Image Acquisition and Analysis in Labview

[PolymerTim3]

I'm new to image acquisition, but am considering setting up a labview based system.  I currently have Labview 7.1.  My current challenge is to image a drop of liquid suspended from the tip of a needle.  I would like to be able to calculate the cross-sectional area of the droplet and use this information in Labview to make adjustments to voltage out on a DAQPad-6015.  I have been looking through many of the options available, but wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions.  So, I would ilke suggestions on the camera, the hardware interface, as well as how difficult it would be to program this kind of application in the Vision Development Module.

[BruceAmmons]

This sounds like a good application.

I suggest a firewire camera, because they are usually the easiest to setup and use.  You will need the NI firewire drivers to go with it, but that is usually cheaper than buying a NI framegrabber card and a different type of camera.

The trickiest part of this application will be getting good lighting so that there is a high contrast between the edges of the drop and the background.  As long as you have high contrast, it is a piece of cake to find the edges and measure the drop.  I would probably use the clamp function.

I would recommend contacting Graftek at 800 441 2118.  They will be able to help you select the appropriate camera, lens, lighting, and any other equipment you need.

Bruce

[PolymerTim3]

Ok, so you think I just need the NI IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras and a firewire camera setup with good contrast?  Would I still need the Vision Development Module?  Also, what are the advantages to using NI Image Acquisition Hardware such as the framegrabber cards? Is it just a matter of speed and performance?

[BruceAmmons]

I would still get the vision development module.  It includes vision assistant, which you can use to prototype your application.  After you figure out how to do it, you can transfer it to LabVIEW and customize it.  The main reason for selecting framegrabbers instead of firewire is the cameras available for each type of interface.  Sometimes the camera you need only works with one interface, so you use it.

Bruce