Product Release
For release: May 13, 1997
Editorial Contact:
Christy Briggs
Imagenation Corp.
(503) 495-2242
christyb@imagenation.com
New PCI Frame Grabber from Imagenation Supports Progressive Scan Cameras -- An Industry First
Only alternatives for non-interlaced video cost twice as much or more
Beaverton, Ore., May 13, 1997 -- Imagenation Corporation of Beaverton, Oregon today announced the introduction of its new PX610 and PX510 Precision Video Frame Grabbers for machine vision applications using a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface. Both products offer real-time video capture performance with high gray-scale accuracy. In addition, the PX610 is the first frame grabber designed specifically to support the high resolution, non-interlaced video from the latest progressive scan CCD cameras from Cohu, JAI, Hitachi, Sony and other manufacturers.
Progressive scan cameras address the problem of motion blur caused by standard CCD cameras where the two video fields in a complete video frame are captured 1/60th of a second apart. When capturing the image of a moving object, often only one field of information can be used due to this motion blur. With a progressive scan camera, supported by the PX610, both fields of the image are exposed simultaneously and video output is sent in a non-interlaced format, allowing the use of full frame resolution.
"By being able to capture a full frame and then outputting the signal as high resolution, non-interlaced video, progressive scan cameras offer a significant improvement in image quality for a variety of industrial applications," said George Fabel, Imagenation's president. "The PX610 is priced at less than half the cost of current alternatives for capturing non-interlaced video,
opening the door to use in many high volume applications which require the increased resolution and image clarity that progressive scan cameras offer."
The PX610 includes all the features of Imagenation's other new frame grabber, the PX510 -- a cost-effective alternative for users not requiring the progressive scan camera option. Both products support RS-170/NTSC as well as CCIR/PAL video formats and include four multiplexed video inputs, triggered frame grabs, real-time image scaling, dual strobe output for resettable cameras and a +12 VDC camera supply.
The PX510 is a significant enhancement for the international market. "We are particularly excited about the new range of frame grabbers from Imagenation providing square pixels for the CCIR video standard. Frame grabbers designed for CCIR give us the benefits of maximizing resolution, maintaining aspect ratio and simplifying calibration," said Alistair Washbourn, Technical Marketing Manager, Optimas UK. "This combined with the product's high quality and reasonable price makes it ideal for OEM based machine vision applications."
Well documented software libraries and demo programs allow developers to get the PX610 and PX510 up and running quickly. Support is provided for standard languages such as C/C++ and Visual Basic.
The PX610 and PX510 are currently available in either a compact, short-card configuration or PC/104-Plus module for embedded systems. Imagenation plans to offer a CompactPCI module beginning in July 1997.
PX610/510 Features
- High gray-scale accuracy with low pixel jitter for demanding industrial and scientific applications
- PCI bus master design for real-time image capture at up to 132 Megabytes per second
- to system RAM
- Resettable camera support with high precision digital synchronization
- Four multiplexed video inputs with automatic video format detection
- Vertical and horizontal cropping and scaling to reduce memory and data transfer demands
- Continuous, software-initiated and triggered capture of frames
- Software support for DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Windows NT applications
- Compatible with standard machine vision application software like Sentinel and XCaliper from Optimas.
- Support for non-interlaced video from new progressive scan CCD cameras (PX610 only)
PX610/510 Specifications
Applications
Due to its compatibility with progressive scan cameras and asynchronous operation, the PX610 is particularly well suited to those applications where the image of a moving object needs to be captured with high precision and in synchronization with an external event. Examples include gauging of parts moving down an assembly line, capturing the license plate number of moving automobiles, and using optical character recognition (OCR) to read the date code on pharmaceutical containers.
Contact Information
Imagenation Corporation provides machine vision components and subsystems for
OEMs, VARs, system integrators and end-users. Its product line includes frame
grabbers for the ISA, STD, PCI, PCI/104-Plus and CompactPCI bus architectures.
Imagenation also supplies video multiplexers, and works with strategic partners
to offer fully integrated machine vision cells and machine vision software that
simplifies vision system development. For more information, call 1-800-366-9131
toll free or (503) 495-2200, e-mail info@imagenation.com, visit the company's
web site at www.imagenation.com or send a fax to (503) 495-2201.
Note: all trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies.