Machine Vision

 

Excellent image quality is a signature feature of Basler cameras. The Basler scout and Basler pilot camera series are no exception, and they are raising the bar even higher by adding new features.

The newest added feature is dust and dirt protection for the sensor enclosure. Preventing dust and dirt from entering the sensor area is a tough job. First, there must be no dust in the air during production of the cameras, and Basler’s production process has been updated to eliminate any dust in the air. Next, each camera must operate for months or years in often harsh industrial conditions, and this demands appropriate dust protection inside the camera. To ensure that Basler scout and pioneer cameras will have the appropriate level of dust protection, they are tested at least two times during production. The first test is implemented as part the focal length adjustment procedure and the second test is performed as a final check. Once the tests are passed, the lens mount threads are covered with a secure cap.

All production steps are performed in a clean room environment since the end of 2007. This prevents small particles that can influence image quality or affect image processing results from entering the cameras during production.

In extreme cases, dust or dirt that enters a camera can cause shadows or even stop some pixels from receiving any light at all. The remedy in this situation would be to dismount the camera from the machine and clean the surface of the imaging sensor. For cameras with a fixed IR-cut filter, dust inside of the camera would make repair of that camera at the vendor’s facility a necessity. All of this represents an annoying effort for the end user and worries both OEMs and system integrators.

The new dust protection technology used in Basler cameras separates the sensor from the camera's core board and other electronics. This is accomplished by using several special lip-seals to form a sensor enclosure extending from the sensor board to the front plate of the camera. For cameras equipped with an IR-cut filter, the filter screws into the lens adapter threads and completely seals the sensor enclosure.

This dust and dirt protection is already being applied to all Basler scout cameras and application to the Basler pilot series has started. Full conversion of all pilot models will be finished in June 2008.



For more information, please contact us at +49 4102 463-500 or e-mail us at bc.sales.europe@baslerweb.com.