Imaging set for micros has Euro launch

Pattern processor stores up to 255 images Pattern Processing Technologies has started deliveries of its API’ 100 associative pattern processor in the USA. With a resolution of 320 X 484 pixels at 64 shades of grey, the system can store up to 255 independent images without external storage devices. The API’ 200 version can provide 256 windows on any single image. Interfaces available are RS232C, IEEE-488 and 16 digital lines for BCD or other customized uses. ASCII is also supported. The system adjusts to nonuniform lighting and has no shape restrictions regarding images. A frame can be frozen without stopping processing. A similarity index can be set from 0%’ to 100%. ‘Our product is “trained” to identify a pattern using hardware circuits rather than by programming high level software. You show it a pattern as a benchmark and with two inputs, it stores the image until recalled for recognition’, said president of Pattern Processing Corp. Larry J Werth. ‘Since we use a hardware-based process rather than software to iden-

Intellect

Three-colour

gets colour

framestore

system

UK firm Micro Consultants has added an RGB colour image processing option to its Intellect 100. It can be retrofitted. Additional framestores are used to provide the colour. The option runs on the DEC 11/23 used by the Intellect 100. (Micro Consultants Ltd, Kenley House, Kenley Lane, Kenley, Surrey CR2 SYR, UK.)

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tify subsequent appearances of the pattern, the recognition function is extremely fast’, he added. ‘We let the microprocessor do the mundane tasks of communications and mathematical subroutines which do not affect recognition speed.’ Each product can be used as a standalone system, or interfaced to computers or controller. The camera used is the Fairchild CCD3000. Other cameras with a standard RS170 interface can also

be used. Options include an HP computer, special lighting, cameras and keyboards. The API’ 100/200 will initially be marketed for verification, inspection, measurement, part identification, material handling, process/ machine control and quality control. (Pattern .Processing Technologies, Pattern Processing Corp., 511 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN S5415, USA. Tel: (612) 339 8488)

Imaging set for micros has Euro launch An imaging package for microcomputers has been released in Europe. Made by US firm Micron Technology, the Micron Eye has a resolution of 128 X 256 elements. A standard package includes a camera, lens, tripod, 6 ft (1.85m) telephone cord (camera to computer), floppy disc with camera software routines, instruction manual and a serial TTL interface for Apple II, IBM PC, TRS-80, Sinclair-Timex or Commodore 64. Options include zoom or macro lens and RS232 interface. The camera can deliver up to 20 frame/s although there is a practical limit of 15 frame/s decided by baud rate. The software allows continuous scan, freeze frame, frame store or compare frame to frame. The electronic shutter speed is also under software control, in either automatic or keyboard entry modes. It is variable from 0.01s (outdoors) to seconds (darkroom). The unit gets its power from the computer - consumption is 5 V DC at 50 mA. One UK engineering firm, J Evans and Son, has already designed a system to check the orientation of brushes before inserting bristles on a production line. Designer John Wood has built a custom Z80-based kit which will be used in toothbrush manufacturing. (Micron Technology Inc., 2805 East Columbia Road, Boise, ID 83706, USA. Tel: (028) 383 4050. European distributors: ESI Compo-

nents, Brighton Hill Parade, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke, Hants RG22 4EP, UK. Tel: (0256) 57166)

omputers

can get an eye