Firstsight Vision

A new development in optics brings benefits to machine vision applications previously only available to CCTV users. The new 1/2, 4-12 mm (F/1.4) Megapixel Varifocal lens from Tamron, now available from FIRSTSIGHT VISION combines megapixel resolution imaging capabilities with flexibility of mounting in production line environments.

New cameras offering an efficient, attractively priced solution for industrial inspection applications that require three-dimensional imaging and a new approach to 3-D measurement are now available from FIRSTSIGHT VISION.

FIRSTSIGHT VISION announces the availability of an extremely simple ‘XGA output' colour camera. Designed purely for visualization, this camera connects directly to a TFT or similar monitor and requires no computer interface. A built in cross hair generator ensures accurate alignment, making it an inexpensive and elegant real-time imaging system for a host of applications.

FIRSTSIGHT VISION’s ability to supply the correct illumination for a given machine vision application is highlighted through the recent supply of a water-cooled 3-metre line light. This has been manufactured by LED illumination specialist, VCubed, and is a customized version of its VLX2 Series of smart, ultra high intensity line lights.

A combination of thermal infrared and CCTV cameras can provide a cost-effective solution for perimeter intruder detection and surveillance. Experts from FIRSTSIGHT VISION can offer advice on the most appropriate configuration for the particular application. Key to optimizing the system is the use of thermal infrared technology for detecting intruders and then using CCTV for identification purposes, as an alternative to the more expensive option of using many CCTV cameras equipped with motion detectors.

A number of new variants have been added to the uEye Gigabit Ethernet cameras from IDS. A 5 megapixel (2560 x 1920) monochrome camera has been added to the range and all GigE uEye models are now also available as 90° angled head versions. This further enhances the range of sophisticated imaging applications that FIRSTSIGHT VISION can address.

FIRSTSIGHT VISION is offering a range of ‘Image Station Compact’ PCs equipped with everything needed for a complete PC-based machine vision system in an ultra-compact housing. The small dimensions and modular design of these systems make them ideal for use in machine vision applications in confined spaces and ensure easy integration of the latest state-of-the-art PC components. All models are assembled and tested at FIRSTSIGHT VISION’s parent company STEMMER IMAGING in Germany to customer specifications, and they can be supplied complete with STEMMER IMAGING’s Common Vision Blox imaging toolkit.

IRSTSIGHT VISION has extended its portfolio of high sensitivity dual linescan cameras with the addition of a 4096 pixel resolution version of the popular DALSA Spyder camera. The Camera Link configuration of the 4K Spyder 3 CL allows easy integration into existing systems and it can be used for industrial metrology, print, food, web and material inspection and container inspection applications.

Firstsight Vision is pleased to introduce a colour version of the iNspect software package for the IPD VA series of compact machine vision solutions. This brings capabilities only previously found in the company’s more advanced systems. Unlike smart cameras the VA series contains all the processing power in a rugged enclosure, enabling multiple small head cameras to be used, which provides a more flexible solution that is readily integrated into factory environments alongside other automation controllers.

Firstsight Vision has added the MACRO VARON™ 85 mm f4.5 lens from Schneider Kreuznach to its optics portfolio. This new lens has been designed to improve the resolution and flexibility of advanced inspection systems using linescan cameras up to 12K with 5 micron pixels. Linescan systems are used for the high-speed inspection of continuously moving material, such as steel strip, paper and other uncut materials.

Firstsight Vision can now offer a low cost alternative for high-speed imaging for use with cameras that operate at variable frame rate but do not have their own on-board memory. Using a codec from Cineform Inc in conjunction with Streampix 3 software from Norpix Inc, it is possible to record images directly to a laptop disk drive or USB memory stick connected to the laptop in real time, with a choice of resolution and speed.

Firstsight Vision can now offer the new Marlin F-131B NIR FireWire camera from Allied Vision Technologies (AVT). The AVT Marlin F-131B NIR is an extremely compact monochrome FireWire camera equipped with a highly sensitive 2/3 CMOS sensor with Global Shutter, giving SXGA resolution and high-quality images in 8-bit format. This sensor offers almost twice the sensitivity in the far red and near infrared wavelength ranges compared to the standard sensor.

New additions to the high power ring and dome diffuse LEDs from CCS Inc are now available from Firstsight Vision. These further enhance inspection applications in the food, packaging, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, electronics and automotive industries. Applications include optical character recognition, component inspection and colour imaging.

Firstsight Vision can now offer the new Stingray series of cameras from Allied Vision Technologies (AVT). Stingray combines the outstanding functionality of the Pike family with the sensors and compact size of the Marlin series to offer excellent value for money. The six Stingray versions feature progressive scan colour or monochrome CCD sensors, each available with resolutions from VGA to 2 megapixels. Advanced thermal management for the sensors reduces dark current noise and improves image quality.