Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, has introduced the industry's first IP cameras featuring an i-CS lens - allowing greater information exchange between lens and camera. This latest technology is the result of a joint development between Axis Communications and the Japanese leading lens manufacturer Computar (CBC Group). The new intelligent i-CS lens directly exchanges information such as its geometrical distortion and the exact position of its zoom, focus and iris opening.
“In the past, CS-mount cameras had no information about what type of lens was mounted on them making it necessary to manually fine-tune both lens and camera settings for optimal results,” says Andres Vigren, Global Product Manager, Axis Communications. “The new i-CS lens technology is based on an open protocol standard allowing lens and camera to exchange information. The installer can remotely set both the focal length and focus the camera. All in all, this makes installation quick, easy and time-saving.”
Thanks to several motors inside the i-CS lens, zoom, focus and iris opening can be remotely adjusted. Furthermore, the exchange of information between the i-CS lens and the camera enables easier setup of Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) and Barrel Distortion Correction (BDC). This reduces the time needed for setup and enables easy installation.
The Axis Q1615/-E Mk II features scene profiles, enabling the installer to select between Traffic overview, Forensic or Live profile. When choosing one of the preset scene profiles, the cameras automatically adjust exposure time, white balance, aperture, sharpness, contrast and noise in order to obtain the best video quality for the selected video surveillance needs.
The new fixed cameras can provide HDTV 1080p video at frame rates of up to 50/60 fps or HDTV 720p video at frame rates of up to 100/120 fps. This allows for detailed video capture of fast moving objects, which can be of great importance in industrial applications, when monitoring a production line. Details of parts and packages can be overviewed easily and precisely, enabling full control of the production process.
The latter Axis Q16 cameras also feature Axis’ Zipstream technology, which significantly reduces bandwidth and storage requirements, while maintaining video quality. The cameras also support Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), Forensic Capture and Axis’ Lightfinder technology to ensure qualitative images in complex scenes.