Seiko Epson Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) has developed a compact, lightweight spectroscopic camera that can be easily integrated into manufacturing lines. Epson said it will launch its first spectroscopic camera, one that captures light across the visible spectrum, in the 2020 fiscal year ending March, 2021. “Differences in colour can occur between products in different production lots in ordinary manufacturing processes,” said the OEM. “A spectroscopic camera can be used by manufacturers to perform colour-variation and surface-coating inspections to control these differences to a certain extent to better ensure product quality. The RGB cameras currently used in these inspections are unable to capture detailed colour information and are not always able to distinguish between subtle differences in colour. Consequently, most visual inspections relied on human colour perception. However, colour perception varies among individuals, and human error puts manufacturers at risk of shipping defective goods. Time and cost constraints make colour management an issue in many industries. Spectroscopic cameras have traditionally been large and expensive, and those equipped with line sensors may have to create composite images after scanning, adding to the time and expense. Epson has developed an optimal solution for colour management processes with a compact, lightweight spectroscopic camera that can be integrated into manufacturing lines and can automate and quantify inspections, and output images without the time and trouble of compositing. This spectroscopic camera will enable manufacturers to manage colour in their manufacturing processes more easily than ever before,” Epson added.
Features
- About the same compactness and weight as an RGB camera.
- Integral field spectroscopy. Can focus on an area, measure the colours, and distinguish colours of a target object within the visible light range.
- Image processing functions needed on manufacturing lines can be used along with spectral imaging functions.
Specifications
- Wavelength range: 400 nm to 700 nm
- Number of bands: 16
- Wavelength resolution: 45 nm
- Image resolution: 1,024 x 768 (XGA)
- Dimensions: to be announced
- Weight: 175 g
- Lens mount: C-mount
