The USB3 Vision standard has been successfully ratified. Hosted by the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), the standard aims to enable interoperability between USB 3.0 imaging components such as cameras, accessories and software. Like the GigE Vision standard, USB3 Vision will provide a framework for transmitting high-speed video and related control data.
Based on the USB 3.0 interface (SuperSpeed USB), USB3 Vision was developed specifically for the global vision and imaging market and takes advantage of the USB 3.0 ports that will soon be standard on most PCs. It offers bandwidth of 350MB/s which satisfies a very broad spectrum of vision and imaging application needs.
USB3 Vision, like GigE Vision, does not require a frame grabber. The standard covers four basic operations: device discovery; device control; event handling; and streaming data. A device can optionally support device functionality with USB 2.0. Both power and data are transmitted over the same cable with possible cable lengths of five metres over passive cables and 10 metres or more using active cables.
The standard defines the mechanics of screw locks on the micro-USB 3.0 connector. The standard will give users plug-and-play capability using components from different manufacturers.
‘We are proud to have been part of this effort and congratulate the AIA and our fellow committee members on their hard work and dedication,’ commented Michael Gibbons, director of sales and marketing at Point Grey, one of the original three founding members of the USB3 Vision committee. ‘Point Grey plans to support USB3 Vision in the future on our existing Flea3 and upcoming Grasshopper3 camera models via a simple firmware update. Our goal is to enable interoperability with other USB3 Vision-compliant devices and software, while also maintaining backward compatibility for Point Grey's existing customer base.’
Version 1.0 of the USB3 Vision specification is available for download to the public for free on the AIA website.
