Edmund Optics (EO) has expanded its USB 2.0 intelligent machine vision cameras line to include Harsh Environment (HE) and Lite Edition (LE) versions. The USB cameras feature ultra-compact housing, progressive scanning, adjustable frame rate, and a powerful, easy-to-use software interface.
The EO family of USB 2.0 cameras includes a software interface that allows users to set a specified area of interest (AOI), gain, exposure time, frame rate, trigger delay and even digital output (flash) delay and duration. The camera software enables capturing of still images in JPEG and Bitmap file format or video in AVI format. Additionally the software can perform edge enhancement, image mirroring and image binning, in the vertical and horizontal directions, as well as hot pixel correction. Direct Show (WDM), ActiveX and Twain drivers as well as SDK documentation is included.
The HE versions of the cameras feature a sealed, rugged housing, which also provides extra protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI). When used in conjunction with the optional lens tubes (max. lens diameter: 35mm), they meet the requirements of protection class IP65 and IP67 (protection from dust and water). The USB and the I/O signals are connected via two connectors, which comply with the same protection class (HE cameras utilise non-standard USB connectors). The HE cameras are well suited for use outside the typical lab and factory floor applications.
The LE cameras offer an even more compact, economic design in a durable plastic housing. Each camera features a 41 x 41 x 25.4mm housing and weighs only 32g.
The EO family cameras are available in four resolution and speed combinations ranging from 752 x 480 pixel at 87fps to 2560 x 1920 pixel at 6fps. Lower resolution cameras are available in monochrome or colour versions while the higher resolution cameras are colour-only. Each camera in the family features a progressive-scan CMOS sensor, software-based exposure control, C-mount lens fittings, and a USB 2.0 interface. The cameras have the same 34 x 32 x 27.4mm dimensions, allowing users to interchange cameras without system modifications.
