Camera based inspection technologies utilize visible light to produce images, which are then processed and analyzed to produce a result. Cameras are limited to imaging features that are present and visible on the surface of objects, in much the same way as human eyesight. Optical technologies can be applied to extend the imaging capability to somewhat beyond human capability, for example, by using high magnification optics.

Camera technology is available in two basic classes:

Area Scan - An Area Scan camera utilizes a sensor with pixels arranged in a 2-D array, so that a single exposure of all the pixels in the sensor will produce an image of the scene in front of the camera.

Line Scan - A Line Scan sensor utilizes a sensor with pixels arranged in a single line, and so a single exposure produces far less information than would be obtained with an area scan sensor. The key with a Line Scan camera is that it can produce these images much more rapidly than can be accomplished with an Area Scan sensor. If the scene is changing in front of the camera, for example if there are parts moving down a conveyor line past the camera, then that changing scene can be imaged with much higher resolution with a Line Scan camera than with an Area Scan camera.

Miralogix integrates Area Scan and Line Scan cameras as appropriate for the application.

For any camera-based inspection system to be successful, the optics and lighting that are utilized must be carefully engineered. Miralogix has unparalleled expertise in the engineering of optics and lighting to solve complex and difficult imaging tasks. Miralogix integrates the best available equipment and technologies in the systems we produce, even going to the point of engineering application specific products when required components are not available commercially.