Labview compatible, configurable and affordable usb camera (webcam?)

[ikerkor]

Hi, everyone!

Im developing an acquisition application consisting of many analog inputs and an encoder. The thing is we also want to take pictures of the object under inspection everytime we count X encoder steps (every 3cm or so at 3m/s max.), as the measuring device slides over it, in order to compare the analog signals with the pictures. The camera would be placed on the measuring device, so it would have to shot while moving. We dont really need high frame-rates nor high resolution. But, of couse, the image must be clear and defined.

If im not wrong, the shutter speed has to be fast enough (thus adjustable) and the focus distance configurable too.

We were thinking of a cheap USB solution (20-60€), as the requirements are not too hard. May be a webcam would do it? Any recommendations? Advices?

Thanks a lot! 

[CataM]

Hi,

Any camera you choose, in order to be compatible with LabVIEW and to be able to use the IMAQ driver has to have DirectShow support.

Getting information from camera manufacturers wheter their cameras have DirectShow support or not is not too easy.. probably a call to their custumer support to make sure before buying it worths the time. See this forum discussion about DirectShow support for cameras --> https://forums.ni.com/t5/Machine-Vision/DirectShow-compatible-USB-cameras/td-p/506845

More information about using NI-IMAQ with USB Cameras is found here: http://www.ni.com/example/30030/en/

The camera you are looking for has an USB bus which is supported by NI SW. However, if you find another camera suitted for your needs and want to change the bus type, supported bus types with NI SW are found here: http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/4331B4AA3AE95233862574C200539A2F

[ikerkor]

Thanks, CataM, for your answer!

It's chrystal clear that I have to check wheter the camera supports DirectShow or not. But I am more concerned with the specifications of it. More precisely, with the ability to configure the shutter time and focus distance.

I'd like to know if anyone has used an affordable USB camera (webcam or not) with similar purposes described earlier.

About the bus, I'm afraid USB is the only possible approach.

Thanks again.

[CataM]

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But I am more concerned with the specifications of it. More precisely, with the ability to configure the shutter time and focus distance.

I presume manufacturer should answer its configuration abilities. Once you have it, you can check them via MAX.

In my opinion, for the application described a simple webcam with e.g. 30 FPS could work (depends on how many frames you want to take.. depends on you). However, you are the one to decide how much money you want to spend on it for more higher resolution etc.. You can simply refer to manufacturer product catalog e.g. Logitech (http://www.logitech.com/assets/52537/logitech-business-product-catalog.pdf) and choose based on your constraints.