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Sony Alpha camera supported by Sony SDK (Software Development Kit)
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Unique Highly Sophisticated Algorithm Provides Superior AF Performance
Autofocus (AF) is an essential feature of modern camera solutions, enabling sharper images. It is of value across a wide range of different applications scenarios, from automated industrial inspection and process monitoring to traffic management, AGV/robot machine vision, and city surveillance. Contrast sensor data is utilised to determine the optimal focal length. Based on that data, a controller will then adjust the optical system accordingly.
Unique Highly Sophisticated Algorithm Provides Superior AF Performance
The operating environment and the nature of the subject can both impact significantly on the effectiveness of AF performance. most notably, how quickly refocusing can be completed when light levels are low. Because of this, Sony has put a lot of engineering effort into enhancing the AF aspect of its new FCB-9500 series of 4MPixel camera blocks.
Caption: FCB-9500 series
A conventional camera is not able to zoom and focus simultaneously. Also, generally, IR and visible light passing through a lens will have different focal positions (with refocusing needed when switching between them). Depending on the specific circumstances, a conventional camera may not be able to refocus after defocusing has occurred. The light conditions, and the proportion of IR to visible light (and any changes in the wavelengths involved) will substantially influence on the results that can be achieved. These all present considerable drawbacks concerning the AF function; the FCB-9500 series is proving to be such a differentiator because of its AF performance.
Alongside its industry-leading image stabilisation, plus exceptional flicker, and flare reduction characteristics, each FCB-9500 camera leverages a state-of-the-art AF algorithm that has been especially developed by Sony. Thanks to the combination of this with a lens that minimizes the focus position difference caused by wavelength changes, the camera block can rapidly focus on the object and start capturing images. As a result, its capabilities are particularly beneficial in low light situations and ones where strong local light sources are present.
Through the use of Sony’s proprietary AF algorithm and IR correction mode, FCB-9500 cameras can zoom and focus simultaneously, even in the most challenging operational environments. The algorithm minimises defocusing, allowing it to respond quickly to scene changes. The upshot focusing can be carried out more smoothly and in a shorter timeframe.
Conventional cameras only retain focal curve data concerning visible light and perform the focusing operation based on that data. For this reason, when moving from colour mode to IR mode time is required for focusing, as no IR related focal curve data is available for referencing. The FCB-9500 retains focal curve data in relation to IR and visible light, thereby accelerating refocusing when transitioning between the two modes. The close focal points further help here, as this arrangement limits the focal deviation when switching from visible light to IR.
