Area Scan and Line Scan Cameras
Area scan cameras contains a matrix of pixels that is able to capture an image of a scene and are used for majority of applications with its typical purpose of inspecting, sorting and analyzing a certain shape or area. It is able to produce 2D images of an area instantaneously, serve a more general purpose for applications and is easier to set up and install.
Line scan cameras only have a single row of light-sensitive pixels which constantly scan moving objects at a high line frequency. Most often, they are used to inspect long and continuous items, or a variety of items varying of different lengths or sizes. When a particular start or end boundary within the inspection is absent, a line scan camera is most suitable for the application. The continuous image of the object moving in one direction that is captured by the camera can be analyzed immediately, or be rebuilt into larger images for further analysis via software.
Difference between Area Scan and Line Scan cameras:
– Area scan cameras are best suited for applications with stationary object, whereas line scam cameras are for high-speed processing or conveyor line applications
– Area scan cameras provide a fixed resolution, whereas line scan cameras are not limited to a specific vertical resolution, allowing a far greater resolution
– Area scan cameras can image a defined area immediately, whereas line scan cameras must move over the object to produce a similar effect
– Line scan cameras are able to expose and display new images while area scan cameras are still transferring its capture data
– The set up for area scan cameras are far simpler and is more flexible than line scan cameras
With a track record of value innovation, excellent customer technical support, and industry’s largest R&D group and distribution network, Basler offers area scan and mono line scan cameras that are superior in terms of the price to performance ratio, broad offering of accessories and product breadth.
Chromasens offers colour line scan cameras with the highest quality requirement providing a high-resolution view of endless material and fast moving objects. The chromasens range of line scan cameras consists of four models for a wide variety of tasks and requirements.
For extremely high frame rates of image capturing, look for none other than Mikrotron. It provides line scan cameras with efficient and colour performant color image capturing in 2D and 3D while maintaining at high resolution.
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Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) Camera
Ranging from 1050nm to 2500nm within the electromagnetic spectrum, SWIR is an excellent alternative for the visible light when it is unfeasible for applications. It is able to produce a strong contrasting image for visual inspection which is crucial for a high-resolution image.
SWIR cameras are able to perform applications that would be impossible using visible light as it is able to penetrate through certain materials such as silicon, glass, plastic, and render fog and water vapour transparent, which visible light is not able to. On top of it, SWIR cameras are able to easily differentiate identical-looking colors to the human eyes.
SWIR cameras are used in a variety of applications for a wide range of industries. Some applications are:
– Imaging through the semiconductor material
– Fill level detection
– Identification and sorting
– Location of moisture within packaging
– Process quality control
SWIR Vision Systems™ offers the Acuros™ SWIR cameras featuring CQD™ sensor technology. In contrast to typical InGaAs SWIR cameras, Acuros cameras is able to deliver high definition resolution at superior cost points. The company offers three distinctive SWIR cameras to provide the required performance for specific applications. With the ability to face challenging image-sensing environments, the Acuros SWIR cameras provide an excellent value solution for system integrators.
For more information about the above-mentioned products, click here.
Time-of-flight Camera
Time-of-flight (TOF) cameras harness time-of-flight technology to provide 3D imaging. It functions by involving a sensor utilizing a modulated light source to produce infrared light bouncing off any objects back into the sensor, then measurement of the amount of time the light took to bounce back is calculated and converted to distance information to create an image with depth.
As compared to other existing 3D imaging products, TOF cameras are very compact and does not require any mechanical moving parts. Alongside, its internal operating algorithm is very efficient, simple and straightforward, resulting with an extremely fast operating speed and consequently the ability to scan up to 160 frames per second. This means that TOF cameras are ideal for real-time applications and an excellent input device for stationary and moving objects or environment.
TOF cameras are used in a variety of applications for a wide range of industries. Some applications are:
– Measurement tasks such as fill height of containers
– Classify and locate stationary and moving objects
– Tracking of human movements
– Safety envelopes in automation cells for human-robot interaction where humans and robots work in close proximity
With a track record of value innovation, excellent customer technical support, and industry’s largest R&D group and distribution network, Basler offers time-of-flight cameras at a very attractive price to performance ratio. Alongside, the camera is able to provide high-definition 3D imaging, perform multiple applications with a cost-efficient design.
