USB camera suggestions for learning the Vision Development Module with the Vision/Image training kit?

[Davidd31415]

Hi,

I am purchasing the Vision Development Module to begin experimenting with LabVIEW vision.  The cameras I have looked at using the Camera Selector appear to require additional cards/hardware to interface with a PC. 

I have a max of about $500 to spend on a camera and would like to find something to use for training purposes (I ordered the vision/image training kit).  I was hoping I could find a decent USB camera (is this an oxymoron?) so I will not have to worry about lenses, cables, frame grabbers, etc.  Any recommendations?

I’m not sure if this is even realistic yet but if it could detect a dot with a 2mm radius (from a laser) on a flat wall over a 10’ x 10’ area, that would be great; color is not important.  Obviously I need to learn how to spec out cameras too but again, these specs are not a requirement- my priority is to find something to learn with.

Thank you,

Dave

[Kyle_V]

David,

If you want to learn how to really program an image acquisition and machine vision application in LabVIEW, I would recommend you stay away from USB cameras.  The training course manual that you purchased has plenty of exercises on how to acquire images from NI frame grabbers and IEEE 1394 cameras, but USB is not mentioned.

The good news is that you can buy a very good IEEE 1394 camera for under $500.  For reference, I often turn to the IEEE 1394 Digital Camera List.  Any camera on the list that supports the IIDC specification will work with our software.  The lowest cost camera on the list that I have personally tried is the Unibrain Fire-i.  It's not big on performance, but if you only need a camera for training, $90 is hard to beat.  A step up from there would be the cameras from The Imaging Source.  Finally, for the best value, you might consider the new Basler Scout cameras, which are a little more than $500, but offer exceptional performance (resolution, speed, and image quality) in this price range.

All of these FireWire cameras will work with a consumer-grade IEEE 1394 board available at your local electronics store.  Just make sure the board is OHCI-compliant.  Most of them are.  The Vision Development Module already includes all of the drivers to acquire directly from FireWire cameras.  One last note, many recent IEEE 1394 cameras use the IEEE 1394b specification, which is twice as fast as IEEE 1394a, but requires a different cable.  If you end up purchasing a camera that uses IEEE 1394b, then be sure your IEEE 1394 board also supports 1394b, or you can always purchase a 1394b to 1394a cable.  In this case though, you are limited to IEEE 1394a speeds.

Finally, finding a 2mm dot on a 10' by 10' area may be tough with a low resolution camera, especially if you are trying to measure its movement or exact location.  While it will be more than $500, you should consider a megapixel camera.  Also, you might consider purchasing a notch filter for the front of your lens that corresponds to your laser color frequency.  These filters allow only certain frequencies into the camera, which may help dramatically improve your contrast.

I hope this helps,

KyleV

[Davidd31415]

Kyle:

Thank you for the thorough answer I'm sure it will be very helpful.  I will take your advice and go with the IEEE 1394 camera/board- I didn't realize there was that much of a difference between FireWire and USB cameras. 

At what point would the move from a 1394 bord to a NI frame grabber become necessary?  I am guessing the main variables are camera resolution and acquiisition speed but I'm clueless here. 

Regards,

Dave

[Davidd31415]

I've been trying to research this on my own a bit and it's just leading to more confusion- is an IEEE 1394 board a frame grabber itself?

[oliver.guennel]

David,

a 1394 board is the interface card for the 1394/FireWire bus. You might even already have an 1394 interface in your PC or notebook.
A grabber is only needed for analog cameras or serial interfaces (as cameralink). The main advantage for you might be the price difference and higher flexibility with a digital interface like 1394.

Beside Kyle´s recommendations, you might also have a look into our product protfolio. The Guppy series:

http://www.goavt.com/product_guppy.asp

is also fitting into your budget, more then only a "toy-camera" and performing great under the NI driver.

best regards

Oliver

www.alliedvisiontec.com