Firstsight Vision can now offer a low cost alternative for high-speed imaging for use with cameras that operate at variable frame rate but do not have their own on-board memory. Using a codec from Cineform in conjunction with Streampix 3 software from Norpix, it is possible to record images directly to a laptop disk drive or USB memory stick connected to the laptop in real time, with a choice of resolution and speed.
There are a host of high-speed applications throughout manufacturing industry where it is important to study fast-moving objects without the effects of motion blur. These could include assessing the events occurring during explosive phenomena such as automobile airbag deployment, troubleshooting fast moving machinery, or making measurements on products on high-speed assembly lines.
The CineForm codec can use all available CPU core, loading up to 100% if needed. Typical pixel processing is up to 90 megapixels per second on a dual-core 2.4 GHz machine. Performance benchmarks for StreamPix carrying out real-time streaming to an AVI file, with 15:1 compression and encoder quality set to FilmScan1 range from HDTV resolution 1920 x 1080 12-bit color, 29 frames per second, 85% cpu load (Intel quad-core Q6600) to higher frame rates at lower resolution, e.g 640 x 480 8-bit color, 150 frames per second, 95% cpu load (Intel dual-core T7400).
The system is compatible with HDTV GigE Vision cameras. Simultaneous direct recording to disc from 2 HDTV cameras is possible using StreamPix 4 with a Quad Core desktop computer and the CineForm codec.