Synchronous and in Real-Time: Operation of Multiple Cameras in a GigE Network

There are times when synchronous images from multiple cameras must be acquired in real time, such as when filming a shot on goal from multiple angles, when using multiple cameras for conveyor belt inspections, in robotics or as part of 3D triangulation applications.

Our White Paper explains how multi-camera applications use the functions inherent to the GigE Vision 2.0 standard to achieve synchronous image acquisition without requiring an additional trigger cable. The basis for this is the Precision Time Protocol (PTP, IEEE1588), a network protocol to ensure that multiple devices on a computer network are working with precisely the same date and time — an absolute must for achieving precise synchronization.

Once the cameras are in sync, timestamps can be appended to the images to allow for chronological ordering afterward. It also allows for scheduling instructions to be sent to entire groups of cameras in advance. Each camera then captures an image at the precise pre-specified moment.

But what are the nuts and bolts of this process? Read about it in our White Paper "Synchronous and in Real-Time: Operation of Multiple Cameras in a GigE Network."

The following cameras support the GigE Vision 2.0 standard:

Basler racer 2k, 4k and 6k models (raL2048-48gm , raL4096-24gm , raL6144-16gm )

And soon all Basler ace cameras with Sony’s IMX sensors or PYTHON sensors from ON Semiconductor .