Sony delivers free Linux development platform, reveals plans to support Windows XPe
Sony delivers free Linux development platform, reveals plans to support Windows XPe
Keywords: Cameras, Machine vision, Unix-type systems
Sony Europe's Image Sensing Solutions Division has announced the official launch of a full software development kit (SDK) for its Linux-based XCI-SX1 smart camera, and simultaneously unveiled plans to support Microsoft Windows XPe on the same hardware platform. The XCI-SX1 integrates an image sensor and frame grabber with an integrated x86-compatible AMD Geode™ processor which runs the operating system and performs image pre-processing and camera control(Plate 2).
Plate 2 The XCI-SXI integrates an image sensor and frame grabber with an integrated processor
Developers using the Linux product now have access to a fully-tested editor,debugger and compiler, supported by comprehensive programming and reference guides. The SDK, which also includes a full set of drivers, libraries and sample source code, can be used to develop on several Linux x86 systems (such as RedHat 7.3). Registered users will be able to download it for free from the Sony website (www.sonybiz.net/vision).
The XCI-SX1 ships with a complete Linux operating system, drivers and documentation pre-loaded on its internal 128Mbyte Compact Flash storage. The SDK provides all of the facilities necessary to customise this software environment,build applications, and test them on the target hardware itself. “The availability of software development tools is an essential part of helping our customers to fully exploit the capabilities of smart camera products like the XCI-SX1,” said Arnaud Destruels, Product Marketing Manager at Sony.“We are committed to providing our customers with the best machine vision hardware: these SDKs give us software support to match.”
Developers working in the Microsoft Windows environment will soon have access to similar facilities, with the introduction of a version of the camera and SDK using Windows XP Embedded (XPe). “Qualified customers are already developing and testing applications with the Windows camera and SDK,” said Destruels. “They have access to drivers, sample applications and the tools required to develop sophisticated applications, using Cþþ or Visual Basic.”
The addition of further Compact Flash storage capacity will allow Windows Xpe and Linux users to develop their own applications direct on the camera. The camera hardware includes a direct PC monitor output, USB connector, 10Base-T/100Base-TX interface, external trigger facilities and electronic shutter,allowing the device to be configured for any end- user application, but also for native development and testing.
Key to Sony's commitment to support users of the XCI-SX1 smart camera range is the announcement of the first three smart camera software compatible developer partners for the newly introduced Sony Vision Network: MVTec with Halcon Library, Euresys with e-Vision and FDS with Imaging Software.
The Sony Vision Network is a partnership programme intended to deliver proven combinations of Sony hardware and third-party software backed with expert consultancy, advice and supply chain support. The network will help achieve fast and simple application- and system-building by identifying assured sources of hardware and software compatible with Sony's products, and providing expertise,experience and advice on integration and sector-specific issues.
Smart cameras such as the XCI-SX1 are currently seeing the highest growth rates within the machine vision market. Unlike conventional machine vision cameras, images captured by the XCI- SX1 are processed within the camera, which also has its own CPU for control tasks. This confers several advantages in certain kinds of machine vision system: it relieves the processing burden on the central CPU; it cuts the amount of data that needs to be moved around the system; and the integrated nature of the camera/processor combination simplifies camera control tasks. It allows fast and cost-effective development and implementation of a range of machine vision applications, without changing the hardware infrastructure.
For further information please visit: www.sonybiz.net/vision
