Once again, Sony is expanding the Pregius range with more economical versions offering reduced frame rates. The sensors include the 9 megapixel (4112 x 2176) IMX267 sensor and the 12 megapixel (4112 x 3008) IMX304 sensor. Other than that, there are no changes to the outstanding image quality or the strong dynamics. Matrix Vision will integrate these two sensors into the current sensor ranges, which will be available for mass production from the first quarter of 2017. Prototypes can, however, already be requested from Matrix Vision.

The sensors are integrated into the ranges as follows:

• In the form of the mvBlueCOUGAR-X109b, the Gigabit Ethernet version of the 9 megapixel sensor achieves a frame rate of 20.8 Hz, while the 12 megapixel sensor can be ordered in the form of the mvBlueCOUGAR-X1012b, which achieves a frame rate of 15.1 Hz.
• In the case of the mvBlueCOUGAR-XD range, the sensors are integrated in the form of the mvBlueCOUGAR-XD109b or the -XD1012b with a frame rate of 32.2 Hz (9 megapixels) or 23.4 Hz (12 megapixels).
• The sensors achieve the same frame rates when used as USB3 vision cameras. In other words, the 9 megapixel camera takes on the role of the mvBlueFOX3-2089a with a maximum frame rate of 32.2 Hz or of the 12 megapixel version with the order reference mvBlueFOX3 -2124a 23.4 Hz.

The Pregius sensors are predestined for use for demanding tasks within the transport sector such as traffic flow monitoring or the identification of drivers and vehicles. Reflective traffic signs mean that the latter demands a range of different lighting and imaging sequences. To take into account such circumstances, we have integrated the sequencer mode into all Matrix Vision cameras, which allows imaging sequences to be defined.

About the camera ranges:

High transfer rates pose no problem for the mvBlueCOUGAR-XD Dual GigE range: Firstly, the net bandwidth of the two Gigabit Ethernet interfaces has been increased to 240 MB/s by means of link aggregation, and secondly, the 256 MB internal image memory safeguards the transfer by means of buffering. The frame rate and resolution of the mvBlueCOUGAR-XD camera are not the only features able to turn heads. The camera controls electrical lenses (zoom, focus, aperture), and possesses 4 opto-isolated inputs with a current limiter along with 4 robust high-side solid-state relay outputs. Smart features such as slow motion capture and automatic denoising by means of frame averaging are also available.

Thanks to its compact dimensions and the various accessories that are available, the mvBlueCOUGAR-X GigE range is suitable for the majority of possible areas of application. The camera possesses a range of smart features such as flatfield correction, colour correction, white balance, etc., which can be carried out directly on the camera itself, thereby significantly reducing the burden on the host system. The 64 MB image memory ensures loss-free image transfer and additionally serves as a buffer, during recording mode for example, which saves images to the camera and allows flexible output. The camera is compatible with the GenICam and GigE Vision standards. Drivers are available for Windows and Linux. Furthermore, the camera supports all GigE Vision-compatible third-party image processing libraries.

The mvBlueFOX3-2 USB 3.0 range is the range created especially for the IMX sensors from Sony. In spite of its compact size, the range demonstrates a great deal of strength when it comes to performance: alongside its large 256 MB integrated image memory, the mvBlueFOX3 is equipped with a generous FPGA, which includes a number of smart features for image processing, along with 2/4 digital inputs and outputs. The camera is compatible with the GenICam and USB3 Vision standards. Drivers are available for Windows. Furthermore, the camera supports all USB3 Vision®-compatible third-party image processing libraries.