Mastering the application of visual sensors comes down to two key points: lighting and software tools.
**Lighting**
In visual sensor applications, lighting is the most important technical factor. The type and position of the light source directly affect whether an image with the maximum contrast between the target and its background can be created.
**Tools**
Visual sensors use algorithms to analyze the images they capture. Versatile and multifunctional visual sensors provide a variety of algorithms (referred to as tools). Low-cost visual sensors may include only one tool, but both have their own suitable applications.
The tools are divided into two basic categories: linear and planar. Both focus on changes in the image, but in different ways.
● If the area of interest is predictable, then a linear tool is the best choice, as it is faster and more precise than a planar tool. For example, a visual sensor can use a linear tool (such as a cutting tool) to ensure that small bottles on a fast assembly line are all properly capped.