Do You Know The Difference Between A Smart Camera And A Vision System?

Still struggling to choose between smart camera and vision system? This article will help you figure it out!

In the fields of automated production and inspection, choosing between smart camera and vision system can often be a difficult decision. Today, let's take an in - depth look at how to make the right choice in different scenarios.

Let's start with the vision system.

It's like a big "family", consisting of a camera, lens, light source, light controller, host, software, and monitor. Since the software runs on a computer, its performance can be adjusted within a wide range.

In complex projects involving AI deep learning, the advantages of the vision system are fully demonstrated. Training models requires the support of a powerful independent graphics card, which a smart camera can't handle.

Moreover, in vision inspection projects, the vision system is extremely flexible and functional. The lighting effect, camera pixel, and lens focal length all need to be carefully matched according to actual requirements, and there is a lot of knowledge involved in setting the detection logic in the software. However, while it has powerful functions, the usage and learning costs are relatively high. It takes a lot of effort to master it proficiently.

Now let's look at the smart camera, also known as a vision sensor.

In simple application scenarios, it is a cost - effective choice. For basic tasks such as detecting the front and back of an object or determining its presence or absence, people may first think of ordinary photoelectric sensors.

But in many cases(As shown in the following figure), they can't meet the requirements.

This is where the smart camera comes in handy. It has relatively single functions, and its software is extremely easy to set up. Friends in the automation industry can take it back, set the parameters according to the instructions, and it can be used. After setting, it can even run offline. The key is that now the price of intelligent cameras is more affordable than some color - mark sensors, making them both economical and practical.

Now, do you have a better understanding of the differences between smart cameras and vision systems and how to choose between them?