With Affordable 3D Camera In New Dimensions

2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:12

Broadened into new dimensions: Current industry-standard 3D camera systems can reliably detect even fast objects under harsh environmental conditions. Their real-time depth data form the basis for fully automated processes in production lines, logistics and industrial applications, in which intelligent devices make autonomous decisions.

From the consumer area to industry

"The consumer sector has discovered 3D vision for itself," says Dr. Christopher Scheubel from image processing specialist Framos, for example in Dohnen or robot vacuum cleaners. This was the beginning of the triumphal march of depth cameras - which is now reaching the industrial environment. These “roots” have advantages: for example, the large quantities that ensure affordable prices, but also the shorter product life and development cycles compared to industrial applications, which allow the technology to advance quickly. A typical representative of this technology are the relatively inexpensive Real-Sense cameras from Intel.

Picture gallery

However, the requirements in industrial automation for 3D cameras differ: here they have to function in harsh production environments and also reliably recognize fast-moving objects, for example if they are mounted on robot arms. A stable and latency-free data transmission over longer distances, for example with Gigabit Ethernet vision (GigE), is just as essential as the uncomplicated integration. "A robust housing, screwable plugs instead of USB and long cable lengths are also important," explains Scheubel.

Seminar tip

Image processing is a key industrial technology. The seminar "The entry into industrial image processing" imparts the necessary knowledge to get into the topic.

Adapted to industrial requirements

Taking this requirement into account, Framos developed the D435e 3D camera, an industrial version of the Intel Real-Sense camera. she offers

• Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• a dust and water protected, stable IP66 aluminum housing (IP67 on request)
• screwable connections for Gigabit Ethernet and power supply
• four mounting holes on the housing for easy mounting
• Cable lengths up to 100 m.

The powerful technology is well protected inside the 100 x 47 x 38 mm small and 250 g light camera. The basic function, like in humans, is based on stereoscopic vision. The two-eyed observation of objects and objects creates a real, quantified depth perception. The camera can be used with the Intel Real Sense SDK 2.0 and any other GigE vision software.

Open up new areas of application

The simple operation, the uncomplicated integration as a plug-and-play 3D vision solution and the affordable price open up numerous areas of application for the robust camera. Interesting possibilities can be found, for example, in robotics. A “sighted” robot can, for example, recognize different parts in pick-and-place applications and place them in a targeted manner, either on a processing station, a conveyor belt or a driverless transport system. Thanks to 3D vision, the latter can then move around completely autonomously, safely and freely in the room without additional systems such as rails, brands or the like, avoiding people or other systems.

Camera sensors and lighting

How to choose the right lighting for camera applications

Christopher Scheubel sees another application in medical devices, which, thanks to the camera system, always align themselves optimally with the respective patient. And with the help of the appropriate software, "people's movements are clearly recognizable".

Other areas that benefit from 3D vision solutions can be found in collaborative robotics. “Sighted” cobots could interact with humans much better, says Scheubel. Controlling a cobot using gestures is also conceivable for him. He sees further areas of application, for example, in "area monitoring, for example in a warehouse or for securing machines", in agriculture for monitoring growth or in harvesters, and in mining to set the roller spacing in machines for crushing the bulk material. (jv)