TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Technical notes
Capture, distinguish and connect. Explore practical imaging questions, one topic at a time.
7 articles · Newest first
Lighting
Hybrid lighting: principles and imaging examples
Compare high-angle, coaxial and side illumination using coin images, and choose light for the feature you want to reveal.
Power and control
Constant-current and constant-voltage LED drive — choosing a suitable supply
Constant current regulates current; constant voltage regulates voltage. Match the drive mode to the lighting circuit and distinguish it from dimming and remote operation.
Imaging
How area-scan cameras work — capture an area in one image
Choose field of view, pixel count, shutter and lighting for the target and its motion.
Imaging
How line-scan cameras work — motion and lighting build an image
Capture one line at a time and combine lines as the target moves. Understand transport speed, exposure time and illumination.
Lighting
Why illuminate from multiple angles? — distinguish scratches from reflections
The same scratch can look different under different lighting directions. Compare each direction to separate surface texture from the feature you need to inspect.
Lighting
Conditions to align before comparing lighting
Prepare samples and record imaging conditions so the comparison reveals useful contrast, rather than just the brightest image.
Imaging
Line scan or area scan — what to define first
Capture an area at once or build an image line by line. Choose a camera around the target, feature size and process.