The USB 3.0 Revolution
USB 3.0 cameras, since their release in the past year, have come out as the heavy hitters in the industrial imaging industry, outweighing USB 2.0 and CameraLink along the way. Basler has been keeping up with their competition as of late with their own USB 3.0 cameras. Looking at the acA1300-30uc/m which comes from Basler’s increasingly popular ace Series camera line, it is easy to see why the camera’s sleek design, high-resolution, and low-cost are what draw consumers to this small industrial camera. With its 1294 x 964 pixel resolution, the acA1300-30u also comes with a pixel size of 3.75 µm and global shutter.
With a great camera (like the Basler Ace series mentioned above) many consumers are left with the tedious task of picking out the perfect lens for their needs, which is where the JCM Megapixel series of lenses from Kowa fit perfectly. Providing the precision and image quality needed to make the acA1300-30 worth the value coupled with low distortion, the JCM lenses have been created to perfect applications where precise iris setting is required. Lenses from the series include the LM8JC1MS, LM12JC1MS, LM16JC1MS, LM35JC1MS, and LM50JC1MS. These models have focal lengths ranging from 8 to 50 mm and use a floating mechanism system.
The pairing of these C-Mount lenses with the acA1300-30 creates a perfect camera for a wide variety of medical applications. Since it was implemented back in 2009 that all medical records must be electronic, the need to make all written files electronic has been settled, however, when it comes to images, easing the transition can be a breeze with the acA1300-30. Compatible with the Basler pylon Driver Package, the software requires low CPU resources, easing use for large doctor’s office or hospital wing.
Find out which Kowa JCM series lens is perfect for your application by calling one of our technically trained sales representatives now!
Improve the Roads with the Sony XCG-H280CR
The safety of our roads has always been of great concern, but as technology has progressed, so has the world of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and their ability to further protect us. In recent years the emergence of traffic cameras has risen as a means to protect drivers, but are these cameras providing the best protection? Do they get information to their source in time to make a difference? Are the images received as great as they could be?
The XCG-H280CR from Sony’s GigE XCG industrial camera line, has proven to be one of the best cameras in the imaging industry for providing high-quality image transfers. When looking at ITS in particular, the Sony XCG-H280CR does more than many cameras of the same caliber with its ability to provide 8-, 10-, or 12-bit video outputs for the 125 MB/s bandwidth speed for large images and its ability to incorporate low-cost standard cables over large distances.
With the need for a C-Mount lens for the Sony XCG-H280CR, the Kowa line of 10 MP 2/3” lenses are the perfect addition to this camera. With focal lengths ranging from 5 to 50 mm available, 7 different models to choose from, and eXtra low Dispersion (XD) glass, these lenses are ideal for applications where precision is essential. When pairing these lenses with this camera, low distortion and high-resolution are highly achievable, enhancing the overall image output for the discerning user.
So far we’ve mentioned how the combination of the XCG-H280CR and Kowa 10 MP 2/3” lenses make tasks like traffic monitoring and license plate recognition in the world of Intelligent Traffic, easier than ever but there’s also a benefit for implementing this Gigabit Ethernet industrial camera into other Homeland Security Applications which also requires quick data collection and transfer in order to be successful.
On a quick side note, be sure to run your camera with a 12V power supply as you will easily be able to connect the DC-in connector to the flying leads and be on your way with the XCG-H280CR camera.
Hitachi’s KPHD20A – An HDTV HD-SDI camera for small spaces and superior performance.
Considering upgrading your standard definition analog camera system to high definition?
Upgrading from your analog camera to a tiny HDTV HD-SDI camera in just one step becomes possible with Hitachi’s popular KP-HD20A industrial camera.
Equipped with a 1/3″ 2.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, and offering 1080p/30 and 1080i/60 video format with true 16 x 9 aspect ratio, and HD-SDI output all within one compact body size, the KPHD20A camera has become ideal for applications where space is limited but image quality demands are high. 
Unmanned vehicle applications are a prime example of where this camera’s capabilities shine. A high sensitivity of 0.3 lx allows your system to function in low light situations without having to add additional light sources while still delivering a high quality image. Full unattended imaging features including contrast and backlight compensation contributes to the ability of unmanned vehicles to operate with minimal interaction. For those needing more customizable settings, camera remote control is compatible with both RS232C and RS485 protocols. Offering both protocols also allows this camera to be easily integrated into new or existing pan/tilt/zoom/focus (PTZF) robotic systems.
If you haven’t done so yet, consider replacing your analog camera with the Hitachi KP-HD20A as this HD model can use existing coax cables (up to 100m) to deliver a higher quality image to your system.
CCTV Camera Systems – Upgrading to High Definition
Up until a few years ago, analog Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security systems dominated the security industry with no real effective alternative in sight. As technology advances from analog to high definition digital, more security system options have become available to users including products using High-Definition Digital Interfaces, also more commonly known as HD-SDI and HDMI.
HD-SDI has a variety of benefits it offers users including but not limited to its easy installation, the ability it gives users to upgrade their current CCTV systems without having to rerun coax cables, reliability, lower latency while still providing 1080p high definition and real-time images and last but certainly not least, its cost effectiveness.
HDMI technology supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video and instead of needing multiple HDMI cables for the video signal and multiple HDMI cables for the sound signal, HDMI integrates all video and sound signals onto a single cable, making it easier to connect components together. Due to the complexity and the increased capability of HDMI cabling, HDMI systems can be more expensive, however, the fact that it is more compatible with a wider variety of accessories/components will likely justify the cost.
A benefit of HDMI versus HDSDI is that instead of converting digital signals to analog (to run through the cables) and then back to digital, everything on an HDMI cable remains in its original, uncompressed digital format giving users a much more vibrant image. Also, as previously mentioned, since HDMI technology is more widely available, peripheral components including monitors, DVRs, etc. have become more cost effective.
In researching the various monitors available in the marketplace, the ViewZ line of CCTV monitors comes to mind as an ideal consideration when looking to upgrade your
current system to HDMI. Ranging in size from 8 to 32 inches, ViewZ has taken the opportunity to provide a robust line of monitors specifically equipped with an HDMI connection for high definition capabilities. Looking at their newer models, like the VZ-23LED-P, many of these monitors are capable of interacting with both analog and digital signals. The convenience of having both format options gives users the opportunity to slowly switch CCTV systems to high definition as the need arises.
Take a look at the ViewZ monitors now to see which one is best or call one of our sales representatives to find the right match for your needs.
USB 3.0 (Enhanced Superspeed 3.0)
USB 3.0 or Superspeed USB 3.0 as it is called, is the latest version of USB following USB 2.0. The USB 3.0 Promoter’s Group announced in January an enhanced Superspeed USB 3.0 that will offer up to twice the data through-put. This supplement to the USB 3.0 specification should be available mid 2013 (July timeframe).
Key Features:
- 10 Gbps USB data rate
- Cable and connector compatibility
- Improved data encoding, higher throughput and improved I/O power efficiency
- Compatible with current USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols
- Compatible with both current 5 Gbps and new 10 Gbps USB 3.0 hubs and devices, as well as USB 2.0 products
There are now a variety of camera interfaces for machine vision engineers to choose from: GigE 2.0, Camera Link 2.0, Camera Link HS (not backwards compatible with Camera Link 2.0), CoaXpress, USB 3.0 (enhanced Superspeed USB 3.0) and Firewire 1394b.
The following manufactures feature USB 3.0 industrial vision cameras through Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. There are other USB 3.0 camera manufacturers, however, their distribution channels are not broad and do not give OEM’s multiple supply chain avenues, thus limiting availability. Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. is one of the few stocking ISO certified Industrial Vision distributors with technically trained sales and engineering support.
The USB 3.0 is perfect for the following applications:
Machine Vision, Metrology, Microscopy, Ophthalmology
A note about emerging technologies: be prepared for longer lead-times than established technologies. The demand for sensors is usually higher than can be fulfilled.
Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. USB 3.0 industrial vision products:
Carolynn Larson-Garcia, President, Aegis Electronic Group, Inc.
SWIR Lenses from Navitar
Aegis has a wide variety of customers. Every industry from defense and security to OEM, machine vision, and even the medical field has found our products to be perfect for their application. While we do sell many cameras for these applications, we have a great number of lenses as well from a number of manufacturers. Today we will take a look at the SWIR Hyperspectral lenses from Navitar.
Ideal for dark environments, these lenses provide cameras the capability to see through the brightest of daylight, fog, haze, smog, and even twilight and dusk. With its construction for rugged environments, Navitar has created these lenses with the following applications in mind: perimeter surveillance, wafer inspection, biometrics, food sorting, toll-way monitoring, border and port security, quality control or aerial imaging.
Are you interested in one of these lenses? They come available in 25mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths. Call one of our sales representatives today to see what lens is best for you!
Getting to Know the NET 3iCube
While USB 3.0 is taking the imaging industry by storm, the challenge to come out with the next best camera continues. For NET, the 3iCube fulfills just this with the amount of versatility the entire series has to offer. With a small, light-weight cube design, the 3iCube is perfect for OEM applications. NET feels that these cameras are suited best for video traffic, with its high speed interface, but can also be used for access control, microscopy, and even security.
At the 2013 Automate show one of our own sales representatives had the chance to see the cameras up close and personal and loved that the 3iCube was not only light weight but it was also a low cost. With several resolution ranges in the USB 3.0 series, along with multiple options available for board level OEM versions, it is hard not to avoid this camera.
So what else is offered when you get this camera? Well first you have the iControl viewer that comes with the software development kit (SDK). With iControl you have the ability to easily access all 3iCube cameras for with Windows and LINUX for testing and evaluation. With the software users also have the ability to save images as a jpg, bmp, or tiff and videos as an avi file to the computer they are connected to.
Not only does NET give users SDK software that supports languages like Microsoft C++, Visual Basic, and C#, but the cameras can be used in a large number of common drivers like Cognex. More popular software libraries can also be accessed with the Direct-X/Direct-Show interface.
With resolution ranges from 752×480 to 3840×2748, a CMOS sensor, and pixel sizes from 1.67×1.67 to 6.00×6.00 its hard not to take a second look at the 3iCube.
