The first models of Alvium cameras from Allied Vision includes three 1500 series models with a MIPI CSI-2 interface, and one 1800 series model with USB3 Vision interface. To coincide with the launch of the release, a production facility specially designed and built for Alvium production was inaugurated in Stadtroda on June 21.

The Alvium camera series combines the advantages of embedded sensor modules with the performance of industrial cameras for image processing, offering functions for image correction and optimization, a large selection of sensors, intelligent energy management, and a cost-optimized and compact design. The camera series is based on ALVIUM technology, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with integrated Image Signal Processor (ISP) and Image Processing Library (IPL).

The Alvium 1500 series cameras are equipped with a MIPI CSI-2 interface, suitable for embedded vision applications as it can address the dedicated hardware of the embedded boards. The Alvium 1500 Series offers a basic feature set. Software integration can be done via Video4Linux2 (V4L2) to Gstreamer and OpenCV, or direct register access.

Open source drivers for selected processor architectures are provided for V4L2 support, easing integration and reducing development time. The image pre-processing functionalities can be configured directly on the ISP in the camera.

The first model of the 1800 series is equipped with USB3 Vision interface, and models with MIPI CSI-2 are planned. The 1800 series can be used for both industrial embedded vision and machine vision applications. With an extended range of functions for image correction and optimization as well as various trigger functions, the camera series combines the advantages of classic industrial cameras with the advantages of integrated sensor modules.

The ALVIUM ASIC supports all common sensor interfaces, and is designed for image sensors with resolutions from VGA to 21 megapixels. For the CSI-2 models, a single driver directly supports all camera models. Different cameras can be tested with different sensors, different resolution variants of a system can be developed, or existing systems can be converted to new sensors.

Allied Vision develops Vimba CSI-2 drivers for Alvium cameras, and a number of embedded boards, such as NXP i.MX 6/8-based boards and the Nvidia Jetson boards, are initially supported. The USB variants can be easily integrated with the established Vimba Suite on Windows, Linux and Linux arm platforms.

Learn more at www.alliedvision.com.