The WACs are The Imaging Source monochrome FireWire cameras model DMK 31BF03, with custom-made multi-spectral filter wheels fitted to them. These allow both color imaging (using red, green and blue wideband filters) and geological imaging with a selection of narrowband filters extending into the infrared. The WACs have a field of view of 35 degrees horizontally. The images from the two WACs are combined by software to produce both stereo images and 3D reconstructions of the terrain in front of the rover.

The HRC is a The Imaging Source color zoom FireWire camera model DFK 31BF03-Z2. Normally this camera is set to a field of view of approx. 4.6 degrees horizontally and is used for detailed imaging of rocks and other science targets.

The cameras are mounted on a Directed Perception pan/tilt unit and the whole system is controlled by a computer running Linux onboard the experimental rover. The chassis of the experimental rover is based on a half-scale copy of the current ExoMars design. The rover also has a robotic arm and six wheels that can be steered independently. The rover is used on a simulated Martian landscape within the AU Planetary Analogue Terrain Laboratory (PATLab) to conduct experiments into vision, navigation and intelligent sample identification and acquisition for future planetary missions.

All the photos are the property of the University of Aberystwyth. If you would like to learn more about the project, you can read the press release "ExoMars exhibits self-control in sampling Mars terrain".

Argenplás is a bi-annual show for the plastics industry in South America. As one of the biggest machine fairs in South America, it attracts exhibitors and visitors of industries ranging from machine, automation, plastic products, environment to recycling. The show takes place at La Rural Exhibition Centre, Buenos Aires, Argentina between March 22, 2010 and March 26, 2010.

The Imaging Source will be exhibiting its full line of machine vision components. All attendees are more than welcome to visit our booth and talk with sales engineers about their applications.

For more about Argenplas, please visit: http://www.argenplast.com.ar/en/

Industrial Automation, India is one of the trade shows organized by Hannover Fairs India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe and Fiera Milano. The event will take place between December 10, 2009 and December 13, 2009 in the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Bombay, India.

The full range of The Imaging Source machine vision cameras will be on show on the stand of Menzel Vision & Robotics Pvt Ltd (Stand D413), our Indian reseller.

To learn more about the trade show, please take a look at:
http://iaindiacom.inetbase.com/

Below are a few photos of the stand:

In addition to their classic FireWire and USB industrial cameras, The Imaging Source is also exhibiting their new GigE cameras this year.

We welcome all visitors to come to our Booth (No. 2613-2615).

Here are some photos on the first day of the show:

The Imaging Source' major distributor in southern China - sunvision participated this event and exhibited a wide range of The Imaging Source products including the newest GigE Industrial Camera. Here are a few photos from the show:

In his article, he describes how developers can use various sensors, color models and algorithms to build machine vision systems.

You can read the article for free at:

• Colors Everywhere

To learn more about the color cameras manufactured by The Imaging Source, please also take a look a the following whitepaper:

• FireWire cameras - Spectral sensitivity and color formats

Founded in Taiwan, March 2004, Automatic Optical Inspection Equipment Association (AOIEA) is a non-commercial organization specialized in applying automation in optical-electronics, semiconductor, broadband relecom, and bio-tech industries. Many major Taiwanese manufacturers and research institutes are members of this society.

The Imaging Source has been active in promoting its machine vision technology and products and joined this community a month ago. By doing so, The Imaging Source creates another business platform for machine vision customers in the Taiwanese market.

As always, The Imaging Source would like to hear from you regarding any ideas about your machine vision applications. Simply write us.

Here are some photos on the show:

If you would like to learn more about the machine vision components exhibited at Automation EXPO, please do not hesitate to contact us.