Proprietary fixed-length image compression
Ultra-low latency
Equipped with hardware parallel compression based on JPEG technology. Fixing the length at 128 bits dramatically reduces the amount of data transmitted while minimizing latency.
Features of INFINICAM
INFINICAM is a “real-time high-speed camera” that streams captured footage to a PC (CPU/GPU) with ultra-low latency, without buffering it in memory.
It enables advanced applications that were impossible with conventional memory-buffering high-speed cameras, such as real-time feedback control using high-speed image analysis, robot vision, autonomous driving, and inline high-speed inspection.
Comparing conventional cameras with INFINICAM
Section titled “Comparing conventional cameras with INFINICAM”| Item | Conventional high-speed cameras | INFINICAM (real-time type) |
|---|---|---|
| Data transfer method | Temporarily stored in the camera’s internal memory → downloaded after capture |
Ultra-low-latency streaming to the CPU/GPU simultaneously with capture |
| Processing timing | Post-analysis (post-production) only | Real-time processing and feedback control are possible |
| Recording time limit | Depends on built-in memory capacity (seconds to minutes) | Continuous long-duration capture is possible, limited only by PC storage capacity |
| System integration | Difficult to integrate due to large chassis and high cost | Freely integrable thanks to its compact, lightweight, board-only (board camera) design |
Core technology & core features
Section titled “Core technology & core features”FPGA-direct UDP / USB transmission
Hardware processing
Eliminates interrupt overhead from the OS and protocol stack. Data is sent directly from a hardware circuit on the FPGA.
Pinpoint ROI / parallel decoding
High-speed processing
Because data placement is fixed, only a specified region (ROI) can be decoded without decompressing the entire image. Parallel decoding using a GPU or multiple cores is also supported.
1/8 DC preview extraction
Ultra-lightweight
By extracting only the DC component (average brightness) of the DCT-compressed data, a preview image at 1/8 the width and height is generated with almost zero CPU load. Note that, due to the nature of the DC component, the generated preview is monochrome even for color images.
Detailed technical documentation
Section titled “Detailed technical documentation”For details on the proprietary transmission mechanism and compression algorithm that underpin INFINICAM’s low-latency performance, see the following pages.
Data transmission mechanismThe architecture of USB bulk transfer (triple buffering) and immediate single-packet Ethernet UDP transmission
Image compression mechanism and specificationsAlgorithm details including 8x8 block division, 128-bit fixed-length encoding, ROI decoding, and DC component extraction
Model lineup & main specifications
Section titled “Model lineup & main specifications”| Item | UC-1.1 (USB 3.1 Gen1) | GbE-2 (1GbE) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 1,280 x 1,024 | 800 x 600 |
| Maximum frame rate | 31,157 fps | 51,302 fps |
| Power consumption | Approx. 6W | Approx. 3.5W |
| Trigger / external synchronization | SYNC IN (input) / SYNC OUT (output) Switchable between positive and negative polarity |
SYNC IN (input) / SYNC OUT (output) TRIG IN (input) / TRIG OUT (output) Switchable between positive and negative polarity |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C | Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) |
| Data transfer method | USB3 Vision / streaming | GigE Vision / UDP streaming |
Common hardware specifications
Section titled “Common hardware specifications”- GPIO (input/output terminals): Standard equipped with 2 input ports and 2 output ports. Enables integration with external sensors, lighting, and synchronization signals (SYNC IN/OUT).
- Power supply: The basic power source is USB Type-C (5V). On the GbE-2, using a commercially available PoE splitter also allows power to be supplied over the LAN cable.
- Chassis & mounting: A compact, lightweight design suited to integration. Fitted with a tripod screw hole and M3 mounting tap holes.
Development environment & resources
Section titled “Development environment & resources”GitHub repository (photron-limited)Publishes the Python SDK “pypuclib” (works with both UC-1.1 and GbE-2) and the C sample repository “infinicam-samples” for UC-1.1.
Downloads (SDK / CAD / manuals)Download the GbE-2 SDK bundle (ZIP), outline dimension drawings, 3D CAD data (STEP), instruction manuals, and specification sheets.