Andrew Nelson

1
Network Cameras in Industrial Applications

• Andrew Nelson
• Director of Engineering
• andrew.nelson_at_lumenera.com

2
What is a Network Camera?

• Video camera
• digital output
• Connects to network
• typically IP based
• Otherwise, may or may not have features of any
  other Industrial Camera

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Compared to other technologies

• USB2 / 1394a
• Camera Link
• Ethernet
• Network cameras operate on a different, more
  flexible, model.

4
Technical Comparison
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Network camera advantages

• Simple installation
• limitless number of cameras / computers
• Long cable lenghts
• unlimited with used of standard network products
• Based on industry standards
• vast amount of 3rd party software/tools

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Advantages (cont)

• Web browser access
• no host software required
• On camera (Browser or through API) setup.
• Camera retains setup when moved from system to
  system.

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Advantages (cont)

• Single computer for multiple cameras.
• regardless of camera locations
• less software (depends on license)
• less maintenance

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Advantages (cont)

• Faster Integration
• Growing Trend

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Limitations

• 100m cable length
• Easy to overcome
• Power distribution
• External power / POE
• Moderate Bandwidth
• Installation is now an IT problem

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Possible Features

• Smart cameras
• greatly reduces host load
• Compression
• Reduced bandwidth/disk space
• lower quality
• On camera buffering
• go back in time without using host

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Considerations

• Protocol
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) vs UDP (User
  Datagram Protocol).
• Network Topology
• Power over Ethernet (POE)

12
Applications
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In-Line Bottle Inspection

• Problem
• Long cable run
• Minimize HW (costs)
• Solution
• 12 cameras / line
• Fast frame rates
• Motorized focus
• Integrator SW soln

14
Transportation

• Problem
• Cable length
• Difficult lighting environment
• Object in FOV
• Solution
• ExView HAD CCD
• Megapixel
• On-board buffers

15
White Board Capture

• Problem
• Image detail
• Small size
• Lower Costs
• Solution
• Multi-megapixel CMOS sensor
• Custom form factor

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High-end Surveillance

• Problem
• Low-light sensitivity
• Color NIR reqmt
• Image detail
• Solution
• ExView HAD
• IR-cut filter shuttle
• Megapixel sensor

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Upcoming Trends

• More supplier choices
• Higher resolution
• GigE
• Intelligent cameras
• Greater market adoption
• New applications and markets

18
Questions and Answers