Smart camera supports Windows XPe

A Sony Europe - Image Sensing Solutions product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 8, 2006

Sony Europe's Image Sensing Solutions Division has announced that its XCI-SX1 smart camera has become the first such device to fully support Microsoft Windows XPe.

Sony Europe's Image Sensing Solutions Division has announced that its XCI-SX1 smart camera has become the first such device to fully support Microsoft Windows XPe.

Users can now develop and deploy applications in the familiar, easy-to-use Windows XPe environment that is becoming the platform of choice in the machine vision market.

"Around 75% of machine vision applications today run under Windows", said Arnaud Destruels, Product Marketing Manager at Sony.

"It is a familiar environment that will speed development and ease implementation for a wide variety of users: ranging from those who want to perform quick-and-easy configuration, to those who wish to use C++ or VisualBasic to build complex applications".

The XCI-SX1 smart camera combines an image sensor and frame grabber with an integrated x86-compatible AMD Geode processor which runs the operating system and performs image preprocessing and camera control.

The new accessory kit integrates the Windows operating system and sample application pre-integrated on a 1Gbit CompactFlash (CF) card that plugs simply into the camera.

Sony has thus given developers access to a plug-and-play solution suitable for both development and target implementation "straight out of the box".

The package includes all necessary software licences and is supplied on a high-quality industrial-grade 1Gbit CF card.

The combination of Windows XPe and the XCI-SX1's industry-standard networking interfaces such as USB and 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet will significantly ease the integration of vision systems into the overall enterprise IT environment.

The new package also opens up the possibility of developing Windows XPe applications under remote debugging mode or eventually directly on the camera itself.

This approach is further facilitated by the provision within the XCI-SX1 of a direct PC monitor output, USB connector, external trigger facilities and electronic shutter.

The sample application supplied with the Windows XPe support package is itself a powerful tool: engineers can use it to adjust the CCD parameters, capture images and store them in a standard format.

Developers of more complex applications will also have access to a full software development kit including an editor, debugger and compiler, supported by comprehensive programming and reference guides.

Registered users will be able to download this for free from the Sony website.

Software support for the XCI-SX1 is already lining up under the auspices of the Sony Vision Network.

Packages include the Halcon 7.1 library and development tools from MVTech; FDS Research's Imaging Environment, which allows quick high-level application development.

These tools and drivers allow the use of the XCI-SX1 in a range of target markets from automotive, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, to security, traffic control, medical, food and beverage and scientific applications.