Industrial camera allows AI overlays in live video streams.

A new class of intelligent industrial cameras that act as edge devices and generate AI overlays in live video streams. 

IDS Imaging Development Systems has collaborated with Ambarella, leading developer of visual AI products for the new camera series, making consumer technology available for demanding applications in industrial quality. It features Ambarella’s CVflow® AI vision system on chip and takes full advantage of the SoC’s advanced image processing and on-camera AI capabilities. Consequently, Image analysis can be performed at high speed (>25fps) and displayed as live overlays in compressed video streams via the RTSP protocol for end devices.

Thanks to the SoC’s integrated image signal processor (ISP), the information captured by the light-sensitive onsemi AR0521 image sensor is processed directly on the camera and accelerated by its integrated hardware. The camera also offers helpful automatic features, such as brightness, noise and colour correction, which significantly improve image quality.

"With IDS NXT malibu, we have developed an industrial camera that can analyse images in real time and incorporate results directly into video streams,” explained Kai Hartmann, Product Innovation Manager at IDS. “The combination of on-camera AI with compression and streaming is a novelty in the industrial setting, opening up new application scenarios for intelligent image processing."

These on-camera capabilities were made possible through close collaboration between IDS and Ambarella, leveraging the companies’ strengths in industrial camera and consumer technology. "We are proud to work with IDS, a leading company in industrial image processing,” said Jerome Gigot, senior director of marketing at Ambarella. “The IDS NXT malibu represents a new class of industrial-grade edge AI cameras, achieving fast inference times and high image quality via our CVflow AI vision SoC."

The camera is part of the IDS NXT all-in-one AI system. Optimally coordinated components – from the camera to the AI vision studio – accompany the entire workflow. This includes the acquisition of images and their labelling, through to the training of a neural network and its execution on the IDS NXT series of cameras.

---

@IDS_Imaging @Ambarella_Inc @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #AI

Handy videoscope series is versatile.

Flexible videoscope form factor enables non-destructive inspections in difficult and dangerous-to-access areas while providing high image quality and reporting.

The newest and most powerful of Teledyne FLIR'sExtech videoscope series, the Extech HDV700 is now available. This High-Performance Videoscope brings to market the most versatile device in its class to support automotive, building inspection, plumbing, manufacturing, and HVAC personnel with unmatched camera probe options for inspecting difficult-to-reach areas in order to quickly find problems and start repairs.

With a selection of eight easily-maneuverable, narrow, and waterproof (IP67) probes, professionals can inspect without expensive and time-consuming disassembly of machines, pipes, air ducts, and more, thanks to the various fixed and articulating probe options.

“Across condition monitoring use cases, technicians need to perform inspections in hard-to-reach and often dangerous spaces, whether that’s a vehicle, building envelope, or piping,” said Rob Milner, business development director, Teledyne FLIR. “With the new Extech HDV700, professionals have access to videoscope kits with clearer, brighter, and superior image quality from the wide field of view (FOV) lens. Inspections are now made faster, safer, and more cost-efficient.”

Inspect Efficiently with Improved Imagery and Reporting Capabilities.

Weighing only 705g, the HDV700 makes for comfortable, single-handed inspection via the color capacitive touch screen that is functional while wearing utility gloves. Its image quality also plays into inspection efficiency – the 1280 ×720 high-definition probe option combined with the wide FOV lens makes for effective inspection in the most difficult locations. Adding to inspection ease, the side-by-side live on-screen comparison makes for quick and easy reference image checks throughout. If an inspector is wondering whether a borehole is clean or not in comparison to their reference image, there’s no second guessing with the split-screen feature. Further, the HDMI video output allows the live footage to be shared on a separate device for an additional inspector to monitor.

The HDV700 also features multiple data recording options, making it simple to create reports anywhere by easily transferring imagery and videos to another device.

Each kit is complete with a HDV700 Videoscope Screen; camera probe (model dependent on kit ordered); 32 GB Micro SD card; USB-A to USB-C cable; HDMI Type A to Type D cable; Li-ion rechargeable battery (built-in); and universal adapter. Probe options include general purpose, dual view inspection, two-way 180° articulation, four-way 110° articulation, and pipe inspection options.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Automotive #HVAC

High performance videoscope.

Rugged industrial videoscope helps professionals quickly and safely find hidden issues in difficult-to-access locations 

Teledyne FLIR has released the FLIR VS80 high-performance videoscope series, a professional inspection tool for use in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.

To enable the widest range of visual inspections, the FLIR VS80 is designed as the most versatile and powerful videoscope in its class. The VS80 is outfitted with a 1024 × 600 high resolution (HD) seven-inch touchscreen display and is available for purchase in seven different kits with the option to purchase waterproof, ultra-slim probes that can be swapped in and out within seconds. Probe options include a 4.5 mm diameter two-way articulating probe; a four-way articulating probe; a plumbing spool probe with a 25-meter cable; single HD and dual HD visible camera probes; a standard definition probe; and a general-purpose thermal camera probe.

“Trades and technicians need to inspect targets in tight spaces, without time-consuming disassembly in many industries including manufacturing, building, and automotive maintenance,” said Rob Milner, business development director, Teledyne FLIR. “The new FLIR VS80 meets all these needs while providing an impressive range of diagnostic versatility across the visible and infrared imaging spectrums. Professionals are better equipped to find hidden dangers and damage in locations that are difficult or inaccessible. In total, the VS80 provides inspection and repair personnel the ability to lower maintenance costs and the capital costs of replacement while improving productivity and safety on the job.”

Live Reference Simplifies Diagnostics and Repair Confirmation
Teledyne FLIR offers unique live reference image comparison on the display screen to make historical or standard image comparisons easier. Inspectors simply add a side-by-side reference image with the live videoscope imagery. They can then quickly compare the imagery to see if a component has changed since previous inspection, or if it needs repair or replacement. The information can also be added to a post-inspection report with multiple options for inspectors to capture detailed information, including through text, voice, images, and videos recorded with timestamp display.

The device is also compatible with the FLIR Tools Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. From a mobile device, view saved images and video captured from the VS80, download files, and share them easily with customers or colleagues.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Videoscope for underground utility vaults.

FLIR Systems has announced the FLIR VS290-32™, an industry-first, videoscope that combines thermal imaging and a visible camera specifically designed for safer and more efficient inspections of hard-to-reach underground utility vaults. The VS290-32 is the company’s first industrial-grade, electrical safety-rated, flexible dual-sensor videoscope on a replaceable, two-meter-long camera probe.

“The ruggedized and electrical-safety rated videoscope with MSX will drastically increase the ease of thermal inspections within tight, hard-to-reach places at power generation plants, power distribution systems, manufacturing facilities, and for public safety, and building diagnostics inspections,” said Rickard Lindvall, General Manager, Solutions Business at FLIR Systems.

For use in the most demanding environments, the VS290-32 is CAT IV 600 V safety rated for electrical inspections, along with an IP67-rated camera tip and IP54 base unit to protect against dust and water. The device features FLIR Systems’ patented Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX®), which improves image clarity by embossing visual scene details onto full thermal images, providing crucial context to accurately and safely assess and identify potential issues to prevent blackouts and asset failures. A low-profile tip and bright LED work light provides illumination for MSX in dark environments, including under manhole covers or in other tight spaces such as attics, within HVAC systems, and inside machinery.

The VS290-32 features a FLIR Lepton® thermal sensor and offers the option of hot/cold color alarms, or isotherms, to quickly identify areas of concern across a temperature range from -10 to 400 degrees Celsius (14 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit). The device includes a dual battery charger along with lithium ion rechargeable batteries that each provide up to six hours of continuous use.

“Safety is Con Edison’s top priority,” said Andrew Reid, Section Manager for Engineering and Analysis in Distribution Engineering at Con Edison. “This new tool allows our crews to safely, efficiently, and effectively inspect vented manholes and identify potential problems without having to remove the cover or even having to enter the structure. This reduces the physical effort required by our crews, the time it takes to complete an inspection and enhances data collection activities to support our ongoing infrastructure planning and maintenance.”

@flir @ConEdison @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Power 

Digital video surveillance

New 5MPixel IP surveillance camera features digital video recording

The new IDS ultra-compact (44 x 34 x 62mm) VSE IP surveillance camera is now available from Stemmer Imaging . With resolution up to full HD, Power over Ethernet capability and configurable integrated multi area motion detection, this remarkably powerful camera also features built in digital video recording (DVR) up to 32GB. The camera is also supplied with a free version of iGuard, the PC toolkit for even more versatile DVR and complex surveillance solutions.

The VSE’s 5 Megapixel sensor offers high resolution and detailed images up to full HD (1080p), making it ideal for OEM customers for applications such as ITS, security, CCTV, video inspection, etc. This versatile camera can not only be connected to external alarm sensors but can also act as an alarm sensor itself via the built-in motion detection capability. The camera supports H.264 and MJPEG streaming and can handle up to 3 streams simultaneously.

Camera set-up and live or recorded image viewing is carried out via an easy-to-use web browser interface, using a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop or PC. The camera can be readily integrated as an intelligent subsystem into more complex surveillance systems. Camera scripts allow VSE cameras to be connected with video servers that are IP-camera enabled.

The VSE can be easily integrated into the versatile iGuard 3.0 PC-Kit for DVR and in addition to direct interaction via a video server, the cameras can also be accessed using iGuard RemoteView. iGuard’s flexibility allows the creation of bespoke solutions from a simple surveillance using a notebook and single IP-camera to cost-effective remote multi-server, multi-client solutions.

iGuard’s software-based flexibility also includes camera oriented configuration, enhanced control of analogue and IP-PTZ cameras, multi-monitor handling and support of camera specific functionalities. iGuard features a dedicated software interface which allows easy integration into third party applications such as building management systems or point of sale systems.

Patnership surveys more!

The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech and Industrial Video andControl (IVC), a leading supplier of industrial video solutions, announce their partnership to provide state-of-the-art video surveillance solutions.  As a world class manufacturer and provider of industrial and embedded PC platforms, Advantech provides IVC customers an ideal industrialized embedded platform for remote, ruggedized industrial applications.   Advantech’s embedded platforms can support both analog and IP-based camera technology as well as offering class 1, division 2 UL certified solutions.

“IVC is extremely satisfied with the quality and performance of Advantech’s products.  Their rugged PCs provide an ideal platform for our IVC and Longwatch camera management software,” stated Clarke Esler, IVC’s Director of Marketing.  “They are particularly attractive to customers deploying our camera systems in remote locations.  We can preconfigure the Advantech PCs with our software to offer our customers solutions that are essentially turn-key.  Additionally, their certified product line dovetails nicely with our certified camera line.”

Rapid deploy video system

A lightweight, portable, wireless, all weather manual zoom IP camera system that can be placed anywhere, at any time.

Industrial Video and Control (IVC) has just introduced the RD-MZ-3630-01, a rapid deploy wireless video solution, consisting of a high definition color camera as well as an internal wireless radio. The camera is capable of transmitting over 30 frames per second of video in 1280 x 1024 resolution. It also comes equipped with an IR illuminator, allowing for clear, high resolution images from over 200 feet in complete darkness.

The rapid deploy camera system can be placed anywhere for security surveillance purposes, to monitor a process system, or to watch over a machine, remote pumping station, pipeline, power substation or anywhere there is an immediate need for video monitoring. The system immediately connects wirelessly to an IP network for remote viewing and recording under the control of IVC’s camera management software.

It has secure clasping hooks, letting it easily attach to rails and walls up to 1-1/2 in. thick. The included antenna is mounted on an ultra-high-pull encased Neodymium-Iron-Boron rare-earth magnetic base for secure mounting to sites that may move or vibrate. The antenna is adjustable to allow a clear line of sight signal to the receiver.

Weighing less than 22 pounds with the antenna attached, the RD-MZ-3630-01 comes in a rugged, all weather enclosure equipped with a heater and blower. The unit is capable of operating in temperatures from -29°C to 50°C. The unit comes standard with a Lithium Ion battery, capable of providing six hours of battery life. The charging adaptor is included.

IVC Camera System Software
At the heart of the camera system is Relay Server Software. This scalable, enterprise application provides a full range of camera management and viewing features for up to 24 IP cameras. Camera video can be accessed over a LAN, WAN, VPN or the Internet from virtually anywhere, and can be connected by fiber, copper, satellite or encrypted wireless radio. Live and stored video can be viewed and controlled from anywhere on-site or off-site by authorized users from any networked PC. The Relay Server includes APIs for easy integration of live video into SCADA HMI screens.

IVC’s View Station Software provides comprehensive multi-camera management and viewing. The View Station console is completely configurable. Users can view video from up to 25 cameras on single or multiple monitors. Tours of selected preset views from any number of cameras can be defined on one or more schedules. The View Station provides sophisticated, yet easy to use alarm management. At the occurrence of a user-defined alarm, any camera control, discreet URL command, or executable program can be invoked.

Video monitoring software on industrial cameras

Longwatch, a division of Industrial Video and Control (IVC),  has announced that Longwatch video monitoring software products have been integrated with IVC’s latest industrial cameras.  IVC is a leading supplier of cameras and video systems for industrial, military, and commercial applications.  IVC acquired Longwatch in February 2011, and the two companies have worked since then to create video solutions using Longwatch software and IVC’s cameras. (See our story Video surveilence pioneer acquired - 3rd Feb'11)

Longwatch video surveillance software runs on a standalone PC or can be integrated with almost all popular HMI/SCADA platforms used in automation and process control, including General Electric iFix, Wonderware InTouch, InduSoft WebStudio, and Control Microsystems ClearSCADA. The software allows automation and process control operators and engineers to view live camera data on their HMI screens, pan and zoom cameras from the HMI, “rewind” archived video data to review historical events, link archived video with historian data, and record what operators saw and did during an “event” at their HMI screens.

Longwatch software—including the Console Recorder, Video Management System, Longwatch Viewer, Video Window and the Video Historian—now provides seamless, integrated support of IVC’s latest, state-of-the-art industrial cameras including:
• MZ-3630-04 - Outdoor manual zoom day/night switching color fixed megapixel IP camera
• PTZ-3330-11 – Outdoor 26x day/night switching color PTZ IP camera
• AMZ-3641-02 – Class I Division 1 3 megapixel color fixed IP camera
• APTZ-3141-xx – Class I Division 1 day/night switching color PTZ IP camera (all versions)
• APTZ-3142-xx – Class I Division 2 day/night switching color PTZ IP camera (all versions)

The combination of Longwatch video monitoring software with IVC’s industrial cameras allows IVC to meet the needs of industrial plants for security surveillance, process monitoring, pipeline and well-site monitoring, and video monitoring of remote sites, such as pumping stations, power transmission lines, offshore platforms, water and wastewater facilities, mines, and similar applications.

Video system upgrade

Enhancements and upgrades in the Longwatch Video System Version 5.2 include a Value Edition of the Console Recorder, a low-power XLP version of the Video System that delivers surveillance in remote areas with limited power budgets, and improved database functions.

Console Recorder Value Edition

The Longwatch Console Recorder acts much like an airplane’s flight recorder, because it stores all the screens that operators saw before, during and after a critical event, and it records every action the operators took during that time. Playing back the operator’s display can help solve problems faster and more accurately, because the display correlates other plant data in an intuitive way.  The Value Edition of the Console Recorder allows users to install the terminal monitoring software at a low entry cost.

The Value Edition of the Console Recorder monitors and records all activities at up to six operator consoles, including screen displays and operator actions via the keyboard and mouse, so that engineers and supervisors can replay an “event.” By replaying the event, engineers and supervisors can see what the operators saw and did, and determine if the operators were given the proper information and took the appropriate actions. The recorded data can be saved and used for training purposes, process improvement, justification to various regulatory bodies that the correct actions were taken, and detailed “post mortems” of events.

When part of a complete Longwatch Video Surveillance system, the Enterprise Edition of the Console Recorder can also synchronize with video taken in the plant from multiple cameras, and with real-time and historical process data (including trends and alarms) from existing process automation systems, This allows engineers and supervisors to completely reconstruct an event, using video from the plant, data from the historian, and the operator displays and actions from the Console Recorder.

The Value Edition of the Console Recorder captures data from six operator terminals, but it can be upgraded later to the Enterprise Edition Console recorder and Video Historian. 

See the free demo version.

Low Power System

Version 5.2 also includes an extreme low-power (XLP) option, where video cameras and the Longwatch Remote Video Engine can operate from solar power and batteries. The XLP system “hibernates” until a signal from an intrusion alarm or motion detector or operator wakes it up. The system then begins recording live video immediately, sends a short “alarm clip” to a remote operator at a central HMI/SCADA system, and continues to record data until commanded to return to hibernation.

The XLP system is ideal for well sites, pumping stations, pipelines, offshore platforms or other remote areas where 120Vac line power is not available. Such sites typically have some form of RF data link, and use solar power for their instrumentation. The Longwatch XLP system uses very little power during hibernation, yet provides these remote sites with video monitoring capabilities.  Longwatch communicates from the remote station using virtually any network provided, ranging from low-speed radio modems to satellite and cellular links.

Enhanced Database Functions

The Longwatch Video system is designed to work with data historians and real-time databases from a variety of HMI/SCADA vendors, so that real-time and archived video can be synchronized with live and historical data. For example, if an operator sees a “Low Level Alarm” on an HMI screen, he or she can switch to live video to view the vessel. If the operator sees material flowing out of a crack in the vessel, he or she can call up archived video synchronized with data from historians to quickly determine when and why the vessel started leaking, thus enabling efficient trouble-shooting and corrective action.

Operators already have the choice of using the Longwatch Viewer or integrating with existing HMI/SCADA databases, such as iFIX, InduSoft and Wonderware.  Version 5.2 now includes a new software tool, The Longwatch Video Window, that enables integration with additional HMIs such as ClearSCADA that do not support ActiveX. The Longwatch Video Window allows users to display video generated by Longwatch Video Engines from remote and/or in-plant cameras using their existing HMIs.

Other advanced database tools include support for ODBC compliance database drivers, global toolbar filters in the Longwatch Viewer that allows user filters to be applied to multiple database queries at the same time, enhancements to support non-SQL Server databases, and improved paging support for extremely large databases. Version 5.2 also includes a user-friendly interface allowing for more rapid installation, easier configuration and reduced training requirements.

See also Tuning the forgotten loop,(April'10) and  Console Recorder (Sept'09)

Wake up video surveilence in remote areas

Video system for pipelines, well sites, pumping stations and other remote applications hibernates until it’s needed, then wakes up instantly to record video.

Originally developed for a major oil and gas company to monitor remote wells in North America, the Longwatch XLP Low Power Video Surveillance System is powered by solar cells and batteries. The system hibernates in a low-power standby mode until an external sensor, such as a motion detector or intrusion alarm, or a command from the central control room sends it a signal to wake up. The system immediately records a short “video alarm clip,” transmits it to a remote operator at a central HMI/SCADA system, and continues to record video on its disk until commanded to return to hibernation.

The XLP system is ideal for the tens of thousands of well sites currently operating worldwide with traditional instrumentation network communications. These well sites typically use low-bandwidth line-of-sight VHF radios with industrial protocols such as Modbus. The XLP system can transmit its video clip to the control room using an RF data link, where it can be viewed using the Longwatch Viewer or integrated into the HMI/SCADA system. The Longwatch software makes minimal use of the available bandwidth, so it does not interfere with control and instrumentation data. The XLP can also use Ethernet, wireless, cellphone or satellite communications when power consumption or bandwidth is not a concern.

Once the operator sees the alarm video clip and message on the HMI screen, he or she can then command the Longwatch system to transmit live video, and remotely pan, tilt and zoom the site cameras to further investigate process or intrusion alarms. This allows the operator to see exactly what is happening at the remote location and determine the next course of action, such as dispatching a maintenance crew to repair a leak or summoning the local police to deal with intruders. Video enables the operator to quickly decide the best action to take to provide safety and reduce downtime or environmental impact.

Sleeping on the Job
The low-power video surveillance system is designed to operate on a minimal power budget. At many remote well sites, the instrumentation, controls, RF communications and the video system are all powered by a solar system and batteries. Each component has to conform to a rigid power budget. For that reason, the Longwatch XLP system goes into “hibernation mode” to conserve power.

In hibernation mode, the Longwatch XLP system’s processor, solid-state disk and most peripherals are inactive, so that it consumes very little power while waiting for a wakeup signal. The wakeup signal can be an intrusion alarm, process alarm, or a request from a remote system, such as the central HMI/SCADA system. The Longwatch system can be configured to return to hibernation mode either automatically or on command after a period of activity.

For such an application, where the video surveillance system must respond instantly, digital cameras can’t be used. Not designed for hibernation, digital cameras take a minute or longer to “boot up,” and can miss valuable video coverage. For that reason, Longwatch recommends using traditional analog video cameras, which turn on almost instantly. With analog video cameras, the low power Longwatch XLP video surveillance system can begin capturing live video within 6-7 seconds of an intrusion or process alarm – up to ten times faster than a digital camera.

Advantech Puts the System to Sleep
The Longwatch XLP Video Surveillance System was developed with the help of Advantech’s Design To Order Service (DTOS), which solved the problem of how to monitor sensors and wake up the video system.

The XLP uses an Advantech UNO 2173 Atom-based computer. The UNO 2173 has a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of memory, Windows XP/E operating system, and battery-backed SRAM. When operating, the fanless UNO requires only 12W of power.

Based on Longwatch’s requirements, Advantech’s DTOS group created a custom digital I/O board for this application so that it could monitor digital inputs even in hibernation mode. It takes inputs from gate sensors, motion detectors and intrusion alarms—or digital inputs from the site’s RTU, such as leak detectors, pressure switches, etc. When it detects one of the digital inputs, it wakes up the XLP video system. When the XLP’s computer and UNO I/O board are in hibernation mode, the entire system consumes less than 2.5W.

New version of video surveilance system

Longwatch latest release is available in three platforms that eliminate the need for custom programming to set up a video surveillance system.
The Longwatch Video System Version 5.1 is now available in three distinct platforms that make installation, configuration and application easy. The platforms eliminate the custom programming needed with traditional video systems and create a “fast track” for integration with a process control, HMI/SCADA or automation control system. The result saves money by reducing false alarms, reducing labor costs, reducing support costs, and improving decision-making speed and accuracy.

The platforms include:

Console Recorder Platform: Monitors what operators are watching on HMI displays and records their keystroke actions, so that playback reveals what operators saw on the screen during an “event” and what they did about it. A small software module acts as a “camera” to record exactly what is on the system screen, including mouse movements. The result is video that can be used for root cause analysis, process documentation, operator training and process improvement.

Video Historian Platform: Automatically links and synchronizes historical trend information and stored video from multiple cameras in the field or process. This enables the operator to actually see what happened when various trend conditions occurred. It also includes a patent-pending “process tab” that automatically links SQL database messages from alarm, quality and other MES databases with video from automatically selected cameras. The result ranges from seeing what happened when an alarm was posted in the HMI/SCADA/DCS system, to having a “video traveler” of a manufacturing or batch work order as it works its way through the plant.

Surveillance Platform: Eliminates “blind spots” in video surveillance by providing the most flexible and efficient networking support available. Event messages automatically contain video “snippets” that show what happened before, during and after an event, to help reduce false alarms and to help inform first responders when necessary. Events can be triggered by security alarms, door switches, level or leak sensors, limit switches, or a variety of hardware and software-generated signals. Video can be sent over wired or wireless networks, including instrumentation networks, ranging from 9600 baud serial up to satellite, broadband and fiber.

Each of the platforms is supplied on a CD-ROM, which allows fast installation and integration with cameras of all types, industrial networks, and HMI/SCADA systems, DCSes, process historians, and control systems of all types.

“Longwatch is delivering software specifically made to integrate video with industrial applications, especially for improved operational performance and safety,” said Steve Rubin, president and CEO of Longwatch. “We have customers who are able to reduce their labor costs with Longwatch. Other customers use Longwatch systems to reduce downtime by catching and fixing problems before they become costly. Longwatch paid for itself in minutes by preventing downtime for a wallboard manufacturer. These customers needed no special hardware and no custom software to achieve results. Longwatch was applied ‘out of the box’ to save them start-up and ongoing maintenance costs. We’re doing for industrial video today what our team did 25 years ago for HMIs: making the application simple to use, highly valuable for the user, and general purpose to help many industries.”

See also Steve Rubin's article "We can tune PID controllers, but what about tuning the operator?" published in March 2010.