BASLER´S VISION COMPONENTS - MORE THAN JUST CAMERAS

An image processing system needs more than just a camera. Only a camera in combination with a lens, light source, reliable data transfer and additional components such as frame grabbers, trigger cables, PC cards and power supplies turn a vision system into a functioning unit. Basler explains more on how it has Computer Vision system components that match perfectly.

Basler is particularly careful when selecting vision components because vision systems must meet high requirements for reliability and maintenance. This is because they are installed in machines or systems that are designed for long operating periods and must receive the right support throughout their entire lifecycle. For this reason, Basler applies the same accuracy to all vision components that customers already receive with Basler’s high-quality industrial cameras.

The priority in the careful selection of the portfolio is the compatibility and reliability of the components, as Basler strives to provide the right needs-oriented setup for complex, efficient systems as well as for costeffective solutions.

As technology leader, Basler is substantially involved in the development of new standards and offers all the necessary, perfectly matched vision components from one source. As a result, Basler´s customers benefit from the superior reliability of their entire vision system.

NEW LENSES EXPAND THE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

In February, Basler enhanced its Lens Portfolio and now offers the right lens for every Basler camera. The Basler Lens series comprises two product lines: Standard and Premium. Combined with a camera and lighting, lenses are instrumental in determining the image quality. Of interest when choosing the right lens is the balance between the price and the required imaging performance, i.e. high resolution with optimal image quality. Basler offers the right lens for both scenarios.

The Standard product line

The lenses in the Standard product line are suitable for standard vision applications, with an excellent price/ performance ratio. These lenses have a needs-oriented design and correspond to the lower requirements of many cost-sensitive applications. Thanks to their solid basic performance, they are ideal for fast cameras with a lower resolution.

The Premium product line

The lenses in the Premium product line are designed and tested for more demanding applications. Thanks to a very high resolution, low distortion and low vignetting, they offer the best image quality. This makes them optimal for cameras with very high resolutions for the analysis of even smallest structures. The cost aspect was also taken into account for lenses in this product line.

Both new product lines support the popular image circles of sensors available in Basler cameras, from 1/2.5” to 1.1”, as well as all conventional focal lengths. The lenses are equipped with a C-mount and can also be conveniently used with CS-mount cameras by use of an adapter.

Basler helps users choose the appropriate lens with its convenient Lens Selector. This tool makes it easy to search for the right lens for Basler area scan cameras. Visitors to http://www.baslerweb.com/lens-selector can enter their application data (such as required angle of view, working distance, object size, etc.). The Lens Selector then calculates the necessary focal length and proposes suitable lenses for the size and resolution of the sensor.

NEW BASLER LIGHTING SYSTEM OFFERS EASY INTEGRATION

Illumination plays a major role in a vision system as it provides the light that ensures the best possible and repeatable image quality in a wide range of applications. It is therefore important to think about a lighting solution as early as possible.That is the reason why clever, innovative lighting solutions, such as the Basler SLP Controller and the Basler Camera Light series, are also part of Basler´s vision components portfolio.

Basler Lighting offers an easy lighting approach for industrial cameras, which greatly reduces the time and the costs regarding the implementation of light sources. The entire process, from the selection of the lights to the installation, is made simpler and shorter by the Basler SLP feature, a feature that enables direct communication between camera and light. It allows easy synchronisation between camera and lighting, gives non-expert users easy access to the popular strobing operation and simplifies the setup for vision applications. Basler’s patent-pending feature enables direct communication between the camera and the light source. This significantly reduces the complexity of a vision system and enables any user to easily integrate lighting early on, thus shortening the time spent on design and installation. The new and unique lighting concepts are designed for Basler ace U and L cameras equipped with the Basler SLP feature. Depending on the application requirements, customers can choose between two approaches.

THE FLEXIBLE APPROACH – BASLER SLP CONTROLLER

The flexible approach is to use the Basler SLP Controller. The Basler SLP controller is used wherever special demands are made on the lighting of a vision system. In this case, users are able to select the best suitable lighting for their vision application, which is controlled through the Basler SLP controller and is physically connected to the camera, enabling the communication via the SLP feature. The solution is suitable for users with lighting experience who have applications with specific lighting requirements.

The easy approach – Basler Camera Light Series

The upcoming easy approach is to add lighting to a vision system by using a Basler ace U or L camera with SLP feature and a Basler Camera Light with an integrated controller. The Basler Camera Light series is a distinctive and well-known combination of high quality and costeffectiveness that meets the strong demand of a standard lighting series for cost-oriented system designs. The approach is suitable for users with less complicated applications who want to achieve results quickly.

In both setup scenarios, the Basler pylon Camera Software Suite supports easy integration, installation and operation as it is the only software interface for both camera and light in the system. The perfectly matched components - Basler cameras with SLP feature, the Basler SLP Controller and the Basler Camera Light series - allow an easy setup via plug and play. Easily accessible lighting functions such as strobing and overdrive can significantly increase the luminous efficacy and the life time of the LED lights used. In the overall package, both solutions offer high savings potential in material costs and valuable time in the entire process from acquisition to installation. MV