JC Labs' HSC-250 x2 is a low cost, high speed video camera.
Designed for motion analysis, the high frame rate camera has no
moving parts and is ruggedly built for field use. Applications
include the analysis of packing machinery, vehicle dynamics,
impact tests, and bio-metric uses in motion studies, sports
medicine and animation.
The CCD image pick-up on the HSC-250 x2 features 765 pixels across by 246 pixels, giving a resolution of 570 television lines horizontally in an RS-170 compatible format. The full resolution of the camera is available at any speed from 60 to 250 pictures per second.
Camera speed may be set by either an externally supplied synchronizing signal (RS-170 format Horizontal Drive and Vertical Reset), or by a default setting on the control panel on the camera's rear. The HSC-250 has default speeds of 60 or 180, or 60 and 200 pictures per second. The x2 setting on the camera gives two subfields for each normal field; allowing twice as many images to be captured where the full vertical image size is not required. Externally supplied sync overrides the default setting, and may be any number of whole or half lines from 130 to 263 lines per field length. The choices of 262, 262 1/2, or 263 lines per field assure compatibility with all other equipment. The externally supplied signal allows the synchronization of multiple cameras for simultaneous views and simplifies the use of a wide range of frame grabbers available from other vendors.
The sensitivity of the CCD imager combined with the electronic shutter eliminates the need for expensive strobe lighting in many applications. Excellent results can be obtained in ordinary light since the camera is comparable to ASA 1000 film in sensitivity. The spectral sensitivity extends from 400 nm to 1000 nm, allowing biological studies to be performed with near infra red illumination from low cost diode sources. The electronic shutter also allows the study of luminous or brightly lit objects such as arcs or flames that can not be imaged using strobe illumination. Should an application require strobes, a synchronizing signal is provided by the camera.
Two analog outputs (RS-170 format) with separate line drivers provide a flexible interface to storage and display devices. The signals can easily be sent long distances on coaxial cable, transmitted by radio, or digitized directly from the camera. An anti-aliasing filter is built into the camera so that any sampling rate may be used, up to the full resolution of the imager, without the need for a sampling clock.
Imager: 1/2 inch interline transfer CCD.