Vision Research
Vision Research prides itself in the high resolution of its images, the power of its software, the reliability of its products and its high level of attentiveness and dedication to its customers. The company's innovative approach to high speed electronic "digital" imaging was recognized by the US Patent Office and was granted US Patent #5,625,412.
High speed photography is an engineering tool, much as is an oscilloscope or a computer.
It is a photographic technique that enables us to visualize and analyze motion. Especially motions that is too fast for the human eye or conventional cameras to perceive.
A high speed camera can provide both qualitative and quantitative views of real-world phenomena just as an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, logic analyzer, etc. would.
All are used to understand, verify, and otherwise characterize new or existing products.
High-speed cameras can be used to ensure that real-world behavior matches assumed or simulated behavior, and they can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems when a product is not performing as expected.
Where tradition test and measurement instruments sample electrical phenomena, a high-speed camera would be looks more at physical or mechanical behaviors of the product.
The future holds more technology innovation and unique products from Vision Research. The company's development goals include electronic imaging products with higher resolution and faster frame rates and "smarter" cameras with more powerful and robust software.
High speed video virtually eliminates the need for physically attached sensors. Combined with motion analysis software tools, engineers can determine a subject’s true velocity, displacement, acceleration, and other valuable measurements using contactless test techniques without the need to compensate for attached instrumentation.
A key advantage of employing a high-speed camera in the product development cycle is to eliminate the need for an educated guess when trying to determine the reason for a failure.
In the past, engineers relied exclusively on models to predict the actions of a device or component.
Today, high-speed cameras are used to confirm the accuracy of those models and to gather “real life” properties and movement. There is no longer a need to infer the cause of a failure based on traditional measurements. The cameras are used to record movement of components in order to verify that they perform as designed.
Timing, accuracy, and intended operation can all be recorded and analyzed. Any anomalies or defects can be quickly corrected with less trial and error. In turn, adjustments to the design can be made more quickly thereby shortening development time.
Another common use for high speed cameras by product manufacturers is to test robustness and reliability. Many consumer products such as cell phones, PDAs, notebook computers, and personal music players are drop-tested to see how the item reacts to impact. The slow motion imagery reveals weaknesses in construction that can be countered in order to improve the robustness and reliability of a product.
High-speed imaging can be used to create newer, cheaper, more effective products that challenge and revolutionize established designs.
