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A new standard in the
world of digital cameras.
AVT Dolphin IEEE 1394 megapixel camera.
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AVT Dolphin
The high data rates of 400 Mbit/s, the
remarkable image quality and steadily falling prices of cameras and interface cards
make FireWire cameras a more and more
popular choice for industrial use.
Sensor
In this class of digital cameras, the
Dolphin F-145 uses one of the most high
performance 2/3 type sensors available on
the market and sets high standards regarding professional criteria such as image
quality, resolution, contrast and low-noise
while at the same time offering high lightsensitivity. The image rate of 15 full images/s is unique in this class. The sensor
used in the Dolphin drastically reduces
blooming and smear and results in the
production of visibly better images.
12-bit A/D converter
A low-noise 12-bit A/D converter allows
the Dolphin to digitize the finest details of
the image sensor pixel-synchronously and
at a high level of quality. The IEEE 1394
interface allows the simple and even
image-synchronous changes to the analogue parameters of the converter such as
gain, offset and white balance (color version). The downstream look-up tables
additionally offer arbitrary image manipulation without loss of quality such as the
choice of 10-bit or 8-bit domains, for
example.
Smart Features
The Dolphin's many integrated smart features make numerous image processing
tasks possible on the fly, which can lessen
the load on a PC with downstream image
processing capability.
Look-up tables
Up to 63 different LUTs are programmable
in the internal cache of the Dolphin
camera and can be integrated into the
system as needed. LUTs can be created
with a PC (for example with a standard
program like Excel™) and then easily loaded into the camera. The advantages of
the Dolphin's integrated look-up tables
become especially apparent during complex image processing tasks such as the
creation of non-linear characteristic functions for the accentuation of different
image levels (gamma LUT) or during image
or threshold operations.
Sequencing
The LUTs as well as the configuration of
the A/D converter and the image sizes
during partial scans can be switched picture-perfectly through the use of sequencing. Multi-variable use in industrial
image processing thereby becomes possible, for example the compensation of
image quality as a consequence of different illuminational colors during complex
image inspection.
Image caching
The Dolphin can save up to 16 high-resolution images to its memory (15 images F-
201). The taking of images and their subsequent read-out is completely seperated
by the image cache and triggering. The
speed of the image read-out can be controlled thus limiting the bus load. The easy
caching of images makes for a much finer
filtering of images.
Shading correction
A further smart feature of the Dolphin is
unique shading correction. Each pixel can
be corrected and the compensation of all
unequal lighting, lenses and more can
take place in the camera on the fly.
Seperate processing on the PC is unnecessary and saves time.
The AVT Dolphin Series
Many camera systems shine with impressive specifications. The differences, however, lie in the concept. In the combination
of all components. In the development
know-how. In the precise production. The
Dolphin by Allied Vision Technologies is a
paradigm of innovative technology. Its
unique image data is delivered through
the perfect coordination of all components. The Dolphin cameras are available
in b/w (B) and color (C) variations, with
1.4 MPixel and 2.01 MPixel:
● AVT Dolphin F-145B
● AVT Dolphin F-145C
● AVT Dolphin F-201B
● AVT Dolphin F-201C
The AVT Dolphin F-145, available both in
color and black/white, is a C-Mount
camera which is equipped with a 1.45
megapixel SONY 2/3 type progressive CCD
sensor. The AVT Dolphin F-201 uses a 2.01
megapixel 1/1.8 type progressive CCD sensor. All Dolphin F-145 cameras operate
both in 8-bit or 10-bit mode (F-145B: 12bit), ensuring extremely high quality images. All Dolphin F-201 cameras operate in
8-bit mode, ensuring the highest frame
rate in combination with extremely high
resolution images. The cameras are equipped with an internal frame buffer - to
decouple frame-grabbing from transmissions. A real-time shading correction and
up to 63 user-definable realtime look-up
tables are ideal for smart preprocessing.
With full frame rates up to 15 fps (full
resolution; 12.75 fps F-201B) the AVT
Dolphin family is ideal for high-demand
image processing and factory automation
tasks. With partial scan the frame rate
increases even higher or alternatively, the
bandwidth consumption decreases.
Color versions use sophisticated real-time
color conversion with color correction on
board, ensuring high color fidelity.
An option for RAW image transfers is also
available. This lowers the bandwidth and
increases the image quality when transmitting at 10 bits per pixel.
Last but not least: The Dolphin cameras
are easy to integrate as a result of the AVT
FirePackage.
FireWire™ - the new standard in image
processing.
Introduced to the computer industry by
Apple as early as 1994, the digital connection technology known as IEEE 1394
(FireWire™ or i.Link™) has become a major
player in the field of industrial image processing.
It makes simplest computer compatability
and bidirectional data transfer via plug &
play possible.
Sensor with smear:
Dolphin:
LUT 12-bit <-> 10 bit
Gamma LUT
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External connection
and control
Apart from its standard mode of operation, the Dolphin offers many more sophisticated trigger possibilities. Up to three
inputs and three outputs are available for
the hardware connection to the process.
Apart from the external trigger via an
external signal edge with selectable polarity, the possibility to activate the capturing of an image through the connection
of two signals (e.g. gate and trigger) also
exists. The gate input works as a preparatory input when a part, which needs to be
controlled, comes closer. The trigger activates when the part is precisely in front of
the camera. A direct connection to an
incremental encoder over three input signals (Count, Up/Down, Reset) is also possible.
Delayed flashtrigger
An output on the camera shows the integration time so that it can be used for the
control of a flash for example. Delayed
flashes can be programmed with the
delayed flashtrigger as well.
Software
The Dolphin comes with a sophisticated
operating system (firmware) which controls all functions of the camera. The large
memory is easily upgradable with clientspecific functions and meets all criteria
regarding optional demands. It doesn't
get any easier than this: the camera
doesn't even need to be opened - with the
help of a small PC program the firmware is
simply uploaded via the serial port of the
Dolphin.
AVT FirePackage
We control both sides of the cable: the AVT
FirePackage is the smart software for integrating IEEE 1394 cameras into applications. Today digital cameras are just as
easy to use in image processing as analogue cameras and frame grabbers - but with
much better images and higher speeds of
course.
The prerequisites for easy integration are
achieved with the AVT FirePackage.
The Dolphin family and AVT FirePackage
are compatible with all standared image
processing packages such as HALCON,
Active Vision Tools and with manufacturers
such as National Instruments MVTec and
Matrox, who support the FireWire standard.
Connectors
The 12-HIROSE connector of the Dolphin
directs all digital input and output signals
as well as the optional power supply and
the serial port. Compatible cables (including those to client specifications) up to
17.5 m in lengths are obtainable from
Allied Vision Technologies.
FIF0 - Image caching
AVT FirePackage
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ALLIED VISION TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
Marketing and Sales
Taschenweg 2a | D-07646 Stadtroda | Germany
Phone: +49 36428/677-0 | Fax: +49 36428/677-24
www.alliedvisiontec.com | info@alliedvisiontec.com
Industrial FireWire™ connector
The connection to the IEEE 1394 bus takes
place over a robust industrial, interlocked
connector with twist protection. The relevant cable with a length of 4.5 m is included with the delivery. Longer cables with
a length of up to 17.5 m are available.
With the use of compact repeaters, the
camera can be placed many meters away.
The image quality does not suffer from
this at all, of course.
Status LEDs
Three status Leds inform of the presence
of power, external triggers and communication under normal conditions. In the
case of an error, the LEDs visualise internal errors with flashes. The camera also
includes a temperature sensor which can
be checked via the bus.
Robust construction for hard working
conditions
The internal mechanical and electrical
construction has been designed with hard
industrial environment conditions in
mind.
Highlights
● Dolphin F-145: SXGA+ 1392 x 1040
pixel progressive type 2/3 CCD
● Dolphin F-201: UXGA 1628 x 1236
pixel progressive type 1/1.8 CCD
● Ext. async. trigger / shutter
● Manual gain up to +30 dB (+24 dB
Dolphin F-145C)
● Manual shutter (20μs...
~
to 4 s)
● 8-bit output
● 16-bit output (10-bit data)
● True partial scan (frame rate increa-
sing)
● 16 frame buffers FIFO
(F-201: 15 frames)
● Real-time shading correction
● Up to 63 progr. look-up tables
● On-board color conversion (Dolphin
F-145C)
● On-board color correction (Dolphin F145C)
● Industrial IEEE 1394 connector
● C-Mount
● 12-pin HIROSE
● 3 inputs, 3 outputs; configurable
● Incl. 4.5 m cable
© Copyright Allied Vision Technologies GmbH - Germany.
Excel is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
FireWire is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited
without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.
The information presented in this document does not form part of
any quotation or contract, is believed to be accurate and reliable,
and may be changed at any time without notice. No liability will
be accepted by the publisher for any consequences of its use.
Publication there of does not convey or imply any licence under
patent or other industrial or intellectual property rights.
Printed in Germany - 03/2007
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