You do not need to buy LabVIEW or any other software to use with your Smart Camera. Vision Builder AI will allow you to perform a wide range of vision processing/decision making/communication (TCP, Serial, Modbus, Ethernet/IP) and I/O (read/write the digital lines on the smart camera). If the functionality provided in VBAI doesn't provide all the flexibility you need, LabVIEW and Vision Development Module (VDM) could be used for a more customized program. Here is a KnowledgeBase article that describes the difference between VBAI and VDM:
http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/45A5682F377996BB862572B50072787F
CCD stands for Charge Coupled Device and it describes the sensor used by the smart camera. The other type of sensor typically used in machine vision cameras is CMOS. Here's a good description of the image sensor and the two main types:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor
For the accessories:
- you need a power supply/cable.
- For the high performance smart cameras (177x) you also need a M12 ethernet cable (the M12 connector is a locking connector that is water resisitant and can be used in places that require washing down the equipment. The Low cost smart camera just has a regular RJ45 ethernet connector.
- if you want access to the digital I/O on the smart camera, you will also need an accessory for this.
You can always call in to talk with someone to make sure you're getting what you need as well.
Hope this helps,
Brad
