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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.

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?

HarshCam retains focus and zoom-position after impact without need to restart - targeted at construction, sport, drones, homeland security, and disaster relief among others.

Polarised cameras and SDKs

How do on-chip polarisation sensors work? What applications do they enable? And how to get applications created 4 times faster.

Reflective glare can significantly hinder the accuracy and usability of an industrial camera. This is true in controlled visual inspection environments used for the quality-control analysis of components or packaging - where glare can hide a fault, and increase the chance of recalls.

And it is especially true in outdoor applications, such as ITS, where glare caused by highly-variable, unpredictable lighting can not only slow down systems such as automated motorway tolling barriers - for example by not capturing a license plate - it can prevent enforcement cameras from working and therefore reduce the risk of getting caught when, for example, running a red light.

Happy new year. Thank goodness 2020 is over and it’s a delight to be thinking to 2021, to a year where we can (post a widely rolled-out vaccine) meet up again.

And with this in mind what should the industry be most excited about over the coming 12 months? For me, there are three key themes, more advanced sensor technologies, a closer interaction between software and hardware, and a move towards larger sensors. My top 5 for 2021 are:

The new 35 mm Full-Frame image sensor camera offers High Resolution imagery with a compact body, remote operation and is compatible with the Sony Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit)

Responding to increasing demand in the market for superior imaging capabilities, Sony ISS has just announced the introduction of its latest camera block - the FCB-EV9520L

• Ultra-high sensitivity allows use in low light environments, 
• Advanced stabilisation mitigates blurring when subject to vibrations, 
• 30x enhanced optical zoom feature, 
• Wide dynamic range supported, 

• Alpha 1 and RX0 II added to list of compatible Sony’s cameras
• Latest version of SDK extends USB and Wired Ethernet connectivity options, increasing the number of cameras that can be connected and remotely controlled
• x86 Linux compatibility

Sony ISS has exhibited in Germany (InterGeo @ Berlin) and in France (UAV Show @ Bordeaux). It was the perfect timing to demonstrate Sony cutting edge imaging technology for drones business. You could see all FCB Block camera ranges, but in addition, the flagship of Sony Digital Imaging line-up, ILX-LR1, was showed in situation with Dronivo & Hexadrone.So many positive feedbacks about this new model....

Keep in mind - Coming soon in November 2023 - Milipol (France - Paris)

Thanks for visiting our Sony booth at Milipol Paris. Again this year, It was the ultimate gathering point for all international business professionals from the safety and homeland security sector. It was the focal point for the latest Sony innovations (ILX-LR1 & FCB-EV models) and the place where the future of the industry is defined.

We, Sony ISS are exhibiting at the next upcoming and dedicated major events related to our latest solutions for Drone Surveillance, Mapping & Inspection.

· DroneX, 24-25th Sept., ExCel-London (UK), booth E20.
· Intergeo, 24-26th Sept., Messe Stuttgart (DE), hall 3, booth D3.008.