Acquisition of Weinberger AG by Augusta Technologie AG accelerates development of new Speedvision C-MOS-based high speed video systems

Citation

(2001), "Acquisition of Weinberger AG by Augusta Technologie AG accelerates development of new Speedvision C-MOS-based high speed video systems", Sensor Review, Vol. 21 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2001.08721bab.009

Acquisition of Weinberger AG by Augusta Technologie AG accelerates development of new Speedvision C-MOS-based high speed video systems

Acquisition of Weinberger AG by Augusta Technologie AG accelerates development of new Speedvision C-MOS-based high speed video systems

Keywords: Machine vision, Cameras

Providing cost-effective solutions to problems on operations happening much too fast for the eye to resolve, such as in manufacturing and packaging, R&D, defence, aerospace, automotive, food and pharmaceutical industries, Swiss-based company Weinberger AG, pioneers of high speed film cameras and more recently of advanced high speed digital video systems, has been acquired by Augusta Technologie AG of Frankfurt. This acquisition – a further expansion of Augusta's activities in digital image processing – will significantly hasten the development of Weinberger's new C-MOS high speed sensor, which forms the very heart of the company's new Speedvision digital high speed video camera range.

Commented John Garbett of Hawley Systems, exclusive UK/Ireland distributors of Weinberger high speed video systems: "Augusta is a very successful and ambitious corporation with a record of acquiring only companies with the potential for profitable growth. Its large technical resources in sensor development and manufacture will now be available to transform Weinberger's capacity and capability, and to consolidate its position as a market leader in its field".

The new Weinberger C-MOS camera sensors will offer the benefits of pin sharp pictures, rich accurate colours and good low light performance, combined with speeds of up to 10,000 frames per second. Up till now, these benefits have only been available from 16mm film, with its associated high lifetime costs, processing delays and polluting chemicals. Now, all users can enjoy the further benefits of high speed video – instant playback, low lifetime costs, networking by computer and motion analysis software.

Many industries will benefit from the new C-MOS technology . . .

The new C-MOS technology means that the huge money- and time-saving benefits of high speed video will now become available to many industries that previously may not have considered it. Machines and processes in sectors such as manufacturing and packaging, R&D, defence, automotive, aerospace, food and pharmaceutical industries very often operate at speeds that are much too high for any attempt at normal unaided visual inspection. The action needs to be slowed right down. By recording many pictures at high speed – up to several thousands per second – the fastest action can be captured for ultra-slow motion playback and analysis.

. . . but currently, CCD cameras still offer advantages

At present, CCD systems still offer benefits – they are in volume production, available now, and cost less. To deal with this situation Weinberger has introduced a "mid-range" system, the Speedcam PRO LT, which meets the requirements of the many users who need more performance than is offered by the "low end" systems, but have neither the requirement nor the budget for the sophisticated "high end" ones.

For further information please contact: John Garbett, Hawley Systems, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1276 36895; Fax: +44 (0)1276 510252; E-mail: hawlysys@globalnet.co.uk