Camera systems
Camera systems for measuring technology
More than just numbers: Image and video data in your measurement software
Our software offers the unique opportunity to connect measurement data with synchronized image and video recordings. Choose the camera that best suits your precision and application requirements:
1. High-precision cameras for synchronous measurement data acquisition
- For applications where precise timing of image and measurement data matching according to the clock is essential. Images can be captured at a specific time and precisely assigned as individual images or played back as a synchronized video.
- IP cameras (e.g. Axis): Ideal for triggering and capturing individual images or short video sequences that are directly assigned to the measurement data.
- Industrial vision cameras (e.g. IDS, Basler): They offer high frame rates and robust connectivity for demanding, high-precision applications in industrial automation and test rig technology.
2. Thermal cameras for process analysis
Expand your measurements to include the thermal component. These cameras are controlled, started, and stopped in parallel with the measurement, providing valuable insights into temperature distributions and critical heating events.
Providers: Optris, VarioCAM.
3. Flexible USB webcams for general documentation
For simple accessory recordings or when visual documentation without strict timing requirements is sufficient. The software controls the webcam via start and stop signals. The cameras are controlled via the DirectShow application programming interface (API).
Important NOTE: Due to the nature of USB, precise timing of data acquisition is not guaranteed. During longer recordings, a drift between measurement data and video may occur – ideal for less critical, accessory recordings.
Important NOTE for choosing a camera: Your application counts
Choosing the right camera is crucial for the success of your measurement campaign. We recommend always selecting a camera based on your specific application requirements, taking the following aspects into account:
- Recording velocity (Frames per Second – FPS): Is the task to capture a rapid movement or a short-lived event? The required frame rate must match the dynamics of your test object.
- Distance: Choose the right visual appearance in good time.
- Environmental influences: When choosing a camera, it is important to consider the humidity and temperature differences that will affect the device.
- Connection: Which interface do you require (USB, Ethernet/IP)? This affects the data transfer rate and the spatial separation between the camera and the measuring PC.
- Mounting: How stable and precise can the camera be positioned on the test rig or in the measurement setup? (Tripod socket, mounts, housing size).
- Lighting: What are the prevailing lighting conditions? Is additional lighting (e.g., flash or continuous light) necessary for clear images, especially at high shooting speeds?
- Probability of damage: If the camera is at risk of being damaged or destroyed during operation, cheaper options (USB) should be considered.
- Storage medium: Video recordings require a lot of storage space, depending on the recording speed and format. Consider in advance whether enough storage space is available.
We are happy to help you choose a camera
Links:
IDS cameras: en.ids-imaging.com
Basler cameras: baslerweb.com/en
Axis cameras: axis.com/en-gb
Optris thermal cameras: optris.com
VarioCAM thermal cameras: infratec.de
