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The Foundation of Modern Image Processing

CMOS sensors are at the heart of modern image processing systems. Photonfocus is one of the pioneers in industrial CMOS sensor development and has been designing sensor architectures for demanding image processing tasks for more than 25 years. The resulting technologies enable distortion-free global-shutter imaging, high dynamic ranges, high frame rates, and exceptional sensitivity from the UV range into the near-infrared. This expertise forms the foundation for numerous Photonfocus innovations such as LinLog® HDR, Double Rate, and spectral imaging.

Capturing Large Differences in Brightness in a Single Shot

Many industrial applications contain both very bright and very dark areas of an image. Conventional sensors reach their dynamic range limits in such situations, which can result in the loss of image information in bright or dark areas.
The LinLog® technology developed by Photonfocus combines linear and logarithmic signal processing directly within the sensor. This significantly expands the dynamic range and ensures that relevant image information is preserved even under extreme contrast conditions. This enables reliable image analysis in situations where standard cameras reach their limits.
Typical applications include laser triangulation, weld seam inspection, electronics manufacturing, and the inspection of highly reflective surfaces.

Higher Frame Rates for High-Speed Imaging

In many image processing tasks, the frame rate determines the achievable processing speed. Photonfocus’s Double-Rate technology increases the sensor’s readout speed through parallel readout paths, thereby enabling significantly higher frame rates —without the need for additional data connections or complex system architectures.

More images. Fewer overlooked defects.

The higher frame rate allows for more images per unit of time and reduces the risk of overlooking relevant events or defects. At the same time, high transmission speeds are achieved over a single data connection, thereby reducing integration effort and system complexity. Even at high production speeds, fine details remain visible without reducing the resolution or using additional cameras.

Precise 3D Data for Industrial Measurement and Inspection Tasks

Many quality characteristics cannot be reliably captured using two-dimensional images alone. 3D cameras enable the precise measurement of height profiles, geometries, edges, and surface structures, and provide additional information for quality control and process monitoring.

Photonfocus develops camera solutions for demanding 3D applications and combines high-resolution CMOS sensors, HDR technologies, and real-time processing to deliver precise and reliable measurement results—even on reflective or low-contrast surfaces.

More Information Through the Right Spectrum

Not all relevant information is visible in visible light. Photonfocus has extensive expertise in the relevant spectral ranges of industrial imaging—from UV through visible light to NIR and SWIR.

By selecting the appropriate sensor technology, it is possible to capture additional image information that remains hidden in the visible spectrum. This reveals material differences, moisture, coatings, surface defects, and hidden structures that can only be detected to a limited extent using conventional imaging.

This opens up new possibilities for quality control, material analysis, and process monitoring in industrial applications.