Photron

Last updated
Photron
Industry high-speed digital cameras
Founded1974
Headquarters Tokyo, Japan
ProductsPhotron Cameras: FASTCAM, SA Series
Website www.photron.com

Photron is an international company that manufactures high-speed digital cameras based in Tokyo, Japan, with offices in San Diego, California and the United Kingdom.

Contents

The Photron FASTCAM cameras are used for capturing high speed images and playing these images in slow motion. Use of a High-speed camera can be found in a broad variety of industries. A few of the industries include: flow visualization, [1] [2] flame propagation, [3] ballistics, [4] firearm studies, [5] material science, [6] weapon development, [7] biological science, [8] biophysics, [9] vehicle impact studies (crash safety), [10] manufacturing, mining, automotive, and scientific research.

History

1968-1991

In July 1968, Osawa Laboratories, the predecessor of Photron, was founded by J. Osawa & Co. as a subsidiary. [11] The founding date is named as July 10, 1968. [12] Photron Limited, a subsidiary of J. Osawa & Co., was founded in June 1974. [11] Photron's name combines photon and electron, the fundamental process of creating electronic digital images from light. Photron's early high-speed cameras were only available in Japan. Photron began manufacturing professional film, video and photo-instrumentation equipment in Japan. Photron expanded into photo optics and electronic technologies including the manufacture of high speed digital cameras.[ citation needed ] Osawa Laboratories and Photron Limited merged to form Photron Limited, still a J. Osato & Co subsidiary, in September 1983. In May 1984, J. Osawa & Co. sold the entirety of Photron Limited to the Japanese company Chisan Limited. [11]

Photron closed its Komae Plant[ citation needed ] in June 1985, and also opening a plant in Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as a Nagoya branch office. [11] In 1987,Photron signed a distributorship agreement to sell Cintel telecine equipment in Japan.[ citation needed ] Photron opened a San Jose, California office in 1988. [11] Photron advanced their sensor technology in 1990 by working with Kinki University in Japan on a new design based on a block readout multichannel NMOS architecture. This new development produced a 256 pixel x 256 pixel x 4500 fps NMOS sensor which surpassed the fastest high-speed camera at that time, the Eastman Kodak SP2000 Motion analyzer (240 x 192 x 2000 fps).[ citation needed ] In March 1991, Photron opened the Yonezawa Plant in Yamagata Prefecture. [11]

1992-2011

IMAGICA Corp. bought all of Photron Limited from Chisan Limited in July 1992. [11] After 1991, Photron continued to manufacture and sell high-speed cameras into Asia. However, Photron wanted to make available their new sensor technology to serve other applications outside ASIA. Photron reached an agreement with Eastman Kodak MASD to manufacture for MASD two high-speed cameras, the HS 4540 and the Kodak Ektapro(Motioncorder) products. These two products were sold by Eastman Kodak MASD in Europe, North America and parts of Asia until 2000, after which Photron assume worldwide responsibility for the products, renaming the HS 4540 the Photron FASTCAM SE and the Motioncorder as the Photron FASTCAM Super 10K.[ citation needed ]

In 1994, Photron opened an office in Fukuoka City. The company went public and started offering stock over the counter in September 1997. [11] In 1997, Photron started sales of the SLSM Super Slow Motion System made by EVS, a Belgian company.[ citation needed ] In January 2000, the company established the subsidiary Photron USA in San Jose, California. Photoron acquired I-Chips Technology Limited in June 2000, making it a subsidiary. In April 2001, Photron established Photron Europe Limited, a subsidiary, in the United Kingdom. Photron established Photron Vietnam Technical Center Limited in late 2001. [11] Photron acquired a ISO9001:2000 certificate for product quality in 2002. In 2003, Photron moved its head office, Ebina Plant, to the present location at Fujimi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo. In 2007, Photron established Photron Medical Imaging Inc. as a subsidiary. In 2010, Photron's ISO certificate status changed to ISO9001:2008. [11]

2011-2024

In 2011, the company became a fully owned subsidiary of IMAGICA Robot Holdings, [11] a Japanese company which traditionally has been involved in film processing businesses.[ citation needed ] Photron merged with IMAGICA DIGIX Inc. in 2012. [11] In late 2013, Photron Inc. in San Diego came out with the FASTCAM Mini UX100 high speed camera for ballistics testing and other uses. [13] In 2016, it introduced the FASTCAM Mini AX200. [14] In 2020, the president of Photron was Takashi Takimizu, and the head office remained in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, in the Jimbocho Mitsui Building. [12] That year, Photron Group acquired Photonic Lattice, Inc. [12] In 2021, Photron acquired TRASC, TASKEE, and ISLWARE. In 2022, it acquired Media Solutions, Inc. [11] Photron is a currently business unit of Imagica Robot Holdings, with the two business entities sharing technology such as color science, broadcast expertise and image processing.[ citation needed ]

Cameras and applications

The FASTCAM SA5-RV Digital High-Speed Camera is a 1 megapixel 12-bit camera recording at 7,500 FPS. SA5 RV.jpg
The FASTCAM SA5-RV Digital High-Speed Camera is a 1 megapixel 12-bit camera recording at 7,500 FPS.

Over last 10 years, Photron has been recognized for their contributions to high speed imaging. [15] [16] [17] Photron high-speed cameras can operate 20,000 fps at 1024 x 1024 pixel at 12-bit pixel resolution to ultra high-speed cameras operating over 2.1 million frames per second. Designers, manufacturers, and R&D/Test engineers use high-speed cameras to proof their designs with motion analysis, solving the issues that can only been viewed in non-real time slow motion. Cameras vary by size, resolution and Frames Per Second (fps. An example is the SA5-RV which is used in extreme environments where heat or vibration can't be managed.

The following list is an incomplete list of Photron-related camera models.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodak</span> American photographic and film company

The Eastman Kodak Company is an American public company that produces various products related to its historic basis in film photography. The company is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and is incorporated in New Jersey. It is best known for photographic film products, which it brought to a mass market for the first time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm</span> Japanese conglomerate started as photographic film manufacturer

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, trading as Fujifilm, or simply Fuji, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operating in the realms of photography, optics, office and medical electronics, biotechnology, and chemicals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Film recorder</span> Device that copies content from a computer system to film stock

A film recorder is a graphical output device for transferring images to photographic film from a digital source. In a typical film recorder, an image is passed from a host computer to a mechanism to expose film through a variety of methods, historically by direct photography of a high-resolution cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The exposed film can then be developed using conventional developing techniques, and displayed with a slide or motion picture projector. The use of film recorders predates the current use of digital projectors, which eliminate the time and cost involved in the intermediate step of transferring computer images to film stock, instead directly displaying the image signal from a computer. Motion picture film scanners are the opposite of film recorders, copying content from film stock to a computer system. Film recorders can be thought of as modern versions of Kinescopes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graflex</span> American camera manufacturer (1887-1973)

Graflex was a manufacturer that gave its brand name to several models of camera.

A high-speed camera is a device capable of capturing moving images with exposures of less than 1/1,000 second or frame rates in excess of 250 fps. It is used for recording fast-moving objects as photographic images onto a storage medium. After recording, the images stored on the medium can be played back in slow motion. Early high-speed cameras used photographic film to record the high-speed events, but have been superseded by entirely electronic devices using an image sensor, recording, typically, over 1,000 fps onto DRAM, to be played back slowly to study the motion for scientific study of transient phenomena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the camera</span> Review of the topic

The history of the camera began even before the introduction of photography. Cameras evolved from the camera obscura through many generations of photographic technology – daguerreotypes, calotypes, dry plates, film – to the modern day with digital cameras and camera phones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motion picture film scanner</span> Device that digitises film stock

A motion picture film scanner is a device used in digital filmmaking to scan original film for storage as high-resolution digital intermediate files.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High-speed photography</span> Photography genre

High-speed photography is the science of taking pictures of very fast phenomena. In 1948, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) defined high-speed photography as any set of photographs captured by a camera capable of 69 frames per second or greater, and of at least three consecutive frames. High-speed photography can be considered to be the opposite of time-lapse photography.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital photography</span> Photography with a digital camera

Digital photography uses cameras containing arrays of electronic photodetectors interfaced to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to produce images focused by a lens, as opposed to an exposure on photographic film. The digitized image is stored as a computer file ready for further digital processing, viewing, electronic publishing, or digital printing. It is a form of digital imaging based on gathering visible light.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Active-pixel sensor</span> Image sensor, consisting of an integrated circuit

An active-pixel sensor (APS) is an image sensor, which was invented by Peter J.W. Noble in 1968, where each pixel sensor unit cell has a photodetector and one or more active transistors. In a metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) active-pixel sensor, MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are used as amplifiers. There are different types of APS, including the early NMOS APS and the now much more common complementary MOS (CMOS) APS, also known as the CMOS sensor. CMOS sensors are used in digital camera technologies such as cell phone cameras, web cameras, most modern digital pocket cameras, most digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs), mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILCs), and lensless imaging for cells.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodacolor (still photography)</span> Brand name of an Eastman Kodak film

In still photography, Kodak's Kodacolor brand has been associated with various color negative films since 1942. Kodak claims that Kodacolor was "the world's first true color negative film". More accurately, it was the first color negative film intended for making paper prints: in 1939, Agfa had introduced a 35 mm Agfacolor negative film for use by the German motion picture industry, in which the negative was used only for making positive projection prints on 35 mm film. There have been several varieties of Kodacolor negative film, including Kodacolor-X, Kodacolor VR and Kodacolor Gold.

Eric R. Fossum is an American physicist and engineer known for co-developing the CMOS image sensor. He is currently a professor at Thayer School of Engineering in Dartmouth College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spirit DataCine</span> Motion picture film scanner

Spirit DataCine is a telecine and a motion picture film scanner. This device is able to transfer 16mm and 35mm motion picture film to NTSC or PAL television standards or one of many High-definition television standards. With the data transfer option a Spirit DataCine can output DPX data files. The image pick up device is a solid state charge-coupled device. This eliminated the need for glass vacuum tube CRTs used on older telecines. The units can transfer negative film, primetime, intermediate film and print film, stock. One option is a Super 8 gate for the transfer of Super 8 mm film. With a sound pick up option, optical 16mm and 35mm sound can be reproduced, also 16mm magnetic strip sound. The unit can operate stand alone or be controlled by a scene by scene color corrector. Ken Burns created The Civil War, a short documentary film included in the DVD release, on how he used the Spirit DataCine to transfer and remaster this film. The operator of the unit is called a Colorist or Colorist Assistant. The Spirit DataCine has become the standard for high-end real-time film transfer and scanning. Over 370 units are used in post-production facilities around the world. Most current film productions are transferred on Spirit DataCines for Television, Digital television, Cable television, Satellite television, Direct-to-video, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, pay-per-view, In-flight entertainment, Stock footage, Dailies, Film preservation, digital intermediate and digital cinema. The Spirit DataCine is made by DFT Digital Film Technology GmbH in Darmstadt, Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FASTCAM Super 10K</span>

The Photron FASTCAM Super 10K is a 512 x 480 High-speed camera. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras, introduced in 1996. Photron FASTCAM Super 10k was introduce in 2000. However, the camera was trade branded previously in 1992 as a KODAK MASD product. The Kodak Motioncorder and the Photron FASTCAM Super 10K are the same camera, just different trade names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FASTCAM Ultima 40K</span>

The Photron FASTCAM Ultima 40K is a 256 x 256 High-speed camera. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras, introduced in 1996. Photron FASTCAM Ultima 40K was introduce in 2000. However, the camera was trade branded previously in 1992 as a KODAK MASD product. The Kodak HS4540 and the Photron Ultima 40K are the same camera, just different trade names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FASTCAM SE</span> Type of high-speed camera

The Photron FASTCAM SE is a 256 x 256 High-speed camera. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras, introduced in 1996. Photron FASTCAM SE was introduce in 2000. However, the camera was trade branded previously in 1992 as a KODAK MASD product. The Kodak HS4540 and the Photron SE are the same camera, just different trade names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FASTCAM Spectra</span>

The Photron FASTCAM SPECTRA is a 256 x 256 High-speed camera coupled with an image intensifier. The image intensifier can shutter to 20 nanoseconds and has a spectral response between 180 nm to 800 nm. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras, introduced in 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EktaPro Motioncorder</span>

The KODAK Motioncorder is a 512 x 480 High-speed camera. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras, introduced in 1996. Photron Kodak Motioncorder was introduce in 1996. The camera was manufacture by Photron but trade branded as a KODAK MASD product. The Kodak Motioncorder and the Photron FASTCAM Super 10K Motioncorder are the same camera, just different trade names.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FASTCAM Ultima 512</span>

The Photron FASTCAM Ultima 512 is a 512 × 512 high-speed camera. It is part of the Photron FASTCAM line of cameras. The Photron FASTCAM Ultima 512 was introduced in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinestill</span>

Cinestill Film is a Los Angeles based company selling photographic film for analog cameras in collaboration with Kodak motion picture cinema film stock. The two brothers who founded the company started as a small business shooting music and wedding photography, hacking cameras and lenses, then moved on to chemically adapting cinema film so it could be processed at photo labs.

References

  1. ↑ flow visualization Ciampa, Kate. "Comparing high-speed video and Lightning Mapping Array observations to investigate the influence of ground strikes on lightning flash characteristics" (PDF). National Weather Center Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, Norman, Oklahoma. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
  2. ↑ flow visualization Ros, Ivo G. "Pigeons steer like helicopters and generate down and upstroke lift during low speed turns" (PDF). Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Concord Field Station, 100 Old Causeway Road, Bedford, MA 01730; and Department of Engineering, Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711. Retrieved 30 August 2013.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ flame propagation Chen, Xianfeng (2012). "Effect of CH4–Air Ratios on Gas Explosion Flame Microstructure and Propagation Behaviors". Energies. Energies 2012, 5, 4132-4146; doi:10.3390/en5104132. 5 (10): 4132–4146. doi: 10.3390/en5104132 .
  4. ↑ ballistics Petel, Oren E. (2013). "The Effect of Particle Strength on the Ballistic Resistance of Shear Thickening Fluids". Applied Physics Letters. 102 (6): 064103. arXiv: 1207.1022 . Bibcode:2013ApPhL.102f4103P. doi:10.1063/1.4791785. S2CID   119280359.
  5. ↑ firearm studies "Handgun Wounding Effects Due to Bullet Rotational Velocity" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 December 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  6. ↑ material science Arora, H. "Dynamic response of full-scale sandwich composite structures subject to air-blast" (PDF). Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  7. ↑ weapon developmentChu, Dr. Peter C. "Non-Cylindrical Mine Drop Experiment" (PDF). Seventh International Symposium on Technology and Mine Problem, NPS, Monterey, California, USA. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  8. ↑ biological scienceAnderson first Christopher V. (2010). "Ballistic tongue projection in chameleons maintains high performance at low temperature" (PDF). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 107 (12): 5495–5499. Bibcode:2010PNAS..107.5495A. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0910778107 . PMC   2851764 . PMID   20212130 . Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  9. ↑ biophysicsChandramohanadas, Rajesh. "Biophysics of Malarial Parasite Exit from Infected Erythrocytes" (PDF). Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre, Singapore. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 January 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  10. ↑ vehicle impact studies (crash safety) Munsch, Marie. "Lateral Glazing Characterization Under Head Impact: Experimental and Numerical Investigation" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Corporate Profile - History, Photron, 2023, retrieved December 30, 2023
  12. 1 2 3 Notice of Acquisition of Shares of Photonic Lattice, Inc. by Photron Limited, Photonic Lattic Press Release, November 16, 2020, retrieved December 30, 2023
  13. ↑ Keller, John (November 5, 2013), "High-speed camera for ballistics testing, fluidics, biomechanics, and sports offered by Photron", Military Aerospace Electronics, retrieved December 30, 2023
  14. ↑ "Photron to showcase miniature high-speed camera at SPIE Photonics West 2016", Laser Focus World, January 18, 2016, retrieved December 30, 2023
  15. ↑ "Photron's high-speed camera wins "Crash Test Innovation of the Year" award". Laser Focus World Magazine. Retrieved 18 December 2007.
  16. ↑ "Photron APX-RX Camera Nabs Japan SME Award". Photonics Media. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  17. ↑ "Photron Camera Honored by Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers". Quality Magazine. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.