In machine vision, lighting is critical to achieving the desired image. The right amount of light will allow the cameras to see the desired object, while too much light can result in over-exposure and loss of detail. Not enough light can result in underexposure and loss of contrast. The goal is to find the right balance of light for the application.
There are a few things to consider when determining the right amount of light for a machine vision problem:
- The type of object you are trying to image
- The distance from the light source to the object
- The type of camera you are using
- The aperture of the camera lens
- The shutter speed of the camera
Each of these factors will affect the amount of light that is needed to properly image the object. In general, you will want to use the highest aperture setting possible and the fastest shutter speed possible to let in the most light. However, if you are using a very sensitive camera, you may need to use a lower aperture to avoid over-exposing the image.
Once you have determined the right amount of light for the application, you can then choose the type of light source to use. There are a variety of light sources available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common light sources used in machine vision applications include:
- Fluorescent lights
- Halogen lights
- LED lights
- Xenon lights
Each of these light sources has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that is best suited for the application. In general, LED lights are becoming more popular for machine vision applications because they are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than other types of light sources.