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Second generation family of IEEE 1394.b cameras from Sony

6th November 2007

Sony Europe

ES Admin

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Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division has announced a series of IEEE 1394.b digital cameras today. The XCD line-up ranges from the XCD-V60, black and white (B&W) VGA resolution at 90 frames per second (fps) to the XCD-U100CR, a colour UXGA, 15 fps unit. A total of six new models have been introduced, each fitted with high quality Sony Semiconductor CCD sensors utilising 10-bit, EXview HAD or simple (Hole-Accumulation-Diode) HAD technology. With IEEE 1394.b interface support, the units suit machine vision use such as detail measurement, gauging, surface inspection and object recognition. They are also relevant for other high speed, networked vision applications that require the study of fast moving objects, such as traffic control.

The Sony XCD-U100 B&W and XCD-100CR colour models feature ultra-high, 1600 x 1200 UXGA resolution from the 1/1.8 type progressive scan (PS) interline technology (IT) CCD sensor, delivering 15fps. The XCD-SX90 and XCD-SX90CR provides 1280 x 960 SXGA resolution at a frame rate of up to 30 fps. Models XCD-V60 and XCD-V60CR, have 640 x 480 VGA resolution delivered at up to 90 fps. Both the XCD-SX90 and XCD-V60 range utilise 1/3 type PS IT sensors. The cameras are stable and reliable operating at the full IEEE 1394.b data rate standard of 800 Mbits/second.

The new XCD cameras are equipped with two IEEE 1394.b digital interface ports. This allows multiple cameras to be connected together in a daisy-chain configuration and controlled from a single PC. By using the bus synchronization feature, a single trigger can provide simultaneous image capture from multiple cameras. This can assist in creating a 3D image for detailed inspection or simply allow multiple images to be viewed from different angles. The bulk trigger mode facilities the rapid capture of up to 16 images by using either a software or hardware trigger. The images may be captured at different shutter speeds and then combined into a composite image for detailed inspection without the need to change the lighting. In addition, the broadcast delivery feature can provide a software trigger to multiple, daisy-chained cameras and also serves to change camera settings such as shutter speed, exposure, gain and white balance.

To aid ease of configuration, a hardware look up table (LUT) records image parameters such as gamma control. A built-in, real time 3 x 3 image pre-processing filter is also provided on the B&W models. Their Wide D feature makes them suitable for use in a variety of high speed, non-machine vision applications. All these cameras could be updated and upgraded by IEEE 1394 bus.

The cameras are housed in a robust, compact and lightweight case measuring 44 x 33 x 57.5mm and weighing 140g. They have an operating temperature range of -5 to +45 degrees C. Typical power consumption is 3.0 W.