Image sensors designed for machine vision applications are proving beneficial in traffic systems, such as automatic license plate recognition systems, because of their exceptional image quality and reliability in extended temperature ranges.  Except, these image sensors are optimized for use under controlled lighting conditions and have challenges in outdoor lighting conditions especially extreme situations such as direct sunlight.  With certain functionality implementations, experienced camera designers can work around these limitations.

With advances in filters, color processing, and overall sensor control by experienced camera designers, the shortcomings for single chip (Bayer filter mosaic) color cameras compared to 3-chip prism-based color cameras have nearly been eliminated.  We have compared the different technologies with regards to image quality and color fidelity.  Here we will compare with regards to costs and design.  For most outdoor applications, such as global security systems and intelligent traffic systems, the color accuracy achieved from Bayer area scan cameras is more than sufficient and the simplified camera design offers overall system advantages. 

There is a perception that color precision can only be achieved with 3-chip prism-based (3-CCD, multiple-chip prism, etc.) video cameras.  Because of advances in sensor design, knowledgeable camera designers can now get excellent color images from Bayer patterned image sensors.  These images are so good that all consumer digital SLR cameras use a single chip sensor configuration. 

The SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing Exhibition is an opportunity for camera, sensor, optics, computer and other systems builders to share their latest innovations with the global security market. 

Click the image below for a video demonstration by IMEC of a hyperspectral imaging camera operating at fast frame rates. Spectral signatures of different type of leaf objects (paper printed leaf, plastic leaf, tissue leaf, real leaf) across 32 different spectral bands are being captured in parallel at 60 data-cubes / second and analyzed in real-time with PCA (principle component analysis) discrimination algorithms. This demonstrates the discrimination power capabilities of this emerging vision technique that is today catching traction in many different applications ranging from remote sensing, industrial sorting to medical imaging.

Small, low cost cameras for CCTV have been used for decades in banks, casinos, etc. where constant monitoring is required.  Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video cameras to transmit signal to a specific, limited set of monitors as opposed to open broadcasting (source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed-circuit_television)

For details on measuring the Photon Transfer Curve, Hyperspectral Imaging, Machine Vision Camera Evaluation and Selection or 3-D Underwater Imaging, check out some of our most popular posts:

Cameras that are optimized to the imaging system can offer performance advantages and reduced system costs.  For the most efficient custom camera, seek suppliers that combine engineering services and series production.

We have expanded the TMX-DHD series, a rugged and versatile line of full HD-daylight cameras capable of up to 60 frames per second (fps) performance. In addition to the remote sensor head design (TMX6-DHD), a cube outline (TMX7-DHD) and a board-level (TMX7-DHD BLC) options are now available for integration in airborne payloads and other sensor system architectures.

The HD-SDI video interface standard was developed for television broadcasting, but it can be advantageous in global security applications such as high-end surveillance or unmanned systems, allowing simple designs or upgrades with full HD cameras.