The low-voltage, high-performance OV7962 provides the entire functionality of a single-chip digital VGA sensor and has extremely low light sensitivity. Although its VGA resolution is on the low side for traditional machine vision, the chip incorporates advanced image processing functions, such as automatic exposure/gain control, lens correction, defective pixel correction, white balance, and horizontal and vertical windowing capability.
As a reference module, the SmartVue gives developers the ability to produce a proof-of-concept design for testing algorithms and applications early in the product development cycle. It comes with a comprehensive software suite: the Image Cognition Processor Software Development Kit, the OpenCV-based Imaging Tool Kit, various application tool kits, and code development tools.
The camera module is expected to enable the development of several different types of embedded vision applications that execute real-time image processing and scene analysis. These include automotive driver-assistance systems, control of consumer appliances with gesture recognition, using face/people detection and tracking to measure audiences, smart video monitoring, asset monitoring, sensing occupants in "smart" buildings, military uses for body-worn cameras, and robotics.
Although traditional industrial machine vision inspection applications aren't mentioned in the company's list of target applications, there's a parallel trend that may well take advantage of this tiny embedded smart camera. That's the growing use of smaller and smaller portable inspection systems that can be moved around the factory, for uses such as incoming and outgoing inspection.
I said earlier that embedded vision is a big, yet mostly unknown, trend in traditional machine vision. The Embedded Vision Alliance, founded in May 2011, was created specifically to address this trend, which is the result of converging technologies and of shifts in image sensor price/performance thresholds. As Jeff Bier, president of founding member company BDTI, said in an article I wrote for Test & Measurement World, embedded computer vision remained in low-volume applications like industrial machine vision until recently because it was based on historically expensive, low-volume, specialized technologies. But around 2005, image sensor performance went up as prices came down, much of this fueled by the success of cameras in mobile phones. And then came the typical semiconductor/electronics technology curve: Volumes go up, prices come down, volumes go up again.
I've been writing about technology long enough to not get too excited about new product or technology announcements. But this one is different. I think embedded vision is about to become a very big deal.
I also thought it was interesting that this camera uses an ARM processor, something you don't exactly see a lot in camera platforms. naperlou, are you willing to share some of those ideas for apps?
I agree Naperlou. There is a wide range of applications for a smart camera this small. In manufacturing alone, these cameras could help with track and trace as well as data collection and verification.
This is a great new development. It is interesting that it uses the ARM architecture. Chalk up another one for ARM. It also opens up new applications The vendor often lists target applications, but, as the author mentions, the form factor and other specs will get engineers thinking about other apps. I already have some ideas.
By experimenting with the photovoltaic reaction in solar cells, researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in energy efficiency that significantly pushes the boundaries of current commercial cells on the market.
In a world that's going green, industrial operations have a problem: Their processes involve materials that are potentially toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. If improperly managed, this can precipitate dangerous health and environmental consequences.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 5
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
3 
