Machine Vision

 

We have started production of our new Basler scout camera generation. The platform concept used on the Basler scout means that more than 28 camera models can be made available with the same form factor, similar interfaces, similar software and drivers, and very attractive pricing.

With its especially attractive price positioning and increased performance, the Basler scout series will accelerate the "analog to digital trend" in the industrial camera marketplace. The scA750-60fm, for example, starts with a list price of 499 € and will make digital cameras very attractive for analog users.

The GigE Vision standard is one of the new technologies incorporated into the Basler scout. GigE vision standardizes the use of a Gigabit Ethernet network for machine vision applications. With GigE Vision, longer cable lengths are easy and cost-effective to realize. With a data rate of up to 100 MB/s, GigE Vision allows a move away from more expensive Camera Link solutions and eliminates the need for a frame grabber.

The platform concept used in the Basler scout series will let users combine as many different models as they desire without changing their software applications. This provides the highest flexibility and lets Basler camera users react to their customer demands more quickly and with less effort.

As an initial step, about half of the 28 camera models will become available during mid-September 2006. One available model will be the scA1400-17 with a FireWire-b or Gigabit Ethernet interface. Equipped with Sony’s ICX285 CCD sensor, this new camera's 1.45 megapixel resolution, excellent image quality, high sensitivity, and low noise make it a convincing choice.

The scA640-70 is based on a Sony CCD sensor and offers a very cost-effective camera for analog to digital conversion. With its fast image acquisition rate of up to 70 frames per second, this camera model is ideal for use in industrial production processes such as online failure detection in production and quality control.

The scA1000-30 is also aimed at users switching from analog to digital solutions. With a 1034 x 779 resolution and a 30 frames per second acquisition rate, even fast production processes can be controlled by this camera.

Like the existing Basler A311 cameras, the scA640-74 is equipped with Sony’s ICX414 CCD sensor and offers the best image quality and high sensitivity. The scA640-74 camera will win over users with an acquisition rate of up to 74 frames per second. This camera model is ideal for use in industrial production process control, even in the most demanding environments. Its low noise level also makes the scA640-74 a great fit for use in medical and diagnostic imaging applications.

The innovative hardware and software designs for the Basler scout family were specifically selected to remain relevant into the future. One example of this is that all Basler scout models are compliant with the GenICam standard. GenICam offers a software interface that is independent from camera hardware. This standardized software interface allows easy integration of different camera models, increases user efficiency, and saves time and money. Current Basler BCAM users can continue to use BCAM based software for all scout FireWire models. They simply must install version 1.9 of the BCAM driver to have full FireWire-b support.