Even complex tasks can be solved with smart cameras.
Until recently, PC systems were predominantly used for machine vision applications, but now intelligent cameras are used in increasing numbers. Smart cameras differ from conventional industrial cameras without intelligence-they include all substantial functions beyond the CCD sensor, such as frame grabber, image memory, a fast digital signal processor (DSP), as well as all necessary interfaces for communication with the process and the external world. This article will show that even complex tasks can be solved using smart cameras.
The fundamental idea behind the development of the intelligent camera was that with appropriate miniaturization it should be possible to accommodate in the same housing, not only the electronics controlling image sensor, but also a completely embedded computer together with frame grabber and process interfaces.