The benefits of incorporating a Smart Camera into a vision system
Combining a camera, embedded optics, programmable processors, software, frame grabbers and I/O boards (and sometimes lighting, for example, BOA Spot), a smart camera can be described as being "a computer with an eye". Thanks to these on-board capabilities, smart cameras simplify the deployment of machine vision systems as they lower system cost overall. And because smart cameras take some of the guesswork out of component selection and system design, they allow users to focus on what is most important - getting the application right.

These cameras are an "all-in-one" solution to a range of machine vision applications as they simplify and streamline the integration and deployment of a vision system. Additionally, their robustness makes them suitable for operation in harsh environments while their small footprint and integration ease allow them to be installed into pre-existing machinery or on to a robotic arm.

Equally, image processing is also simplified as the smart camera saves bandwidth and speeds up the inspection by capturing, processing and outputting a result (and/or an image) rather than merely sending the data to a PC for processing.

Choosing a vision system wisely needs an understanding of the most important cost and performance differences that result in a successful application where the benefits of smart deployment are evident.

Five key points to consider when investigating a smart camera system
Before considering any machine vision solution, it is important to know how the resulting data will be used; the camera's operating environment; employees' skills sets - can they initiate and than maintain the system; and the budget.