Intelligent Cameras Now with Penguin Support: Vision Components Enter the Linux Era
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Ettlingen — At this year's VISION exhibition, Vision Components (hall 1, stand F42) will showcase a new generation of intelligent cameras with innovative hardware and software. Operating with Linux firmware, the systems follow a new processor approach: until now, VC has been using freely programmable DSPs combined with the proprietary VCRT operating system which ensures optimal hardware utilization. Now, the VC Z series employs a new Xilinx hardware module that integrates FPGA logic and a dual core ARM processor. Both elements can be programmed. This design not only minimizes the required space on the board, but also enables a considerable speed boost, if required: since the FPGA can now be used for image processing, this process can be executed up to ten times faster than without FPGA support.
Vision Components' VC Z series operates with Linux firmware "We see the combination of Linux as an operating system and an ARM processor as a future-proof approach that opens up new possibilities for our users. Our VC Z cameras are now for instance suitable for high-speed or line scan applications that were not easy to implement with former models", says the VC CEO and founder Michael Engel. With VC Z units, users can rely on ready-to-use intelligent cameras that independently execute all image processing routines. At the same time, Vision Components have made the recently extended VC Lib image processing library which encompasses the basic software for all intelligent VC cameras available free of charge. Users can now employ more than 300 VC Lib functions free of charge, without any additional costs for runtime licenses or other fees. The most experienced supplier of industrial embedded machine vision systems worldwide, VC also offers a wide range of consulting services. Customers can now choose between ARM/VC Linux-based and DSP/VCRT-based camera models, depending on what solution is best for their application. If required, VC experts will support them along the way.
Company Background
Founded in 1996 by Michael Engel, inventor of the first intelligent camera for industrial applications, Vision Components GmbH is a leading supplier in the field of machine vision. Branches and distributors represent the Ettlingen-based company worldwide in more than 25 countries. Vision Components develops and distributes intelligent, network-compatible real-time Smart Cameras which are able to operate without a PC. These embedded vision solutions can be easily integrated into almost any machine or plant. Customers can choose between models with ARM processors and VC Linux firmware or DSP-based models with the proprietary VCRT operating system. The product portfolio includes Smart Cameras with or without a protective housing, single board cameras, and vision sensors. Vision Components also develops custom-tailored machine vision solutions for a wide range of applications. Amongst others, typical applications include quality inspection and automation. Furthermore, VC provides free software libraries for many applications including license plate recognition, motion capture, decoding, measurement, and positioning.
Contact:
Vision Components GmbH
www.vision-components.com
