New GigE 3D stereo camera for 3D vision and robot vision applications!

The latest 3D stereo camera in the Ensenso range from IDS features a gigabit Ethernet interface and integrated texture projection. Equipped with two high resolution 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensors, the new Ensenso N20 camera provides a wider field of view allowing imaging of larger volumes and for working distances of up to 3 metres. A more powerful projector with blue LEDs together with the high resolution of the sensors provides a much greater level of detail and precise 3D data, even with difficult surfaces.

The new camera utilises the "projected texture stereo vision" principle. An integrated projector casts a random point pattern onto the object to be captured, enhancing structures that are either not visible or only faintly visible. Each individual shot therefore delivers a virtually flawless 3D image. The camera measures only 175 x 50 x 50 mm, despite the integrated projector and the two CMOS sensors and its robust aluminum housing and screw-in connections make it extremely suitable for industrial use. The GigE interface permits cable lengths of up to 100 m and, since is "powered over Ethernet" (PoE), there is no need for an additional cable for the power supply.

Like the earlier Ensenso N10 USB model, the Ensenso N20 is supplied with an interface to the MVTec HALCON image processing library and an extensive Software Development Kit (SDK). The software has been optimized particularly for robot vision applications as well as for multi-camera applications. The data from two or more inter-connected 3D cameras is automatically combined into one 3D dataset, allowing an object to be captured from several sides. In addition, the working area and the resulting precision can be scaled to meet virtually any requirements by adjusting the number of cameras installed. The Ensenso software also allows the easy integration of IDS uEye industrial cameras with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or GigE connections, for example, to capture additional colour information or barcodes as well as 3D images.

The SDK also includes software-controlled subsampling and binning, which allows extremely flexible data and frame rates, e.g. up to 80 Hz, and hand-eye calibration, which makes it easier to integrate the camera in bin-picking applications, for instance. The Ensenso N20 is pre-calibrated and comes ready for immediate use. The user is provided with metric 3D data "out of the box".

Available with different focal lengths, the correct model for the application can be chosen using the camera selector on their website!