The Ensenso N20 with a gigabit Ethernet interface. Equipped with two high resolution 1.3 megapixel CMOS sensors, the new 3D camera provides a wider field of view and is therefore also suitable for capturing larger volumes and for working distances of up to 3 meters. 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 GigE interface also permits cable lengths of up to 100 m and, because the camera is "powered over Ethernet" (PoE), there is no need for an additional cable for the power supply.
The new GigE 3D camera also works according to the "projected texture stereo vision" principle; the integrated projector casts a random point pattern onto the object to be captured, enhancing structures that are not visible or are only faintly visible. Each individual shot therefore delivers a virtually flawless 3D image. The stereo camera is comparatively small, despite the integrated projector and the two CMOS sensors. Measuring only 175 x 50 x 50 mm, it takes up little space and its robust aluminum housing and screw-in connections also make it extremely suitable for industrial use.
It comes with an interface to the MVTec HALCON image processing library and an extensive Software Development Kit (SDK), which is identical for the GigE and USB model. The Ensenso 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 combined into one 3D dataset automatically. Thus, an object can 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 you to easily integrate uEye industrial cameras with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or GigE connections, for example, to capture addition color information or barcodes as well as 3D images.
Other interesting features of the SDK include 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. Speaking of easy: The Ensenso N20 is pre-calibrated and comes ready for immediate use. The user is provided with metric 3D data "out of the box".
The new 3D camera with the GigE connection is available with different focal lengths. A camera selector on the IDS website (www.ids-imaging.de) helps the user to choose the right model. IDS also provides comprehensive system consulting on how to use the camera and software as well as relevant Ensenso and Halcon training.