The "Triton-Cam" now features autofocus and two-megapixel resolution, according to the companies.

(Click here for a larger view of the Triton-Cam camera module)

The new Triton-Cam camera module boosts resolution up to 1600 x 1200 pixels, compared to the previously announced fixed-focus, 1.3-megapixel model. That version, still on sale, uses an Omnivision OV9653 1.3 megapixel CMOS image sensor with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. The new sensor, from an unspecified source, "features exceptionally low noise levels and low-light sensitivity," according to E-Con.

Rated capture range for the autofocus camera is from 10cm to infinity. With the potential to support flash and video capture, the module can also read 1D barcodes, and has been tested with EymBarocodeReader software, E-Con says.


The Triton-Cam, MI, baseboard, and Triton processor module
The camera module interfaces to the overall development system via a Multimedia Interface (MI) board, which provides an optional QVGA (320x240) touchscreen LCD. The MI board, in turn, plugs onto a custom baseboard. The baseboard also provides a slot where the user adds an SODIMM-sized, PXA270- or PXA320-based "Triton" processor module. The baseboard is intended to be modified for customers' own purposes, using schematics and other documentation supplied with the setup, the companies said.

Triton-320 (upper) and Triton-270 (lower) (Click images to enlarge)

In addition to a PXA320 processor clocked at 806MHz, the Triton-320 module has 128MB of onboard SDRAM, and 64MB of flash memory. The Triton-270, meanwhile, is based on a 520MHz PXA270 and comes with 64MB of DRAM and 16MB of flash memory.

The Triton-Cam includes Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0 drivers, plus support for DirectShow filter implementations, E-Con says. Linux 2.6 is also supported.

Availability

While pricing was not provided, the Triton-Cam camera module and associated components are said to be "available immediately" in Europe and the Americas from Direct Insight, and in Asia-Pacific regions from E-Con Systems. The companies also offer various design and customization services for the Triton-Cam and the other components, including baseboard design, camera driver deign, and integration of codecs. Additionally, certain of the board designs and driver source-code are available for licensing.

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