Machine vision

New IR Technology for Machine Vision with Thermography
Image Recording and Analysis for Automated Swine Flue Detection

Xenics will demonstrate its highly sensitive line-scan detector Xlin-1.7-1024 with unique features, the high-detectivity Onca for multi-spectral imaging, the uncooled InGaAs "smart" Bobcat 320/ 640 for low-cost mass markets, new software for the high-speed SWIR Cheetah-640CL, and a new real-time Gobi/Raven thermography application: a digital recording and image analysis package developed with Quadrox for automated Swine Flue detection in public places. at Vision 2009 ( Hall 4, Stand E82).

At Vision 2009, Xenics is set to once again prove its broad science-based design and production capabilities in IR imaging by focusing on five commercially successful and pioneering product groups: Xlin, Onca (right), Bobcat, Cheetah and the upgraded thermography version of Gobi -- emphasizing the current need for advanced thermal imaging solutions. The presentation underscores Xenics' two-pronged strategy of supporting the growing demand for high-resolution and high-sensitivity cameras suited for industrial uses as well as cost-sensitive mass markets.

Featured prominently will be Xenics' line-scan detector Xlin-1.7-1024 sporting a unique combination of features for high-speed imaging applications in machine vision and spectroscopy. At a line rate of 40 kHz and a resolution of 1024 pixels in combination with 12.5 µm pitch, Xlin-1.7-1024 enables more accurate inspection and smaller particle detection at shorter wavelengths than other cameras. This very competitive combination of product features with best signal-to-noise performance positions Xenics in the upper echelons of line-scan camera providers on the world market.

Likewise, Xenics' Onca family (see picture), conceived as a high-end IR and thermal imaging platform with cooled detector offering high detectivity and uniformity, is also claiming top position in the competitive ranking. The Onca camera is excellently suited for R&D environments as well as industrial process monitoring, high-speed imaging, target signature radiometric data collection, tracking and IR spectroscopy. In this regard, Onca is of special interest because it increases frame rate while reducing overhead for high-speed process monitoring in windowing mode. Delivering more than 100 images per second, Onca's image acquisition and control are compatible with GigE Vision and CameraLink for easy integration in customers' systems.

Onca is available in various formats: MWIR-InSb, MWIR-MCT, LWIR-QWIP and LWIR-MCT, thus covering extended wavelengths at a broad sensitivity range. A filter wheel achieves best performance in multi-spectral imaging and super frame mode enables viewing of hot and cold spots in one sequence -- equalling ultimate dynamic range. Radiometric calibration results in temperature measurement at utmost accuracy.

Bobcat, another proven Xenics camera operating in the 0.9 to 1.7 µm band, is now available for cost-sensitive, high-volume markets, replacing the XS-1.7-320. As a compact "smart" SWIR camera complete with uncooled InGaAs detector and full on-board image processing (DSP, TCP/IP, CL, video interface), Bobcat comes with either 320 or 640 pixel resolution. It is laid out for easy system integration and use, and is set to conquer traditional markets based on outdated vidicons. This pertains to industrial monitoring, EVS, night vision and gated imaging - all open now to cost-reducing uncooled InGaAs camera solutions.

Cheetah-640CL, which premiered at last year's Vision, supports continuous full-speed data transfer via double CameraLink. It is now available with the IO Industries Streams 5^(TM) image acquisition software. This allows grabbing still or dynamic images at highest flexibility by setting control parameters such as integration time, operating temperature or frame rate, via the Cheetah-640CL configuration tool.

Finally, in a real-time thermography application aiming at the current Swine Flue epidemic, Xenics will demonstrate a digital recording software and video management platform of Quadrox in conjunction with its Gobi and Raven cameras - as featured on signpost last May. The system was co-developed by Xenics and Quadrox featuring a software decision engine for the automated detection of flue-infected persons in pedestrian flows at airports, border stations or public schools.