influence the effective radius of the measuring wheel and make frequent recalibration necessary, which leads greater process variation and potentially unwanted downtimes.

Responsible for queries:

Joe Armstrong
E: joe.armstrong@Polytec-ltd.co.uk
Web: www.polytec-ltd.co.uk 

Benefit from the know-how of experts. Whether you are already a user or intend to become one, familiarise yourself with the potential applications of optical metrology directly at your workstation by attending Polytec's online seminars.

The Polytec Web Academy is an e-learning medium conveying sound knowledge about applications and solutions in optical metrology conveniently, without obligation and free of charge. The topics include proven and effective measurement procedures for parameters such as vibration, motion and surface topography. They cover a multitude of application areas such as automotive, aerospace, ultrasonics, MEMS, biology, medicine and many more.

Polytec is offering these no-cost online seminars to convey technical know-how, application knowledge and product news directly, interactively and with the aid of multimedia. In addition, there is of course every opportunity to discuss application issues directly with Polytec's experts in the chat room.

The event schedule is available online on the web.  These informative technology and application seminars can be booked and visited right now.

Register for your preferred Polytec Web Academy seminar at:

www.polytec.de/uk/events/web-academy or www.polytec.webex.com.

There you'll also find the current list of topics and dates:

For more information, please visit:  www.polytec-ltd.co.uk

Responsible for queries:

Joe Armstrong
E: joe.armstrong@Polytec-ltd.co.uk
Web: www.polytec-ltd.co.uk 

What a difference 25 years has made to thermal imaging and FLIR Systems’ Kevin Ellis has witnessed it every step of the way.  Now Distribution Area Manager for the North of England, Scotland and Ireland, Kevin has just celebrated his quarter century in the business, a time span that has seen both the technology and its scope of application change beyond all recognition.

Having completed his apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer with Dunlop, the 23-year old Kevin was keen to branch out into sales and achieved this ambition by making the move to engineering polymer specialist, Polypenco.  Eleven years later he sought another fresh challenge and took his first step into the world of infrared.

AGEMA is credited with the introduction of the world’s first commercial thermal imaging camera and became part of FLIR Systems in 1997. In the mid-eighties the company, based in Leighton Buzzard, was seeking to expand its sales force and on 1st April 1986 Kevin was appointed as a sales engineer for the north of England.  

“At the time the AGEMA range of imagers was limited to maybe seven models cooled by LN2.  So, to say the least, setting up for a demo was quite a challenge,” he explains. “All were trolley mounted to accommodate the imager and the LN2 flask.  The accompanying computer was the size of a house so a demo at a steel plant or in a high rise building was always ‘interesting’!”

He adds:  “These models provided no direct temperature measurements either.  All readings were put through hand calculators to acquire temperature values.”

Surprisingly the markets Kevin served then differ little to those his distributors address now.  But of course in those early days of commercial thermal imaging the technology was solely restricted to high-end applications.  It was extremely expensive, cumbersome and a very much more complex method than it is today. 

Building inspection and energy management were notable absentees from the applications list at that time.  Kevin continues: “These huge markets have only emerged in the last 5 – 10 years but they are great examples how the uncooled technology has developed.  It is now a tool that is easy to use and easily affordable.  And as unit prices fall it will become attractive to an even wider range of industries and markets.”

Education has always been very much part of the sales role for Kevin and is still an important element as the process has evolved from direct sales to distribution at FLIR.  “For us it is critical that our partners are able to offer a high level of support and applications knowledge to our customers.  It has always been a FLIR strength and will continue to be so.”

He concludes: “FLIR is always looking to improve its products to maintain its premier position in our market place.  People and industry look to FLIR for guidance on the best product for the job and it gives me a buzz to call on my 25 years in thermal imaging to help make that happen.”

This is a high quality, intensive training course that will enable delegates to build machine vision systems with no prior experience and with no requirement for programming skills. Open to all, this course will take you from the fundamentals of machine vision, through to advanced machine vision techniques.

This new course has a focus on 3D machine vision and delegates who attend the last day of the course will learn how to create robust and reliable 3D machine vision systems.

This course is not only for experienced machine vision engineers but novices who who want to know more about machine vision and what it can potentially do for them and for their business.

We have reserved a very limited number of free seats - call now to reserve: +44 (0)1590 679333
http://scorpionvision.co.uk/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=48241

Image processing specialist FRAMOS and Swiss CMOS design pioneer Photonfocus AG recently entered into a co-operative agreement.

As a pioneering and innovative designer of CMOS sensors, Photonfocus has, over the last ten years established a presence in the market for industrial image processing. With its LinLog® patent, allowing linear and logarithmic characterisation of pixels, Photonfocus sets the standard with high-dynamic ranges up to 120 dB.

Dr Peter Maria Schwider, one of Photonfocus’ founders, tells us: “The properties of our pixel design are in high demand especially in high-intensity light situations, with reflective materials and surfaces. Our customers also favour the ‘global shutter technology’ of our sensors.” In addition, the individual pixel displays a very high saturation capacity (full well capacity), resulting in an excellent signal/noise ratio.

Marcel Krist, CEO of Photonfocus, points out that sensor properties such as speed, high resolution and high quantum efficiency have always been key parameters in the design of Photonfocus sensors. Today, the company can provide CMOS sensors from 1 to 4 MP resolution, with black/white, colour or near-infrared (NIR) imaging and various different pixel sizes.

Regarding the co-operative agreement, Krist commented, “We are delighted to have found a strong sales partner for our products in FRAMOS. As a specialist for sensors, FRAMOS is an ideal match for Photonfocus’ high-performance sensors. We can now concentrate on our core competences of sensor and camera design and can significantly and rapidly expand our product range.”

Photonfocus sensors and cameras are employed predominantly in the following industries: automobile manufacture, wood processing, medical technology, packaging, measuring, traffic, transport, sports and the military.

Image

Photonfocus CMOS Sensors - High resolution up to 4 megapixel, high framerate 200 fps and high dynamic range up to 120 dB over LinLog®.
For more information, please visit the company's website at: www.framos.eu

MULTIPIX IMAGING is pleased to announce that Simon Hickman has recently been promoted to the position of Sales Director.  Simon has been a senior member of the sales team at Multipix since 2005, and Sales Manager since 2009 with many more years of experience in the machine vision industry.

At the same time Multipix announces the promotion of Mike Morgan to Senior Sales Engineer and introduces a new member of the team, Matthew Walsh, who is appointed as Internal Sales Engineer.

Peter Hunt, Director says, “We are delighted with the recent promotions and the appointment of Matthew to the Multipix team.  This comes at a time when we are evolving, using the latest mediums such as Twitter and Facebook to interact with our customers".

SICK (UK) has added to its industrial instrumentation product portfolio with a new compact optical level sensor switch for aqueous fluids. Designed for robust level monitoring of a range of liquid media, the FDA-compliant MHF15 is ideal for a variety of applications, including tank level monitoring or dry running protection for pumps.

The cost-effective plug-and-play solution, which requires no calibration and minimal maintenance, can be used for overfill protection and low level indication in tanks to monitor the presence or absence of liquids.   A normally open or normally closed transistor output is provided for use as an input to control PLCs or relay modules.

Due to its compact design, the MHF15 is ideal for difficult installations or conditions with limited space.  Featuring a robust and highly resistant stainless steel housing and polysulfone apex the switch meets IP67 and IP69K standards, ensuring protection from dust, dirt and water; even during a caustic washdown routine. 

Ease of mounting and sealing of the vessel is assured due to use of a standard G1/2” process connection complete with NBR seal.

Darren Pratt, UK instrumentation product specialist, SICK, said: “The MHF15 is based on our proven optical technology. This has allowed us to create a robust yet versatile sensor for point level detection, which can be used with a variety of liquid colours and viscosities, with an emphasis on total reliability and ease of use.

“As it requires no medium calibration, the switch is quick to commission and enables significant savings in terms of both time and cost for refit or new installations.”

The MHF15 is the latest addition to SICK’s rapidly expanding industrial instrumentation product portfolio which now includes numerous sensor technologies for level, pressure, flow and temperature monitoring.

For more information on the SICK MHF15 optical level switch, please contact: Ann Attridge or Andrea Hornby on 01727 831121 or email Ann.attridge@sick.co.uk or Andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk.

Scorpion Vision Ltd is pleased to announce it has been awarded a new distribution agreement from US based SmartVision Lights. The intelligent, or Smart driver provides a constant current to every machine vision light, guaranteeing optimal performance at all times. This of course negates the problem with failing vision systems due to faulty illumination problems.

EZ Mount Ring Light
Smart Vision Lights uses only high current, HB (High Brightness) LED's in their machine lights. Smart Vision Lights designs, manufactures and markets a line of products that apply the benefits of high current LED's for use in machine vision applications. All machine vision lights us standard industrial 24VDC for operation.

The SMART driver has the option to run the machine light in a constant LED illumination including analogue and variable intensity control. The analogue feature allows 0-100% intensity control of the machine vision light through a 0-10VDC signal. The variable feature allows 0-100% intensity control of the machine light through an integrated potentiometer.

For more info visit: http://scorpionvision.wordpress.com/

It is with great sadness that the UK Industrial Vision Association announces the death of former director Don Braggins, at the age of 70, following the diagnosis an inoperable brain tumour in October 2010. Don was a very popular and highly regarded figure in the world of industrial vision and made an outstanding contribution to the UKIVA.

Don’s ‘Machine Vision Consultancy’ was one of the founder members of the Association in 1992 and then in 1995 he took over its administration. This was a role he continued, as well as providing technical support, for the following 14 years, before overseeing the transition of the Association into a Special Interest Group of the Processing & Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) in 2009. He continued as a consultant to the Association until December 2010.

In addition to the role he played for the Association, Don was active in many other areas of vision. He was elected a Fellow of SPIE in 1990. He was a member of the jury for the annual ‘Innovation’ prize at the Vision exhibition in Stuttgart from 2000 - 2009, and served on the Executive Committee of the European Machine Vision Association for six years.

Don was passionate about spreading the word on the uses of vision industry – the prime objective of the UKIVA, and he authored numerous articles on the subject. In addition, from 2005 to 2009 he acted as Associate Editor for Machine Vision for the peer-reviewed SPIE journal, Optical Engineering. There is no doubt that the high regard that the world of vision holds for Don has helped the UKIVA become the force that it is today and he will be sorely missed. He leaves a wife, 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

An incredible price and performance ratio in a compact housing! Multipix Imaging launch the Basler Ace 5MegaPixel Camera, the perfect choice when you face a price sensitive application that needs a high resolution. These cameras combine the compact 29 mm x 29 mm x 42 mm Basler ace housing with Gigabit Ethernet interface technology, power supplied via Power over Ethernet, and a 5MP CMOS sensor that is able to deliver 14 frames per second. They consume only 2.5 watts, which results in low camera temperatures and means that they can even be used in small, closed environments. The cameras are topped with Basler's new colour enhancement features that provide realistic, crystal-clear colour images to meet the highest demands.

www.multipix.com
email: sales@multipix.com
tel: 01730 233332

STEMMER IMAGING, Europe's largest imaging technology provider, is proud to announce the release of Common Vision Blox 2011 for Windows 64-Bit. This new software library for imaging professionals supports the 64-Bit version of Microsoft Windows 7 and includes the Automated Imaging Association (AIA) certified CVB GenICam driver, compatible with the latest GenICam version.

Common Vision Blox 2011 for Windows 64-Bit is optimised for memory intensive applications and supports the latest acquisition technologies with maximum performance. In addition it offers users flexible access to image data for implementation of their own algorithms in order to get the best performance out of modern computer architectures. The basic software not only contains a very capable Software Development Kit for the generation of individual imaging applications, but also fundamental functionality for image acquisition, image access, image display, coordinate transformation and image normalisation.

The new release is complemented by the CVB 2011 Foundation Package. This includes a collection of highly optimised algorithms for edge and blob detection, statistical image analysis, arithmetic image operations, image calibration and filtering, dynamic thresholding, colour space conversion and colour filtering, and many other powerful features. The very powerful basic functionalities of the package can be extended by a variety of modular tools with specific algorithms. For additional security, Common Vision Blox 2011 is protected by a dongle.

The new 64-Bit version is the first member of the new Common Vision Blox 2011 MultiOS family that will soon be completed by a 32-Bit version, a Linux 64-Bit version and the MultiOS version of the very popular independent SDK CVB CameraSuite.

The JAI AT-140GE and AT-200GE 3-CCD cameras are available from STEMMER IMAGING. Bringing the connectivity benefits of GigE Vision to 3-CCD technology, these new cameras feature a newly developed prism-block assembly to support the three CCDs. The AT-140GE and AT-200GE are ideal for a wide range of applications where colour is critical, including: print  inspection, paint  matching, medical  diagnostics, flat panel quality verification, semiconductor  production and food  sorting and have the performance and features to support a wide variety of machine vision applications.

The new dichroic prism block splits the incoming light into three distinct colour channels for precise RGB values and provides higher resolution and better light gathering ability than earlier 3CCD camera models. With precise sensor alignment (less than 1/4-pixel tolerance), this 3-CCD configuration offers better colour and spatial precision than single-CCD cameras which use Bayer filters and interpolation algorithms that give uncertainty for both edge positions and colour values. The cameras also contain a sophisticated linear colour matrix circuit which enables accurate colour space calibration with monitors, printers, and other peripherals. 

The AT-140GE offers 1.4 Megapixel resolution (1392 x 1040) with 1⁄2” CCDs, while the AT-200GE provides 2 Megapixel resolution (1628 x 1236) based on three 1/1.8 inch CCDs. The new cameras operate at 20 frames per second (AT-140GE ) and 15 frames per second (AT-200GE ) at full resolution, with partial scan and binning modes available for even higher frame rates. A wide range of pre-set and programmable shutter and exposure modes are provided to support diverse application requirements.  Exposure can be controlled individually for each colour channel to enable colour balancing without noisy gain adjustments.  

A fully-compliant GigE Vision/GenICam interface lets users choose between 8- or 10-bit output per channel and provides the ability to transmit images up to 100m over industry-standard Ethernet cables. Software support includes a GigE Vision software development kit and Control Tool package.

Vision systems integrator, Olmec-UK Ltd, has announced the expansion of its mechanical design and on-site installation departments in response to significantly increased levels of business. Petra Millberg has joined the design group, while Andrew Pounder has strengthened the company’s on-site systems integration team.

Petra has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and is specialising in conceptual design and documentation on Olmec-UK projects. Using the latest 3D modelling techniques, she is involved in specifying the optics required for the particular project and ensuring that the cameras, illumination sources and optics can all fit into the available space and with the required geometry.

Andrew brings a wealth of experience of working with OEMs on installation and maintenance issues. With a strong background in the packaging industry, his remit includes testing, installation and commissioning of Olmec-UK systems as well as follow-up customer training.

Olmec-UK Director, Mark Crump, said: “These are two key areas of our business from the front end of getting the design concepts right in the first place to ensuring a smooth transition into our customers’ application. Our two new members of staff have excellent interpersonal skills to back their technical expertise, which is another essential requirement in a systems integration environment where we work so closely with our customers”.

Imperx has expanded its activities in the UK market by establishing a distribution agreement with Lambda Photometrics to sell Imprex digital cameras and frame grabbers in UK & Ireland. Imperx, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality digital cameras and frame grabbers for various Industrial, Commercial, Military and Aerospace imaging applications including Flat Panel Inspection, Biometrics, Aerial Mapping, Surveillance, Traffic Management, Semiconductors & Electronics, Scientific & Medical Imaging, Printing, Homeland Security, Space Exploration, and other imaging and Machine Vision applications.

Bobcat cameras - VGA to 16 MEGAPIXEL

Lambda Photometrics will be introducing the latest line of extremely programmable, high-quality, low noise, CCD cameras with a high-density FPGA for hundreds of programmable features. The latest generation of cameras from Imperx include 8, 10, 12 or 14-bit output , four inputs and three outputs, dual clock design for a faster frame rate and power over camera link (PoCL) for the most demanding applications.

Frame grabbers

Digital and Analog frame grabbers designed to work with laptops, PDAs, and other mobile vision systems. All models are PCMCIA compliant and provide the functionality, performance and versatility required for the most demanding mobile imaging applications. A full software suite including drivers, SDK and application is provided with all models without any additional cost.

TroublePix is a digital video recording software designed for factory floor applications or requirements needing a simple user interface. With TroublePix, you can acquire, view and review all within the same user interface. TroublePix provides features such as looping, Pre/Post triggering, event marking and much more.

Compatible with GigE, FireWire A & B, Analog and Camera Link high speed cameras from various manufacturers.

TroublePix 750

• Record to RAM or disk at 762 fps x 576 x 480 or 150 fps x 1024 x 1024 x 8 bits.
• Up to 150 seconds in RAM or 25 minutes to disk uncompressed.
• Compatible with TroublePix and StreamPix 5 software.
• Record in loop mode or with prepost trigger.
• Compatible with event markers and triggering.
• High quality camera, global shutter.
• Lower frame rate for longer sequence length also possible.
• Record with visually lossless MJPEG real time compression for hours.

TroublePix Software - high speed video troubleshooting

• Record, playback and review simultaneously
• Continuous looping
• Supports a wide array of GigE, FirewireB and camera link cameras
• PrePost triggering using USB trigger input
• Event markers
• Alternative solutions available from 30 to 1000 fps and VGA to high resolution

…ideal for applications in industrial and medical systems

Camberley, UK – 14th April 2011 – Framos Electronics, a leading imaging solutions company, makes available the new Kyocera 7-inch LCD module. The Japanese technology corporation Kyocera, a major producer of electronic devices, is extending its product range within the Kyocera Display Group by adding this new 7-inch, high brightness WVGA LCD module designated TCG070WVLP*ANN-AN*08.

Key features of Kyocera's new 7-inch LCD within its enhanced product portfolio include WVGA resolution, long life LED backlight with up to 70,000 operating hours, a brightness of 700 cd, a slim housing and a viewing angle that covers the needs for industrial use, thanks to its latest display technology. Combined with those features are the reliability in delivery and especially the long availability of the product that distinguish Kyocera as a reliable manufacturer.

The LED backlight ensures very low power consumption by using the latest technology in LED chips and light guides. The broad temperature range of -20 to +70°C and a resolution of 800 x RGB x 480 meet the requirements of the industry. Thanks to these benefits, the LCD is ideal for use in systems within industrial or medical applications. A 16-bit RGB connection facilitates an easy and simple installation. The outline dimensions are 165 x 104.4 x 8.2mm with an active area of 152.4 x 91.44mm.

The Kyocera Corporation is actively engaged in the development of environmentally friendly products and is working to reduce the use of environmentally degrading materials and processes in industry. The company complies with the EU's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive.

…Business Class Cameras at Economy Prices for Machine Vision Applications

Camberley, UK, 23rd March 2011 – Framos announces Smartek’s new low cost GigE camera series that delivers all the essential features to design engineers and systems integrators to master demanding machine vision applications. The fully GigE Vision® compliant hardware and driver interface combined with a compact 35x35mm housing footprint allow for seamless integration in existing cost-sensitive systems.

Smartek offers superior image quality with minimal thermal noise, low power consumption and a comprehensive feature set combined with a fine selection of Aptina CMOS and Sony CCD image sensors. Best-in-class trigger latency of ~2µs allows for optimal synchronisation of camera arrays with strobe illumination.

Throughout the design of these cameras, utilisation of industrial standards (C-mount, Hirose-plug, RJ45-plug for CAT5e or CAT6 cables) enables significant reduction of the total costs of your machine vision system – without any compromise in quality!

Additional key features and benefits include high quality video resolution and versatile interfacing with up to 14 bits per pixel A/D conversion and opto-isolated inputs and outputs. The series also supports full Plug & Play capability for camera attachment via an Ethernet network. GigE Vision® and Gen<i>Cam compliant hardware and software provide high flexibility including partial scan and ‘area of interest’ features.

Cognex Corporation, has released a new version of In-Sight® Explorer 4.5 expanding the capabilities of In-Sight vision systems and giving In-Sight the most advanced inspection tools available today. In-Sight Explorer 4.5 inspection tools now include an all-in-one edge and surface inspection tool, an all-in-one bead width and position tool, and a robust ID tool that reads multiple codes at one time, allowing In-Sight cameras to read barcodes and provide inspections simultaneously.

The new Flexible Flaw Detection (FFD) edge and surface inspection tool works for both color and grayscale applications and is used to inspect for boundary defects, such as conformity of shape, and surface defects like stains and scratches. FFD can also be used for print inspections, like inspecting screened logos for defects. FFD also gives users the flexibility to select accuracy versus speed requirements and the ability to ignore defects during system run time.

“Normal process variation causes false rejects without flex tools," said Bhaskar Banerjee, Business Unit Manager for Cognex Vision Systems. “Our new Flex Flaw Detection tool provides a more accurate inspection that overcomes errors from lens and perspective distortion, scale changes, print registration errors, and stretch from line scan images in one easy tool.”

In-Sight Explorer 4.5 also includes two new EasyBuilder® user interface tools, Bead Finder and Bead Tracker. Bead Finder and Bead Tracker are easy-to-use tools that find positional defects and width-based defects and gaps, and also provide all bead data needed for process control.

ReadIDMax, was also added to In-Sight Explorer 4.5. ReadIDMax is based on the powerful and field-proven ID algorithms 1DMax™ and 2DMax™ for 1-D barcode and 2-D matrix code reading.  ReadIDMax adds the ability to read up to 128 codes at one time regardless of the position of the code in the field-of-view. Now, end users can read multiple codes and inspect parts simultaneously.

In-Sight Explorer 4.5 also includes communication enhancements that include support for CIP-Sync, a precision clock synchronization protocol and UDP communication. In-Sight Explorer 4.5 also supports sending camera control commands from Mitsubishi PLC using MC Protocol.

Available in a wide range of models to meet any price and performance requirement, In-Sight smart cameras set the standard for automated inspection and quality assurance across a wide range of industries. In-Sight vision systems can be easily integrated with any factory network or automation control system and feature an optional operator display panel for monitoring the runtime operation of any In-Sight vision system on the network.

A new range of GigE cameras from IDS is now available from STEMMER IMAGING. The GigE uEye CP has an extremely compact housing of just 29 x 29 x 41 mm, yet offers all the benefits of Gigabit Ethernet technology such as bandwidth of more than 100 MByte/s over cable lengths up to 100 metres, as well as featuring Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity.

The combination of the small dimensions and PoE capability, which allows both power and data to be sent over a single ethernet cable, ensures that the GigE uEye CP is ideally suited to applications where space is severely restricted, as well as reducing costs and simplifying installation. A lockable connector for an external 12-24V power supply is also provided for non-PoE configurations, as well as trigger and strobe connections.

Available in colour or monochrome versions and a choice of WVGA, 1.3 Mpixel and 5 Mpixel resolution, the GigE uEye CP range features high performance CMOS sensors with global and rolling shutters to give excellent image quality. All cameras have a C-mount lens connector and offer a host of different optical filters, such as IR, daylight-cut filter or glass.

The new range, like all other uEye camera models, comes complete with powerful, tried-and-tested software tools such as Camera Manager and uEye Demo to facilitate rapid camera integration. Camera Manager guarantees easy and fast Plug-and-Play-configuration on both Windows and Linux systems. For added versatility, the cameras are supplied complete with interfaces for various image processing packages, including Common Vision Blox from STEMMER IMAGING; standard drivers such as DirectShow (WDM); a GenICam™ interface and a Software Development Kit.

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer one of the world’s smallest Firewire (IEEE1394b) cameras for machine vision and robotic applications. The ultra-compact and lightweight monochrome Sony XCD-MV6 measures just 19 mm (3/4 inch) in depth and weighs only 37 grams, yet produces high quality images. This, combined with its vibration and shock-resistant structure makes the new camera ideal for applications where space is restricted.

The new progressive scan XCD-MV6 features a 1/3”- type global shutter CMOS sensor operating at a frame rate of 60 fps at wide VGA resolution and conforms to the IIDC 1.32 protocol, taking full advantage of IEEE1394 data transmission capabilities with speeds of 800 Mbps or 1.6 Gbps. Partial scanning allows higher frame rates to be achieved on smaller areas of interest (AOI).  

The XCD- MV6 has a low power consumption yet offers a rich array of features. Digital signal processing capabilities include functions for correction for pixel defects, fixed pattern noise and shading produced by lenses and light sources, thus ensuring the high image quality required for machine vision use. A temporary image storage function allows up to 100 image frames (independent of bit length) to be stored for later transmission. A memory channel allows storage of up to 15 sets of camera settings such as gain and shutter.

The new camera also features a Broadcast Delivery Function for use in a multiple camera application. This allows the camera settings for all the cameras connected to the same bus to be changed at the same time. For example, the gain or shutter speed can be set to the same value on all the cameras, or exposure started on all the cameras simultaneously using a software trigger.

STEMMER IMAGING and LMI Technologies Inc have signed a distribution agreement that will make LMI's Gocator 2000 series of smart 3D sensors available in Germany, UK, Ireland, France, Austria and Switzerland. Gocator is a new, simple-to use, all-in-one solution that makes 3D measurement and control for factory automation accessible to all levels of users.

Gocator 2000 series is an exciting new breed of pre-calibrated sensors that make industrial 3D measurements more affordable and available to a wider range of applications. Ease of use is leveraged by the built-in web server as an effective GUI for rapid setup and control. Users can connect, set up exposure and speeds, visualise profiles, measure dimensions, select communication outputs, and monitor results using Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari web browsers. This built-in web connectivity enables users to access the sensor from any PC without additional software, drivers, control boxes, amplifiers, or dependency on a specific operating system.

“Both STEMMER IMAGING’s 3D components business and 2D smart camera and sensor business are sectors that are delivering significant growth”, said Mark Williamson, Director – Corporate Market Development at STEMMER IMAGING.  “The addition of 3D smart camera technology to our portfolio brings together both these technologies into an easy to deploy product using web based configuration. LMI Technologies is a world leader in delivering 3D technology to many OEMs and we are delighted to be able to bring this state of the art sensor technology to both Europe and the end user factory automation marketplace”.

“Gocator represents an evolutionary leap as it creates a new category of flexible 3D sensors that are powerful, easy to use, and competitively priced,” said LMI Technologies’ CEO, Terry Arden. “Gocator was developed to carry out 3D inspection and integrate with factory I/O - all from a web browser experience. You don’t have to be a system integrator or machine vision expert to perform 3D measurement!”

Users can also go beyond the built-in measurement tools by using “C” language scripting to perform custom calculations or define unique logic decisions. All of the Gocators in the 2000 series are network “aware” allowing one sensor to be paired with a ‘buddy” Gocator for more sophisticated differential measurement tasks. A Software Development Kit is available for power users to connect a series of Gocators to form a networked system to scan large or complex objects.  Rich I/O and simplified cabling support a variety of common digital and analog interface requirements.

ALRAD IMAGING is pleased to announce it can now provide camera lenses from some 15 different manufacturers and suppliers.

Latest additions to our range of lens products are from Spacecom, Azure Photonics, Lensation and Schneider Optics. Also we now have closer ties with FUJINON and buy our lenses directly, therefore enhancing our customer service. So, with such a wealth of products available make us your first call for all your lens requirements.
Visit our lens page on our web site for more details.

Baumer's new SXG cameras combine state-of-the-art Quad Tap sensors from Kodak with innovative Dual GigE technology.

This provides the perfect solution for applications that require excellent image quality and high frame rates simultaneously. Thanks to the new interface technology, the images with resolutions from 1 to 8 megapixels and frame rates of up to 120 fps are transferred to the PC via standard GigE interface boards. With the capability of transferring at 240 MB/s, the full potential of the Kodak Quad Tap sensors can now be utilized.

With a transfer distance of 100m, the Dual GigE interface offers all the advantages of the standard GigE interface. Instead of a static Link Aggregation Group (LAG), Baumer uses dynamic LAG to configure the Ethernet ports automatically, eliminating possible error sources right from the beginning. In addition, the redundant communication link of the Dual GigE system provides better transfer security, ensuring data transfer and reliable camera operation even if one of the two Ethernet cables is disconnected. All cameras are supplied with Power over the Ethernet (POE) technology to eliminate a separate power cable. With production starting in June 2011, now is the time to consider integrating these cameras into your vision application.

For further information on Baumer's new SXG cameras contact us by email on contact@lambdaphoto.co.uk or call Clive Phillips on 01582 764334.

Dr. John Haddon has been appointed as Technical Consultant for the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA), following the retirement of Don Braggins. John is the founding director of Panther Vision Ltd, which joined the Association towards the end of 2009. John will be the first point of contact for anybody requesting technical advice from the Association, and will contribute articles to the trade and technical press as part of the Association's continuing objective to raise and maintain awareness of the capabilities of vision technology in manufacturing industry.

John has over 27 years experience in the development and implementation of leading edge image processing and computer vision techniques and applications, and takes a keen interest in all things related to industrial vision. As an independent consultant and member of the Executive Board of the Vision and Imaging Network of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), he is ideally placed to take on this role.

He has been a visiting Professor at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing at the University of Surrey and a Visiting Fellow at both Surrey University and the University of Exeter. He became a QinetiQ Fellow in 1999 in recognition of "Outstanding technical contributions in the field of image analyses". John has also been an active member of several international and inter-governmental research committees on behalf of the UK Government, has been a member of technical assessment teams for foreign governments and has worked with multinational businesses both in the UK and overseas.  
John has an excellent pedigree with the written word. He has produced over 100 publications and reports, has contributed to several technical books and has been a reviewer for several learned journals. 

STEMMER IMAGING can now offer the VisionSD4+1 framegrabber, the latest addition to Datapath's family of PCI Express x4 framegrabber cards. VisonSD4+1 allows the simultaneous capture of a high-resolution DVI-I or HDMI source with up to four standard video sources and is ideally suited to medical technology, presentation technology (such as the assembly of video conference systems), and for maritime navigation. 

The VisionSD4+1 captures analogue RGB or digital DVI video signals and triple buffers them into onboard memory. The data is copied using Direct Memory Access to the host system for display, storage or streaming. The card can grab Component HD formats and HDMI up to 1080p resolution, DVI up to resolutions of 1920 x 1200 pixels and RGB up to 2048 x 1536 pixels. Four Composite/S-Video inputs (PAL, NTSC, SECAM) are supported. The maximum video resolution is 720 x 576 pixels.

The VisionSD4+1 Is supplied with a powerful software development kit for configuring the timing and format of the input sources and displaying the data. A driver for STEMMER IMAGING's Common Vision Blox imaging toolkit is also available for industrial applications.

MultiPix Imaging, held their annual technology day entitled “Machine Vision – Another Dimension” on March 24 at the Heritage Motor Museum in Gaydon.

The venue hosted over 90 guests as they benefited from first-hand machine vision technology information being presented by leading vision companies including Basler, MVTec, Panasonic, SICK, and FLIR. The presentations were accompanied by an exhibition area where several live demonstrations also featured the latest vision products.

“We are delighted by the number of delegates that have attended today”, said Julie Busby, Sales Director. “We have worked very hard to ensure todays presentations are focused on educating and are using real-life applications as examples.  The delegates are being given a great deal of information today and feedback suggests it’s been a great success”. 

One such product on display was the Panasonic Vision P400 Software, its easy-of-use was demonstrated as the software detected certain feature on PlayMobile figures as they rotated on a turntable.  The software includes first-rate algorithms for almost all typical inspections such as measuring, contour checking, part identification, feature extraction, 2D-code reading and many more. You can access Vision P400 with customised user interfaces with the help of ActiveX or if your inspection task cannot be handled by the numerous out-of-the box algorithms, the UDC (user-defined checker) allows you to implement your own inspection routines e.g. based on the well-known MVTec HALCON library.  Following on from the Technology Day Multipix currently have a ‘Starter Kit’ on offer which includes the Vision P400 Software, a 2MegaPixel GigE camera, lens, cables, etc all you need to get a project started.  Visit sales@multipix for more information.

Look out for the next Multipix Technology Day – they promise to educate.

Three new cameras have been announced by JAI, for use primarily in high-end surveillance, situational awareness, and homeland security applications, but they can also be used for a variety of industrial applications. The 25 fps interlaced and 752 x 582 TV resolution RM-670, RM-673NIR, and RM-675NIR monochrome video cameras are designed to provide higher image quality, expanded features, and increased design flexibility for applications utilising traditional RS-170 (EIA) standard video interfaces.

The three models have the same physical size with a conformal coating for wet or high humidity environments but give system designers a choice of pixel sizes and optical formats ranging from the 2/3” ICX423AL sensor in the RM-670, to the 1/2" ICX-429AL in the RM-675NIR, to the 1/3” ICX259AL in the RM-673NIR. The RM-675NIR and RM-673NIR offer added sensitivity to near-infrared light. All models include an integrated 3-axis control function which can be used to operate motorized zoom lenses, change focus and iris settings, move pan and tilt heads, or any combination of three external control circuits.

An Auto Level Control function offers some of the most sophisticated capabilities available for handling changing lighting conditional in surveillance, situational awareness, and remote monitoring applications. It connects the auto-gain and auto-shutter functions to maintain excellent user-defined exposure control without the size, expense, and potential for mechanical problems that can arise when using auto-iris lenses.

A new “High Sensitivity” mode can be utilised when the video level drops below a minimum threshold, and uses a combination of pixel summing and advanced signal processing to increase the effective sensitivity of the camera up to 100 times normal levels while maintaining resolution at at least at the equivalent of 5 x 5 binning.
Other features include pixel blemish compensation and a newly-added column defect correction.
www.stemmer-imaging.co.uk

STEMMER IMAGING announces that AVT has added a new camera to each end of its highly competitively priced range of Manta GigE Vision cameras. Available in both monochrome and colour variants, there are new 5 Mpixel and VGA (0.33 Mpixel) resolution versions of these robust cameras which can be used in industrial inspection and automation, logistics, intelligent traffic solutions and traffic monitoring. Also new for the entire range is the modular concept which includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) option. 

The two new cameras conform to the design philosophy of the rest of the Manta range with an impressive set of smart features at extremely competitive prices, thanks to a very lean manufacturing process. The colour versions of the cameras include colour interpolation/colour correction functions that outperform most cameras in this price class.

The new 5 MPixel version features the highly sensitive 2/3 inch Sony ICX655 Super-HAD CCD sensor. The high resolution performance also makes it suitable for healthcare, medical, scientific and research applications as well as high resolution industrial imaging. The 0.33 MPixel version utilises a 1/2 inch Sony ICX414 sensor with especially high light sensitivity and runs at 88 frames per second at full resolution. This versatile camera is also useful for machine vision and semiconductor applications.

For even more flexibility, all Manta models now offer optional housing variations from the AVT modular concept. The highlight of this approach is the new optional PoE version which will be available for all models in the range. PoE allows the Gigabit Ethernet interface cable to supply the camera with power as well as carrying the image data, removing the need for an additional power supply and cable.

Other options include angled-head versions for more easily mounting the camera into small spaces. A board-level version with no housing and up to 200mm connection between sensor and main board is also available whilst a white medical design housing is available for scientific and medical applications.
www.stemmer-imaging.co.uk

High-resolution smart camera accurately inspects large parts and packages
“A high resolution sensor, like the one found on the Matrox Iris GT5000, is required to accurately inspect larger parts and packages. Matrox Iris GT5000 is the highest resolution version of the Iris GT smart camera available today,” explains Fabio Perelli, Smart Camera Product Manager for Matrox Imaging. The sensor on the Matrox Iris GT5000 is 2448 x 2050 pixels @ 15 fps 2/3" monochrome CCD.

Powered by an Intel® Atom® 1.6 GHz processor, Matrox Iris GT runs Windows® CE 6.0 or Windows® XPe and features an integrated graphics controller with VGA output, 512 MB DDR2 memory, and a 2 GB flash disk. Like other sensor configurations, Matrox Iris GT5000 is housed in a sturdy, dust-proof and washable IP67-rated casing.

Matrox Iris GT is available either with the Matrox Design Assistant interactive development environment (bundled with each unit) or with the Matrox Imaging Library (MIL) (sold separately).

Industrial camera has IP67 rating and is designed for the harshest environments
For triangulation-based 3D digitizing applications, the Matrox GatorEye extracts the laser line in an image to sub-pixel accuracy and produces the corresponding positional depth/height array. Only the resulting array is transmitted, which lightens the load on the Gigabit Ethernet link and PC. The PC can then focus on other tasks, including 3D measurement and analysis.

STEMMER IMAGING has introduced the MetaWhite™ ExoLight range of LEDs as an alternative to fluorescent lighting for machine vision. Patented and patent-pending LED technology and advanced optics create an extremely even and diffused cool white illumination 3 times brighter than fluorescent sources over a longer working distance. This makes them ideally suited for low cost machine vision lighting including robot-mounted applications.

Available in 8 inch, 14 inch, 24 inch and 48 inch lengths, the ExoLight range of LEDs can be used as direct replacements for traditional fluorescent light fittings. They are available in a number of wavelength ranges covering white, red, green, blue, amber, RGB, UV and IR. They feature anisotropic plastic micro-lens diffusers to create a highly diffused light from multiple point source emitters, unlike traditional diffusers which tend to reduce LED intensity.

The resultant output mimics that of fluorescent emitters, but with more power and a greater stability, combined with the legendary LED lifetime and a low cost of ownership. Since the ExoLight output is free from the typical hot spots inherent in other LEDs and does not suffer from the multiple shadows normally associated with high brightness LEDs, these light sources provide intense, yet well-spread area illumination. 

ExoLight provides an end-to-end light emission with optional intensity control that fluorescent fixtures can't match due to their need for complex ballast and starter circuitry. With no glass or mercury content and no EMI and RFI, these lights are environmentally friendly. Fully CE rated and maintenance free, ExoLights have a typical lifetime up to 100,000 hours.  www.stemmer-imaging.co.uk

MVTec have cleverly tested the Microsoft Kinect sensor with HALCON 10. The Kinect is a vision sensor developed for the Microsoft Xbox 360. It combines an RGB camera with an infrared structured light depth sensor.

Due to the hardware independence of HALCON, it was possible to connect Kinect to HALCON by implementing a simple HALCON interface making use of the current beta version of Kinect's open source driver. With HALCON's standard calibration techniques, the depth image is transformed into metrical X, Y, and Z data. After this step, the whole functionality of the HALCON library is ready to be applied, especially all operators for 3D vision like the surface-based 3D matching.

HALCON has a vast range of 3D vision tools which is helping customers to develop new and creative 3D solutions to applications such as bin picking, packaging and pallet inspection.

For further details, sales and support, please contact MultiPix Imaging the UK distributor for MVTec.

February 8, 2011, Montreal, Canada - Matrox Imaging is pleased to announce that the Matrox Supersight e2 high-performance computing (HPC) platform is now equipped with ATI FireProT Professional Graphics from AMD (NYSE: AMD).

Matrox Supersight e2, with its unique high-bandwidth PCIeR 2.0 switched fabric backplane, provides substantial data throughput and expansion capability for supporting up to six double-wide or up to nine single-wide GPUs in a 4U platform. In turn, each ATI FirePro Professional Graphics card provides up to 1600 stream processors and 147.2 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Click here for details