New SmartCamera Developer's Kit features smallest, highest-performance imaging module with precision autofocus

VICTOR, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- D3 Engineering, New Scale Technologies and Sunex have teamed up to create a new OEM SmartCamera Developer's Kit with precision autofocus in a compact size for high-performance imaging applications. The kit allows system design engineers to quickly develop and integrate high-performance camera systems into their next-generation products for medical, biometric authentication, surveillance, machine vision and other applications where small size and high image resolution are needed.

"Our customers are increasingly aware that autofocus is the key to maximum image resolution with faster, smaller systems," said Kevin Kearney, director of business development at D3 Engineering. "This versatile, full-featured SmartCamera Developer's Kit brings everything together so that system designers can quickly create and integrate a working autofocus smart camera into their system, and get to market faster with leading-edge performance advantages."

D3 Engineering, a Platinum Member of the Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) Design Network, created the system by integrating TI's DaVinci™ DM6437 video processor with the innovative M3-F focus module from New Scale Technologies. The M3-F module uses patented closed-loop piezoelectric smart actuator technology to deliver the highest-precision lens motion available in a small form factor - approximately 1" cubed. It is powerful enough to move lenses up to 5 grams, allowing use of advanced glass and polymer materials for maximum transmission and clarity.

Users can customize their kits by choosing from a wide range of standard and custom lenses from Sunex, an industry leader in high-performance OEM optics. Sunex offers lenses with patented aspheric optical technology, proprietary high-index optical materials and integral optical filters.

Kits can also be customized with the user's choice of image sensor from Aptina, OmniVision and others, with resolution up to 14MP.

D3 Engineering's SmartCam electronics incorporate TI's DaVinci™ DM6437 video processor, 256 MB DDR2 on-board memory, HDMI and NTSC video output, and 10/100 Ethernet. Daughtercard connections allow access to all processor peripherals and GPIO for easy prototyping and evaluation. For production, D3 Engineering configures the electronics to meet specific OEM requirements for functionality and even smaller form factors.

Details and specifications are at http://www.newscaletech.com/D3smartcamera.html.  

Price and availability
Kits will begin shipping in Q1 2012. Call D3 Engineering at (585) 429-1550 or email [email protected] for pricing.

About D3 Engineering
D3 Engineering (www.D3Engineering.com) provides intelligent imaging, sensor and control solutions for the industrial, biomedical and security/surveillance markets. We reduce the risk of new product development, providing hardware, software and packaging design services.  By leveraging our DesignCore™ OEM reference designs, we significantly reduce your time-to-market. Our Imaging & Sensors group is expert in applying TI's TMS320C6000™ digital signal processor architectures to develop optimized real-time systems for machine vision, analytical instrumentation and surveillance. Our Digital Power & Motion group develops DSP-based digital power, motion control and energy management solutions, including the design of high power electronics.  We have particular expertise in leveraging the TI C2000™ 32-bit microcontrollers, including on-chip control peripherals, CLA subsystem, capture modules and PWM waveform synchronization.  D3 Engineering is a Platinum Member of the TI Design Network.

About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies (www.newscaletech.com) designs and manufactures miniature motion systems for precise movement of optics in imaging applications. Our simple and elegant products deliver best-in-class performance in consumer imaging, biometric authentication, surveillance, medical and machine vision markets. With more than a decade of motion systems innovation, we integrate piezoelectric micro motors, miniature drive control electronics and precise mechanical systems. Our customers benefit from complete solutions for rapid commercialization of their next generation products.

About Sunex
Sunex (www.sunex.com) specializes in digital imaging lenses, optical components and customized optical solutions from design to manufacturing. We have developed innovative designs that optimize the performance of CMOS-based imaging systems. We have built a high quality manufacturing organization in Sunex China (ISO9001:2000 and TS16949:2002 certified) enabling us to provide products with the highest level of quality, at the lowest possible cost and delivered on-time. We take pride in providing professional, in-depth technical support that you expect from a trusted partner. For miniature lenses (including miniature fisheye lenses) and OEM optics, visit www.optics-online.com.

DesignCore is a trademark of D3 Engineering.

Download High-Res Photo: http://www.newscaletech.com/press_pics_hi-res/D3smartcamera.JPG

SOURCE D3 Engineering