Kappa cameras are sometimes suited to highly individual customer requirements but in the area of device communication and data transfer we certainly rely upon standardization processes to ensure optimum compatibility of our cameras.

At Kappa, we always decide on camera interfaces with regard to the specific application. The interface selection is not only a technological choice, but it also affects the future safety and long-term reliability of the solution as well as the required efforts for integration into the infrastructure.

The choice of camera interface is growing continually more dependent upon the specific application. Our customers are not simply making a technological choice with their interface. It also plays a role in future direction and long-term viability of the solution, as well as the expenditure during the integration into the existing infrastructure.  

With more than 30 years of camera development, we know all about every significant interface.

With our new cameras, we have focused on the GigE Vision camera industry standard. This interface standard is reserved for AIA (Automated Imaging Association) members like Kappa, where we sit on the GigE Vision Committee. So-called Plugfest events are organized on a regular basis to allow developers from different manufacturers to test the interoperability of their cameras and image processing libraries in the field. In so doing, we have also proven our cameras’ GigE Vision compatibility.

All parties benefit from this collaboration: Due to GigE Vision and the related software interface, GenICam image processing components are compatible and interchangeable, independent of manufacturer. Thus the user can combine components in open systems to achieve optimum results. Moreover, the customer’s investment is that much more secure, because all single components can be flexibly reutilized in new systems.

Yet another interesting interface is HDMI, a consumer market product that offers even higher data rates. Until recently, the physical plug characteristics prevented the use of this standard for industrial applications. This could soon change. Moreover, the HDMI standard is increasingly being offered by frame grabber manufacturers. A reasonable use of this attractive interface for industrial cameras is something Kappa is actively pursuing.