Scheinder-Kreuznach lenses in ITS applications
Schneider-Kreuznach is a recognized manufacturer of lenses and optics for Machine Vision applications. Their portfolio includes many models and optical systems, ranging from standard C-mount lenses, through macro, full-frame and telecentric models, to niche solutions such as SWIR or linescan. The company’s products are used in many applications and fields, however, the distinguishing feature of each of them is always uncompromising quality parameters, solid workmanship as well as long-term reliability and stability of imaging. The proof of the company’s reputation is the spectacular fact of using these lenses in space in one of NASA’s missions – STS-121 in 2006 to inspect the plating of the space shuttle in orbital conditions.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
One of the more down-to-earth examples of the use of Schneider Kreuznach lenses is in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). This broad concept covers a whole family of various technical solutions generally serving efficient management and supervision of traffic, as well as diagnostics and inspection of the condition of transport routes of any modality – roads and highways, railroads, airport infrastructure, etc. in ITS like:
- automatic reading of license plates (ANPR),
- speed cameras, speed control and vehicle offenses,
- intelligent monitoring of intersections and traffic control in road junctions,
- mobile verification of vehicle parking fees,
- videotolling – automatic toll collection on paid sections,
- automatic reading of OCR on wagons and containers,
- intelligent supervision of the airport space,
- biometric security systems in transport.
One of Schneider Kreuznach’s proposals meeting the above-mentioned requirements is the family of C-mount Xenoplan / Apo-Xenoplan lenses with the 1.3 “sensor standard (diagonal 24mm).
This family was designed to work with a sensor with a resolution of up to 12 MPx and a relatively large image pixel. All models are adapted to work in the spectral range of 400-1000 nm thanks to the use of broadband anti-reflective layers. Due to a large selection of focal lengths and their relatively short focal length compared to the size of the 1.3 ”sensor, they can achieve high values of the field of view angle in versions with short focal lengths, allowing for large object dimensions to be recorded from short working distances. This is especially useful when observing large areas of streets, airports or harbors. Selected models have a motorized P-Iris diaphragm, which significantly extends the possibilities of obtaining a good image in extremely variable weather and time conditions (e.g. once full sun, once at night). The anti-shading function significantly reduces the natural optical phenomenon of the sensor vignetting (relative brightness decrease towards the edges of the image). Additionally, versions with a reinforced housing (ruggedized) allow for stable operation in the presence of vibrations, which is especially important in mobile systems.
AVICON Advaced Vision Control is an authorized distributor and provider of technical support for Schneider Kreuznach products in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania and Bulgaria.