We tend to think of consumer cameras and industrial cameras as quite different. Industrial cameras or machine vision cameras are typically PC-based, much more robust, and optimized for using the image for analysis or measurement. Consumer cameras, on the other hand, have functionality optimized for human viewing such as color matching and lighting adjustments. Not as much attention needs to be paid in the camera design to withstand big temperature variations or vibration.
But, without the innovations in the consumer camera market, the machine vision market would not be what it is today. CCD technology started for professional markets like broadcast & security. The real volume came with commercial applications like camcorders (i.e. Sony Handycam). [click here for more on the history of machine vision].
Today we can utilize the speed advantages of CMOS because of the advances in CMOS image sensor technology for cell phone cameras.
There are no big investments in the development for industrial camera products. The R&D that was required to create the sensors in cell phones needed huge volumes to pay off. The industrial camera manufacturers’ challenge is to take consumer components and build a camera that meets the demanding reliability and reproducibility requirements specific to machine vision.
On the flip side, in order to manufacture the latest electronics, such as smart phones, inspection equipment using high-performance machine vision cameras is required. For more details on this, see our previous blog series:
How Increased Smartphones Advance Machine Vision
Dependence on the consumer market, will present more challenges for the machine vision market in the future. The direction of cell phone cameras is smaller, and smaller pixels. Their goal is to have as many pixels possible on a small chip. Larger pixels are preferable in machine vision (for more information):
Can small pixel CMOS image sensors be useful in Machine Vision?
One option could be to combine pixels, which could offer new flexibility…more on this later.
Many of the innovations in Machine Vision image sensors will be spin-offs from the R&D investment from consumer products leading to:
- More complex pixel designs
- Manufacturing using smaller CMOS technology nodes (< 180 nm)
- Using different technology nodes for the Analog and Digital circuits and CMOS pixel array
- Back-Side-Illumination to improve sensor performance
- Through-Silicon-Vias to connect pixels to the back of the sensor chip
- And many more.
There are 2 main influencers for innovations in Machine Vision from consumer electronics. The first one is the use of technologies developed for CE in Machine Vision. And the second one is the use of innovative Machine Vision cameras to inspect ever more complicated CE products that use advanced semiconductors, flexible PCBs, high-resolution and flexible displays at higher and higher volumes.
Dear Sir
There is requirement as under:
CMOS sensor based High Resolution visual inspection system
Item: Supply, installation & commissioning of CMOS sensor based high resolution visual inspection system.
Quantity: 1 No.
A table top CMOS sensor based high resolution visual inspection system with 24″ HD display is required for the inspection of fine coatings as per following specifications:
1.1 Bidder’s Qualification Criteria:
The bidder must be an OEM or an authorized agent. In case the bidder is authorization agent, authorization certificate must be uploaded with the tender. The bid for the tender should be for one complete set.
1.2 Bid Acceptance Criteria:
The bidder or OEM must have supplied similar system to any reputed lab/organization and furnish the contact details of end users. Feedback may be sought from users and any negative feedback from the user may lead to the rejection of the offer.
The bidder should provide the detailed technical specifications with respect to each point given in the Technical specs & provide response in ‘Compliance sheet’ clearly bringing out the compliance/deviations from the specifications and upload with the quotation without which quotations will not be accepted. The bidder must upload the documents such as catalogue of products to support the technical specifications.
1.3 Technical Specifications:
1. Application: The CMOS camera based high resolution visual inspection system with 24” display for fast and accurate inspection of coated components.
2. Sensor type & size: CMOS sensor, Size ≥1/2.5”
3. Sensor speed: at least 60 frames per second
4. sensor Resolution: ≥ 3840X2160 ( Ultra HD 4K )
5. Operating system: Built-in operating system for non-contact measurement & mouse operation.
6. Imaging features: Sharpness Enhancement & Over Exposure Compensation using Image Signal Processing Algorithm
7. Colour: true colour reproduction.
8. Imaging lens: Industrial Grade 4 k HD resolution parfocal imaging zoom lens.
9. Magnification variation based on lens position: 22 – 185X & WD 86mm / 160mm
10. Illumination: SMD LED diffused light with dimmer for soft illumination.
11. Display system: 4K Ultra HDMI HD High resolution 24” display.
12. Camera stand: Compatible stand for coarse focussing adjustment using screw & pillar bush.
13. Memory storage: ≥ 16GB USB Drive memory for Image Capture & storage.
14. Power adaptor & control devices: Compatible power adaptor, mouse control etc.
1.4 Compliance Sheet: Sr. Parameter Description Offered Values/ Parameters. Comments:
Compliance/ deviation
1 Sensor type & size CMOS sensor, Size ≥1/2.5”
2 Sensor speed ≥ 60 frames per second
3 Sensor Resolution ≥ 3840 X 2160
( Ultra HD 4K )
4 Imaging features Sharpness Enhancement etc. using suitable algorithms (Pl. mention)
5 Imaging lens 4 k HD resolution parfocal imaging zoom lens (Pl. mention)
6 Magnification 22 – 185X
7 Illumination SMD based LED
8 Display 4K Ultra HDMI HD High resolution 24” display
Pl. mention make etc.
9 Memory storage ≥ 16GB USB Drive memory
10 Power adaptor & control devices Compatible power adaptor, mouse control etc. and suitable cables
11 System installation, commissioning, demonstration & acceptance Is the vendor agreed for the installation, commissioning of the at RRCAT lab.
Acceptance criteri: The system is to be demonstrated for full functioning as per the specifications.
Installation, commissioning & acceptance:
• The system supplied is to be installed & commissioned by Vendor or their authorized representative
Acceptance criteria: The system is to be demonstrated for full functioning as per the specifications.
If can quote for the requirements let me know so that we proceed further
With best regards
R.N Sharma
CEO, Globe Solutionz
Reg. Off: #21, Sector 14,
Rohtak 124 001, Haryana, INDIA
Tel.: +91-9812068988,
Fax: +91-1262-279995
Mail: rniwas@globesolutionz.com
Dear Sir,
We forwarded your question to our sales dept. in Singapore.