The Industrial Video Systems Division of Hitachi Denshi America, Ltd. (Woodbury, NY) is introducing the KP-F120 camera, a high-resolution progressive-scan 2/3-inch CCD camera that extends
sensitivity to the near-infrared (IR) region of the light spectrum. The KP-F120�s small size, heat-sensing capability, and high resolution make it useful in a range of applications, including machine vision, agricultural inspection, medical diagnostics and research, and microscopy.
“This is Hitachi�s first high-resolution, near-IR camera,” said Richard Erickson, senior product manager, Hitachi Denshi America, Industrial Video Systems Division. Hitachi has eliminated the infrared cut filter in this black-and-white camera and designed the CCD so that it has a considerably higher output than a standard CCD at wavelengths of 900 nanometers and higher. “The KP-F120 will detect minute temperature differences on anything from agricultural products such as produce and beef to human tissue to industrial furnaces,” Erickson added.
Resolution on the KP-F120 is 1.45 million effective pixels – 1392 (h) x 1040 (v) – a level of detail that saves time when capturing images, whether of intricate machine components or subtle fruit blemish es. And the CCD array's square lattice pixel design reduces calculation times when precise measurements are required. In addition, the camera has a Frame-on-Demand function that allows images to be captured for high-resolution viewing or processing at a selected time with a choice of three trigger modes.
The KP-F120 measures 58(w) x 58 (h) x 48 mm (l) and weighs 200 grams. It affords PC control via an RS-232C port, enabling a user to remotely control all camera functions, including Frame-on-Demand. Operators can also remotely adjust the shutter speed, A/D gain and offset. The camera outputs 30 frames per second, and its electronic shutter speed has eight settings, from 1/30 to 1/50,000 of a second.
Partial scan, high-speed readouts are designed for up to 200 frames per second. The top, middle, or bottom third of the picture can be scanned, resulting in a higher frame rate and faster imaging and image processing. “ As the frame rate goes up, images can be captured faster, which saves time and resources when, for example, you�re trying to move parts along an assembly line,” Erickson said.
In addition, the camera features a 10-bit, high-performance dual-channel LVDS (Low Voltage Drive System/EIA-644) output, which eliminates the need for an analog/digital converter in the frame grabber. The KP-F120 will be available in late September. For more information, visit Hitachi Denshi America.