Firewire cameras

Designed for use in machine vision and industrial applications, the KP-FD140F and KP-FD32F cameras from Hitachi are high-resolution single-colour CCD progressive scan cameras with IEEEE 1394.b. The latest Firewire B interface allows direct high-speed data transfer between the camera and the PC using a small eight-conductor cable. The 800 Mbps transfer speed of the IEEE-1394.b interface permits higher frame rates for high-resolution cameras. Multiple cameras can be used simultaneously through the use of a daisy chain connection.

The KP-FD32F provides 330,000 pixels for standard resolution (VGA) at a high frame rate of 60 fps and an effective pixel resolution of 656 x 492. The KP-FD140F provides 1.4five million pixels, high-speed progressive scan high-resolution colour image (SXGA) at 15 fps and an effective pixel resolution of 1392 x 1040.

Featuring a ½" progressive scan CCD and a Bayer RGB filter, the cameras are able to produce good image quality at high resolution. Standard features include selectable image size, ATW or memory mode for white balance, adjustable gamma, AES or manual shutter modes, a six-vector colour corrector, adjustable colour saturation, sharpness and brightness. A frame-on-demand mode utilising the IEEE-1394.b connection is provided, allowing the camera to capture images at a precise timing. A driver along with software to view and control the camera is provided.