Contact image sensors (CIS) are image sensors used in flatbed scanners almost in direct contact with the object to be scanned. A CIS typically consists of a linear array of detectors, covered by focusing lenses and flanked by red, green, and blue LEDs or White LEDs for illumination.

CIS technology is commonly preferred for precise imaging which does not need a conventional optical lens like in the use of CCD sensors or cameras.

Contact image sensor modules are composed of the following components:

1. Sensor Array and Printed Circuit Board
2. Light source
3. Lens array
4. Cover glass
5. Connector
6. Housing

SELFOC® Lens Array (SLA) typically comprises one or two rows of micro gradient-index lenses (SELFOC® lenses) arranged in an array.The images from adjacent lenses overlap and form a continuous linear 1:1 image, and with this unique feature, it is used as a key component in a broad range of line scanning systems and electrophotographic printing systems.

SLA provides uniform resolution and light intensity over its entire length, whereas ordinary lenses have peripheral distortion.

CIS (Contact Image Sensor), the major solution for MFPs, is now widely used in industrial inspection machines.

For example, CIS can inspect (perform various inspections) such as: overall appearance, existence of foreign materials, spotting defects, measuring length, depth and position, etc. of film, sheet, foil, etc. on a conveyer belt and in roll-to-roll processing.

Compared with the conventional camera method (WD *: several hundred mm to 1m or more), the optical system of CIS is exceptionally compact (WD: about 15 mm), and installation and maintenance are extremely easy.

CIS using SLA allows additional inspections to processes that are limited by space and does not require special skills for installation and maintenance unlike the conventional camera.

Teledyne DALSA has introduced a product called AxCIS – a Line Scan camera set with CIS. AxCIS combines a Selfoc Lens Array (SLA), a linear array of Teledyne DALSA CMOS sensors, image processing, power management and optional integrated LED illumination to provide a complete imaging solution. Industry refers to this configuration as Contact Image Sensor (CIS) technology. CIS modules are used for applications that require short working distance and or have limited space for optical components. Not only does AxCIS provide these common CIS features, but also adds Teledyne DALSA’s advanced calibration and line scan features to offer a compact solution that goes beyond current CIS products.

AxCIS products are now available in following Monochrome formats:

AX-FM-04B12H-00

400 mm field of view selectable dpi, maximum line rate of 120 kHz, monochrome output, Camera Link HS LC fiber optic connectors.

AX-FM-08B12H-00

800 mm field of view, selectable dpi, maximum line rate of 120 kHz, monochrome output, Camera Link HS LC fiber optic connectors.

AxCIS has Automatic Sensor Alignment feature as below:

Other CIS modules typically comprise a linear array of small sensors butted end to end to provide a large field of view. Due to the physical characteristics of the sensors, there are lost pixels at the butt joints which need to be interpolated with associated loss of image quality. To ensure 100% image coverage, the AxCIS modules use a staggered sensor approach where adjacent sensors fields of view overlap their neighbors preserving image quality. Each sensor’s physical location is accurately measured during the production calibration process where alignment parameters are sent and stored by the module for use in normal operation. The module automatically aligns each sensor’s image data real time in x and y directions to form a continuous single, aligned image data. Overlap image data is removed.

In all the AxCIS models, selection of different DPI is possible.

Resolution

• Selectable dpi: options include 300, 450, 600 or 900 dpi resolution

•    Multiple lengths feasible in 100 mm increments

As the AxCIS has 28um pixel size in maximum 900dpi, while using in 300dpi it goes into pixel size of 84 and other DPI.

Important Features:

Field of view (FOV) mm:

800.125 mm – 800 mm Resolution Pixels 28,608 pixels/400.125 mm  – 400 mm Resolution 14,304 pixels

Pixel Size µm 28 µm (900 dpi)

For all models above, integrated lighting is available as an accessory. Each accessory is for a single LED light bar. Each AxCIS model can hold 2 LED light bars, therefore, 2 of each accessory can be ordered per AxCIS model. LED lighting can be installed at the factory

Line Rate kHz 120 kHz (single), 60 kHz x 2 (dual exposure), 50 kHz x 3 (color)/  Minimum Line Rate kHz 0 Hz – external trigger 300Hz – Internal trigger.

Selfoc Lens Array:

AxCIS combines a Selfoc Lens Array (SLA) giving a Working Distance (from bottom of module) of 13.9 mm.

Lighting:

For all models above, integrated lighting is available as an accessory. Each accessory is for a single LED light bar. Each AxCIS model can hold 2 LED light bars, therefore, 2 of each accessory can be ordered per AxCIS model. LED lighting can be installed at the factory. White LEDs for 400mm and 800mm area available with Power option.

Frame Grabber:

Teledyne DALSA Xtium2-CLHS FX8 (OR-A8S0-FX840) is the compatible Frame grabber to use with AxCIS.

Cables:

The camera uses the Camera Link HS™ interface—the industry standard for a very high-speed fiber optic camera interface with long transmission distances and cable flexing requirements.

SFP+ Modules:  The AxCIS modules sections come with a dual SFP+ (Small Form factor Pluggable) XCVR cage where one or two 10 Gbps XCVR modules can be added along with associated LC Fiber Optic cables as required to support image data bandwidth requirements. Note that the SFP+ XCVR are not included with the module and can be ordered separately from Teledyne DALSA.

Image Data Cables and Transceivers The fiber optic cables require LC connections and XCVR modules on both ends of the cable. LC is a small-form factor fiber optic connector that uses a 1.25 mm ferrule, half the size of a standard connector. These cables are in wide use in the telecommunications industry and available in many lengths. The distance through which the data can be transmitted depends on the type of fiber optic used. Recommended fiber optic cables are types OM3 and OM4. OM4 is used for distances > 300 m, but also requires SFP+ transceiver module changes.

Cables can purchased from Teledyne DALSA distributors or from companies like Fiberstore (FS.COM)

Software:

Teledyne DALSA’s Sapera LT, including CamExpert GUI application and GenICam for Camera Link imaging driver.

Both AxCIS Sensor and Frame grabber parameters including resolution (DPI), exposure, trigger, corrections, Line Rate, Communication between FG and AxCIS all can be set using the CAMEXPERT and tested.

SAPERA LT has the SDK to develop stand alone applications in terms of capture, display and memory handling, storage etc., The Configuration file stored in CAMEXPERT can be called in the programs of SAPERA LT. SAPERA LT supports C++,C# .

In short,

Please contact [email protected] for more information on AxCIS and related applications.

Note:

This blog also contains some compilation of different related Contents and Images from general purpose web sites or from the web site of the companies represented by us in India. Any one finding any objection to the use of the same can report to us at [email protected] and we shall make corrections as per legal requirements. This blog is more of informative purposes only.