Smart cameras from Vision Components’ new VC F series are designed for use in intelligent transportation systems—for example, automatic license plate recognition (freeflow ALPR applications)—in combination with the company’s CARRIDA software tool. They are also suitable for many other tasks, such as quality inspection and production control. VC F units are based on a quad-core processor from Freescale that provides a 4 x 1-GHz computing power. Equipped with a freely programmable GPU, the systems use the VC Linux operating system. The cameras feature either one or two remote 1/1.8ʺ CMOS sensors connected by a 30-mm or 80-mm cable—the two-sensor version is also suited for stereo camera applications. Depending on the model, the sensors provide a 1,280 x 1,024 (WVGA) or 1,600 x 1,200 pixel resolution.
A 1-GB/s Ethernet interface enables integration into automation environments. Furthermore, the VC F series includes two USB interfaces and an HDMI output—a novelty for VC smart cameras. The new series will be available in the first quarter of 2015.
