IDS Imaging Development Systems has introduced the compact Ensenso N10 stereo 3D camera with USB interface. The camera works according to a procedure called projected texture stereo vision. It is fitted with two global shutter CMOS sensors and a pattern projector, which projects a random dot pattern onto the object to be captured. The key advantage of the pattern is that it also works in multi-camera operation and is ideal for capturing unstructured surfaces.
As the Ensenso N10 is factory calibrated, installation of the camera for 3D surface matching using the MVTec Halcon interface takes less than ten minutes out of the box. Using the free software interface supplied, the camera can be integrated easily into application programs.
When working with multiple cameras, the software package also enables the user to output a single 3D point cloud containing the data of all the cameras. Using multiple cameras at the same time enables a scene to be captured synchronously from different sides, thus reducing shadowing effects and extending the field of view. The Ensenso N10 camera is designed for working distances of 300mm to 1,400mm and for variable fields of view. Unlike other 3D recording procedures, the camera can capture both static and moving objects at up to 30fps.
The projector projects a static, high-contrast texture onto the scene and brings out structures that are not visible or are only faintly visible on the object. Combined with the new semi-global matching image comparison algorithm, the Ensenso N10 captures nearly all surfaces within the field of vision. The system works with pulsed infrared light and is highly resistant to external light influences.
The sturdy aluminium housing measures 150 x 45 x 45mm. The suitability of the camera for industrial applications is underlined by a lockable 3-pin M8 Pluscon connector with GPIOs for 12-24V hardware trigger input and output as well as a lockable USB cable. The camera is suitable for a wide range of applications. However, applications in the areas of medical engineering, robotics and gripping technology, logistics, completeness checking, rapid volume measurement, as well as measurement technology and safety engineering benefit particularly from the innovative camera. With a refresh rate of 30fps, the Ensenso N10 can be used completely in-line and is therefore ideal for use in 100 per cent inspections.
The comprehensive software package, which is included free of charge, has an MVTec Halcon interface and an object-oriented API (C++), thus allowing optimum integration into existing systems.
