The Evolution of Image Sensing in UAVs

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."

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Drone applications in a data-driven world

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.

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Sony Plays Major Role in Oceanographic Sustainability Research

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

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Understanding the Key Elements of the FCB-EV9520L

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. 

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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. 

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Low Light Performance & High Resolution of Sony Camera Technology Proves Invaluable for Fish Farm Monitoring

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.

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High throughput vehicle inspection using Sony imaging technology

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.

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How the FCB 9500 Series leads the way in imaging technology

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

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Interview with Polarization camera Developers & Product Planner

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?

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Truly shocking! Iberoptics adapts Sony FCB to create camera resistant to 40 G impacts

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

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Polarisation, ToF and SWIR: The inspection industry in 2021

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:

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How do on-chip polarisation sensors work?

Polarised cameras and SDKsHow 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.

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Sony launches ultra-lightweight, interchangeable lens professional camera for industrial applications, the ILX-LR1

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)

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Sony Introduces New 1/2.8” Camera - With Boosted Sensitivity Plus Enhanced Image Stabilisation at Vision 2022

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

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New Sony 4K video cameras featuring latest lens and image sensor technologies address highly challenging application scenarios

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, 

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Sony Expands Functionality of Camera Remote SDK and Increases Range of Compatible Models

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

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Milipol Paris 2023

14-17 November 2023 | 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.

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October 2023 Fairs in Germany & France (UAV)

10-12th October 2023 | 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)

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