Camera types | B&R Industrial Automation

Smart Camera

Intelligent Industrial Vision Camera for Automated Image Processing

The B&R Smart Camera is a powerful Embedded Vision System for intelligent image processing and automated inspection in modern production lines. As an integrated machine vision solution, it combines camera, processor, and image processing in a single compact device – without additional hardware, directly connected to your machine control.

Whether quality control, camera-based defect detection, or optical measurement: the Smart Camera delivers reliable real-time results.The cameras are designed for simple deployment: thanks to plug-and-play integration and visual configuration in B&R Automation Studio, vision applications are ready to run in minutes.

Depending on your requirements, different models are available: the rule-based Smart Camera for standardized inspection tasks, the Smart Camera with AI-Vision for complex and variable inspection scenarios, as well as the Color Camera for color image applications. For simpler standard vision tasks, the B&R Smart Sensor offers an efficient alternative.

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Product variants

Smart Sensor

Flexible industrial machine vision

The B&R Smart Sensor combines code reading, measurement, and object localization in a single device. Its function is defined by software – the control system loads all parameters automatically upon network connection. Standard vision tasks can be implemented intuitively using the B&R Smart Sensor.

Smart Camera

Real-Time Quality Inspection for Your Production Line

The B&R Smart Camera delivers reliable visual inspection for quality control, measurement, and code reading. Its rule-based processing and real-time processor handle standard tasks with precision and speed – even on high-speed lines.

Smart Camera with AI

Deep Learning for Variable Production

The B&R Smart Camera with AI detects complex defects that rule-based systems miss – scratches, anomalies, unexpected flaws. Its built-in AI chip processes deep learning in real time directly on the machine. Perfect for variable production with changing conditions.

Color Camera

Print Mark Detection at Full Speed

The B&R Color Camera is an industrial vision camera for the evaluation of RGB color information and is particularly suited for applications in the printing industry. It is ideal for print mark and registration mark detection. Thanks to Auto-Exposure, the camera adapts to varying lighting conditions and material variations. Integrated directly into the machine control system, it enables real-time feedback and correction within the cycle time, without manual re-optimization.

“By integrating directly into the control loop, the B&R Smart Camera becomes a proactive tool for real-time optimization.”

Pieter Prinsloo

Global Product Manager Machine Vision at B&R

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All benefits at a glance

Full flexibility

If desired and enabled in the user management system, all variables and parameters can also be adjusted in real time during operation. It's also possible to add new models for object recognition or code types and other search criteria at runtime.

Both camera types feature multi-core processors and integrated FPGA image preprocessing. This enables sophisticated functions such as text recognition based on deep learning algorithms.

Optimum image quality

Each hardware variant can be equipped with one of three image sensors, ranging from 1.3 to 5 megapixels. All three sensors are characterized by their large pixel size and the resulting high light sensitivity and low noise. This guarantees optimum image quality – even in high-speed applications.

Housing variants are available with either an integrated lens and electronic focus adjustment or with a standard C mount. The C mount supports lenses from B&R or third parties, such as telecentric lenses.

One cable is all you need

Integrated into the machine network via an M12 hybrid connector, which also supplies the necessary 24 VDC power, the camera needs only a single cable. A second hybrid connection enables daisy-chain cabling with lighting elements.

Factory calibration

B&R calibrates all lighting elements and optical systems – consisting of lens and sensor – prior to delivery. As a result, there are no parameter or programming changes required when devices are exchanged in the field. This also accelerates commissioning times for series-built machines.

Calibrated or electronically adjustable lens focus
7 different integrated lenses as well as a flexible c-mount variant
3 variants of sensor resolution, from 1.3 to 5.3 MP
7 LED variants with up to 4 different colors

Functions & Components

Solving 3D tasks at 2D costs

A new function for B&R's standard 2D vision sensor makes it possible to obtain profiles of moving objects using intelligent triangulation algorithms. It's possible to estimate volume, map the course of height or valley profiles, and more. Typical 3D tasks can be solved resource-efficiently with the right image representation and intelligent 2D algorithms. In other words: 2.5D.

Easy implementation of advanced vision functions
Cost savings for a wide range of applications
Flexible usage for different measuring ranges

Detecting the smallest deviations

The FPGA-based image preprocessing function Subtraction opens up a wider range of applications for B&R vision sensors and smart cameras.

Smallest deviations can be detected by comparing one or more images against a reference image. The function is used for tasks such as quality control to detect differences. Another use case can be speed measurement.

Development time reduction
Higher flexibility and productivity
More CPU resources for subsequent image processing tasks

No limits with multifunctional vision sensor

Unlike many other devices in its class, there is no need to install different sensors for different functions. Instead, users simply configure the Smart Sensor in the Automation Studio engineering tool, where they can choose from a large selection of functions. Up to 255 models can be stored and executed on a sensor. Additional models can easily be exchanged in the software.

Countless features in one vision sensor
Identical hardware for different applications
Less need for spare parts
Function defined in automation project, not by item number
Transparent costs, independent of software functionality

Detection of fine 3D surface structures

The FPGA-based image pre-processing function Shape-from-Shading opens up a broader range of applications for vision sensors and smart cameras from B&R. Shape-from-Shading captures multiple images at different illumination angles to visualize fine 3D surface structures such as embossed lettering or scratches.