Sony Adds Windows XPe Compatibility For Smart Camera

Camera Enhancement Leverages Development Assets for OEMs and Systems Integrators

BOSTON (Vision Show East, Booth #401), May 9, 2006 – Sony Electronics is introducing a version of its XCI-SX1 Smart Camera that is compatible with the Windows® XPe operating system at this year’s Vision Show East here in Boston.

The upgraded model takes the capabilities of a traditional machine vision solution requiring a PC, capture card and camera, and combines them into a single plug-in module featuring a high-performance AMD processor, Compact Flash™ memory storage, extensive I/O connectivity via Ethernet, a USB serial port and a monitor.

Like Sony’s imager-only components, its familiar cube form factor makes for easy design replacement, enhancing product development.

“With Windows XPe compatibility, the XCI-SX1 camera is positioned to become a staple of the domestic machine vision industry by opening new opportunities for assets developed for this industry-standard operating system,” said Ken LaMarca, general manager for visual imaging products at Sony Electronics’ Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. "This newly enhanced model reduces the cost and clutter of PC integration – sidestepping issues inherent with integrating parts and interfaces from a multitude of vendors to deliver a simple, economical plug-in component.”

LaMarca noted that another highlight of this year’s show is the unveiling of Sony’s soon to be introduced XCI-V3 Smart Camera, featuring a VGA resolution imager with a frame rate of 60 frames per second.

Since its introduction last year, the XCI-SX1 camera with the LinuxÒ operating system has proven itself to be rugged and robust.

Now, LaMarca expects that the enhanced model’s added compatibility with the Windows XPe operating system, along with doubling the system’s volatile memory with a high-speed 256MB DDR-SDRAM module, will provide opportunities for OEMs, systems integrators and manufacturers. Existing vision library assets, third-party software applications and algorithms developed for the Windows platform can be easily leveraged to maximize value.

For added protection of intellectual property, only compiled .EXE files are deployed, helping keep source codes secure. Windows XPe compatibility allows for a wide selection of options specific to particular integration needs, as well as the ability to provide a custom graphical user interface to create a signature look.

Imager, Intelligence and Interface in One

The XCI-SX1’s imaging is built around Sony’s ½-inch SXGA Progressive Scan B&W CCD with square pixels and operates at 15fps at SXGA resolution, and 34fps at VGA. Shutter speed in monitoring mode can run from 2 to 1/100,000th of a second, and 1/15th to 1/50,000th of a second in trigger mode. Gain control ranges from 0 to 18dB in 1dB steps. Other functions include on/off gamma, negative/positive reverse, binarization, binning and partial scan.

The camera’s IT infrastructure begins with AMD’s Geode™ GX533 400Mhz processor with MontaVista™ Linux operating system pre-installed and Windows XPe compatibility, which is offered as a downloadable SDK option. A high-speed 128MB CompactFlash card (upgradable to 2GB) serves as storage for the OS and ample space for applications, while the BIOS takes up 8MB of flash ROM. A fast 256MB DDR-SDRAM module provides ample volatile memory for high performance throughout. The I/O includes a standard RJ-45 10/100 Base-T Ethernet jack, a RS-232C serial connector for remote control, a PC monitor output, a USB 1.1 connector for a keyboard, mouse and a trigger connector.

The enhanced Sony XCI-SX1 Smart Camera is now available through authorized distributors for a suggested list price of $3,754.