News
Matrox Imaging tech updates: Photometric stereo techniques
6 March, 2019
Photometric stereo synthesizes a composite, enhanced-contrast image from a series of source images, using a powerful tool found in Matrox Imaging Library (MIL)—and soon, Matrox Design Assistant—software. This tool highlights changes to surface curvature and material, revealing raised or recessed defects like dents or scratches, or features like stamped or embossed symbols.
Join Pierantonio Boriero, director product management at Matrox Imaging, for a Q&A on how photometric stereo synthesizes images, reveals surface defects and anomalies, and employs appropriate directional lighting for optimized image capture.
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
SuaKIT Deep Learning machine vision inspection software from SUALAB.
28 February, 2019
Welcome to the world of Artifical Intelligence (AI) for industrial inspections. Our hybrid solution combines AI & traditional machine vision techniques to achieve greater accuracy and resolve applications which were once impossible.
SUALAB is an artificial intelligence-based provider of Deep Learning Machine Vision Solutions.
SUALAB, home of excellent engineers from deep learning and machinery fields, combines the technologies of those industries to fuel research into various technologies and products that make human life more convenient.
In particular, SUALAB enables inspection of the manufacturing industry by researching various machine vision systems that can replace the human eye in the industrial field based on deep learning, machine vision and super computing technologies.
Explore SuaKIT:
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
NEW 20MP GigE and USB3 Cameras from The Imaging Source
20 February, 2019
Charlotte, NC – The Imaging Source, international manufacturer of machine vision cameras and software for industrial imaging, announces the launch and immediate availability of four new GigE and USB 3 industrial cameras featuring Sony’s 20 MP IMX183 sensor.
The Sony IMX183 is a back-illuminated, 1″ rolling-shutter sensor with high sensitivity, outstanding image quality and excellent color reproduction. The monochrome models perform very well even in poor lighting conditions, especially in the near infrared (NIR) range.
The new camera models are available with a USB 3.0 or GigE interface and are USB3 Vision and GigE Vision standard-compliant, ensuring compatibility and simplifying integration with image-processing software.
The cameras’ compact form factor and robust industrial design (with 6-pin Hirose port and C/CS-mount) are ideally suited for applications in microscopy and a variety of inspection and measurement tasks. Combining the cameras with The Imaging Source 1″ lenses results in a high-resolution camera system with a particularly attractive price to performance ratio.
The Imaging Source provides free software tools and SDKs for Windows and Linux platforms: IC Imaging Control SDK; the end-user software IC Capture for image acquisition; IC 3D for 3D stereo depth estimation; IC Measure for on-screen measurement; and IC Barcode, an SDK for 1- and 2D barcode detection.
More info regarding the camera models:
- https://www.theimagingsource.com/products/industrial-cameras/usb-3.0-color/dfk33ux183/
- https://www.theimagingsource.com/products/industrial-cameras/usb-3.0-monochrome/dmk33ux183/
- https://www.theimagingsource.com/products/industrial-cameras/gige-color/dfk33gx183/
- https://www.theimagingsource.com/products/industrial-cameras/gige-monochrome/dmk33gx183/
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
NEW GigE ix-Industrial Ethernet Interface! For rapid & smoother connection
20 February, 2019
Charlotte, NC – The Imaging Source, international manufacturer of machine vision cameras and software for industrial imaging, has just announced the immediate availability of 4 new 9 and 12 MP industrial cameras featuring the latest, large-format Sony Pregius CMOS sensors and the robust ix-Industrial® ethernet interface.
The “38 series” color and monochrome cameras from The Imaging Source are equipped with Sony’s cost-effective IMX267 and IMX304 sensors which offer high resolution (8.8 MP at 13 fps and 12.3 MP at 9 fps respectively), high dynamic range with low noise and brilliant color reproduction. Developed specifically to meet the demands of modern imaging systems, IMX267 and IMX304 global shutter sensors are ideal for machine vision applications such as inspection, metrology and traffic surveillance; GigE-Vision-compliance ensures easy integration in applications adhering to the standard.
The “38 series” GigE cameras are the first in The Imaging Source product portfolio to offer the ix-Industrial® Ethernet interface – a miniaturized interface which is approximately 70% smaller than RJ45 modular connectors. The new interface uses metal snap-in hooks for active locking of the socket and plug which provides immediate haptic feedback to confirm proper connection. Integrated locking ensures a robust connection that offers high shock and vibration resistance and long service life, making it ideal for industrial environments.
The Imaging Source provides free software tools and SDKs for Windows and Linux platforms: IC Imaging Control SDK; the end-user software IC Capture for image acquisition; IC 3D for 3D stereo depth estimation; IC Measure for on-screen measurement; and IC Barcode, an SDK for 1- and 2D barcode detection.
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
IC USB 3 to 10 GigE Software Converter by The Imaging Source!
20 February, 2019
Charlotte, NC – The Imaging Source, international manufacturer of industrial cameras, has just announced the immediate availability of its new software converter, IC USB 3 to 10 GigE.
With the new IC USB 3 to 10 GigE software, The Imaging Source makes possible for the first time the transfer of large amounts of image data from one or more USB 3 cameras over a 10 GigE network at full bandwidth. Connected for example to an Intel NUC, the camera’s USB 3 data is converted via the software to 10 GigE and transmitted over a fiber or copper connection. The USB 3 camera’s image data can then be displayed and controlled from any PC with a 10 GigE or Thunderbolt interface. The software is available for free download with all USB 3 cameras from The Imaging Source.
This solution is especially relevant when trying to bridge greater distances while using USB 3 cameras with Sony Pregius and On Semiconductor PYTHON sensors. For the first time, it is possible to achieve full-speed transmission of USB 3 data over Cat6 and fiber cables using the following additional hardware.
Included with camera delivery: Software converter, drivers for Windows XP, Vista, 7/8/10, the SDK IC Imaging Control 3.2 (. NET and C++ library) and IC Capture for image acquisition; IC 3D for 3D stereo depth estimation; IC Measure for on-screen measurement; and IC Barcode, an SDK for 1- and 2D barcode detection.
About The Imaging Source
The Imaging Source is a multinational enterprise with branches in the US, Taiwan and Germany. Established in 1990, The Imaging Source is one of the leading manufacturers of imaging products for scientific, industrial and medical applications. The industrial cameras, converters and frame grabbers manufactured by The Imaging Source are highly robust and are designed to run maintenance-free for years in many applications.
For more info, please refer to below link:
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
The Imaging Source Cameras Guide CTA’s Prototype Telescope
20 February, 2019
On October 10, 2018, the first prototype Large-Size Telescope (LST-1) of the Cherenkov Telescope Array(CTA) project was officially inaugurated at the northern array site situated at the Observatorio Roque de los Muchachos (Canary Islands). Two months later on December 19, 2018, the prototype telescope delivered its first images. This next-generation telescope serves as the working prototype for planned arrays in the northern and southern hemispheres. Over 100 telescopes will eventually be built for the arrays which together will comprise the CTA Observatory (CTAO). The University of Tokyo, a consortium member and major contributor to the CTA project, worked with The Imaging Source to supply cameras for the telescope’s Active Mirror Control (AMC) system.
The large number of telescopes planned for the arrays will deliver unprecedented sensitivity (10 times that of current systems) and accuracy in the detection and imaging of high-energy gamma rays. Using a design based on current-generation gamma-ray detectors called Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes(IACT), the LST-1 has a 23 m reflector covered by 198 hexagonal mirror segments. In order to maintain optimal accuracy, each of the 198 mirrors must maintain a precise angle in relation to the main camera and its 265 photomultiplier tubes which sits 28 m above the reflector.
Accurate Mirror Angles via Machine Vision
Project requirements specify that rapid telescope repositioning toward a desired target area be accomplished in under 20 seconds. Additionally, weather conditions and the reflector’s own weight (approx. 50 tons) cause deformations in the dish and the camera support structure which affect the alignment between the 198 mirrors and the telescope’s main camera. These factors make an efficient and reliable system for mirror adjustment (i.e. focus) critical. When the telescope was first designed, several methods were considered including a laser-scan system and gyroscope system. In the end, none of these methods proved feasible due to price and performance concerns.
Scientists from the University of Tokyo were tasked with delivering a viable, cost-effective solution. They turned to machine vision and selected The Imaging Source’s GigE monochrome cameras for the project. The GigE cameras feature global shutter sensors with 1.2 MP resolution. The CMOS cameras’ compact and robust form meant they could be easily positioned in an IP67 case for additional protection from the elements. Once encased, the CMOS cameras were then mounted in a cutaway corner of each mirror (fig. 2 and below right). The reference point of each mirror is defined by the Optical Axis Reference Laser (OARL), whose wavelength is in the near infrared region. The CMOS camera in each mirror measures the position of the OARL’s light spot on the main camera’s target in order to identify the current mirror direction with respect to the optical axis.
Each camera is connected with a board computer via the GigE interface. When the telescope is moved to a new target, the mirrors are adjusted based on look-up tables which store the correct position of each mirror. Because look-up tables are pre-defined, however, they do not take structural changes due to weather and the telescope’s own weight into consideration. On the basis of the OARL position captured by the CMOS camera, a position is calculated and sent back to the actuators on the back of each mirror so that each mirror can be adjusted to the required angle.
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
The Imaging Source Drives TUfast: Students Win Driverless Challenge
20 February, 2019
For over 15 years, TUfast, a student initiative at the Technical University of Munich, has been taking part in “Formula SAE” competitions. In 2010, a spin-off team for high-efficiency vehicles and sustainable mobility was introduced: TUfast Eco Team. After winning three first prizes with the debut of their first UrbanConcept car (muc017) in 2017, the team wanted to take on a new challenge: autonomous driving. The Imaging Source sponsored DFK 33GX265e cameras and accessories to help the team get to the finish line.
Autonomous Driving has its Challenges
The Shell Eco-marathon hosts three distinct races: Shell Eco-marathon, Drivers’ World Championship, Autonomous UrbanConcept Competition. TUfast’s goal was to participate not only in the newest event (Autonomous UrbanConcept) but also in the traditional efficiency races with a driver. Limited to one car, the team had to develop a vehicle concept that would allow them to use all the equipment necessary to compete in the autonomous driving challenges while keeping the vehicle’s overall weight low. To fulfill these requirements, TUfast created an innovative vehicle concept using a modular design. In so doing, the equipment necessary for autonomous driving could be completely and efficiently removed to reduce weight for the efficiency races.
The team took part in several autonomous driving tasks at the Shell Eco-marathon including the “Parking Challenge” where the team relied solely on vision-based recognition of the parking blocks. The software maneuvered the vehicle into the optimal parking position using the camera-based data with an ultrasound system navigating the last few centimeters. The TUfast Eco Team was the only team to successfully complete the task. Overall, TUfast earned a very respectable second place for the Autonomous UrbanConcept competition, trailing the first-place recipient by only a few points.
After the Event is Before the Event
On the heels of the Shell Eco-marathon in London, the students are currently planning next year’s competitive season. The students will further use the stereo camera system to explore new, more advanced topics such as depth estimation and stereo SLAM (visual odometry via simultaneous localization and mapping) for the 2019 racing season.
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
Distortion FREE Dimension lens from Carl Zeiss
29 January, 2019
ZEISS Dimension Lenses
High precision for greater efficiency
The new ZEISS Dimension family meets the highest demands for industrial applications. The lenses developed for use with a C-mount are designed for image sensors up to a size of 4/3” and offer exceptional image quality in a compact, lightweight and rugged aluminum housing. The ZEISS Dimension family consists of six focal lengths ranging from 8 to 50 millimeters. Almost all ZEISS Dimension lenses have the same outer diameter for reliable planning when mounting them in production facilities.
Precision and ease of operation are key factors that make the ZEISS Dimension family stand out. With the help of the innovative adjustment mechanism*, it is easy to compensate for tolerances at the camera mount. In addition to the C-mount’s stable screw connection, fixation screws on the focus and aperture rings guarantee a high degree of stability and ensure that the settings remain in the correct position.
The focus and aperture rings are equipped with gears to be directly connected to servomotors. If the scales on the lens are not easy to read during use in industrial applications, their alignment can be easily adjusted as needed.
ZEISS Dimension lenses are the perfect solution for complex production processes. Thanks to their high level of flexibility, they truly stand out when used in security and monitoring applications, quality control, traffic monitoring, recycling processes and many more applications.
For more info regarding the Dimension series, click here
High res, High speed from ISVI: the RAZOR series
25 January, 2019
See the new RAZOR Series cameras offering cutting-edge performance with the image quality and ROI pricing you need.
► Resolutions from 12, 16 and 25 megapixels
► Frame rates from 72/81 (25MP), 124 (16MP) to 181 fps (12MP)
► CoaXPress CXP-12 and CXP-6 interfaces
UPDATE: CXP-6 models shipping in February!! CXP-12 models coming soon.
For more details regarding RAZOR series: click here
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.
Growing trends in LED Lighting. Control up to 4 wavelengths!
20 December, 2018
Growing Trends in LED Lighting Enlighten How to Plan for the Future
Via Vision Systems Design magazine, Smart Vision Lights sponsored a webinar titled “The Growing Need for Precision in LED Lighting.” The presentation focused on emerging trends among fast drivers, multispectral/multi-light systems, and advanced design procedures coming to bear on LED light designs.
- 4ZMD and 4WMD: The 4ZMD gives users control of up to four lights or light zones, while the 4WMD allows users to control up to four wavelengths. Both external drivers have a built-in Multi-DriveTM and independent intensity controls that can be set between 10 and 100 percent for continuous operation or OverDrive™ strobe mode.
- RM75-4Z and RM140-4Z: The RM75-4Z and RM140-4Z are designed for compact 3D photometric stereo applications. The low-angle mini ring lights, which ship with current-matched external driver, work best for dark-field ring applications and radial illumination configurations.
- DFLW-200 Ring Light: The dark-field DFLW-200, which features an anodized black aluminum housing, is IP68 rated and has a built-in Multi-Drive™. The light features a microlens turning film that, when combined with high-power LEDs, directs a beam of light at a 25° angle toward the object, resulting in a high intensity and uniform field of illumination.
- LWE150 Linear Light: The LWE150 features a 100 percent waterproof stainless-steel enclosure specially designed for food industry and washdown environments where water and corrosive materials are present. The light is IP68 rated and has a built-in Multi-Drive™.
For more information, kindly send in your enquiries to info@jm-vistec.com or call +65 6748 5517.