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Image Acquisition

Industrial Cameras for Machine Vision

Match the camera to the sensor format, shutter, frame rate, and interface the inspection needs. Open the camera series and read those rows, then pair it with the light and the lens.

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Selection considerations

Open the matching series, then send the part or the images.

How do you select an industrial camera for machine vision inspection?

Area-scan cameras fit discrete parts, while line-scan cameras handle continuous webs. Choosing the right acquisition method dictates the entire optical and lighting architecture.

Camera ArchitectureSensor TypeBest Application
Area ScanGlobal Shutter CMOSRobotics, part measurement, PCB inspection
Line ScanHigh-speed 1D CMOSWeb inspection, continuous flow, printing
TDI Line ScanMulti-stage CCD/CMOSLow-light, high-speed continuous webs
Technical considerations
  • Area-scan cameras for discrete parts and fixture-based inspection
  • Line-scan cameras for continuous webs, strips, and conveyor processes
  • TDI or high-sensitivity line cameras when signal is limited at speed
  • Monochrome or wavelength-sensitive sensors for contrast-critical work

What are the essential camera specifications for automated optical inspection?

Resolution must map precisely to the smallest defect size. Frame rates and exposure times are governed strictly by the available light and line speed.

Interface ProtocolMax BandwidthCable Length Limit
GigE Vision1 Gbps100 meters
USB 3.0 Vision5 Gbps5 meters (active cables for more)
Camera LinkUp to 6.8 Gbps10 meters
Technical considerations
  • Feature size and required pixels across feature
  • Frame rate or line speed
  • Exposure time and available light
  • Lens mount and sensor size
  • Trigger and interface requirements

What causes industrial cameras to fail during vision system integration?

Motion blur and data bottlenecks are the most common integration failures. Exceeding gigabit Ethernet bandwidth limits or using rolling shutters on moving targets destroys image integrity.

Technical considerations
  • Motion blur from long exposure
  • Low signal with narrow filters
  • Lens image circle mismatch
  • Trigger latency or bandwidth bottlenecks

Questions for the engineering discussion.

How do you select an industrial camera for machine vision inspection?

Match the camera sensor to the required field of view and minimum defect resolution. Global shutter area-scan cameras are standard for discrete parts, while line-scan cameras are required for continuous web or high-speed conveyor applications.

What is the difference between global shutter and rolling shutter cameras?

Global shutters expose all pixels simultaneously, freezing moving objects without distortion. Rolling shutters expose line by line, which creates image skew or "jello" effects on moving targets and should be avoided in high-speed inspection.

Which camera interface should I use for machine vision?

GigE Vision is standard for long cables (up to 100m) and multi-camera networking. USB3 Vision offers higher bandwidth for fast, single-camera stations but limits cable length to 5 meters without active extenders.

How do you calculate the required camera resolution?

Divide the field of view by the required pixel resolution per defect. Typically, an automated optical inspection algorithm needs at least 3 to 4 pixels across the smallest measurable feature to ensure reliable detection.