Illuminate Your Video Inspections with a 30/60Hz Strobe Lamp

In summary, the person is looking for a way to illuminate a large scene for a video inspection. They think of using a strobe light, but are not sure if it will be any more efficient than using continuous illumination. They also mention that the camera is likely scanned, so they will need illumination all the time or they will get dark bands on their TV picture. Finally, they mention that they just read the footer of the video, which kills them.
  • #1
mgb_phys
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I need to illuminate a scene for a video inspection.
Unfortunately it's a big scene and I don't have unlimited power.

I though of using a strobe light triggered at 30Hz (or ideally 60Hz) and synced from the frame pulse of the video camera - so I get a bright pulse of light as each image is taken.

Anyone know of a strobe that can do 30/60Hz rate?
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure a strobe of comparable power to continuous illumination will be any more efficient. The imaging array is integrating the incident radiation (I think), so whether it is continuous or pulsed shouldn't make much of a difference.

I guess I'd need to research how the latest imaging arrays are read out, though. If the readout duty cycle isn't real narrow, then you could pick up some efficiency, probably ratioed to that duty cycle.
 
  • #3
It's an interline transfer CCD, so I thought if I ran a strobe at 30Hz and only recorded one field I at least got a 2x improvement in power/pixel.
Worse case I can slow it down even more and throw away more fields.

The problem is that the camera is scanning over a scene, but I can't move the illumination so I'm stuck with trying to illuminate everything while building up an overall view of the scene.
 
  • #4
You may be reading the sensors in short bursts but they need to integrate the received energy over a reasonable time and I think that even digital image arrays are scanned - so you will need illumination all the time or you will get dark bands on your TV picture.
 
  • #5
CMOS arrays are scanned, especially on slow frame rate webcams.
Interline CCDs transfer the current image almost instantly (few us) to the storage register and read it out while integrating the next field.
 
  • #6
Can you maybe charge up a flash unit, and periodically shoot a flash picture that is sync'ed to the scan of the camera? It sounds like you are going to store and process the images anyway, so maybe just having a series of flash frames will work? How quickly is the camera scanning? Could you attach a photo flash unit to the camera body, so you get that increase in efficiency as well?

BTW, I just read your footer -- killing me here...

Irony = it's like goldy or silvery but made of iron
 
  • #7
berkeman said:
BTW, I just read your footer -- killing me here...
I had one warning about irony, but some people seemed to still need an explanation

Not original though
AY-rVVRZoC8[/youtube]
 

1. What is a video rate strobe lamp?

A video rate strobe lamp is a type of high-intensity lighting device that produces rapid and repeated flashes of light. It is specifically designed to synchronize with a video camera's frame rate, resulting in the appearance of slow-motion or stop-motion effects in the captured footage.

2. How does a video rate strobe lamp work?

A video rate strobe lamp emits short pulses of light at a high frequency, typically ranging from 60 to 120 flashes per second. These pulses are timed to coincide with the camera's shutter speed, creating the illusion of slow motion or freezing of fast-moving objects in the video.

3. What are the applications of a video rate strobe lamp?

A video rate strobe lamp is commonly used in scientific research, particularly in the fields of biomechanics and motion analysis. It is also used in the film and television industry for special effects and in sports analysis to capture and analyze athletic movements.

4. Can a video rate strobe lamp cause eye damage?

Yes, if used improperly, a video rate strobe lamp can cause eye damage. The high-intensity flashes of light can be harmful to the eyes, especially if viewed directly for an extended period. It is essential to follow safety precautions and use protective eyewear when operating a video rate strobe lamp.

5. How do I choose the right video rate strobe lamp for my needs?

When choosing a video rate strobe lamp, consider factors such as the desired frequency range, intensity, and synchronization capabilities. It is also crucial to ensure that the lamp is compatible with your camera's frame rate. Consulting with a specialist or doing thorough research can help you determine the best option for your specific needs.

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