congatec announces the new congatec embedded vision platform for the NXP i.MX 8 processor series based on a modular 3.5-inch carrier board. It is available with various SMARC Computer-on-Module configurations and comes with the 13 megapixel Basler BCON for MIPI camera module. Because all necessary components for connecting MIPI cameras are integrated onboard, no additional converter modules are needed.

Next to MIPI-CSI 2.0, USB and GigE vision cameras will be also be supported, as well as the artificial intelligence and neural networks of the NXP i.MX8 ecosystem, to which image segmentation algorithms can be used to identify objects such as traffic signs.

On the software side, congatec provides fully compiled binaries for download via GitHub. Including boot loader, Android, standard Linux, or Yocto, as well as the appropriate BSPs and processor-optimized Basler embedded vision software.

The platform allows OEMs to customize performance and implement their system solutions based on of off-the-shelf components. Its long-term availability, ruggedness, low power consumption, and high scalability, makes the new congatec Embedded Vision Platform suitable for embedded vision applications such as:

• automated checkout systems in retail;
• surveillance and access control systems in facility management;
• industrial inspection systems for quality assurance;
• augmented reality for maintenance;
• image processing in mobile and portable medical technology

Interactive GUIs also benefit from the Embedded Vision Platform as they continue to integrate gesture and voice controls and optionally also employ artificial intelligence.

Thanks to the standardized SMARC Computer-on-Module connector, the processor performance is scalable, on demand, and can be adapted to the requirements of the specific application. congatec offers 12 different processor module variants from the NXP i.MX 8 processor series, ranging from the high-end i.MX 8 to the low power i.MX 8M Mini.

Developed in cooperation with Basler's embedded vision specialists, the new development platform meets all requirements. Since the camera drivers are integrated into the BSP of the vision kit, the platform can be implemented without any hardware-related programming effort.

For more information, visit: https://www.congatec.com/en/products/accessories/conga-mipiskit-arm.html