Real-Time Capability
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.
The importance of real-time capability in vision applications
Real-time capability means that image data is processed without delay. This is crucial in numerous applications:
Production control
Objects must be quickly detected and checked on conveyor belts. Real-time transmission ensures that images are immediately routed for processing. Delays or variations in latency can lead to erroneous inspections. This affects production quality, as defective parts cannot be sorted out in time.
Traffic systems
Cameras must precisely record when a vehicle passes a measuring point. A real-time camera transmission ensures that violations are accurately captured. Delayed image acquisition could lead to inaccurate data and misinterpretations.
Synchronization of image acquisition and lighting
In applications where lighting needs to be synchronized with image acquisition, real-time capability is essential. It enables instant image capture and effective lighting tuning. A synchronous process ensures that components are correctly illuminated and inspected.
Multi-camera systems
Several cameras have to take pictures at the same time and process them in real time. The transmission of image data without delay (latency) and with high synchronization is essential. This is critical for 3D imaging, volumetric measurements, and complex inspection processes. Any asynchrony can lead to significant errors in data evaluation.
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