November 1, 2022
Nikon Corporation (President: Toshikazu Umatate, Minato-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce the launch of the ultra-compact LuFact smart camera, which utilizes edge AI computing to increase the speed and accuracy of object inspection without the need for a computer connection.
The "LuFact" series of industrial cameras were born from Nikon's unique image processing technology accumulated over its long history as a leading supplier of digital cameras. Separating the AI processing unit from the camera head enables an ultra-compact, lightweight design that offers unprecedented installation freedom for existing equipment, production lines, and robot arms. This new entry joins the "LuFact A1000", released in July this year, which is used in combination with a computer and digital input/output device.
The "LuFact A2000" utilizes the "LuFact A2000-G" AI processing unit and is used in combination with the LuFact series of camera heads. In addition to the functions of the LuFact A1000, the "LuFact A2000-G" is an edge AI computing smart camera equipped with a CPU and a dedicated processor. edge AI enables independent judgment and processing of inspection data directly at the equipment side, which reduces the amount of data sent to the server, thereby reducing the load on the transmission equipment and server, which reduces power consumption.
The information presented in this release covers three unique camera head models, one is a model capable of high-resolution color photography, two of which are global shutter CMOS image sensor camera heads suitable for capturing moving images, and one AI processing Unit.
DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd. (President: Masahiko Mori, Koto-ku, Tokyo) has decided to adopt the LuFact A2000 due to its superior sensing technology that acquires images with multiple cameras and plans to install them as monitoring cameras on its processing machines.
LuFact A2000-G AI Processing Unit
Development Background
There is a growing need for digital transformation (DX) to improve manufacturing productivity, reduce costs, and create new products and services.
Aiding this transformation are Industrial machine vision cameras that are capable of high-speed, high-sensitivity, and high-resolution imaging, which is required to automate manufacturing process monitoring and visual inspections that have traditionally been done visually by manufacturing personnel. However, installing automated inspection systems increases data transmission load and power consumption due to the enormous amount of data sent to the server or cloud for processing. Furthermore, when considering the installation of machine vision cameras on existing equipment, production lines, and robot arms, it is vital for the camera to be compact, lightweight, and have a high degree of mounting freedom.
The LuFact A2000 is the evolutionary successor to the LuFact A1000 and is a high-end smart camera that combines edge AI computing with the standard functions of the A1000. The strength of edge AI processing is that it extracts and transfers only the necessary data to the cloud or server, reducing server load and power consumption. Additionally, the LuFact A2000 can independently process inspection data with AI, eliminating the need for a computer at the inspection site, which reduces initial setup and operational running costs.
The expanded lineup of the "LuFact" series enables customers to select the camera head that best matches the inspection target and application while increasing operational efficiency and the promotion of digital transformation (DX) at the manufacturing site.
Key Features
1. AI Processing Unit Enables Computerless Inspection and Judgment
The "LuFact 2000" is an easily installed ultra-compact camera ideal for manufacturing process inspection and independent judgment on the presence or absence of a target object, positional deviation, and process recording applications. Additionally, independent edge AI processing of inspection results enables the elimination of computers at the inspection site.
2. Enhanced Performance Through Cloud or Server Connection
Improve inspection speed and accuracy through systemization by connecting the "LuFact A2000" to the cloud or server to enable processing on the camera (edge AI) and cloud/server sides. Additionally, edge AI processing extracts and transfers only necessary data to the cloud or server, thereby reducing server load and power consumption.
3. Comprehensive Machine Vision Solutions
The LuFact series offers a wide range of options that enable our customers to optimize their system configuration according to the shooting target and application. This lineup includes the "LuFact AH080-CR", capable of high-resolution color photography, and the global shutter CMOS image sensor "LuFact CH050-MG" and "LuFact AH050-MG", suitable for capturing moving subjects. In addition, the "LuFact A2000-G" can be combined with the previously released high-sensitivity "LuFact AH020-MR" or the high-resolution "LuFact AH080-MR", enabling a more comprehensive range of options for system configuration to match the application requirements.
