For many machine vision applications, image data must be acquired, transmitted and evaluated within a set timeframe. This is known as “real-time capability”. This term can apply to a system, its components, and the software that communicates between them.
Real-time capability in cameras is especially relevant for applications where speed is crucial, such as in production areas, traffic speed control systems, or when the camera activity must be synchronized with other system components, such as illumination devices. For these applications, either industrial cameras or network cameras (IP cameras) can be used.
The requirements for the maximum acceptable reaction time between trigger signal and image acquisition are different in each application and can vary from microseconds up to seconds.