Would you like to test the specs of your project against all of Microscan’s smart cameras? We have an app for that! The Vision Calculator for iPhone® provides an easy way to convert between field of view, working distance and minimum feature sizes for Microscan’s complete line of machine vision cameras.



Version 2 of the App has just been released and is now available for free in the Apple® App Store. It is compatible with any iPhone®, iPod®, or iPad® device running iOS 4.0 or later. This new version has several updates and fixes including:

• Updated catalog of cameras with the new C-Mount Vision HAWK and WVGA Vision MINI.
• Customizable extension tube length
• Custom lens sizes for C-Mount cameras
• Customizable minimum feature sizes
• Catalog filter to only show models matching features
• Select field of view computation as horizontal or vertical

Quick Start Guide

Start with the camera selection screen and choose a camera model to work with by swiping the model left or right to scroll through the options. Once a model has been selected, choose from the available sensor and lens options for that model to configure the camera. Alternatively, you can click on the Catalog Selection to open the catalog list and choose a configuration by its catalog number. With a camera configuration chosen, click the Calculator button at the bottom to switch to the calculator view. Now the field-of-view, working distance and feature size conversions will be based on the selected camera configuration.

Click on any of the number fields to enter a measurement and all the other values will be instantly updated. The values can also be adjusted up or down by pressing and holding on the camera image and dragging it up or down. Tap on the inch/mm button to convert all values between the units.

When the field is highlighted in yellow, it will remain constant when the camera selection is changed. For example, if you enter a desired cell size and the minimum working distance is too short, highlight the cell size, switch to the camera view to select a higher resolution camera, then switch back to the calculator view. The cell size will have stayed the same and the working distance updated to reflect the new camera configuration.


Have questions? Bug reports? Feature requests? Email me at csavina@microscan.com.

Visit our website for more information about Microscan’s line of machine vision cameras, including specifications, user’s manuals, and more.


Update 8/31/12: The Vision Calculator App version 2.10 is now released with full support for Microscan's new Vision HAWK C-Mount WUXGA model. Read more updates from developer Chris Savina at www.savvyvision.com.