Basler Camera

This function block connects to Basler industrial cameras and provides live frames for processing or visualization. Use it when you have a Basler GigE camera on the network and want a reliable, low-delay image source.

📥 Inputs

This function block has no inputs.

📤 Outputs

Image This output provides the latest frame captured from the connected Basler camera.

🕹️ Controls

IP Address Enter the camera IP address. Leave empty to let the block try to use the first available Basler camera on the network.

NAT Address Optional NAT address to use when the camera is behind a network address translation setup.

Destination Address Optional destination address for multicast or network stream configuration (use only if required by your setup).

Connect / Disconnect The block will attempt to connect automatically when parameters are set and the scenario runs. Use the control area to change addresses and let the block reconnect automatically.

🎯 Key features

• Low-latency frame acquisition suitable for industrial inspection and real-time processing.

• Handles network camera discovery: use an IP to target a specific camera or leave the IP empty to use the first detected camera.

• Automatic reconnect when connection parameters change or when the camera becomes temporarily unavailable.

• Simple controls for NAT and destination settings to support more complex network setups.

⚙️ How it runs

• When the scenario runs, the block tries to connect to the camera using the given addresses.

• If connection parameters are changed, the block will attempt to reconnect automatically.

• While connected, the block outputs the most recent frame on the Image output for other blocks to consume.

• If the camera becomes unavailable, the block will report an error and try to recover; frames may be temporarily unavailable until reconnection succeeds.

📝 Usage

1. Provide the camera network information using the IP Address and optionally NAT Address or Destination Address.

2. Run the scenario. The block will connect and start outputting frames on Image.

3. Use the Image output as input to visualization, detection, analysis, or logging blocks.

4. If you need to change the camera or settings, update the fields; the block will reconnect automatically.

💡 Tips and Tricks

• For visual feedback and quick inspection, connect Image to the Show Image block.

• If you plan to record frames, route Image to Record Video or use Image Logger for saving stills.

• For object analysis or detection workflows, combine Image with AI blocks such as Object Detection, Object Detection - Custom, Mask Detection, Pose Estimation, or Skeleton Estimation.

• To focus processing on a region, connect Image to Image ROI Select or Image ROI and feed the cropped result to detectors (for example Find Object or Template Match).

• Use preprocessing blocks such as Blur, Image Threshold, or Adjust Colors to improve detection robustness under noisy or variable lighting.

🛠️ Troubleshooting

• No frames received: Check that the camera is powered and reachable from the computer network. Verify the correct IP Address or try leaving it empty to auto-detect.

• Intermittent frames or disconnects: Ensure network stability, and confirm any NAT or firewall settings. If using NAT Address or Destination Address, make sure they match your network routing.

• Wrong resolution or scaling: Some Basler settings are configured in the camera vendor software. If resolution adjustments are required, open the camera's configuration tool provided by the manufacturer.

• High latency: Reduce image size with Image Resizer or lower camera frame rate via the camera's settings to improve responsiveness.

If issues persist, try restarting the camera hardware and re-running the scenario, then check connections again.