This autumn, the camera manufacturer Basler will offer an extension module that lets users operate its dart camera modules via the MIPI/CSI-2 camera interfaces of important embedded processing platforms (CSI-2: Camera Serial Interface 2).
In the CSI interface, that is popular in the embedded world, many users in the machine vision field are missing the ability to use established standards such as GenICam and cables that are longer than 20 to 30 cm. So far, these limitations have hindered the application of this technology particularly in industrial environments. The dart extension module eliminates these impairments.
Basler’s approach closes the gap between MIPI/CSI-2 and the requirements of the machine vision field. With the new extension, the dart BCON continues to be a fully GenICam-compatible and plug-and-play-ready camera which can be operated through the CSI-2 camera interface of important embedded processing platforms. No software expertise, e.g. for driver development, is required.
The powerful Basler pylon Camera Software Suite provides the camera API. This allows unrestricted access to all camera features and facilitates the migration of existing camera applications, such as from USB3.0/Windows to CSI-2/Linux – on ARM as well as x86 processors.
Frank Karstens, Product Manager at Basler, confirms: “By supporting the CSI-2 interface with our dart camera modules, Basler reinforces its expertise in the embedded vision field. Now it is possible to operate highly professional, industrially-suited camera modules with excellent image quality in extremely affordable embedded systems without a significant integration effort or having to dispense with the benefits of industrial standards.”
