The Ensenso X 3D allows for an expanded field of view, higher resolution and lower noise levels

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH now offers the Ensenso X 3D camera system with high- resolution 5 MP cameras featuring the IMX264 CMOS Sony sensor. Compared to the currently available 1.3 MP sensors, they allow for an expanded field of view, higher resolution and lower noise levels. However, improved 3D image quality also means larger amounts of data and therefore potentially longer processing times. IDS offers a solution to cope with these requirements as well: Using the new EnsensoSDK 2.2, Stereo matching can now be supported by the Nvidia CUDA graphics card, which speeds up the process by about five times. This feature and other functions of the software development kit can be used with all cameras of the Ensenso N and X series.

The application fields of Ensenso X range from robotic parts handling in factory automation (e.g. bin picking) to pallet commissioning in warehouse and logistics automation. The 3D camera system is now even more flexible and powerful thanks to new the latest developments: both new 5 MP cameras and an updated software development kit are now available.

Thanks to the larger field of view of the 5 MP sensors, for example, the distance between the camera system and object can be reduced: In order to completely capture a packed Euro pallet with a volume of 120 x 80 x 100 cm, a distance of only 1.25 m instead of 1.5 m is required. The Z-accuracy improves from 0.43 mm to 0.2 mm. Further advantages of the new models include an increase of up to 35% in lateral resolution with more than 30% lower noise, so that details and depth information can be captured even more precisely.

With the new Ensenso X models users can choose between compact GigE uEye CP cameras and robust GigE uEye FA cameras with IP65/67 protection class – in just the way that is possible with the 1.3 MP systems. The new cameras use the GigE Vision standard to communicate with the pattern projector. This eliminates the need for an additional installation of the IDS Software Suite.

Ensenso X also offers useful software innovations. Up until now, 3D data couild only be processed using a CPU. With the new SDK release, however, stereo matching can now also be GPU-based. This feature can specifically be used with Nvidia GPUs. Depending on the parameterization of the system, the additional computing capacity of the GPU accelerates the processing by about five times.

IDS also introduces a GUI tool ("NxProfiler") which enables developers to evaluate and optimize processes. In addition, so-called virtual “Ensenso FileCameras" can be created from saved original data which users then can use to process data offline. The new EnsensoSDK 2.2 is now available for download.

Visit: https://en.ids-imaging.com/ensenso-stereo-3d-camera.html