Integrating Mettler Toledo IP Electronic Scale with Axis Network Camera Using CamStreamer Apps

Showing scale data into a video feed from Axis camera. Data are fetched from IP Scale Mettler Toledo and shown in video as well as sent into AXIS Camera Station.


About the Project

As businesses are continuously seeking to optimize their operational efficiency, the integration of Axis Network Camera, CamStreamer applications, and Mettler Toledo IP electronic scale offers a unique, cutting-edge solution. This setup brings real-time data monitoring to the forefront, enhancing productivity and operational oversight.


Technical Solution

The technical setup includes an IP-connected Mettler Toledo scale (in this instance, the ICS685 model, though the solution is compatible with all models supporting the SICS protocol) and an Axis camera within the same Local Area Network (LAN).



The Axis camera has two onboard CamStreamer apps: the CamScripter App and the CamOverlay App. The CamScripter App utilizes a Node.js micro-app script, available for free on our GitHub. This script fetches live data from the scale and feeds it into the video's graphic overlay while simultaneously logging an event to the Axis Camera Station VMS. This script can fetch weight in selected unit or counting of pieces which this scale can do as well. CamOverlay App generates the real-time graphic overlay onto the video output of the camera.


The Result

This integration yields a two-fold result:

A real-time video from the camera with data integrated into the graphic overlay, forming part of the outgoing video from the Axis camera. This overlay presents the user with live data monitoring visually in the video stream.

Each weight or pieces measurement from the Mettler Toledo scale is registered as a distinct event within the Axis Camera Station VMS. This feature allows users to search, filter, and playback each measurement event, offering a detailed and highly accessible data archive.

In summary, this smart integration brings real-time data monitoring right to your fingertips, offering a revolutionary solution to enhance operational productivity and efficiency.


What You Need

Hardware

Software



Any compatible camera from Axis Communications with an ARTPEC-5/6/7/8 processor can be used for this integration. The full Axis camera portfolio is available at axis.com – just make sure to check compatibility with CamStreamer apps beforehand.



The Mettler Toledo Premium Scale ICS685 is ideal for advanced weighing applications, such as parts counting, checkweighing, totalizing or filling. Intuitive menus, user-definable function keys, a large innovative display and customizable prompting make operations fast and precise. A variety of interfaces guarantee integration with your system and connectivity of up to four scales. A wide range of capacities and readability up to 0.001g make the ICS series the perfect fit for your application. Choose from 0.6 to 35kg as a compact scale and up to 600kg as a free combination of terminal and platform.




AXIS Camera Station (Video Management System) – read more about how to setup external events in AXIS Camera Station VMS.