SVS-Vistek introduced a high-end camera with a lens mount like those successfully used in demanding photographic applications. Focus, iris and zoom are now controllable directly from the camera over the GigE Vision interface without any additional cabling. The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount standard provides for a high level of spatial resolution with a reasonable pixel size through the use of telecentric-type lens systems. This design characterization lends itself to be ideally suited to the newest generation of CCD sensors and therefore forms the framework for the perfect adaptation of high resolution and high frame rates to fast-changing image acquisition parameters.
New possibilities and therefore new markets are now opening up to adopt the advantages of this unique capability. The classical image processing environment was one of absolutely identical and stable conditions from image to image. Therefore, most lenses were of the fixed focal length variety and with the focus and iris rings permanently fixed with thumb screws. However, in the robotics industry a high degree of flexibility is warranted. This expectation has to be addressed also by the image processing system in that it must adapt to ever-changing capture positions. The SVS-Vistek EVO Tracer is in the position to successfully adapt to acquisition distance, object size and illumination changes in just milliseconds.

The Micro Four Thirds standard

The technical developments of photography and industrial image processing are certainly comparable and, as previously, new developments in photography will be followed closely by advances in machine vision. One of the developments was the iris and focus control by the cameras. When the exposure time is taken separately, a brightness difference of merely 1:10 to 1:20 can be compensated for. Controlling the iris additionally from F/2 to F/22 one reaches a factor 6 F-Stop or a difference of 1:64. Exposure control using the iris offers huge advantages when fast moving objects dictate short exposure times. The correct exposure values can be derived from the images themselves or from a separate exposure meter. The autofocus was also a milestone which contributed to the improvement in photographic quality. With the EVO-Tracer this can be taken care of with an autofocus algorithm or a laser distance meter, which can tell the camera/lens combination on what and to which distance it should focus. Additionally, the control of the focal length is a great advantage when constant detail resolution is required for images take at differing distances. Motorized zoom lenses are not particularly common in the world of high-quality photography. The Micro Four Thirds standard for the new mirror-less system cameras will change this. The choice of lenses which are a perfect match to the integrated Truesense Imaging CCD sensors is large and thanks to the very fast reaction times of the lens adjustments, the EVO Tracer masters even difficult illumination situations. Best possible images are guaranteed thanks to the optimal use of the sensor's full dynamic range.

"High-End Surveillance can profit tremendously"

„We are sure the EVO Tracer will expand the possible application areas in machine vision. Additionally, we have our eye on areas well outside of the factory automation arena. The areas of Traffic Technology and High-End Surveillance can profit tremendously from the possibilities of the Tracer. Thanks to its compact construction and exceptionally high image quality, the EVO Tracer is well suited for new and spectacular camera placement in the entertainment industry. The high frame rates and resolution make unusually sharp and detailed images possible, which were previously only realized by incomparably more complicated and expensive systems.", says Andreas Schaarschmidt, President of SVS-Vistek.The camera belongs to the newly developed industrial "BlackLine" series from SVS-Vistek which offers a robust housing design and the widely used industrial standard M12 connectivity system. In machine building, especially in PLC and sensor control, the M12 connectors have a proven track record. This, combined with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) availability from various suppliers of finished cabling, are the reasons for adopting this connectivity format in the "BlackLine" series. For power and I/O communication the M12-12 is used while the GigE Vision-compliant interface utilizes 10-Gigabit Ethernet-certified, cross-coded connectors for data transfer. This guarantees upwards compatibility for future developments and possibly represents a cooperative industrial connectivity standard.

Summary
Industrial cameras have a lot of potential for further development in order to perfectly fit into the electro-mechanical environment by providing truly value-added features. Experience, ideas and above all vision are three criteria required to create new stimulus and possibilities for users. These are the criteria that went into the development of the SVS-VISTEK EVO Tracer.