Sony’s 1st Generation of Smart Cameras (XCI-SX1/XCI-V3) discontinued as of April 1, 2009 – 2nd Generation Smart Cameras (XCI-V100/XCI-SX100) are recommended replacement

Sony Visual Imaging has announced the impending discontinuation of their first generation of Smart Cameras as of April 1, 2009:

• XCI-SX1 – 1/2 type Progressive Scan B/W SXGA Camera
• XCI-SX1/XPE – 1/2 type Progressive Scan B/W SXGA Camera
• XCI-V3 – 1/3 type Progressive Scan B/W VGA Camera
• XCI-V3/XPE – 1/3 type Progressive Scan Color VGA Camera

Orders for these cameras are being accepted through April 1, 2009 with a last delivery date of June 15, 2009.

In their place,  Sony recommends their 2nd generation of Smart Cameras:

• XCI-V100/XP – 1/3 type Progressive Scan B/W VGA Camera
• XCI-V100C/XP – 1/3 type Progressive Scan Color VGA Camera
• XCI-SX100/XP – 1/3 type Progressive Scan B/W SXGA Camera
• XCI-SX100C/XP – 1/3 type Progressive Scan Color SXGA Camera

Sony’s Smart Camera (XCI-SX100) and Braintech’s Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) software Creates Compact 2-D and 3-D Vision Systems

February 9, 2009

Braintech has certified its eVisionFactory Lite (eVF Lite) software to run on Sony Electronics’  new generation of smart cameras (XCI-SX100/XP), creating a compact vision system suitable for a broad spectrum of 2-D and 3-D robotic vision guidance applications in the automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and general manufacturing industries.

The new release of eVF Lite software coupled with Sony smart cameras allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and manufacturers to combine an industrial PC with a CCD camera and Braintech’s Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) software in a small form factor.

Later in the quarter, Braintech will enhance eVF Lite software with its SR3D technology, allowing for the integration of multiple smart cameras to work together at the same time.

“This powerful combination represents the first time vision guidance users will be able to utilize 2-D and 3-D vision capabilities, as well as features such as auto calibration and auto testing without the need to install a full-blown computer on the factory floor,” says Rick Weidinger, Braintech CEO. “We believe that our pricing for this turnkey solution will offer the most affordable alternative that will expand the VGR market.”

“Bringing together our machine-vision cameras with Braintech’s vision-guided robotics software is a powerful value proposition for the robotics industry,” says Michael McCausland, vice president of Sony’s Visual Imaging Products Group. “The combination will provide the market with a compact, state-of-the-art, flexible, reliable, and cost-effective vision system for robot guidance.”

(2009, February 9) Braintech vision-guided robotic software to run on Sony smart cameras. Vision Systems Design. Retrieved on February 19, 2009 from http://www.vision-systems.com/display_article/352856/19/none/none/COMPN/Braintech-vision-guided-robotic-software-to-run-on-Sony-smart-camera

CIS to Release Intelligent Network Surveillance Camera with Video Image Stabilizer by Human Monitoring Co.

CIS Corporation, a leader in surveillance and machine vision cameras, and Human Monitoring (HM), a provider of advanced video and image processing, have jointly developed a stabilized video camera suitable for traffic control, surveillance and remote monitoring applications.

The V90S is a commercial grade, network security camera that uses the Texas Instruments DaVinci(TM) Technology platform, with processors that are optimized for digital video system performance. Featuring a fully-programmable Digital Signal Processor (DSP), the V90S can run multiple simultaneous image processing algorithms at up to SXGA resolution and 30 frames per second.

The camera is compatible with auto-iris and zoom lenses, as well as electric pan/tilt housings. The mechanical IR cut filter ensures superior image quality in low-light situations over Ethernet or analog interfaces. Integrated audio in/out enables users to not on see and hear but interact with what they’re viewing through the camera.
The CIS VCC-V90S Security Smart Camera features HM’s Video Stabilizer solution, which is based on HM patented technology for ultra-wide motion estimation, providing real-time stabilization of shaky video content.

“CIS is excited to embrace HM’s high-quality video features on its leading DaVinci based product,” says Seisuke Yamanaka, president and chief executive of CIS Corporation.

“We are proud to partner with CIS Corporation on the advanced intelligent camera market segment,” says Meir Kollmann, chief executive of Human Monitoring. “The video stabilizer enables high-quality capturing in the event of shaky cameras (high pole mounted or moving cameras).”

The CIS VCC-V90S Smart Security Camera is currently on display at Vision Expo 2008 from November 4-6 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Sony’s XCI 100 Smart Camera Series – A Whole New Kind of Smart

In the world of smart cameras, Sony’s 100 smart camera series is genius. The 1 GHz VIA pentium-class processor is open to a variety of applications, thanks to its compatibility with leading software packages including Cognex® VisionPro™ software. Remember more with 512 MB SDRAM. Think fast with 90 frames per second (VGA resolution). See the world in monochrome or color, SXGA or VGA. And communicate better with a host of digital I/O interfaces like Gigabit Ethernet and dual USB 2.0. Sony’s 100 Series. For CPU-intensive applications, it’s the PhD of Smart Cameras.

Next Generation XCI-SX100/XP SXGA B/W Progressive Scan Smart Camera

• 1/3-type IT progressive scan CCD
• High-Resolution Monochrome SXGA images 1280 x 960 captured at 30 fps
• High-Performance 1 GHz, VIA Eden ULV (L1 caches 64 KB x 2, L2 caches 128KB)
• x86-compatible architecture
• 512 MB main memory (DDR2-SDRAM)
• Low power consumption
• Various interfaces
• 1000 Base-T/100 Base TX/10 Base-T interface for network operation
• Monitor output
• Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 2
• RS-232C serial interface and digital input/output

Next Generation XCI-V100/XP VGA B/W Progressive Scan Smart Camera

• 1/3-type IT progressive scan CCD
• High-Resolution Monochrome VGA images 640 x 480 captured at 90 fps
• High-Performance 1 GHz, VIA Eden ULV (L1 caches 64 KB x 2, L2 caches 128KB)
• x86-compatible architecture
• 512 MB main memory (DDR2-SDRAM)
• Low power consumption
• Various interfaces
• 1000 Base-T/100 Base TX/10 Base-T interface for network operation
• Monitor output
• Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 2
• RS-232C serial interface and digital input/output

Next Generation XCI-SX100C/XP SXGA Color Progressive Scan Smart Camera

• 1/3-type IT progressive scan CCD
• High-Resolution Color SXGA images 1280 x 960 captured at 30 fps
• High-Performance 1 GHz, VIA Eden ULV (L1 caches 64 KB x 2, L2 caches 128KB)
• x86-compatible architecture
• 512 MB main memory (DDR2-SDRAM)
• Low power consumption
• Various interfaces
• 1000 Base-T/100 Base TX/10 Base-T interface for network operation
• Monitor output
• Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 2
• RS-232C serial interface and digital input/output

Next Generation XCI-V100C/XP VGA Color Progressive Scan Smart Camera

• 1/3-type IT progressive scan CCD
• High-Resolution Color VGA images 640 x 480 captured at 90 fps
• High-Performance 1 GHz, VIA Eden ULV (L1 caches 64 KB x 2, L2 caches 128KB)
• x86-compatible architecture
• 512 MB main memory (DDR2-SDRAM)
• Low power consumption
• Various interfaces
• 1000 Base-T/100 Base TX/10 Base-T interface for network operation
• Monitor output
• Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 2
• RS-232C serial interface and digital input/output

Sony to release new XCI Smart Camera series ~ Powerful Industrial PC with High End CCD camera in One Small Form Factor (XCI-V100 / XCI-SX100)

Sony introduced their next generation of smart cameras last month at the Vision Show East in Boston, MA. The new Sony Smart Cameras allow OEMs, system integrators and manufacturers to combine a powerful industrial PC with a high-end CCD camera in one small form factor.

According to Sony’s June press release;

The new additions to the XCI series provide a comprehensive range of Smart Cameras to meet a broad spectrum of machine vision applications. The introduction of color capabilities as well as improved sensor and processor performance create opportunities for new applications including those that utilize advanced third-party analytics of visual data.

The four new cameras in the XCI lineup are offered in VGA and SXGA resolutions and come in monochrome or color. Other improvements include support for C and CS mounts, additional SDRAM memory, and enhanced x86 CPU performance. Also, the digital I/O now includes two USB 2.0 ports as well as Gigabit Ethernet.

“We continue to lead in machine vision innovation with this ‘smarter’ breed of Smart Camera,” said Mike McCausland, general manager of the visual imaging group for Sony Electronics. “Sony’s ongoing development of Smart Camera technology improves capabilities for traditional machine vision and security applications and opens new frontiers for innovative uses.”

These enhanced Windows® XPe models with their open architecture can provide opportunities for OEMs, systems integrators and manufacturers to use existing vision library assets, third-party software applications and algorithms developed for the Windows platform to be easily leveraged to maximize value.

Four XCI Cameras, a Multitude of Applications at High Frame Rates and Color Capabilities

The new Sony Smart Cameras allow OEMs, system integrators and manufacturers to combine a powerful industrial PC with a high-end CCD camera in one small form factor.

The new arrivals to the Sony XCI Series include the black and white XCI-V100 and color XCI-V100C, both in VGA resolution. Each utilize a high-performance sensor that is capable of achieving 90 fps frame rates, a 50 percent improvement over the previous generation of Sony cameras.

The XCI-SX100 and XCI-SX100C models both image at SXGA resolution, utilizing a unique light sensitive Sony CCD sensor with a 30 fps frame rate. This delivers high resolution, full motion video at twice the typical frame rates. All feature an auto-iris lens output and utilize the Windows XPe operating system.

The color capabilities as well as enhanced processing power and additional interfaces in this new XCI lineup create opportunities for traffic control, security and pharmaceutical applications, food and beverage inspection as well as other classic machine vision tasks.

The Sony XCI series Smart Cameras are expected to be available in early September, for more information.