Improving image quality and noise reduction by temporal averaging
The following document describes the usage of the image averaging property which can be found in MATRIX-VISION cameras of the mvBlueFOX3 and mvBlueCOUGAR-X family. It requires camera firmware version 2.8.0 for the mvBlueFOX3-1 family and 2.14.2 or newer for the mvBlueFOX3-2 family. Its purpose is to improve image quality by temporal averaging of images. This is fundamentally different to image processing algorithms e.g. low pass filtering or mean filtering of single images which also lead to loss of details in an image.
Meanwhile embedded devices have a processing power and a variety of interfaces which make them interesting for industrial image processing. Embedded devices can even master applications in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) like Machine Learning (ML) or its sub-aspect Deep Learning (DL). For nearly 10 years MATRIX VISION supports ARM based devices with fitting drivers for the product families mvBlueFOX (USB 2.0), mvBlueFOX3 (USB 3.0) as well as for mvBlueCOUGAR (Gigabit Ethernet).
Unlike area scan mode, block scan mode enables inspection of round/rotating body or long/endless materials at high speed (like line scan cameras). In this document, the block scan mode in mvBlueFOX3 cameras is introduced. Triggered by an incremental encoder, the camera in block scan mode displays objects on a rotating drum.
Corning Varioptic™ liquid lenses with MATRIX VISION cameras
Whereas many machine vision applications usually use constant distance (and constant lighting), there has been a trend to use GigE Vision and USB3 Vision cameras also e.g. in outdoor applications such as traffic monitoring or security or sports with varying object distances. This enforces the need to adjust the focus.
The advantage of this solution is that it requires only one programming interface from the host PC to the camera inclusive optics, saving the separate USB port to communicate with the lens otherwise.
Motorized lenses from Opto Engineering with MATRIX VISION cameras
Whereas many machine vision applications usually use constant distance (and constant lighting) and constant field of view, there are applications to use GigE Vision and USB3 Vision cameras also in applications requiring different magnifications or different foci and apertures.
Opto Engineering offers two series of motorized lenses for these application types.
ENMT fixed focal length lenses with motorized focus and aperture control and
MZMT series, 12x or 5X continuous macro zoom lenses with motorized control.
The advantage of this solution is that it requires only one programming interface from the host PC to the camera inclusive optics, saving the separate USB port to communicate with the controller otherwise.
mvObjectSurveyor (Box recognition as mvIMPACT 6D module)
Box identification and recognition is one of the most commonly cited tasks that need to be addressed in industry. The challenges posed here are that boxes varying in terms of colour and or/size may be dealt with simultaneously, and also have an adhesive label or recognition code. The spatial arrangement of the boxes also tends to be random. Arrangements can vary from a scenario involving completely different boxes to boxes positioned close to one another, or even just a solitary box.
Beside a camera with a suitable sensor, the optics as well as the lighting system are the fundamental pillars for good image qualities and for this reason for reliable applications. A flash ensures well-illuminated and sharp images. In order that an unchanging illumination is guaranteed over long periods, digital lighting controllers are used. The following white paper shows, how lighting systems improve the image quality.
Camera mounting and permissible ambient temperature
Within the technical data of industrial cameras you will find the range of permissible ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air around the device at a given distance. Typically the lower limit is set to zero degrees Celsius simply by the fact that we should avoid condensation both inside the camera and on the housing, as it is usually not protected against water ingress. The upper temperature limit is commonly a worst case limit with a margin to be on the safe side. There are further issues to consider – more in this white paper.
Industrial cameras in outdoor applications have to face several challenges: changing light conditions because of night and day, and if they are used in traffic, backlight will be a common problem. High dynamic sensors are the solution, but they are wrongly assumed to be expensive. The CMOS sensor AR0331 from Aptina/ON Semiconductor with HDR modes proves the contrary. The features and how you can work with the sensor will show the following white paper.
UBS3 Vision cameras and transmission security aspects
The consumer interface USB 3.0 was introduced in 2010 and is very popular not only for the USB 2.0 backwards compatibility. The USB 3.0 interface supports a gross bandwidth of 5000 MBit/s, however, maximum cable length of 3.5 m (using consumer cables) is only supported (8 m is possible with good cables). But there are other ways to extend the length. This white paper provides an overview of aspects and other things about this issue.
