Image Processing Automates Eyeglass Fitting for Rodenstock

Imagine that you wear varifocal glasses and need new ones. You go to an optometrist and, without time-consuming adaptations, measuring or trying on frame after frame, you look at yourself in a mirror and - voila! - your chosen frame is on your nose.

Automatic calculation of eyeglass frames and lenses enables customized fit 

International eyeglass manufacturer Rodenstock GmbH of Munich has developed an optometrist service terminal that can do just that. It enables automatic calculation of eyeglass frames and lenses customized to fit an individual's face - all in about a second. 

The terminal, called the ImpressionIST, performs several tasks. It provides interactive information about the eyeglasses, presents frames from which the customer can choose, calculates the ideal dimensions of the glasses via a three-dimensional video system, and offers consultation regarding the quality of the glasses. The technical requirements of the system are targeted to the aesthetic aspects of choosing glasses.

Exacting images

The patent-pending 3D video system, which measures the customer's face, must make the fitting procedure as easy as possible. Thus, the 3D measurements are done with the customer looking into a semitrans-parent mirror that is 75 cm away. The imaging system, mounted behind the mirror, is hidden from view. It uses two cameras from Allied Vision Technologies to take images simultaneously. After the measurements are concluded, the optometrist can go over the images with or without the customer.

One camera captures the face from the front and the other, from below and the side (Figure 1). These create aesthetically pleasing images, while being suitable for analysis.

The images are processed based on the software library HALCON from MVTec Software GmbH of Munich. The software delivers the real-world 3D coordinates necessary for manufacturing the frames and lenses. By acquiring a calibration plate before the first start-up of the ImpressionIST, inner and outer camera parameters can be appointed to deliver the coordinates.

The analysis begins with a position cross mark placed at each pupil's center on the image of the front of the face (Figure 2). The software uses information about the camera position, illumination and reflection from the cornea to calculate the centers.

To make measuring as comfortable as possible and to ensure the customer's elemental posture during image acquisition, no flash is used. For this reason, three 11-W lamps from Osram are integrated into the system, arranged to find the pupils' centers from the reflections on the corneas. The showroom should be illuminated with diffuse light.

The final position can be adjusted by the optometrist. The brims of the glasses are computed by edge extracting each glass's front. Other cross marks are positioned at the point where the extensions of the straight lines through the pupils' cross marks meet the brims. These marks also can be adjusted. The same positions are determined for the image from the other camera, and the already adjusted cross marks from the front image are projected onto it (Figure 3). Then, the cross marks can be automatically transferred into each other.

For Rodenstock, it was important that the optometrist maintain the ability to adjust the positioning, although the image processing software could do it. After the optometrist approves the positioning, the 3D coordinates of the corresponding cross marks are computed, taking the calibration into consideration.

The computation delivers all the parameters needed to manufacture the frames, including monocular pupil and corneal vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, face-form angle, fitting point height, decentration (of the fitting point), boxed data (lens width and height), distance between lenses, frame shape and optimized lens diameter. The results are documented in a hard copy that includes illustrating figures and that is optimized to allow grinding of the lenses.

Rodenstock's tests of the system by Rodenstock have found that the measurements are accurate and repeatable, depending on the customer's ability to repeat a position. The reproducibility using the system was 1.5 times higher than when using a free distal view. 

The system is currently available only for Rodenstock consultant optometrists.

To Know More About Machine Vision System in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

 MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Switching from CCD to CMOS Cameras

Sony has announced the closure of its CCD sensor factory. CCD camera users are now confronted with questions around switching to CMOS technology and the availability of current CCD camera models.

For us, the move toward CMOS technology doesnt come as a surprise. We started our preparations some time ago and can offer a broad portfolio of CMOS products. 

Sony has scheduled the last delivery of the CCD sensors that are integrated into Basler cameras for the end of 2026. Basler will ensure a smooth transition from current Basler products with CCD sensors to CMOS sensor-based Basler products.

We have put together a list of answers to the most relevant questions around this transition and around suitable successors for your CCD sensor-based Basler ace camera.

CCDs been discontinued. Now what?

Experience together with Steve what Sonys CCD discontinuation announcement means and how you can deal with it.

FAQs

When should I begin switching from CCD to CMOS?

In general, you could start any time. Switching quickly will let you benefit from a performance increase in your application and from lower camera costs. Therefore, a fast change makes sense. On the other hand, there is no immediate rush if you are using CCD-based cameras. They will be available for many years to come. We recommend taking the time to run the calculations on your application, to decide which option would be more advantageous.

What do I have to consider when switching?

Relatively little. You should not have any trouble finding a camera with a suitable CMOS sensor. For an easy switch, choose a CMOS sensor with the same optical format as your current CCD cameras, and you all only have to perform minimal adjustments to your system design. Things are also kept simple if you stay with your standard interface, Gigabit Ethernet. Basler offers all new CMOS sensors within the 29 mm x 29 mm housing of its ace models which allows for easy replacement of nearly all existing camera designs. It also brings along improved performance in replacement scenarios of analog FireWire cameras, where space limits are a crucial concern.

What is important when integrating the latest CMOS-based cameras?

Integrating a CMOS camera to replace CCD sensors is simpler than expected, especially when you choose standard-compliant hardware and software. Because camera manufacturers take care of the entire sensor integration including image quality optimization, all you need to do when choosing the right CMOS camera is to:

• Determine the correct resolution of the camera: The required resolution depends on the details you need to make visible in your images.
• Define the required camera interface: The choice of an interface depends on the required cable length, bandwidth, necessary frame rates and real-time capabilities and PC hardware availability. Our Interface Advisor helps you find the best interface for your application.
• Choose lens and lighting: Changing the sensor format also involves changing the lens. Our Lens Selector makes finding a new lens easy. Lighting must only be adjusted if the sensitivity of the new sensor is different from the previous one.
• Integration effort for software and camera control: Cameras complying with common standards such as GenICam, for example, or interface standards like USB3 Vision or GigE Vision, offer uncomplicated integration.

Which CMOS successors does Baslers portfolio offer today?

Basler has anticipated the trend towards CMOS sensor technology in industrial cameras early on and offers a broad product portfolio of CMOS cameras with sensors from various manufacturers. Just recently, it equipped two ace GigE and two ace USB 3.0 models with Sonys IMX174 CMOS sensor. With a resolution of 2.3 MP and frame rates of 50 fps (GigE) and 155 fps (USB 3.0), respectively, this powerful sensor is a recommended choice for demanding applications in the fields of traffic, microscopy and medicine.

To Know More About Basler Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

 MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

What is Embedded Vision? – New Vision Campus Video

If you think industrial cameras are roughly the size of a carton of milk and their computers are big enough to work as chairs, you're a little behind the times. Machine Vision system components were as big a few years ago, but not any more.

Over time PCs have shrunk, in some cases down to no more than a compact, application-specific processing board. The cameras have gotten smaller, too and are now often available without a housing – allowing them to be integrated into a larger system. 

These two trends toward miniaturization of PCs and the camera make it possible for vision systems to be produced affordably and for highly specific applications. A system of this kind is referred to as an embedded vision system.

Want to find out more about this topic? Then watch the new video in the Vision Campus on What is Embedded Vision? It contains more in-depth information, such as how an embedded vision system is constructed, its benefits and where these systems are used.

The Vision Campus contains detailed articles and videos on Machine Vision and on Vision technology in general. We explain for example why it's important to choose the right lighting for your image processing task and why CMOS sensors are the technology of the future – presented in text and video form. See for yourself!

To Know More About Basler Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Wheels Put to the Test

 

Why the WheelWatch system is equipped with high-speed cameras from Mikrotron

Germany and the car share a long history. It was here, in 1886, that Carl Benz registered the patent for a petrol-powered vehicle with a four-stroke engine, the "Benz Patent-Motorcar Number 1". Today, brands such as VW, Porsche, Mercedes and BMW are famous the world over and represent the very best in quality and innovation. The automotive industry is the driving force of the German economy as well as the catalyst for many other business sectors.

Measuring technology is one such sector, where AICON 3D Systems GmbH is an established specialist. The company was founded in 1990 in Braunschweig, and develops, manufactures and markets optical camera-based 3D measurement systems. The company extended its product range to include high-precision 3D scanners following the takeover of Breuckmann GmbH in 2012. 

Testing Wheel Behaviour

 

AICON 3D System GmbH has set a new standard in vehicle development thanks to WheelWatch, the optical measurement system. Before a car gets anywhere close to serial production, prototypes have already covered millions of kilometres during testing. As part of this process, careful testing examines exactly how wheels behave in the event of extreme manoeuvres. Just how do they handle bumps and wet roads? Do they remain stable when it comes to evasive manoeuvres or when travelling at high speed? Do the wheel wells still provide enough room even when tackling sharp bends? Here, parameters such as track, camber, suspension, steering angle and clearance are crucial. 

Detecting Wheel Movement at 250 km/h

A high-speed camera from Mikrotron is the key component of WheelWatch. With a maximum speed of almost 500 frames per second, the EoSens® camera, equipped with a CMOS sensor, provides a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. As a result, it takes sharp and detailed images, even at driving speeds of up to 250 km/h. The integrated high-performance flash also takes care of the extremely short exposure times required, which are in the microsecond range.

Tackling Tough Operating Conditions

The camera is exposed to extreme forces and has to be able to withstand accelerations, steering manoeuvres and abrupt braking. Furthermore, the camera must also function reliably during lengthy tests lasting several hours. Therefore, the engineers at AICON 3D Systems demand the very best in terms of sturdiness and long-term stability. "The camera operates reliably, despite sometimes facing tough operating conditions," confirms Robert Godding, Managing Director of AICON 3D Systems GmbH. "The camera coped very well with various challenging applications – not only in the field of wheel motion – and always delivers high-quality image data.”

Mounting the Measurement System on the Vehicle

One camera is attached for each wheel, so that the wheel and mudguard are fully captured.

One camera is attached per wheel, to enable it to fully capture the wheel and mudguard. Specially coded measurement targets are placed on the mudguard to identify the vehicle coordinate system. An adapter is mounted on the wheel, featuring a unique pattern of dots. The camera captures the wheel and simultaneously aligns itself with the surrounding mudguard. This means the camera does not have to be kept stable. Likewise, vibrations and bumps do not have any effect on the data measured. The system recalculates its position continuously to achieve the measuring data, thereby achieving maximum positional accuracy of approx. ± 0.1 mm and angular accuracy of approx. ± 0.015°.

Four cameras can be synchronised with each other, as well as with other measuring sensors. By way of example, movements in the engine block can also be detected using the EngineWatch system. Consequently, the system benefits from the compact size of the EoSens® camera. Measuring just 63 x 63 x 47 mm meant that it was possible for AICON 3D GmbH to develop a housing that fits into even the tightest of spaces. 

Evaluating Images in the Camera

The measurement images are assessed right in the camera sensor using an FPGA image analysis processor and sent to the computer via a GigE interface, in real time. The results are available shortly after. Mr Godding considers the integrated FPGA technology to be one of the camera's best features. "Being able to use the FPGA built into the camera, for our own image processing purposes, was one of the reasons we opted for a Mikrotron camera. The collaboration required for this has gone really well."

Versatile Applications

The system is used on the test bench as well as during drives on the test track. However, it is also ideal for other movement analyses: 

3D motion and position analysis

1. Door slam testing
2. Examining the opening and closing behaviour of doors, covers, windows
3. Vibration analysis of components
4. Robot rail measurement
5. Machine control

3D deformation analysis

• 1. Error analysis in the production line (e.g. welding processes)
• 2. Component behaviour in wind tunnels or climatic chambers
• 3. Collision analyses
• 4. Material testing, structural analysis
• 5. 6D positioning and alignment of individual points and rigid bodies

To Know More About Mikrotron High Speed Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Y-Cable for Use of All I/Os on Basler ace Cameras with the Latest CMOS Sensors without Interferences

The ace GigE cameras with Sony’s IMX sensors and the PYTHON sensors from ON Semiconductor and all ace USB 3.0 cameras have two I/O types: direct coupled GPIO and opto-coupled I/O. Our new Y-cable allows you to use both types simultaneously without the opto-coupled I/Os interfering with the GPIO signals due to crosstalk. There are two separate wires to split both I/O types. The two wires on the Y-cable have different colors to distinguish between them (GPIO = yellow, opto-I/O = blue).The cables are 10 meters long with open ends so that they can be shortened individually to fit your application.

For all ace GigE cameras (with/without GPIO) the GPIO cable also supplies power to the camera.This design allows a separate wiring of trigger signal and power. 

To Know More About Basler Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

 MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Source - baslerweb.com

USB 3.0 as an Alternative to Camera Link – Tips for Switching

The USB3 Vision Standard and associated USB 3.0 interface have been on the market for some time now. Since the introduction of this interface technology, a growing number of users have been considering whether and how to switch from their old Camera Link cameras to new USB 3.0 models. 

Our new White Paper "USB 3.0 as an Alternative to Camera Link – Key Factors When Switching Camera Interfaces" explains reasons for switching from Camera Link to USB 3.0 and gives pointers on the factors that matter most.

In many situations, USB 3.0 is a suitable replacement for Camera Link, with potential fields of applications ranging from food sorting and semiconductor or printed material inspections to the pharmaceutical industry. This White Paper shows the benefits offered by USB 3.0 for the individual applications. 

General explanations of the USB3 Vision Standard and the USB 3.0 interface can be found in our Vision Campus article "USB 3.0 – The camera Interface of the Future (?)" and in our White Paper "USB 3.0 Interface and USB3 Vision Standard – Data, Facts, Setup and Migrating to USB 3.0." Our White Paper "Setting Up a Stable USB 3.0 Camera System" details how to set up this kind of system. 

To Know More About Basler Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Source - baslerweb.com

Basler Goes to Spie Photonics West

The Basler team is going to San Francisco for the SPIE Photonics West Exhibition. Right on the first day of the show, on January 31, Scott Graber, Senior Applications Engineer at Basler, Inc., will host a demo session. He will show how 5×5 debayering, anti-aliasing, denoising and improved sharpness make a difference in image quality. The session will start at 11:30 in the Demo Area in Hall ABC South. 

At the booth # 4464 Basler will show its latest products, the ace with the IMX252 sensor and the PGI feature set for in-camera image optimization, the Basler Time-Of-Flight Camera and theembedded vision evaluation kit – PowerPack dart USB for Evaluation. 

To Know More About Basler Camera Distributor in Singapore, UAE, Southeast Asia, Contact MV Asia Infomatrix Pte Ltd at +65 6329-6431 or Email us at info@mvasiaonline.com

 MV ASIA INFOMATRIX PTE LTD

3 Raffles Place, #07-01 Bharat Building,
Orchard Road
Singapore - 048617
Tel: +65 63296431 
Fax: +65 63296432

Source - baslerweb.com