Industrial cameras, as important vision inspection tools, can be divided into area scan cameras and line scan cameras, each with its own focus of application. The most common area scan cameras are primarily used for recognition, positioning, and measurement, covering a wide range of applications.Moreover, with numerous brands and models on the market, selecting an area scan camera that meets application requirements at a reasonable price has become a challenge. This article aims to provide a professional analysis and guide on the selection of area scan cameras to help users make informed decisions.

Principle of Area scan Cameras

Area scan cameras, also known as matrix cameras or area sensors, capture images through a series of pixels arranged in rows to form a two-dimensional digital image. Compared to line scan cameras, area scan cameras can capture complete scene information and are suitable for photographing static objects and monitoring dynamic processes.

How to Make a Choice

When selecting an area scan camera, consider the following questions to guide your decision-making process.

• Question 1: What is the required image resolution?
• Question 2: What is the acceptable budget?
• Question 3: Is there a need for specific interface standards?
• Question 4: What is the expected image processing speed?
• Question 5: Is there a need to shoot the color of the object?

Answering these questions will help you quickly identify the right camera when choosing an area scan camera.

Steps for Area scan Camera Selection

1. Clarify Requirements: Area scan or Line scan

The first step in selecting a camera is to confirm the application requirements. For scenarios involving recognition, positioning, and measurement—such as QR code recognition, LED placement positioning, or liquid level measurement—an area scan camera is recommended. For high-speed, high-precision detection tasks, such as printing surface inspection or fabric surface inspection, a line scan camera is more suitable.

2. Determine Resolution

Resolution is one of the key factors in determining image quality. The choice of resolution has a corresponding formula: Resolution = FOV/Pixel Precision. The size of FOV is determined based on field tests and calculated values. Another important parameter, pixel precision, also has a calculation formula: Precision = Single-direction field size / Camera single-direction resolution. When selecting, substitute the actual parameters into the formula to get the resolution that meets the detection requirements. However, the higher the resolution, the more details the camera captures, and the data processing volume will also increase. Therefore, a balance must be found between image quality and processing speed to avoid image deformation, compression, and distortion.

3. Pixel Size Selection

Pixel size refers to the size of the sensor. The sensor size directly affects the camera’s field of view and image quality. Different manufacturers offer different pixel sizes even at the same resolution, but a larger sensor can provide a broader field of view and better low-light performance. Therefore, based on the specific application scenario and budget, choose the appropriate pixel-size area scan camera from various manufacturers.

4. Color Selection

If there is a need for color recognition, use a color camera. If not, it is recommended to use a MONO camera because MONO cameras have higher precision than color cameras at the same resolution, and the details captured are clearer.

5. Frame Rate Calculation

Frame rate, the number of images the camera can capture per second, is one of the most important factors in selection. If the speed of the object being photographed is higher than the camera’s frame rate, the image will be incomplete or blurry. The frame rate calculation has a corresponding formula: Frame Rate = Motion Speed / Field of View Size. When selecting, substitute the actual parameters into the formula to get the camera frame rate that meets the requirements.

6. Interface Selection

Area scan cameras offer various interface options, including USB 2.0, USB 3.0, GigE, 10Gig, and Camera Link. Each interface type varies in transmission speed and stability. The choice of interface typically depends on factors such as the camera’s frame rate, transmission distance, and the requirements for convenience and stability.

7. Software Support

When selecting a camera, software support is also an indispensable part. It is important to consider whether the accompanying software can meet customer needs. For example: ease of use of the operation interface, whether it supports secondary development, and whether it provides a wealth of image processing functions. Excellent supporting software can effectively improve image processing quality and efficiency and greatly enhance the user experience.

8. Cost Consideration

Cost is a factor that must be considered when selecting. The cost of selecting an area scan camera includes two aspects: purchase cost and usage cost.

• Purchase Cost: The cost of purchasing the area scan camera.
• Usage Cost: Long-term operating costs, such as maintenance and upgrade costs.

Choose an area scan camera with high cost-performance ratio while meeting technical requirements.

Summary

The selection of area scan cameras is a process that involves considering a variety of factors, involving trade-offs and choices between cost and performance. If you have any other questions about the selection of area scan cameras or need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Do3think team. Do3think is a leading machine vision camera manufacturer in China, engaged in the R&D and production of industrial cameras for 18 years, with very rich experience in the selection of area scan cameras. Do3think’s high-quality products, reasonable prices, and professional after-sales team have won the trust and praise of our customers.