JAI has introduced the SP-12401-PGE, a new 12.4 megapixel camera in its Spark Series of high resolution area scan cameras. Two models are offered – a monochrome model (SP-12401M-PGE) and a color model (SP-12401C-PGE). Both models are built around the Sony Pregius IMX304 CMOS imager, which features 3.45-micron pixels and a dark noise rating of less than 2.5 electrons for excellent image quality even under low light conditions.
The cameras are equipped with a standard GigE Vision interface capable of running at 9.3 frames per second for 8-bit monochrome or raw Bayer images at full resolution (4112 x 3008 for monochrome and 4088 x 3000 for color). The GigE Vision interface can accept power over the interface for an efficient, one-cable configuration, or power can be supplied via a separate 12-pin connector.
The new SP-12401-PGE models are housed in a new “second generation” enclosure that is considerably smaller than previous Spark Series cameras, while maintaining the high shock and vibration ratings of the earlier models. Overall size is 44 x 44 x 54 mm – more than 50% smaller by volume than previous Spark Series cameras - with an 80 G shock rating and a 10 G vibration rating for high durability in industrial environments.
Among the most noteworthy features are several advanced color imaging capabilities in the SP-12401C-PGE which have traditionally only been offered in JAI’s prism color cameras. These include 24-bit and 32-bit in-camera interpolation using a sophisticated 5 x 5 de-Bayering algorithm. The interpolated output can be provided in raw RGB format, or can utilize the built-in color space conversion capabilities of the SP-12401C-PGE to be converted to HSI, CIE XYZ, sRGB, Adobe RGB, or any user-defined custom RGB format, depending on the requirements of the application.
In addition, the SP-12401C-PGE features a color enhancement function that can be used to “boost” the intensity for any of 6 different primary/complementary colors (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow). Each color can be enhanced up to 2X its normal intensity to make certain items “stand out”, such as the red color of blood vs. surrounding tissue in a life sciences application.
Other features found in both color and monochrome models include single- and multi-ROI capabilities, a “burst” mode for capturing groups of frames at faster than the camera’s normal frame rate, and an edge enhancement function for better contrast at key boundaries within the image.
The SP-12401-PGE models support the use of C-mount lenses with a 1.1-inch optical format. The compact size and lens format make the cameras suitable for a wide variety of applications ranging from life sciences to robotics.