Smart Camera Family Expands

Extending the company’s smart-camera offerings, the 1744, 1762, and 1764 cameras deliver faster processing speeds and higher image resolutions. Enlisting a 533-MHz PowerPC processor, the 1744 features a high-resolution image sensor that acquires images up to 1.3 Megapixels (1,280 x 1,024). For applications needing higher performance for pattern matching, optical character recognition, and code reading, the 1762 adds a 720-MHz Texas Instruments DSP coprocessor alongside the 533-MHz PowerPC, making it possible to run algorithms up to four times faster with no changes to the application software. Providing the highest resolution of the group the 1764 also employs the 1.3 Megapixel image sensor and 720-MHz DSP coprocessor. The cameras come with Vision Builder, an interactive software environment for configuring and deploying complete machine vision applications without programming. Users can build complex machine vision applications incorporating both vision algorithms and state-based execution with looping and branching using the built-in state diagram editor. Prices for the 1744, 1762, and 1764 start at $3,499, $3,499, and $4,499, respectively. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, Austin, TX. (800) 258-7022.