ADVANTAGES OF HIGH-SPEED CAMERAS FOR VISUALIZING FLUID MECHANICS PHENOMENA

 

INTRODUCTION

Fluid mechanics, the study of fluid behavior in motion or at rest, plays a pivotal role in various natural and man-made applications. From aircraft flight and power generation to blood flow in arteries and printing processes, fluid flow phenomena are ubiquitous. While fluid mechanics boasts a robust theoretical foundation, the complexities of fluid motion often defy analytical solutions, necessitating empirical evidence for validation. Consequently, the field has embraced diverse experimental methods, such as flow visualization techniques. One powerful tool in this arsenal is high-speed cameras, which have revolutionized our understanding of fluid dynamics.

THE EVOLUTION OF FLUID MOTION VISUALIZATION

The origins of fluid motion visualization date back to the 19th century, marked by Eadweard Muybridge's groundbreaking work on horse galloping. Muybridge's high-speed photography challenged prevailing notions and paved the way for the use of images to analyze rapid events. Over time, high-speed cameras have become indispensable for observing fast-evolving phenomena, contributing to advancements in various scientific and engineering domains.

BENEFITS OF HIGH-SPEED CAMERAS IN FLUID MECHANICS RESEARCH

High-speed cameras, equipped with the ability to capture an extensive number of frames per second, offer researchers an unprecedented opportunity to delve into the intricacies of fluid flow phenomena. These cameras enable the visualization of intricate flow patterns, turbulence, vortices, and other dynamic features that were previously challenging to capture. By combining high-speed cameras with flow visualization techniques such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and schlieren, researchers have gained deeper insights into topics ranging from turbomachinery and forensic analysis to multiphase flow research.

UTILIZING HIGH-SPEED CAMERAS IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Fluid dynamics research, often resource-intensive, can present challenges for universities and research institutions. However, recent studies highlight the feasibility of conducting cutting-edge research using cost-effective equipment, such as high-speed cameras. For instance, a study by Weibo et al. investigated droplet impact on a cubic pillar using Photron and Chronos 1.4 cameras, revealing crucial insights into gas entrainment. Similarly, Luberto and Payrebrune demonstrated low-cost Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) with a Chronos 1.4 camera, showcasing competitive research outcomes and making results accessible through open-access journals.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COST-EFFECTIVE IMAGING SOLUTIONS

At Kron Technologies, the commitment to providing cost-effective imaging solutions of the highest quality aligns with the principles of conducting impactful research while optimizing resources. These solutions find applications in prestigious academic, industrial, and research facilities worldwide, further emphasizing the transformative potential of high-speed cameras in advancing fluid mechanics research.

CONCLUSION

High-speed cameras have emerged as indispensable tools in the realm of fluid mechanics research. Their ability to capture rapid events and visualize intricate flow phenomena has revolutionized our understanding of fluid dynamics. From the pioneering work of Muybridge to modern-day studies on droplet impact and flow visualization, high-speed cameras continue to empower researchers, enabling them to unravel the mysteries of fluid motion. As technology advances and cost-effective solutions become increasingly accessible, the field of fluid mechanics stands poised for even more remarkable discoveries through the lens of high-speed cameras.

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AUTOMATED RETAIL CHECK-OUT TERMINAL EQUIPPED WITH AI SOFTWARE

 Basler created a live demonstration of an automated retail check-out terminal equipped with AI software. The embedded vision system quickly identifies and classifies products in a shopping basket, and displays the pricing. This demo shows how combining AI and lean embedded vision systems can lead to innovative embedded applications that simplify our everyday life.

1. OVERVIEW

Embedded vision technology becomes smaller, more powerful and thus enables a wealth of new applications that rely on small size, low power consumption and low costs. One of the many areas where embedded technology can help to automate and simplify processes is retail. Among the systems that will help to make the shopping experience easier are self-checkout systems. Today those systems usually use 2D barcode scanners to detect and record products on conveyor belts. More recent systems use traditional object classificationmethods (using features like color or type) to ensure precise identification of product features. These methods are not robust when deployed in uncontrolled environments where different light and geometry conditions occur. Those problems can be avoided when adding AI to the system: With latest AI technology it is possible to detect products without barcodes in a seamless environment and scale up the product portfolio easily on the fly. The challenge when building such a system is to combine the best of two worlds: AI and lean embedded vision systems. Basler designed this proof of concept to show the benefits and possibilities of this new technology

2. SOLUTION

For the embedded world tradeshow 2019, Basler created – with the support of their close partnership with NXP Semiconductors – a live demonstration of an automated retail checkout terminal equipped with AI software. The embedded vision system quickly identifies and classifies products in a shopping basket, and displays the pricing. Customers can select what to put in their baskets, and the trained neural network then detects the products based on a video stream – similarly to how face recognition works – and finally the total pricing is displayed.

2.1 HARDWARE

The AI retail solution is based on the upcoming new Basler Embedded Vision Kit. This state-of-the-art edge processing system consists of

• >> dart BCON for MIPI camera module from Basler with ON Semiconductor’s AR1335 sensor
• >> i.MX 8QuadMax SoC from NXP
• >> i.MX 8QuadMax based processing board
• >> SMARC 2.0 carrier board

The complete demo setup is close to a real-world application and incorporates all vision relevant factors.

2.2 SOFTWARE

The software for this solution consists of two major parts: the system software and the application software.

To make such an embedded system run smoothly, different elements of the system software must be connected to create a coherent system. Basler used its long experience in different software fields to connect software elements like BSPs, NXP’s Yocto kernel and to create a high-performing and lean embedded system.

The second part of the solution’s software is the application software. The software is based on a custom Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) by Irida labs. The model used is based on the latest deep learning and edge processing techniques, to provide fast and robust response in a seamless scenario. The training of the CNN takes place on the host side but the inference takes place on the edge.

2.3 ADVANTAGES OF THIS SOLUTION

This solution offers a robust system with a lot of advantages.

• >> This system is scalable. Products can be added easily to the system: a host-sided training allows for an easy deployment to the edge systems using IoT technology
• >>cy and a fast inference time
• >> Hardware is industry-proven and long-lasting
• >> Cost-efficient, lean design due to embedded and IoT technology
• >> Small form factor allows for different integration options
• >> Retail stores benefit from lower labor costs as well as significantly improved customer experience through instant checkouts, minimized queues and 100% checkout capacity at all times, even when the shop is open 24/7.

3. CONCLUSION

When creating this solution, one of Basler‘s crucial tasks was to bring all relevant partners together and to combine the different elements to create a perfect solution. With Embedded Vision Solutions by Basler, the customer has a single contact that takes care of all relevant coordination. In addition, Basler takes care of optimizing each system for vision requirements and making different components work together seamlessly.

With the high flexibility that is necessary to create such a system, Basler is the right partner to create complex embedded vision solutions.

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THE ADVANTAGE OF CHANGEABLE SPECTRAL FILTERS IN YOUR OPTICAL GAS IMAGING (OGI) CAMERA

 There are two kinds of OGI cameras: cooled and uncooled. Cooled cameras, like the EyeCGas 2.0, allow us to detect small to large leaks (methane and over 400 VOCs) from various distances, up to 10 kilometers away and more.

Whereas uncooled OGI technology, such as the EyeCGas Mini, is slightly limited in its capabilities, detecting medium to larger leaks (methane) closer to the source.

Inside the EyeCGas 2.0 OGI camera, we use a spectral filter to enhance compound detection in a specific wavelength. EyeCGas 2.0 is the only OGI camera that enables you to change the spectral filters; this ensures improved detection capability for VOCs and CO2 within the same camera.

By not having the option to change a spectral filter, you are limited to the standard filter (see chart below), which is good enough in perfect weather conditions, such as no wind or humidity.

In humid conditions or at longer distances, having the option to change to a heavy alkanes spectral filter vastly improves the camera’s VOC detection capabilities.

The chart below shows the different filters and absorption characteristics of some of the compounds they detect. Methane is detected better with the standard filter; however, VOCs are detected better with the heavy Alkanes filter.

As far as CO2, in the chart below, you can see the detector of the EyeCGas 2.0 (VOC) camera is open to up to 4.3 microns; therefore, by placing the CO2 filter, we can also detect CO2. The chart below summarizes the three different filters offered with the EyeCGas 2.0.

To summarize, for optimal performance with your OGI camera, you should always have the option to change the filters (it takes about one minute).

Use the standard filter (center ~3.3 µm) for methane and VOCs in good weather conditions. For improved VOCs (Hexane, Octane, Butane, Pentane, Heptane, etc.) detection in humid conditions and longer-range, switch to a heavy alkanes filter (center ~3.4 µm), and for CO2, change to the CO2 filter.

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WHAT IS IMAGING?

 Over several decades, advancements in imaging technology have brought improvements to both the industrial and consumer market spaces and have accelerated growth in almost all industries including Factory Automation, Autonomous Systems, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences and Particle Analysis, Electronics and Semiconductors Inspection, Aerospace and Defense, and Metrology and 3D Measurement.

These advancements are seen every day in the form of high-quality consumer electronics like smartphones, 4K TVs, and personal computers, which have become easier to manufacture because of the improved reliability and repeatability that imaging systems afford to manufacturing processes.

The benefits of these advancements are also passed on to consumers when purchasing goods online, in the form of extremely reduced shipping and delivery times due to the simplification and optimization of logistical processes used in storage facilities and product warehouses.

These advancements have also enabled the high-throughput production of life-saving pharmaceuticals and have enabled the creation of novel, complex medical devices and procedures, which reduce patient recovery times and allow for patients to live much longer and healthier lives.

The fundamental components of an imaging system are illumination, an imaging lens, and a camera. Illumination is used to properly light the object and/or highlight features of interest. It helps the imaging system properly “see” the object. The imaging lens takes the object information and reproduces it on to a camera sensor. Although soft-ware and motion control may be needed to tie these three components together, choosing the proper three fundamental components helps to build the foundation of a successful imaging system.

It is important to understand how decisions and tradeoffs impact the final performance of the imaging system and the end application. Should a monochrome or color camera be used? What is the optimal illumination geometry? Does the camera come with a lens? Which lens works best for the application at hand? Whether your application is in factory automation, autonomous systems, life sciences, or something else, understanding the three fundamental components eases the development and deployment of these sophisticated imaging systems

FACTORY AUTOMATION

The use of controllers, algorithms, and sensors to automate repetitive tasks and reduce human oversight. Commonly automated tasks include sorting, inspection, and defect detection. In general, when thinking of “Machine Vision,” factory automation is what springs to mind.

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

Autonomous means having the ability to self-govern. Common autonomous systems include self-driving cars and trucks, flying, taxis, agriculture or farming robots, and delivery robotics. Vision systems are an incredibly important piece for the future of autonomous systems.

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Logistic processes often use robots for automated warehousing. Robots perform OCR or scan barcodes on products to rapidly identify products on shelves or packaged and ready to be shipped.

LIFE SCIENCES AND PARTICLE ANALYSIS

Life sciences include fields related to biology, medicine, physiology, and much more. Besides X-ray imaging and MRIs, this space also uses a wide range of imaging techniques like microscopy and special labeling to view, count, sort, and perform other cytometry methods on cells.

ELECTRONICS AND SEMICONDUCTORS INSPECTION

More circuitry can be integrated on semiconductors than ever before and flat panel displays have extremely high resolutions. To manufacture such complex devices, electronics and displays must be inspected for chip placement and defects at very high resolution.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE

Unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles, fixed wing and rotorcraft aircrafts, and many other autonomous systems are used for target acquisition and designation, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and general situational awareness.

METROLOGY AND 3D MEASUREMENT

Information about an inspection sample like a characteristic dimension or colors must be measured with repeatable accuracy and reliability. Applications that require accurate measurement include time-of-flight imaging, scheimpflug scanning, 3D imaging, and LIDAR imaging.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS

Advanced diagnostics enable life-changing medical sciences and devices possible. These devices are used in life and medical sciences to improve the quality of and extend life.

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TOP 5 ADVANCES IN AUTOMATION

 Automation is picking up quickly as technology rapidly develops, and things we did not think were possible even ten years ago are suddenly possible. Here are our top five picks for the biggest advances happening in automation in 2022.

3D PRINTING IN MANUFACTURING FOR FINISHED COMPONENTS

3D Printers have come a long way since their start in 1988. Originally, they were intended for only rapid prototyping. Now, they can be used for creating finished parts in manufacturing and even 3D printing actual homes like “ House Zero ” from ICON. Of course, today’s 3D printers still have a long way to go in refining their processes, but they have made a ton of progress just in the past couple of decades.

SELF-DRIVING CARS

Big tech companies like Tesla and Google have been designing and producing driverless car technology. According to Investopedia, In 2050, self-driving cars are expected to create approximately $800 billion worth of opportunities for automakers and technology developers, said a report by Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE). High-resolution machine vision cameras and LiDar technology capable of sensing objects and people around the car will be the key to unlocking the winner of this Full Self Driving (FSD) / autonomous vehicle race between the big tech companies of the world.

24-HOUR MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

Industrial robots can operate 24/7, performing repeatable and tiresome processes. Additionally, the expensive parts typically associated with industrial robots have dropped compared with human labor in the past two decades. This allows manufacturers to achieve higher productivity and efficiency without additional labor costs.

FINE-TUNING CAPABILITIES

Industrial robots are now equipped with further sensing, measurement, and process-control receivers that help to guide increasingly dexterous machines. The sensors in robots today can sense touch, lights, pressure, temperature, vibration, humidity, sounds, and more.

‘SEMANTIC AUTOMATION’ REVOLUTIONIZES ROBOTIC PROCESS AUTOMATION (RPA)

Currently, automation developers must tell robots what to do step-by-step: “Move this, open that, bring this…” so even in drag-and-drop, low-code environments, building intricate automation can be complicated.

But semantic automation lets developers move away from rules-based approaches. Semantic software robots use AI to simply observe activity and begin to match it without step-by-step instructions. They will recognize the process, understand what data is required, know where to get it, and where to move it.

With all the new developments in automation and robotics, it is just as important that each system features the best machine vision optics. Data flows from the lens first, and Computar’s Machine Vision lenses come in multiple sizes, focal lengths, and with convenient capabilities perfect for automation and robotic applications.

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HOW AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS ARE CHANGING THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

 In recent years, the agricultural industry is increasingly—and unsurprisingly—turning to robotics, automation, and AI to increase productivity and efficiency. Without robotics, traditional farming methods struggle to keep up. In addition, many farmers are suffering to find an adequate workforce. The need for automated farming has never been more urgent. Here are the top 10 ways automation and robotics are changing the industry.

1. AUTONOMOUS PLANTING

Nurseries can be the first step in the food journey for many crops. Nursery automation solutions are used for intelligent seeding, planting, potting, and plant inspection. In addition, mobile bots can move plants through each stage of development, then be used for harvesting, packaging, and palletizing.

2. SEEDING

The traditional method for sowing seeds uses a "broadcast spreader" attached to a tractor, throwing the seeds while the tractor is in motion. This method is inefficient and wasteful.

With machine vision, farmers use geomapping and "agrobots" for autonomous precision seeding. First, the geomapping generates a map with the field's soil properties (quality, density, etc.). Then, a tractor with a robotic-seeding attachment places the seeds at varied locations and depths to optimize germination.

3. CROP MONITORING

Farmers can collect real-time data autonomously and continuously to analyze their fields using IoT sensors, ground robots, and drones.

4. CROP ANALYSIS

Machine vision combined with deep learning algorithms can detect soil conditions, analyze aerial views of the agricultural land, and assess crop health based on geo-sensing information.

In addition, ground-based robots can provide detailed monitoring by getting closer to the crops.

5. FERTILIZING AND IRRIGATION

By targeting specific plants, robot-assisted irrigation can reduce wasted water. Robots can access areas where other machines cannot and autonomously navigate between rows of crops, then selectively water the plants where it is most needed.

6. CROP WEEDING AND SPRAYING

Robots are efficient for targeted spraying of pesticides and weed killers onto crops. In addition, "micro-spraying" significantly reduces the amount of herbicide used. This is less wasteful and is kinder to the environment. There are also weeding robots that use lasers to kill weeds.

According to Vietnam National University, micro-spraying robots use machine vision technology to detect weeds and target them with needed herbicides.

7. THINNING AND PRUNING

Pruning can be complex. The winemaking industry currently uses autonomous vineyard robots to prune grape vines. The robots create 3D models and identify what needs pruning. Intelligent software then directs the robot where to cut. Some pruning robots use a spinning cutting tool to ensure precision and use AI to learn the specific parts to prune by reviewing examples. Machine vision then detects which plants to keep and which to remove.

8. AUTONOMOUS TRACTORS

It is now more commonplace for tractors to be equipped with robotics. However, there are also fully-autonomous tractors using machine vision. Autonomous tractors can gather, identify, and sort crops. Autonomous harvesting helps farmers reduce costs and increase efficiency.

9. SHEPHERDING AND HERDING

Although most agricultural robots are currently applied in crop growing, some applications are used for sheep and cattle farming. For example, using barking drones, robotic herding systems have been developed to herd animals without human input. The rapid development of this automated technology can also be used for monitoring, protecting, and conserving animal individuals or species.

10. INSPECTION AND SORTING

Using SWIR (Short-Wave Infra-Red) lenses, machine vision provides strong contrast and high-resolution imaging needed for agricultural sorting and inspection. Hyperspectral imaging can provide valuable information, including the size, shape, color, and even the chemical composition (ripeness, fungal content, decay, etc.) of the objects being inspected.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Over the past few decades, there has been an enormous expansion of automation, machine vision, and robotics in the agricultural industry. The advancements in robotic crop farming, monitoring, analysis, harvesting, weed control, and more, will continue to revolutionize agriculture and prove to be more efficient and beneficial for both the farmer and the consumer.

When setting up these automated vision systems, lens choice is vital. That makes the machine vision lens choice one of the most impactful decisions that affect how well your system will work for you.

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VISIBLE AND SWIR LENSES?

 Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) lenses are designed to operate in the 0.9-1.7 µm wavelength region. SWIR is close to visible light in that photons are reflected or absorbed by an object, providing the strong contrast needed for high-resolution imaging. SWIR is great for the Machine Vision and the Health & Sciences Industries because water vapor, fog, and certain materials such as silicon are transparent. SWIR imaging is also helpful because similar-looking colors visible to the human eye are easily differentiated using SWIR lenses.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

SWIR lenses are like visible cameras in the way they detect reflected light. Photons in the SWIR wavelength are reflected or absorbed by objects, allowing for high-resolution imaging with a strong contrast. This kind of technology is the only wavelength technology that can pierce through cloud coverage and capture a well-defined image.

For our ViSWIR series, according to Mr. Katsuya Hirano, Chief Optical Designer, CBC Group, for fully-corrected focus shift in visible and SWIR range (400nm-1,700nm): “By using ultra-low dispersion glass and low partial dispersion glass paired with superior design technology developed from Computar’s extensive optics experience, the focus shift is minimized within a few micron mm at a super wide range of wavelengths. With this, spectral imaging is achievable with a single sensor camera by simply syncing the lighting.”

With Computar's ViSWIR HYPER-APO lens series, it is unnecessary to adjust focus for differences. By adopting an APO floating design*, the focus shift is reduced at any wavelength and any working distance. This function makes SWIR lenses ideal for multiple applications, including machine vision, UAV, and remote sensing.

WHICH LENS IS THE BEST FOR MY INDUSTRY?

For the Machine Vision Industry as well as the Life Sciences Industry, we recommend our ViSWIR Series. These lenses achieve a clear and precise image visible to the SWIR range by applying a multilayer coating to absorb the specific light. A higher-resolution lens gives you greater specificity in designing and implementing the most efficient vision solutions. So, for medical devices and robotics, this is great for detail work and other short-range imaging.

For the Intelligent Transport Systems Industry and Government and Defense, a blend of visible and SWIR would be most helpful—visible imaging for distance and SWIR for detailed imaging.

Some lenses, such as ours, are designed to perform well with for both visible and SWIR, enabling cost-effective and performance imaging systems for a range of applications.

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