Case Studies - archive

A shared vision: Close collaboration between Sony ISS and Denmark-based TAGARNO leads to the development of the world's first digital microscope featuring a 4K camera with 60 frames per second

High-performance image-sensing solutions such as cameras are increasingly important in professional sports environments. Such equipment is featured in a surprisingly diverse range of applications. Inside stadiums, it is used for goal-line technology and more precise decision-making, the monitoring of grass quality, and the safety and security of competitors, officials, and spectators. Meanwhile, off the field, there is a rapidly expanding role in fan engagement through the creation of multi-channel immersive experiences.

Drones have come a long way from the early days of being hobbyist toys used to experience the excitement and challenge of controlling a flying machine. 

Nowadays, they are serious pieces of equipment, finding multiple applications in many sectors, from utilities and agriculture to defense.

Indeed, according to the Drone Manufacturers Ranking 2022 report, the commercial drone market has reached a stage of high technological sophistication, with the fleet growing massively. "The hype of recent years has faded", says the report, "and it is clear now that drone technology is here to stay since it offers very practical solutions to real-life problems."

Drones have become a reliable and versatile tool for mapping, surveying, and inspection activities across various industrial sectors. This proliferation has been driven by the availability of rugged and ultra-lightweight imaging systems such as interchangeable lens cameras, which have allowed organizations in industries such as power and utilities to monitor assets remotely – saving time and money and reducing safety risks.

As the capability of drones has increased, so has the scope of their application too. Many companies and organizations now use drones to gather large amounts of data over vast geographic areas, streamlining operations and boosting efficiencies.

So, drones have become invaluable and economical ‘flying sensors’ in a data-driven world. Here, we highlight five top industry applications for drones with image-sensing capabilities, providing use cases highlighting their adaptability.

A huge proportion of the Earth’s oceans have still not been fully studied, due to the enormous depths involved. This means that we do not have a true understanding of the more inaccessible areas or the plant and animal species that inhabit them. Backed by UNESCO, the decade-long 1 OCEAN project is taking underwater exploration to places where it has never been before

The Sony FCB-EV9520L sets itself apart from other camera blocks through several important attributes. Pivotal to its operation is the unique cell structure utilised. In order to boost sensitivity, the photodiode layer in each cell has been made much deeper than in conventional arrangements. 

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. 

Fish farming will play an essential role in addressing increasing global food demands. As a worldwide business, it is currently experiencing a compound annual growth rate of close to 6%, and Allied Market Research predicts that it will be worth $378 billion by 2027. Consequently, these operations need to ensure the quality of their fish stocks to maximise yields and profitability levels. To do that, they must have access to advanced observation systems.

Cars are high value items of equipment, and any defects on their bodywork can be costly to repair. There are numerous different scenarios where the ability to rapidly carry out a visual inspection of a vehicle's exterior will be beneficial. Through such inspection activities, it will be possible to identify issues - such as dents, scratches to the paint, windscreen chips, etc.

Following its release last autumn, Sony’s FCB 9500 Series of 4K colour video cameras has already gained strong commercial uptake.

Headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, Quantum Aviation specialises in developing technology for airspace security. It has various defence and government agency customers - providing protection to critical infrastructure (such as oil refineries, airports, etc.) from potential aerial threats. The company was founded by Martin Lanni (CEO) in 2013.

Marco Boldrini, Product Manager at Sony ISS, talks with Martin and Quantum’s CTO Will Robley about their most recent counter drone solution - the Raptor AI-driven tactical coaxial quadcopter.  

Sony’s polarization cameras XCG-CP510 and SDK enable image processing of subjects, which was difficult to realize with conventional machine vision cameras. Here, I asked the developers about the many attractions hidden in this “polarization camera".The interview will provide answers to user questions on the following points.

• What is polarization?
• What is the mechanism of polarization cameras? What are the merits?
• What can they be used for?