Long distance machine vision applications just got easier with the Fujinon SX800.
It used to be surveillance and security was the only use for zoom and telephoto lenses. But the clarity from technology like the Fujinon SX800 allows for machine vision applications.
Vehicle Identification
The 40x zoom of the SX800 would be an advantage at a gravel quarry or mining operation. The need to auto-identify the count between dump trucks versus cars would be useful. Or license plate recognition at that distance enables auto-identification of the dump truck; which could be tied into auto-invoicing of that contractor. The 800mm lens with its 40x zoom allows for mounting at a distance where electrical power is readily available, and the dust levels are lower. This new Fujinon camera system allows for those technological advances to be applied in that rugged environment.
Integrated lens & camera enables drone use
There is a unique aspect of the SX800 that increases its viability for drone platforms. The camera and lens are integrated into a single elongated tube with two flat sides. This allows for easy mounting within the tight confines of a drone’s framework.
Solving the problem of Haze
It is common to have haze interfere with an image’s clarity when using telephoto lenses. Dust particulate and atmospheric conditions contribute to that frustration. The SX800 solves this with a compensation algorithm and high speed computations. Heat haze is handled easily so objects maintain clarity. No external device is needed for heat haze because the multi-layer coatings support a wide range of wavelengths from visible to near infrared. This boosted light transmittance effectively controls lens flair and ghosting.
Optical Zoom versus Digital Zoom To Spot Endangered Rhinos
It is easy to forget that optical zoom is superior over digital zoom. A loss of resolution occurs with digital zoom as a mini-processor is used to create the zoomed image. Whereas the optical zoom method is a true zoom with no loss of resolution.
This level of clarity over long distances allows for a license plate to be read from over 1 kilometer by the SX800. Or the distinction of an endangered rhino versus a common water buffalo for environmental conservation efforts. A pole-mounted SX800 on slow rotation could automate wildlife monitoring over distances that a human with binoculars simply could not achieve.
Rapid Image Acquisition
With a rapid autofocus speed of down to 0.3 seconds, the SX800 can adjust for changes in the size of an object at the focal location. If vehicles entering a location have to negotiate a traffic calming feature then there would be enough time to ensure clear focus on the vehicle and its license plate. Conventional camera systems used to take up to 10 seconds to achieve autofocus. Having it down to 0.3 seconds is a significant advantage of the SX800.
Machine Vision Applications For the Great Outdoors
Machine vision applications are not always within close distances like factory environments. The advantages of an integrated camera and lens like the Fujinon SX800 expands the potential use cases for machine vision into the far reaches of the outdoors.