#2:11
imaging & vision
INFORMATION AND PRODUCT NEWS
The technical issue
Getting down to the details
Powerful updates to Matrox Iris GT
Technical details and new products In this issue of Imaging & Vision, we are focusing on a more detailed technical content. Among other things you can read about the pros and cons of the different interfaces and how the line scan cameras with GigE interface works. But of course we are also, as always, launching a lot of new products. Matrox expands their family of smart cameras with a 5MP high-resolution version and they took at the same time the opportunity to add color features in Design Assistant, the integrated development environment. From our supplier of LED illumination, Advanced Illumination, we present some new products. A range of interesting ring lights expands their already broad portfolio of LED lightings for industrial applications and machine vision.
Publisher : Mikael Thörnkvist Editor: Torbjörn Fjorde Graphical design & production: CCJ Kommunikation AB, Huskvarna Printer: Fyra Punkter AB, Värnamo Contact: OEM Automatic AB Box 1011, Dalagatan 4 573 28 Tranås, Sweden Tel +46 (0)75-242 41 00 Fax +46 (0)75-242 41 19 www.oemautomatic.se imaging@aut.oem.se 2 | www.oemautomatic.se
Z-Laser is launching a new series of M18lasers which you can get in a compact format, from only 76 mm length, depending on configuration. In our previous issue we presented our new supplier of 3D cameras, Automation Technology. In this issue you can read more about their high-end cameras with GigE interfaces for 3D applications.
Enjoy your reading !
advanced illumination
Enlightening technology from AI 1
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QM116 – Quad Mounted, Adjustable Angle Lights • QM116 features four AL116s • Individual adjustability can be used to create a variety of lighting effects, including dark field. • Mounting screws securely hold lights at desired angle • QM126 and QM4424 are also available • Currently only available in 24v version
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2
RL127 – High Brightness LED Ring Light • Intense illumination in a compact (11,5 cm diameter) housing • Axial light source designed for inspecting non-specular objects • IP65 Compliant Design • Internal thread for use with adapter rings
3
RL12006 – Low Angle White Dark Field Illuminator • For use in applications where low angle of incidence, radial illumination is required • Useful for detecting edges or inspecting ball grid arrays • Light-weight, compact design • 16 cm outer diameter; 13 cm inner diameter • Can be used in place of Ai’s RL1360 or RL1660
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3
EL138 – Expandable, high intensity strip back light • Passively cooled design • Perfect for line scanning applications • 70000 Lux @ 10 cm • Intensity control of entire light via 10–0v input • Expandable up to 2400 mm
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Automation Technology
High Speed 3D Measurement with CX Camera Series The CX Camera Series comprises the world fastest high-resolution 3D sensors and is a revolution for three dimensional shape measurement. It offers unique key benefits for OEMs and Vision Integrators while making 3D imaging as easy as 2D vision. For example, the latest model in the CX series, the C4-2040-GigE camera, has a resolution of 2048 x 1088 pixels. At a maximum profile rate of 32 KHz it can deliver up to 65,5 million 3D points per second. The integrated high-speed CX processing FPGA determines the height profile of the measured surface with a sub-pixel precision of 1/64 pixel without incurring any loss of speed. These outstanding characteristics enable integrators to expand their field of three-dimensional measuring solutions in a versatile way. Applications can not only be found in the automotive supplier industry, for example using CX cameras to test the surface profile of tires or rubber seals (Picture 2), but also in the renewable energy generation sector, where solar cells are inspected for criteria
such as shape and thickness. Monitoring weld seams or adhesive beads is another typical application, as is position detection in robotics and inspection of components like connection rods (picture 3).
CVB, etc.). This is why integrators can not only operate with a high degree of flexibility, but also rely on an experienced flow of work. Developers can concentrade on the application solution without the need to learn another camera specific interface.
With CameraLink and the GigE Vision standard, two very common interfaces are available for the CX sensors. Since the cameras are compatible with the GenICamprotocol, the integration of these sensors into applications is very simple. This means that the complicated configuration of the cameras through camera-specific libraries is already history. Now, the access to the camera takes place through simple XML. The 3D cameras can be combined with lots of image processing tools available in the market (Matrox MIL, Halcon, VisonPro,
C4-2350-GigE
C4-2040-GigE
C4-1280-GigE
C3-2350-CL
C3-1280-CL
2352(H) x 1728(V)
2048(H) x 1088(V)
1280(H) x 1024(V)
2352(H) x 1728(V)
1280(H) x 1024(V)
Pixel size
7µm x 7µm
5.5µm x 5.5µm
14µm x 14µm
7µm x 7µm
12µm x 12µm
Max. profile rate (at 16 row AOI)
20.850 kHz
18.900 kHz
25.650 kHz
20.850 kHz
27.100 kHz
Interface
GigE Vision
GigE Vision
GigE Vision
CameraLink
CameraLink
Pixels
Typical profile speed depending on sensor rows
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Sensor rows
Profile speed (Hz) with 2352 pixels
Sensor rows
Profile speed (Hz) with 2048 pixels
Sensor rows
Profile speed (Hz) with 1280 pixels
Sensor rows
Profile speed (Hz) with 2350 pixels
Sensor rows
Profile speed (Hz) with 1280 pixels
1728
190
1088
340
1024
490
1728
190
1024
450
216
1550
256
1450
256
2000
216
1550
256
1800
108
3100
128
2850
128
3850
108
3100
128
3550
54
6150
64
5500
64
7500
54
6150
64
7000
27
12400
16
18900
32
14100
27
12400
32
13700
14
23850
8
32300
8
43500
14
23850
8
30900
MATROX
Design Assistant 2.4 – brings color to machine vision Matrox Design Assistant 2.4 flowchart-based integrated development environment introduces a set of tools to identify parts, products, and items using color, in addition to assessing quality from color and isolating features using color. The Color Matcher step determines the best matching color from a collection of samples for each region of interest within an image. A color sample can be specified interactively from an image or through the use of numerical values. A color sample can be a single color or a distribution of colors (i.e., histogram). The color matching method and the interpretation of color differences can be manually adjusted to
suit particular application requirements. The Color Matcher step can also match each image pixel to color samples, which segments the image into appropriate elements for further analysis using other steps such as Blob Analysis. Used in food applications, the Color Matching tool can measure the relative presence of a color in an image, check for the correct proportion of candy in a package, or compare a fruit’s ripeness against a pre-determined color chart.
The Image Processing step includes operations to calculate the color distance and perform color projection. The distance operation reveals the extent of color differences within and between images, while the projection operation enhances color to grayscale image conversion for analysis using other grayscale processing steps. In addition to color analysis tools, Matrox Design Assistant 2.4 introduces a Code Verifier step to grade identification marks using ANSI/AIM and ISO/IEC standards, as well as several features to facilitate project design and maintenance. Matrox Design Assistant 2.4 is scheduled for official release by the end of Q2 2011.
Matrox Iris GT – now in a 5 Megapixel version Matrox Iris GT smart camera is now available in a 5 MP version for high-resolution applications e.g accurately inspect large parts and packages. Matrox Iris GT5000 is the highest resolution version of the Iris GT smart camera available today and the sensor on the Matrox Iris GT5000 is 2448 x 2050 pixels @
Part number Effective resolution (Hx V) CCD sensor format Frame rate CCD sensor geometry
GT300*
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 the other sensor configurations, Matrox Iris GT5000 is housed in a sturdy, dust-proof and washable IP67-rated casing.
GT300C*
GT1200*
640x480 monochrome
GT1200C*
1280x960 color
monochrome
110 fps
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). Matrox Iris GT5000 will be available at the end of Q2 2011.
GT1900*
GT1900C*
1600x1200 color
monochrome
22.5 fps 1/3”-type
GT5000* 2448x2050
color
monochrome
15 fps 1/1.8”-type
2/3”-type
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basler
Digital Interfaces in Industrial Imaging The topic of interface technology keeps users and manufacturers of digital cameras busy. Until now, there has not been one interface that fits well in all applications and that dominates all other interface technologies. However, you can see some trends. Gigabit Ethernet
Camera Link
FireWire
Gigabit Ethernet is the interface with the strongest growth rate. With a cable length limit of 100 meters, GigE makes the cable length maximums for other interface technologies obsolete and offers layout possibilities that are a much better fit for wide-span systems. By adding Gigabit Ethernet switches, system complexity can be greatly reduced. The GigE data rate of more than 100 MB/s is sufficient for all mainstream applications. The GenICam standard (www.genicam.org) defines the logical interface for machine vision applications and in combination with the GigE Vision standard, it allows very simple integration into all vision libraries. Gigabit Ethernet has the potential to become the dominant interface. It has the widest flexibility regarding bandwidth, cable length, and multi-camera functionality. In addition, 10-Gigabit Ethernet is also technically possible.
Camera Link was developed especially for industrial cameras and is an extremely robust, stable, and powerful interface for industrial cameras of all classes. Due to its high data throughput capacity of up to 850 MB/s, it is especially strong in applications with high line or frame rates and high resolutions. It requires cables with special connectors and frame grabber cards that make Camera Link solutions expensive. Gigabit Ethernet is the main competitor in mainstream applications and nowadays often replaces Camera Link because of its low costs, long cables, and flexibility.
FireWire, or IEEE 1394, has been the most successful interface over the past several years. It allows a very stable connection between a camera and computer. The DCAM Standard defines the logical interface and makes for easy integration into software libraries. Cable lengths with FireWire are limited to 4.5 meters, but in practice, special cables can reach up to 8 meters. Multi-camera systems are possible, but they reach their limits very quickly because all cameras share the available bandwidth, and this often causes problems with as few as two cameras connected. FireWire accessories are a bit more expensive than GigE devices, but much less than those for Camera Link.
- High data throughput
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– Very high data throughput
– Moderate data throughput
USB 2.0
- Moderate data throughput The advantages of USB cameras are their very low cost and the ease of use that everyone knows from home PCs. Their use in industrial applications is limited. Most USB cameras are very simple and have little memory, making image losses quite common. The USB interface delivers voltage to the connected devices, but cannot guarantee a stable power supply. In addition, USB 2.0 cameras do not adhere to a standard. This can cause compatibility problems with devices from different vendors. With a USB 3.0 standard on the horizon, there is a possibility that these problems can be overcome in the future.
Aspects & standards Gigabit Ethernet • Interface with the strongest growth rates - potential to become the dominant interface • Greatest flexibility regarding bandwidth, cable lengths, and multi-camera functionality • 100 meter cable lengths - great layout possibilities - perfect for wide-span systems • Data rate of more than 100 MB/s - sufficient for all mainstream applications • Cost-effective accessories such as cables or switches reduce overall system costs • GenICam and GigE Vision standards allow easy logical implementation - very simple integration into all vision libraries and applications • From a technical perspective,10-Gigabit Ethernet lies ahead
Camera Link • Extremely robust, stable, and powerful interface for industrial cameras of all classes • Strong in applications with high line or frame rates and high resolutions • Requires cables with special connectors and frame grabber cards that make the system expensive • Gigabit Ethernet is the main competitor in mainstream applications – nowadays, GigE often replaces Camera Link due to its lower costs, longer cables, and great flexibility
FireWire or IEEE 1394 • Has been the most successful interface over the past several years • Very stable connection between camera and computer • Cable lengths are limited to 4.5 meters - special cables can reach up to 8 meters in practice • Multi-camera systems are possible, but difficult because all cameras share the available bandwidth • DCAM Standard defines the logical interface and allows easy integration into software libraries
USB 2.0 • Very low costs and easy integration due to a design for home PC use – fine for easy application tasks0 • Simple camera layout with limited memory makes image losses quite common – a critical problem for many industrial applications • Voltage is delivered by the USB interface, but a stable power supply cannot be guaranteed at all times • Cameras do not follow a standard - can cause compatibility problems with devices from different vendors. • USB 3.0 standard on the horizon - possible that problems can be overcome in the future
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basler
Line Scan Cameras and GigE Interface Technology There are still some critical voices about using line scan cameras with GigE Interface. These doubts are unnecessary from a technological standpoint. Of course, for some demanding line scan applications, Camera Link is still the interface of choice, for example if very high data rates or speeds are required. But for mainstream applications, you are on the safe side with stateof-the-art GigE cameras such as the Basler runner that provide several benefits: • GigE technology can effectively transmit around 100 megabytes of data per second. This lets you achieve line rates for 1k and 2 k cameras that are comparable to Camera Link based cameras. • With the maximum cable length of 100 meters, image data transmission over long distances is easy. Gigabit Ethernet breaks the 10 meter cable length barrier that was set by Camera Link and allows systems to employ remote processing without the need for additional components such as repeaters or converter boxes. • System layouts get larger and more flexible. Gigabit Ethernet offers layout possibilities that are a much better fit for wide-span systems. By adding Gigabit Ethernet switches, the system complexity can be greatly reduced. • Overall GigE system cost can be reduced significantly compared to Camera Link system layouts. Several accessories that used to be necessary with Camera Link can be eliminitaed. In addition, GigE accessories such as cables or switches are usually less expensive than Camera Link accessories.
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The most important differences compared to Camera Link are the following: • The frame grabber is replaced with a network adapter card. Image transmission to the system’s host computer is done via a common Gigabit Ethernet port. Generic GigE network cards are commercially available and widely used in consumer networks. Specifically recommended Gigabit Ethernet cards are also available from Intel. These recommended models allow the use of a higher performance device driver and are more reliable in terms of long-term availability. High end network cards with pre-processing functionality are also available and can be used to easily replace Camera Link frame grabbers on a one-toone basis.
GigE Vision standard compliant cameras ensure compatibility, reliability, and robustness
”
• Costs for cabling go down while cable lengths are enhanced. Gigabit Ethernet uses standard Ethernet cables, known as Category 6 (Cat 6) cables that can be obtained in different shielding classes. In accordance with the Gigabit Ethernet standard, GigE cables are available in lengths up to 100 meters. This is a great enhancement in comparison to Camera Link’s 10 meter limitation. GigE cabling offers a great potential for lowering costs. A standard 10 meter Camera Link cable can be priced up to ten times higher than a Cat 6 GigE cable. A user might save 100 euros or more in cabling per camera while gaining flexibility in system design. • The converter box is eliminated. Compared to either Camera Link or a converter box, Gigabit Ethernet simplifies the camera to host computer interface. The frame grabber can be eliminated and a simple Gigabit Ethernet network card does the job. Tasks such as color conversion that have been performed on the frame grabber in the past are now directly embedded in the camera. In Basler cameras, they can be activated via Basler’s enhanced pylon API or pylon Viewer. Eliminating the Camera Link frame grabber represents a several hundred euro savings that can be achieved. And with a direct GigE connection, very expensive “Camera Link to Gigabit Ethernet converter boxes” are history, again saving several hundred euros. • The interface is GigE Vision and GenICam standard compliant. The GigE Vision standard defines the methods used to transmit image data from a GigE camera to a host computer
and to transmit control data from a host computer to a GigE camera. It is a logical implementation built on top of the Gigabit Ethernet physical interface. The main part of the logical implementation defines realtime capability, error handling procedures, and reliable image transfer (no image loss) methods. GigE Vision standard compliant
cameras ensure compatibility, reliability, and robustness.
forward integration via extensive documentation and code samples that can often be simply cut and pasted into existing applications. Basler’s driver technology in particular has gained a well deserved reputation for low CPU load, robustness, and ease of use.
• Programming for image data transmission is based on a easy-to-use SDK. Camera drivers such as Basler’s pylon driver package seamlessly support GigE based systems. The pylon SDK enables straight-
Basler Runner
A powerful tool in line scan technology • High-quality line scan technology meets a cost-effective GigE interface • Real color support in a compact housing size • Shading correction compensates for difficult lighting conditions • Flexible, easy integration supported by a variety of I/O features
ruL1024-19gm Sensor size
ruL1024-36gm
Interface
ruL2048-10gm
1024 pixels
Pixel size Max line rate
ruL1024-57gm
ruL2048-19gm
ruL2048-30gm
2048 pixels
2098 pixels
10 um x 10 um 18,7 kHz
35,7 kHz
56,1 kHz
9,7 kHz
ruL2098-10gc
14 x 14 um 18,7 kHz
29,2 kHz
9,2 kHz
Gigabit Ethernet (GigE Vision Complient)
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FLIR
FLIR A-series Thermal imaging cameras for automation and safety applications FLIR A-Series Thermal imaging cameras for automation and safety applications Production engineers and technicians are faced by the demand for higher production output at a constant quality and at lower cost. The FLIR A-series thermal imaging cameras are the most effective tool available for Infrared Machine Vision, Closed loop Process control and Quality Assurance imaging, helping you to validate and increase product quality and throughput and thereby give your products a competitive edge and increased profitability. The FLIR A-Series thermal imaging cameras are also great tools for safety applications. Safety applications exist in any industry where protection of lives and assets is of importance and where an early warning of a potential critical condition is of utmost importance.
Automation Problems can occur at any time in a production process. In most cases, it will not be possible to see the problem with
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the naked eye or to quickly spot potentially harmful temperature variations. For many applications, such as the production of parts and components for the automotive or electronics industry, thermal data are critical. While machine vision can see a production problem, it cannot detect thermal irregularities. Thermography provides much more information to production specialists and decision makers. Indeed, for non-contact precision temperature measurement there is nothing to equal thermography. It adds a new dimension to machine vision and is the perfect solution for applications involving non-contact precision temperature measurement and non-destructive testing.
Thermal imaging cameras for automation applications For machine vision application, fixed mounted thermal imaging cameras like FLIR A615/A315 can be installed almost anywhere to monitor your production process by detecting and measuring temperature differences and visualize heat patterns.
Affordable, compact, and powerful, the FLIR A615 provides over 300,000 pixels of accurate temperature measurement data. The world’s first 640 × 480 uncooled infrared camera to be fully-compliant with both GenICam and GigE Vision protocols, the FLIR A615 is ready for installation into cutting-edge networks right out of the box, and plug-and-play with software from machine vision providers National Instruments, Cognex, Matrox, MVTec, Stemmer Imaging, and many more. This combination makes the FLIR A615 the most effective tool available for infrared machine vision, closed-loop process control, and quality assurance imaging, helping you to validate and increase product quality and throughput, improving your processes and products while giving you a competitive edge and increased profitability. Users that do not need this extremely high image quality of the A615, can choose for the FLIR A315. Just like the FLIR A615 this camera is equipped with an uncooled microbolometer detector but it produces images of 320 x 240 pixels. It also has a few features less than the FLIR A315.
Z-LASER
Industrial lasers for your machine vision applications The leading German designer of structured light lasers is celebrating their 26th year as a manufacturer of lasers and the ZM18 product family is based on their years of experience. With IP67 ratings and robust electronics that can support industrial installations, the ZM18 is perfect for industrial and machine vision applications.
The M18 lasers are available with many different wavelengths and output powers. The user no longer has to settle for a particular operating voltage as they feature a 5-30VDC operation with voltage, spike, ESD and reverse polarity protection. The H-series can be modulated both analogue and digitally simultaneously, at frequencies of up to 20MHz. This allows the laser intensity to be varied whilst also enabling
the laser to be synchronized with a camera or other equipment. Furthermore, the sophisticated electronics feature a built-in micro controller and serial interface facilitating the logging of temperature, operating hours etc. To fit all different customer applications, the M18 laser is available in 4 versions (B, DM, S, H)
The various versions of the ZM18 family Basic version (B) series features:
Standard version (S) series include the features of the (B)series, as well as:
• 5-30VDC operation with reverse polarity and spike protection • External, simple hand focusing mechanism • IP67 rated, fully waterproof • Thread mounted for simple and versatile mounting • LED laser operation indicator • Output power up to 200mW
• LED pre-failure indicator • Power adjustment in 32 steps • TTL modulation up to 1kHz
High-End version (H) series include the features of the S series, as well as:
New! Digital Modulation version
(DM) series include the features of the B series, as well as:
• Logging of temperature, operation hours and other data • Built-in micro controller and serial interface • Simultaneous analogue and TTL modulation up to several MHz • APC mode with current limit or constant current
• Digital modulation up to 100kHz • M12 plug connector or 2m cable • optional 4-6VDC operation • Available in a 76mm compact housing
Specification
Colours BLUE
GREEN
RED
IR
Wavelength in nm
404
450
532
635
640
660
685
785
808
850
980
Max. Output in mW
80
50
40
10
100
80
50
100
200
10
100
www.oemautomatic.se | 11
B
SVERIGE
PORTO BETALT
Previous issues and more information Product area Imaging and Vision offer a wide range of components for OEMs, integrators and machine builders, from cameras and optics to customized imaging computers and software. Product examples, Imaging & Vision: Vision processors, Optics, Framegrabbers, Cameras, Software, Standalone systems, Illumination, Cable systems and Filters.
No 1 2009 Imaging & Vision
No 2 2009 Imaging & Vision
No 1 2010 Imaging & Vision
No 2 2010 Imaging & Vision
E-mail your address to: imaging@aut.oem if you want us to send you previous issues of Imaging & Vision or if you want a subscription. No 1 2011 Imaging & Vision
Product overview Imaging & Vision
IR Automation guidebook, FLIR
Visit our website today!
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imaging@aut.oem.se
Our suppliers, Imaging & Vision: Advanced Illumination, Basler, Carl Zeiss, Flir, Fujinon, Kowa, Matrox Imaging, Midwest Optical Systems, Northwest Inc., Schneider, Sony, and Z-Laser. Contact information Imaging & Vision Tel +46 (0)75-242 41 80 Fax +46 (0)75-242 41 89 E-mail imaging@aut.oem.se