DESIGNING CAMERAS INTO RUGGED ELECTRO-OPTICAL SYSTEMS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYSystem designers in every industry must strive to increase

performance and reduce costs within a short development time.

This is especially challenging in the defense and security markets

that have special requirements for both the products and the

supply chain. Commercially available products are an attractive

option, but do they really save money and help differentiate your

system? Here are some things to consider when selecting a

camera and vendor for an electro-optical system.

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The military and defense industries are big users of

advanced camera technology. Sophisticated electro-

optical systems are essential for the safety of

personnel, as well as the effectiveness of weapons

and overall military strategy on land, sea, and air.

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (or Commercially Available

Off-the-Shelf), or COTS solutions, are generating a

lot of buzz for defense imaging systems.

Many defense contractors would prefer to use COTS

products to have a shorter time to market, use of

the latest technologies, and presumably lower costs.

The problem is that these products must also meet

detailed specifications and exacting standards, be

qualified for extended performance, and have a long

life cycle – none of which are typical in the commercial

marketplace.

So when a COTS solution will not meet all of your

needs, you have 3 options: build it yourself, build a

workaround in the imaging system, or pay a supplier

to customize their camera to your specifications. An

immediate reaction to the term customization is that

it will cost more than an off-the-shelf solution. But a

careful analysis of the total cost (Cost of Ownership)

shows the opposite to be true.

CAMERAS THAT ARE OPTIMIZED TO THE APPLICATION CAN OFFER PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES AND REDUCE COSTS.

3 options to meet your camera needsSystem redesigns, workarounds, and software

adjustments for inadequate quality and functionality

are often inefficient and costly in the end.

Building it yourself may initially sound appealing

since you will have total control over the product;

however, when leading edge technology is required,

working with a camera specialist can save huge

amounts of time by eliminating the learning curve.

Utilizing an optimized camera from the start

allows for more focus on your core technologies by

eliminating the need for your own additional design

work. When you deal with lengthy product life cycles

in your industry, custom cameras also provide better

continuity and obsolescence management.

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OPTIONS FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Customization is a broad term that can range from a minor tweak of a standard product to a ground up design of a

camera for a specialized system. For example, you may require a camera with features such as automatic integration

time, higher resolution, and color processing. Or, you may need an entirely custom form factor to fit in a very specific

operating environment.

1. Tailored cameraAddition of functionality to an existing product

Oftentimes a camera vendor may have a good starting product, which simply lacks

certain functionality, such as automatic exposure control, video enhancement, or

color processing. In this case, a tailored camera can be created quickly, with high

quality, and minimal costs, by an experienced manufacturer.

2. Customized solutionCombining previously developed modules from a platform

This is best done using a platform approach where you can create the camera

you need by selecting a combination of developed and tested building blocks. For

example, there could be an option of sensors, functionality packages, and interfaces

that can be combined and packaged as needed (or left as a board level). The end

result can be short time to market, low costs, and low risks.

3. Fully customized solutionBuilding a new camera from scratch

All of the camera components – sensor, functionality, interface, outline – are

specified exactly by the customer. This could be required for extreme environmental

conditions, where an exceptionally rugged design and specific extended testing is

required. It may also be beneficial when a less common component is determined to

be necessary. While this would be a more expensive option, you will still save money

by having it built by camera experts.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

Developers need to deliver systems that are faster, offer

more capabilities, and meet unique implementation

requirements. That’s a daunting task, particularly if your

main business isn’t cameras.

In many ways, the core components of how high-end

imaging systems are put together are similar from system

to system and company to company – cameras, sensors,

interfaces, connectivity, power supplies, etc. are generally

the same. The challenge is to take those core building

blocks and develop a system that does something unique

to better serve your customer’s needs than the competition.

Furthermore, a customized solution allows you to

differentiate your system and market proposition.

In many cases, these customized products can still be

considered commercial items – e.g., when modified in the

same ways as available in the commercial marketplace or if

only minor modifications are made.

If you decide to seek a customized solution from a 3rd party,

what are your options? How can an electronic component

be “tailored”?

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CHOICE OF CAMERA MANUFACTURER

When deciding which camera

manufacturer to use for a fully

customized, customized or tailored

solution

If you are a defense contractor and

ruggedization and MIL-SPEC qualification

is a critical modification, consider also

the following when selecting a vendor:

Do they have experience with your

specific additional requirements, such as

extended shock and vibration testing?

How close is a starting product or

platform to what you require in the end?

Is the additional functionality you require

in a module that has already been

developed and tested?

Are they committed to developing and

maintaining customized products?

Do they have thorough procedures

to ensure the quality of a modified

product?

Do they have volume production

capabilities for several modified

products?

Do they have sufficient life cycle

management of component

obsolescence to eliminate costly

changes?

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Are they committed to the defense

industry?

Is their supply chain and product

design optimized to support long term

programs?

Do they have product life cycle

management procedures, like change &

control management?

Do they follow strict production and

quality procedures?

Can they ruggedize (with certification)

existing COTS products and guarantee

long-term delivery?

Do they already have products that

have been used in extreme conditions,

including the battlefield?

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THE BOTTOM LINE: WHEN YOU WORK WITH AN

EXPERIENCED VENDOR, CUSTOMIZATION REDUCES

COSTS.

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Adimec specializes in the development and

manufacturing of high-performance cameras that meet

the application-specific requirements of key market

segments, including machine vision, medical imaging,

and outdoor imaging. Founded in 1992, the company

partners with major OEMs around the world to facilitate

the creation of industry-leading cameras.

The unique Adimec True Accurate Imaging® technology

provides new levels of precision and accuracy to vision

systems. Its diverse line of camera products meet a

wide range of performance, size, cost, interface and

application requirements. Adimec has offices around

the world focused on creating customer value and

satisfaction through local, personalized support.

Need more inspiration? Contact us www.adimec.com

ADIMEC