The cameras of the uEye Live series by IDS enable monitoring and streaming – either via RTSP with H.264 compression or via HTTP in MJPEG format – as well as event-based recording of video sequences directly to the camera’s internal memory. This allows you to keep a close eye on everything – whether by ‘looking into the past’ or watching live at any time.

Content provided by Sabine Terrasi – Communication Specialist – Corporate & Product at IDS 

In today’s industrial environments, visual process monitoring is becoming increasingly vital – whether for quality assurance, process optimization, or error prevention. The demand is clear: flexible, reliable camera solutions that can be seamlessly integrated – ideally without additional hardware.

With the uEye Live camera series, German machine vision specialist IDS Imaging Development Systems combines deep industry expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver an easily integrated, stand-alone solution for 24/7 monitoring and visualisation of industrial processes. The uEye SCP and uEye SLE models are built on a System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture, enabling video streaming, hardware-accelerated video encoding, and event-based recording directly in the camera’s memory – no external PC, no driver installation, no programming required.

High-End Technology in a Miniature Package

At the heart of each camera is a powerful Ambarella SoC – the same technology trusted in high-end action cams and drones – capable of processing, filtering, or analysing image data in real time. Instead of sending single raw images, the cameras can transmit up to three parallel video streams, either via RTSP protocol with H.264 compression or via HTTP in MJPEG format, directly to multiple recipients.

Setup is refreshingly simple: just connect, configure via the web interface – and you’re ready to go. A REST API is also available for integrating camera control and configuration directly into applications or machine controls.

One of the series’ most impressive features is image quality. The integrated Sony IMX678 sensor (STARVIS 2 technology) delivers outstanding light sensitivity, high resolution, and a wide dynamic range. Even in challenging lighting conditions, the cameras produce crisp, high-contrast images. An on-board Image Signal Processor (ISP) automatically corrects exposure, white balance, noise, and defective pixels – perfect for changing environments and unattended operation.

Two Models – Tailored to Different Needs

The uEye Live series comes in versatile designs, both in industrial standard housing (29 × 29 mm) and as board-level cameras for seamless integration into your own devices:

uEye SLE – A particularly compact, cost-optimized board-level camera (45 × 45 mm), perfect for embedded and OEM applications to realise competitive projects with high quantities e.g. in robotics, logistics, or security technology. Available with or without a C-/S-mount lens holder, it can be integrated into custom devices and easily connected via an optional RJ45 board.

uEye SCP – The housed version (29 × 29 × 29 mm) is robust, easy to mount, and equipped with lockable connectors and a C-mount lens mount. Ideal for demanding industrial environments requiring maximum reliability and environmental resistance.

More Than Just “Seeing” – Event Recording

A standout capability is event recording: the camera can store video sequences locally in its persistent memory, triggered by a software command or hardware signal. Depending on configuration, it records the seconds before, during, and after the event. This ensures complete documentation of critical processes and can save significant time and costs in troubleshooting, maintenance, or claims resolution.

Broad Application Potential – Across Industries

The uEye Live cameras open up a wide range of possibilities – far beyond traditional manufacturing:

• Production monitoring: Continuous or event-triggered visual inspection of machines and production lines, locally or remotely.
• Quality assurance: (AI-based) Image analysis for automated and optimized inspection workflows.
• Robotics: Monitors robotic workspaces and records incidents such as collisions, enabling fast root-cause analysis and safer operations.
• Research & development: Perfect for documenting tests, experiments, or long-term observations.

Conclusion

With the uEye Live series, IDS introduces an easy and quickly integrated camera solution for visualising machine processes. Whether as a rugged monitoring unit or a flexible OEM component, the uEye SCP and uEye SLE unlock new possibilities for image processing right at the source.

“Do you simply want to keep an eye on processes or components at all times? This is where uEye Live comes into play. In contrast to models from the consumer sector, we excel in terms of quality, spare parts procurement, long-term availability and standardised interfaces”, explains Patrick Schick, Product Owner 3D & Vision Software at IDS.

Thanks to cutting-edge SoC technology, intuitive operation, and versatile applications, they are set to be a game-changer in visual process monitoring.

How to use IDS monitoring cameras as industrial dashcams: