How Event Cameras Efficiently Make Flows Visible

Image Processing How Event Cameras Efficiently Make Flows Visible

2025-04-21 From Manuel Christa | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Event-based cameras provide highly dynamic insights into flow processes—with a greatly reduced data volume despite up to 10,000 images per second. They are considered a flexible alternative to traditional imaging methods.

Flow measurement: Experimental setup with flow channel, flow model, illumination source, control unit, and uEye EVS camera.(Image: IDS Imaging) — Flow measurement: Experimental setup with flow channel, flow model, illumination source, control unit, and uEye EVS camera.
(Image: IDS Imaging)

The iLA_5150 GmbH, a specialist in PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry), has implemented an innovative measurement system in their flow channels based on event-based camera technology. The goal was to capture fast flow processes more efficiently with less technical effort. How the company achieved this with a uEye XCP-E from IDS Imaging was vividly described by the supplier of industrial cameras and image processing systems in an application report.

Unlike classical PIV systems, where complete image sequences are recorded and evaluated, the new system exclusively registers changes in brightness. These occur when particles cross an illuminated plane—the so-called light section—and momentarily light up.

Gallery

PIV-View: Unsteady flow field (left) and time-averaged flow field (right).(Image: IDS Imaging)

EBIV-Viewer: Flow visualization(Image: IDS Imaging)

Targeted Data Acquisition Instead of Continuous Image Capture

To implement this, iLA_5150 combines event-based cameras with the in-house software EBIV-Viewer. The sensors used, including the uEye XCP-E model from IDS Imaging, continuously provide precise time and position data on brightness changes—so-called "events". This focused data acquisition significantly reduces the requirements for storage and processing.

In the EBIV-Viewer, the movement paths of the particles can be displayed in real time. Often, this qualitative visualization is sufficient, for example, to identify typical flow phenomena. For quantitative analyses, the particles can be selectively and briefly illuminated. From the position data obtained, the speed and direction of the flow can be precisely calculated.

Compact, Efficient, Versatile

Thanks to the compact design of the cameras, iLA_5150 was able to integrate the sensors directly into the flow channel—an advantage over large-format high-speed cameras. Due to the small amount of data, the simultaneous use of multiple cameras is also easily possible. This creates new opportunities for the investigation of complex flow fields and makes the technology attractive even for smaller research institutions.

The event-based measurement technology has proven to be a practical solution for iLA_5150: fast, scalable, and precise—suitable for both basic research and applied flow analysis. (mc)

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