Knowledge base

Learn more about machine vision! In our knowledge base we are explaining key technical terms about image processing. We give you an overview to topics like 3D machine vision or the established standards like CameraLink, GigE Vision or GenICam.

Cameras

When selecting a camera for an application three factors need to be considered: The performance of the sensor, the camera features, as well as the interface technology and image transfer.

3D machine vision

Today 3D machine vision is most commonly used for the precise three- dimensional inspection and measurement of complex 3D free formed surfaces, but new fields of applications are constantly being explored.

3D time of flight cameras

3D stereo cameras, High-speed cameras, Ultra high-fidelity cameras, Camera systems for X-ray applications

Using a technique similar to radar time of flight (TOF) cameras are becoming more common.

A deep dive into polarisation

You remember it from school, how it reduced glare from certain angles of light, and you know your sunglasses are meant to do the same ... but do you really know how the light is controlled?

Analogue camera interfacing

The simplest form of analogue interface uses a single 75 ohm coaxial cable that transmits the video and timing information using the same signal.

BAS Signal

Composite picture signal

Bayer Filter

Colour filter with green, red and blue pixels mainly used in single chip colour cameras to generate a colour picture as close to reality as possible.

Binning

Binning denominates a technique where the intensities of neighbouring pixels on a sensor are combined.

Blemish Compensation

The blemish compensation method is based on a nearest neighbor interpolation.

Camera features and functionalities

Image fidelity, Exposure time, Frame rate

Camera manufacturers include a wide range of functions in their products to meet the increasing demands of the industrial market. Some of the key camera characteristics and common features are discussed in this section.

Camera interfaces

Interfacing cameras to computers for image processing has changed significantly in the last few years. In recent years the industry put a lot of effort into standardisation and several standards such as CameraLink, DCAM/IIDC and GigE Vision emerged. In addition GenICam has been approved, offering genuine ‘plug and play’ functionality for industrial vision cameras.