-
your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
The Iris cameras originally ran only Windows CE 6.0, and were designed to run "machine vision" applications created using the company's Matrox Design Assistant (IDE) integrated development environment (see later in this story for details). The IDE aims to let manufacturing engineers and technicians configure and deploy applications without the need for conventional programming, the company claims.
Last year, the cameras became available with Windows XP Embedded too, allowing them to be programmed using Visual Studio and Matrox Imaging Library software. Color versions became available for the first time, too, in the form of the GT300C, GT1200C, and GT1900C.
The latest model in the Iris GT family doesn't yet offer color, but it does provide higher resolution in the form of a five megapixel Sony ICX625AL sensor, according to Matrox. This bumps image resolution up to 2448 x 2050 pixels, the company says.
All the Iris GT variants continue to use the 1.6GHz Atom Z530, but RAM and flash storage have now both been doubled, to 512MB and 2GB, respectively.
Connectivity for the cameras includes gigabit Ethernet, an RS232 interface, four digital inputs, four digital outputs, one opto-coupled trigger input, and one strobe output. The devices can connect to Modbus via TCP/IP, Matrox adds. Optically, a C-mount connector that allows lenses to be interchanged.
Described as "sturdy, dust-proof, and washable," the Iris GTs operate over temperatures from 0 to 50 deg. C (32 to 122 deg. F). They require 24VDC input power and use approximately 10 Watts, says Matrox.
Machine vision
According to Matrox, the Iris GT is designed to run "machine vision" applications created using the company's Matrox Design Assistant (IDE) integrated development environment. The IDE aims to let manufacturing engineers and technicians configure and deploy applications without the need for conventional programming, the company claims.
Matrox Design Assistant runs on a Windows desktop PC, and is said to let users design machine vision applications using a flowchart. Adding elements to an application is done by taking steps from a toolbox. Available steps include image analysis and processing, communication, flow-control, and I/O, the company says.
A finished application will be able to accept input from the camera, then perform operations such as the following, according to the company:
Matrox's Design Assistant IDE (left) creates applications (right) that run on the Iris GT smart camera
(Click to enlarge)
Once an application has been created via the IDE (above left), it is then deployed to the Iris GT smart camera, where it runs independently. The device includes an integral HTTP server, allowing an operator to check up on its operations remotely (above right) from any web browser, Matrox says.
According to Matrox, a new 2.4 release of Design Assistant now introduces a set of tools to identify parts, products, and items using color. (Obviously, "C" versions of the Iris GT cameras are necessary for this.) Tools included with the program allow definition of allowable color differences, enhancing the software's ability to perform manufacturing control and inspection, says the company.
Features and specifications listed by Matrox Imaging for the Iris GT cameras include the following:
According to Matrox, the Iris GT300, GT1200, and GT1900 are all available now, and the GT5000 will be available during the second quarter. More information may be found on the Iris GT product page.
Jonathan Angel can be followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.
