Cameras for Machine Vision

Machine vision, also known as industrial image processing, is an important tool for the optimization and automatic monitoring of production processes. Industrial 'machine vision' cameras play an important role here.

Industrial cameras capture important information, store and archive it, and allow users or software to make decisions based on the image information.

Without the use of visual data from the camera, this would not be possible. Machine vision systems can, for example, measure and count products, calculate their weight or volume, and inspect goods at top speed with respect to their predefined characteristics. Furthermore, they automatically extract limited, but crucial, information from huge quantities of data, or they help experts interpreting images by filtering, optimizing, supplementing, or quickly retrieving and making them available.. They work tirelessly and neutrally, and perform consistently.

Machine vision systems are used in a variety of applications, including manufacturing, medicine, traffic monitoring and security systems.

Machine vision cameras are an important element in the industrial image processing chain. The camera uses a specific protocol to communicate with a computer, which then processes the image data and which may be used to modify the camera's settings.

The requirements for an industrial image processing camera vary from application to application, but are markedly different from those you might be familiar with specific to your digital camera.

The key requirements, for example, relate to noise level, refresh rate, sensitivity, dynamic range, exposure mode and resolution. To achieve its full potential, the camera must also be properly supported by its peripherals. As such, the optics and interface used by the camera to pass on data are also of crucial importance.

For more information on the fundamentals of image processing, please see our Basler White Paper on "Fundamentals of Image Processing Systems"