Can an ordinary CPU grade eggs in real time?

For classical vision, yes. In Vigiovo's tests, running on a single CPU core, the system processed about 90 frames per second with about 45 eggs on screen. Speed still depends on your camera and your line, so the test should be run with your own images.

Do I need a GPU to use deterministic vision?

No. Deterministic vision uses classical image operations, such as colour segmentation, the distance transform and watershed, which run on an ordinary CPU. A GPU is usually associated with neural networks, which Vigiovo does not use.

Does a GPU reduce the cost of inspection?

For classical vision, usually not. A GPU adds purchase cost, power consumption, heat and driver maintenance. It only pays off when the work needs acceleration that an ordinary CPU cannot deliver. Compare the total cost with the throughput your line actually needs.

Comparison · Inspection technology

CPU or GPU for computer vision in egg inspection?

Classical computer vision, such as colour, morphology and watershed, runs well on a CPU. A GPU makes the biggest difference for neural networks, which depend on many parallel multiplications. Vigiovo does not use neural networks and runs on an ordinary CPU, at about 90 frames per second on one core.

Updated October 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Which processor does camera egg inspection need?

For classical vision, an ordinary CPU is usually enough. Colour segmentation, the distance transform and watershed are fixed rules applied to the image, and they run well on a CPU.

A GPU makes more difference for neural networks, because these networks perform many matrix multiplications that benefit from parallel processing. Those who choose neural networks usually need a GPU to keep up with line speed. Those who choose deterministic vision, as Vigiovo does, usually do not. See deterministic vision vs neural networks for the comparison of the two methods.

What are the practical differences between a CPU and a GPU?

The table compares what usually weighs on a line's decision. It gives no prices and no laboratory measurements. It is a practical judgement, meant to guide the conversation with your IT team.

Practical, qualitative judgement, no prices
Criterion	Ordinary CPU	Dedicated GPU
Classical vision, such as colour and watershed	Suitable; this is where Vigiovo runs	Can be used, but not needed
Neural networks	Possible, but usually slow for real time with large models	The usual route to keep up the speed
Purchase cost	Lower, and available in any ordinary computer	Higher, since it is an extra component
Maintenance	Operating system and routine updates	Specific drivers, heat and extra power draw
Replacement	Simple, with common spare equipment	Depends on compatibility with the computer and power supply

Each option has its costs. Before deciding, consider the hardware you already have, who will maintain it and the throughput the line really needs.

How much processing does Vigiovo need?

Vigiovo runs on a CPU, without a GPU. In the project's tests, with 960×540 video and about 45 eggs on screen, it processed about 90 frames per second on a single core, with a mean latency of about 11 ms per frame. A single still image with 54 eggs was measured in about 41 ms.

These numbers come from a benchmark run by the project on one CPU core, and from synthetic scenes with known answers. They show the headroom of an ordinary processor, but they do not guarantee the same result on your computer. To work out the numbers for your line speed, see latency and throughput in inspection.

When does a GPU make sense?

A GPU makes sense when the system uses neural networks, or when the required throughput cannot be reached on an ordinary CPU even after optimising the processing. Before buying, confirm with measurements: if the throughput you need is already reached on a CPU, a GPU becomes cost without gain.

Vigiovo does not need a GPU to grade eggs. It records the reason for each egg in a per-egg record, so an audit depends on the measurements stored, not on the processor used.

Does a faster processor solve the camera's limits?

No. A faster processor does not let the camera see inside the egg, and it does not reduce the effect of glare or uneven light. The limits of light and position apply whatever the hardware.

For the other side of the equation, see how to choose a camera for egg inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Can an ordinary CPU grade eggs in real time?: For classical vision, yes. In Vigiovo's tests, running on a single CPU core, the system processed about 90 frames per second with about 45 eggs on screen. Speed still depends on your camera and your line, so the test should be run with your own images.
Do I need a GPU to use deterministic vision?: No. Deterministic vision uses classical image operations, such as colour segmentation, the distance transform and watershed, which run on an ordinary CPU. A GPU is usually associated with neural networks, which Vigiovo does not use.
Does a GPU reduce the cost of inspection?: For classical vision, usually not. A GPU adds purchase cost, power consumption, heat and driver maintenance. It only pays off when the work needs acceleration that an ordinary CPU cannot deliver. Compare the total cost with the throughput your line actually needs.

Sources

Como o Vigiovo classifica ovos sem IA / How Vigiovo grades eggs without AI, Vigiovo

How Vigiovo helps

Vigiovo grades eggs on the conveyor as clean, dirty, cracked or unverified, in real time, with deterministic computer vision: every decision comes with the measurements behind it, on an ordinary CPU.

See how it works