VREO Innovation, a UK-based vision systems manufacturer has designed a USB3.0 interface for the established SONY FCB block cameras EV series.
VREO’s LIBERTY board extends the range of cameras that can be integrated into USB3.0 products with applications and markets including Video Conferencing, Inspection Systems, UAVs, Robotics, Low Vision and Machine Vision.
The VREO Liberty Board USB3.0 provides a cost effective way to bring USB3.0 into product lines, reducing both time to market and development costs. LIBERTY is capable of streaming 1080p at 30fps over USB3.0 and also includes push button inputs, PWM output for external LED light control and an efficient, selectable power supply for the attached camera. There is also the alternative option to provide camera power via an auxiliary power input connector. VREO also provide a unique, free Software Development Kit for use with the LIBERTY board, the SDK includes an easy to use application programming interface API and the source code for the OneView viewer program. It currently has solutions for Linux and a range of Microsoft Visual Studio versions. Despite its relatively tiny size, LIBERTY can efficiently stream full HD video without compromise directly into a PC and is fully compatible with VREO’s viewer application OneView as well as other UVC programs.
LIBERTY is very compact with dimensions of 37mm x 37mm x 12mm, this makes it the smallest solution of its kind. VREO has brought its manufacturing activities in-house following a move into larger premises. The company is now based in a 2400 sq. ft. factory unit in North Shields, previously VREO had to outsource the work to China. The move has enabled the company to install its own full surface mount production line. By bringing the manufacturing process in-house VREO is able to achieve a rapid prototyping turnaround for the bespoke projects it supports. It is also able to offer assembly of printed circuit boards to other manufacturers.
VREO founder Mark Vernon believes that the new factory is an important step in plans to become a UK-based vision manufacturer: “Our goal has always been to put the North East on the global stage and this is now being realised” he said. “Manufacturing all our products in-house opens up a range of new opportunities”. The applications for the technology VREO has developed are diverse. In addition to visual inspections, it can be used: robot vision, dispensing medicines, medical inspection of suspect cells and augmented reality goggles for assisted surgical procedures. The company has grown quickly since being founded by Mark and Commercial Director Karen Weech. Alongside a rapidly expanding client base spread across 19 countries.
