UAV Cameras: CMOS USB3 Cameras & OEM Imaging Systems

Teledyne Lumenera is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital cameras and both custom and OEM imaging solutions. With powerful combinations of speed, resolution and sensitivity, our imaging products are ideal for the specialized and demanding requirements of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and unmanned systems.

USB3 CMOS Camera Technology

Our USB3 Gen 1 CMOS cameras are built on industry-leading sensor technologies from Sony and are designed with image quality foremost in mind. Featuring a compact footprint without sacrificing performance, they are ideal for unmanned and robotic applications where high resolution, sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and precision are critical.

The high-speed USB3 interface removes slow data interface limitations and provides a secure, fully-locking plug-and-play interface for ease of integration. No additional costly accessories such as framegrabbers or adapter cards are required.

Our cameras feature proprietary image correction techniques and a built-in FPGA for image pre-processing that eases demands on CPUs. The result is consistent, superior image quality with reduced computing resource requirement. The 128 MB of built-in frame buffer provides reliable imagery with minimal chances of data loss.

We offer a proven, robust API for all our cameras with field-tested drivers, based on years of continuous development and refinement. Our advanced SDK allows you to maximise camera performance for your unique unmanned systems vision application, providing a full suite of features and functions for minimised development cycles and time to market.

Lt Series USB3 Cameras

High sensitivity UAV camera cores

Based around Sony’s rolling shutter Starvis and global shutter Pregius CMOS sensors, and ranging in resolution from 2-12 megapixels, our rugged Lt Series USB3 Cameras are engineered for 24/7 operation in dynamic environments.

Providing advanced performance in a compact, low-SWaP (size, weight and power) package, Lt Series cameras are ideal for a wide range of unmanned systems imaging applications, including aerial photography, inspection and traffic monitoring.

Features of the Lt Series of USB3 Cameras include:

• High sensitivity with both front and back illuminated sensors (BSI)
• Pixel sizes from 2 µm to 3.45 µm
• Side mounted USB connectors providing ease of integration for OEMs
• High dynamic range, high speed, low read noise
• High-clarity, smear-free images even under strong light sources
• USB3 Vision compliant
• Windows and Linux SDKs for embedded vision system development.

Learn more: Lt Series USB3 Cameras

Lt Series Board-Level Cameras

Compact USB3 cameras for OEM integrators

The Board Level variants of our Lt Series cameras, based around the same industry-leading Sony rolling shutter Starvis and global shutter Pregius CMOS sensors, are specifically designed for challenging embedded vision systems requirements.

With a minimal footprint, the cameras are ideal for use in small UAV imaging systems. Eliminating housing and addition of side-mounted connectors makes integration easy for OEMS and system designers.

The Lt Series Board Level Cameras offer high dynamic range, providing added clarity in both the dark and light parts of an image and allowing a greater amount of image data to be collected.

Learn more: Lt Series Board-Level Cameras

LtX45R Series Global Shutter CMOS Cameras

CCD-like performance with distortion-free imagery

The LtX45R Series of USB3 Gen 1 cameras is based around the high-speed variants of Sony’s Pregius global shutter CMOS sensors, providing CCD-like performance with increased frame rates and crisp, clear distortion-free images.

With resolutions ranging from 3 to 12 megapixels, these cameras feature a fully electronic shutter, as well as a lightweight enclosure and low power draw to help meet your application’s SWaP requirements. Camera weight: 140g.

With an architecture combining the advantages of a CCD sensor (good colour reproduction, low noise, and high dynamic range) with the benefits of CMOS technology (built-in analogue-to-digital conversion, image correction, digital output and high speed), the LtX45R Series provides a low-power, low-cost alternative to traditional CCD cameras.

Features:

• CCD-like performance from a CMOS sensor with increased frame rates
• P-Iris connector for support of precise iris lens control
• High sensitivity 3.45 um pixels
• High dynamic range, high speed, low read noise
• High-clarity, smear-free images even under strong light sources
• USB3 Vision compliant
• Windows and Linux SDKs.

Learn more: LtX45R Series Cameras

OEM Custom Camera Design

We can tailor our flexible products to meet your specific imaging needs, or fully customize your own product to fit your design requirements. Select your sensor, interface, custom filters, and features of choice to build a solution that is ideal for your UAV or unmanned systems application.

More Information: Custom UAV Camera Design

Lumenera Camera SDK

Lumenera’s Software Developers Kit (SDK) provides customers with a complete, comprehensive set of software tools to easily and quickly integrate their imaging solutions into your applications.

32 and 64-bit Windows and Linux API’s available from Lumenera (now x86 and ARM core) with dedicated factory support.

UAV Camera Applications

Industrial Inspection

Our industrial-grade, solid-state UAV cameras are designed to withstand shock, vibration and other harsh environmental conditions experienced by robotics in inspection environments, providing consistent, high-reliability imaging capabilities.

Mapping and Surveying

Our compact, low-SWaP cameras are ideal for the needs of UAV mapping and surveying platforms, providing rapid, reliable operation and clear distortion-free images for high-accuracy requirements.

Military and Surveillance

Featuring high dynamic range and enhanced image clarity in both light and dark environments, our cameras offer superior detail for critical surveillance missions and other military and security applications.