Area-Scan Or Line-Scan Cameras

Machine vision integrators have a seemingly endless number of options when designing an inspection system. The most important decision is to choose between area scan and line scan camera. Although they have similar roles, their technology is vastly different.

Area-Scan Or Line-Scan Cameras

A matrix of pixels is used in an area scan to capture images of a’scene.’ These cameras are more versatile than line scan ones and can be set up and aligned easily. These cameras are most suitable for applications in which the object will be stationary, even if it is only for a short time.

• Area scan cameras provide a fixed resolution, allowing for simplified installation where moving cameras or objects are not desired or practical.
• Area-scan cameras can image a defined area quickly, whereas a line scan camera must be moved over the area to produce a similar image.
• Greater flexibility can be had with area scan cameras, as a single image can be segmented into multiple regions-of-interest to look for specific objects rather than having to process the entire image.

Line-scan cameras contain a single row pixel used to capture data more quickly. Software creates a complete picture as an object passes the camera. This system works best in high-speed applications or for conveyor belt lines that move quickly.

• With a single row of pixels, line scaning cameras can build continuous images not limited to a specific vertical resolution. This allows for much higher resolutions than with area scan cameras.
• Unlike area scan cameras, a line scaning camera can expose a new image while the previous image is still transferring its data. This is because the pixel readout is faster than the camera exposure.
• When building a composite image, the line scaning camera can either move over an object or have moving objects presented to it.
• Coordination of production/camera motion and image acquisition timing are critical for line scan cameras, but they require only simple illumination.
• Because line-scan cameras use a single row of pixels, they can build continuous images not limited to a specific vertical resolution, allowing for much higher resolutions than area-scan cameras in both 2D and 3D.

We offer a variety of precision optics lens to suit your needs, whether you are using area-scan, line-scaning, or other types of cameras. SUPERIOR® Optics’ team of engineers and manufacturing department will create a lens that meets your specifications.