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Machine-vision calculators
Work out the numbers before you pick the parts. Each calculator shows its formula, a worked example, a comparison table and where the estimate stops being reliable, in millimetres or inches, with a link you can share.
Plan a station in five numbers
Work through them in this order: each answer feeds the next.
1How many pixels?The field of view and the smallest feature set the sensor.Machine vision camera resolution calculator2Which lens?The sensor and the working distance set the focal length.Machine vision lens calculator: focal length and field of view3How much stays sharp?Aperture, pixel size and magnification set the depth of field.Machine vision depth of field calculator4How short an exposure?Speed and pixel size set the longest sharp exposure, and the light it needs.Motion blur calculator for machine vision exposure time5Will the link keep up?Resolution, pixel format and frame rate set the interface.Camera bandwidth calculator: data rate and frame rate
Continuous material
Webs, sheets, rolls and long parts are imaged line by line.
Formula sheet
The formulas behind the calculators, in one place.
| Quantity | Formula | Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | m = sensor width / field of view | Focal length |
| Focal length | f = WD × m / (1 + m) | Focal length |
| Field of view | FOV = sensor width × (WD − f) / f | Focal length |
| Pixels needed | field / smallest feature × pixels per feature | Camera resolution |
| Depth of field | DOF ≈ 2 × N × c × (1 + m) / m² | Depth of field |
| Diffraction spot | 2.44 × wavelength × N × (1 + m) | Depth of field |
| Motion blur | speed × exposure / pixel on the part | Motion blur |
| Data rate | width × height × bytes per pixel × fps | Camera bandwidth |
| Line rate | speed / (field of view / pixels per line) | Line rate |
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