Smart Cameras

Smart cameras are stand-alone camera systems that contain an image sensor, integrated processor, and communication interface. They can be programmed for machine vision, security, and other imaging applications. Smart cameras are similar to vision sensors in that both products have integrated processors for analyzing what the video camera is seeing; however, vision sensors are limited to specific tasks in machine vision systems. Smart cameras provide greater flexibility because of their suitability for a wider range of applications, including code reading and building security.

Smart cameras have a communications interface that allows them to input instructions or output data. Because these devices also have an onboard processor and memory, they can be programmed to perform image analysis. Smart cameras do not output video signals like regular video cameras. Instead, these stand-alone camera systems output actual data based upon the internal analysis performed. Such functionality is similar to that of a vision sensor, yet vision sensors cannot be programmed to perform other functions. Moreover, vision sensors are usually prepackaged or otherwise limited.

There are many different types of smart cameras. Typically, choices include security smart cameras, machine vision smart cameras, and FireWire smart cameras. Security smart cameras are designed for use with security systems such as closed circuit television (CCTV), building access control, and point of sale (POS) products. As their name suggests, machine vision smart cameras are designed for use with larger machine vision systems. Such products can acquire one or more images for processing, analysis, and measurement. FireWire smart cameras use an interface standard developed by Apple Computer and adopted by the IEEE for very fast digital data transfers. FireWire is registered trademark of Apple Computer.

Features for smart cameras may include a DSP coprocessor, built-in lighting controller, specific reading attributes, and LED lights. Digital signal processors (DSP) are special microprocessors that are designed for digital signal processing, usually in real-time. To prevent wrapping-around, they use saturation arithmetic so that overflow operations accumulate at the maximum or minimum values that the register can hold. In terms of reading attributes, some smart cameras can read 1D and 2D codes. Others can verify text, detect edges, and check for presence. Light emitting diode (LED) lights may be power-current driven.

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Part Numbers for Smart Cameras