Technology — Camera Systems
Every application starts with the right camera
From high-speed line scan to hyperspectral imaging, we select, configure, and integrate the camera technology that matches your inspection requirements — not the other way around.
6
Camera categories
10+
Sensor technologies
VGA–150 MP
Resolution range
< 10 µs
Exposure times
2D Area Scan Cameras
The workhorse of machine vision
The most common type of machine vision camera. Area scan cameras capture an entire two-dimensional grid of pixels in a single, instantaneous exposure — exactly like a standard digital camera taking a complete snapshot.
How it works
Area scan cameras capture a full rectangular image (width × height) in one exposure. Every pixel in the sensor array is read simultaneously, producing a complete 2D image per trigger event. This makes them ideal for stop-and-inspect or triggered acquisition workflows.
Think of it this way: They function exactly like a smartphone or digital camera — taking a complete snapshot in one go.
Best for
- Inspecting stationary or indexed objects
- Scanning defined areas in a single acquisition
- Barcode and 2D code reading
- Pick-and-place guidance
- Applications requiring fixed, predictable resolution
Key specifications
- Resolutions from VGA to 150+ megapixels
- GigE Vision, USB3 Vision, CoaXPress, Camera Link interfaces
- Global and rolling shutter options
- Frame rates from 10 fps to 1,000+ fps
- Monochrome and color sensor variants
2D Line Scan Cameras
Continuous imaging for moving materials
Line scan cameras build complete 2D images one row of pixels at a time as the target moves past the camera. This makes them uniquely suited to high-speed continuous manufacturing where the material never stops.
How it works
Instead of capturing a full rectangle of pixels, line scan cameras contain a single, narrow horizontal row of pixels. They build a complete 2D image row-by-row as the target object moves through the field of view — much like a document scanner stitching a copy together one strip at a time.
Think of it this way: The capture process operates like a traditional document scanner or photocopier, building the image one narrow strip at a time.
Best for
- High-speed web inspection (paper, film, foil, textiles)
- Continuous steel, glass, and nonwoven material inspection
- Inspecting rotating cylindrical objects
- Applications requiring unlimited length resolution
- Print quality inspection on continuous rolls
Key specifications
- Line widths from 1K to 16K+ pixels
- Line rates up to 300 kHz+
- Single-line, dual-line, and TDI sensor architectures
- GigE Vision and CoaXPress high-bandwidth interfaces
- Monochrome, color (trilinear), and multispectral variants
3D Machine Vision Cameras
Adding depth to inspection
3D vision systems capture volumetric data, adding a depth dimension (Z-axis) to standard 2D images. This enables measurement of height, volume, shape, and surface topology that flat imaging simply cannot achieve.
How it works
3D cameras generate point clouds or height maps by measuring the distance from the sensor to every point on the object's surface. Different technologies achieve this in distinct ways, each with trade-offs in speed, resolution, and range.
Best for
- Volume and fill-level measurement
- Surface flatness and warp inspection
- Robotic bin picking and depalletizing
- Weld seam tracking and guidance
- 3D shape matching and assembly verification
Key specifications
- Z-axis resolution down to single-digit microns
- Measurement ranges from millimeters to meters
- Profile rates up to 45 kHz+ (laser profilers)
- GigE Vision and GenICam-compliant interfaces
- IP65/67-rated industrial housings available
Technology variants
Stereo Vision
Multiple cameras positioned at different angles mimic human binocular depth perception. Ideal for large field-of-view 3D mapping and robot guidance applications.
Laser Profilers
An active laser line projected onto the object, combined with an angled camera measuring geometric distortion. Delivers the highest precision for surface profile and dimensional measurement.
Structured Light
Visible patterns (grids, stripes, or coded patterns) projected over an object to map 3D topology based on how the patterns deform. Excellent for full-field 3D surface capture.
1D Machine Vision Systems
Specialized single-line analysis
Highly specialized systems that analyze digital signals one single line at a time. Rather than building a 2D image, they process each scan line independently for real-time continuous defect detection.
How it works
1D systems capture and process a single row of pixel data per scan event. Each line is analyzed individually in real time — detecting defects, edges, or material variations as the web passes through at full production speed. There is no image reconstruction; the intelligence operates on the signal level.
Best for
- Detecting continuous defects on fast-moving web materials
- Edge detection and width measurement on webs
- Real-time streak and line defect detection
- Ultra-high-speed inspection where 2D imaging is not required
Key specifications
- Line rates exceeding 100 kHz
- Real-time per-line signal processing
- Purpose-built for web and roll-to-roll applications
- Extremely low latency for real-time reject triggering
Smart Cameras
Vision intelligence on the device
Smart cameras integrate the image sensor, processor, and analysis software directly into a single compact device. They perform inspection, measurement, and decision-making autonomously — without streaming images to an external PC.
How it works
Smart cameras combine an imaging sensor with an onboard processor running embedded vision software. They acquire, process, and analyze images internally, outputting only pass/fail decisions, measurement data, or decoded strings over industrial fieldbus protocols.
Best for
- Space-constrained installations
- Standalone pass/fail inspection stations
- Barcode and 2D code reading
- Simple dimensional measurement
- Applications requiring real-time autonomous decisions
Key specifications
- Integrated sensor, processor, and I/O in one housing
- Built-in LED illumination on some models
- Industrial protocols: Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP
- Web-based configuration interfaces
- Compact form factors (< 50mm cube bodies available)
Non-Visible & Spectral Cameras
Seeing beyond the visible spectrum
Spectral cameras operate outside the visible light range, revealing material properties, chemical composition, and thermal characteristics invisible to conventional cameras. They unlock inspection capabilities that standard RGB imaging cannot achieve.
How it works
These systems use specialized sensors sensitive to specific wavelength bands — from short-wave infrared through long-wave thermal. By capturing how materials interact with non-visible radiation, they extract information about composition, temperature, and subsurface features.
Best for
- Temperature monitoring and thermal profiling
- Seeing through silicon, plastics, and opaque materials
- Chemical composition and material sorting
- Moisture detection and coating thickness measurement
- Food safety and pharmaceutical inspection
Technology variants
Thermal (LWIR) Cameras
Detect emitted thermal radiation rather than reflected visible light, commonly using uncooled microbolometer sensors. Used to inspect temperature consistency, monitor cooling rates, and detect thermal anomalies in production.
SWIR Cameras
Using specialized InGaAs sensors, SWIR cameras capture Short-Wave Infrared light (900–1700 nm), allowing them to see through materials like silicon wafers, opaque plastics, and certain liquids that are opaque to visible light.
Hyperspectral Cameras
Capture hundreds of extremely narrow, contiguous spectral bands — outputting a 3D "data cube" containing a complete chemical and spectral signature for every pixel. Enables material classification and composition analysis at the pixel level.
Choosing the right camera
Selecting a camera technology depends on your application requirements. Here are the key factors our engineers evaluate when designing a vision system.
Stationary objects suit area scan; moving webs and conveyors are ideal for line scan or 1D systems.
If you need height, volume, or surface topology data, 3D technologies are essential.
Production line speed dictates whether you need high frame rate area scan, high line rate line scan, or real-time 1D processing.
The smallest defect or feature you need to detect determines sensor resolution and optics selection.
Some materials are transparent, reflective, or invisible under standard lighting — spectral cameras can reveal what visible light cannot.
Smart cameras minimize integration effort for simpler applications; PC-based systems offer maximum flexibility for complex inspections.
Related technology
A camera is just one component. Explore the rest of the imaging chain.
Ready to solve your vision challenge?
Tell us about your application. Our engineers will evaluate your requirements and recommend the right approach — no obligation.