The NI 1778 Smart Camera features a monochrome Sony CCD image sensor with 2448x2050 (5 MP) resolution at 15 fps. It is one of the high-performance NI Smart Cameras that use a powerful Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor for automated inspection applications. The rugged mechanical design, including IP67 housing, M12 connectors, and lens cover, protects the cameras against the harmful ingress of water (up to 1 m immersion) and dust.
These high-performance NI Smart Cameras also include digital I/O lines (4 input, 4 output), an RS232 serial connection, and a Gigabit Ethernet connection to dynamically control lighting, synchronize with conveyor belts, and drive sorting mechanisms. The connectivity options support communications protocols such as Modbus, EtherNet I/P, and TCP I/P to interface with other industrial devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers (PACs), and human machine interfaces (HMIs). In addition, the NI 177x Smart Cameras feature a VGA video out connection to monitor inspection images.
With the National Instruments machine vision software approach, you can configure your inspection with the easy-to-use, stand-alone NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection software (included with NI Smart Cameras) or program it for more advanced customization using the NI Vision Development Module. Both options feature hundreds of built-in machine vision and image processing functions you can use to enhance images, check for presence, locate features, identify objects, and measure parts. The deterministic real-time operating system offers increased reliability for inspection systems that require long-term, continuous operation.
