Category: Cameras

Most industries go through waves of technology and product innovation as they mature. In powered flight we had propellers long before jets, though each still has its place. In machine vision, 1D and 2D imaging took several decades to mature before 3D moved from experimentation and early innovation to mature products affordable to many. Download our Tech Brief “Which 3D imaging technique is best for my application?“, if you haven’t yet committed to a particular approach.

Stereo vision is one of the fastest growing approaches to 3D imaging, thanks to Moore’s Law and ever more powerful and compact cameras, processing power, together with modularized and turnkey products. 1st Vision is pleased to represent IDS Imaging’s Ensenso series of 3D cameras. In addition to the downloadable Tech Brief linked above, we encourage you to read on for an overview of all four Ensenso 3D camera families, the S, N, C, and X Series, respectively. If you prefer we guide you directly to a best-fit for your application, just give us a call at 978-474-0044.

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Before we get to several different stereo vision series, and their respective capabilities, we note that IDS’ Ensenso S Series in fact utilizes the structured light approach rather than stereo vision. Per the Tech Brief linked above, there are several ways to do 3D.

S Series

Ensenso S Series are compact 3D industrial cameras combining AI software with 3D infrared laser point triangulation, generating point clouds to Z dimension accuracy of 2.4 mm at 1 meter distance. They are a cost-effective solution for many budget-conscious and high volume 3D applications. Each is in a zinc housing with IP65/67 protection.

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Back to stereo vision, IDS Ensenso  N, C, X and XR 3D Series are based on the stereo vision principle.

N Series

Ensenso N Series 3D cameras are designed for harsh industrial environments and pre-calibrated for easy setup.  N Series 3D cameras are “TM Plug & Play” certified by Techman Robot, and suitable for many 3D applications such as robotics and factory automation.

The Ensenso N Series 3D camera works for either static or moving objects even in changing or low light conditions.  With IP65/67 protection, and a compact design, the Ensenso N Series 3D cameras fit into tight spaces or in moving components such as robotic arms. There are two variants:

• N3X: aluminum housing for optimal heat dissipation in extreme environments
• N4X: cost-effective plastic composite housing

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C Series

The Ensenso C Series 3D camera, also uses stereo vision, but additionally embeds a color CMOS RGB sensor, pre-calibrated and aligned with the stereo vision system. This allows a “colorized” effect as shown in the video clip below, where one sees 3 adjacent image pairs. Each “right image” is the colorized augmentation on top of the initial stereo point cloud view to its left. Most would agree it lends a more realistic look.

The C Series delivers Z accuracy 0.1 mm at 1 meter distance, with the C-57S, or 0.2mm at 2 meters, with C-57M.

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X Series

Ensenso X Series 3D camera is an ultra-flexible, modular, 3D GigE industrial camera system. The X Series 3D camera systems are available with a choice of two variants: X30 and X36.

The Ensenso X30 3D camera system is designed to capture moving objects making it suitable for many industrial applications such as factory automation production lines, and bin picking.

For static objects, use the Ensenso X36 3D camera system. FlexView2 greatly increases the resolution producing 3D images with precise detail and definition of the objects being captured even with low light or reflective surfaces.

The Ensenso X 3D camera system includes a 100 watt LED projector with an integrated GigE power switch. The 3D camera system can be configured with many GigE uEye cameras and a 1.6 or 5 megapixel CMOS monochrome sensor to create your customized 3D imaging system.

Working distances may be up to 5m, and point cloud models may be developed for objects up to 8 cubic meters in volume!

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All of the above cameras include the Ensenso SDK software that accelerates the application set up, configuration and development time. Ensenso 3D cameras are ideal for numerous industrial 3D applications including robotics, logistics, factory automation, sorting, and quality assurance.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

In this focused blog we call out 4 specific camera models with 10GigE interfaces, ideal for life sciences and security applications, though of course not limited to those. In particular, there are two 1:1 square format sensors, with 37 and 67M pixels, respectively, that each come in monochrome and color offerings.

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Context if you want it: Teledyne DALSA recently augmented its Genie Nano series, to include the 10GigE interface, beyond the previous 1, 2, and 5GigE offerings, per our overview blog released in June 2023. Of particular interest there is a graphic showing throughput by interface across the whole range of Teledyne area scan cameras. It’s a convenient way of understanding how the different levels of GigE interface compare to USB, CameraLink, and CXP interfaces.

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Back to the 37 and 67M cameras in particular… What makes these cameras distinctive in the current market?

Non-stitched sensors:

These sensors are non-stitched. While some competitors use dual or quad sensor readout zones to drive framerates, they have to work hard to achieve tap balance outcomes satisfactory to the user – not easy under certain conditions. But with the 10GigE interface, when image quality is paramount for your application, these cameras deliver impressive framerates and images free from any tap balance artefacts. At full resolution, the 67M camera delivers 15fps, and the 37M provides 20fps.

If you love these two sensors, and want even faster framerates than what 10GigE can support, note that the same sensors appear in the Falcon4 with the CameraLink High Speed (CLHS) interface. With CLHS these sensors deliver 90 and 120fps, respectively!

Other features of note:

• 67M model is the most compact on the market at 41 mm x 59 mm x 59 mm
• Multi-ROI up to 16 regions – further boost framerates by moving only essential image data
• Robust and performant Teledyne Sapera driver or 3rd party GenICam compliant SDKs
• 10 – 36V or PoE (single cable for power, data, and control signals)
• M42 lens mount

Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization of two or more cameras over GigE network, avoiding the need for hardware triggers and controllers, for many applications.

Uniquely from Teledyne DALSA is their proprietary Trigger to Image Reliability (T2IR):

• Manage exceptions in a controlled manner
• Verify critical imaging events such as lost frames, lines, or triggers
• Tag images for traceability

The Teledyne e2V sensors used in these cameras are designed and produced here in North America. Not to play politics when we all participate in global supply chains in our personal and professional lives, but for certain contract approvals or risk assessments it can be beneficial when the country of origin question is any easy one to answer.

Sometimes new camera families or models are just “me too” market followers – often worthy but not innovative as such. But the Genie Nano 10G-M/C-6200 and 10G-M/C–8200 cameras are game changers. Call us for a quote! 978-474-0044.

Even if you don’t need the resolution or performance of the 37 or 67M Genie Nano 10GigE right now, the Teledyne DALSA Genie Nano families include products using 1, 2, and 5GigE, 10GigE, CXP, and CLHS interfaces. That ranges from “fast enough” (and modestly priced) through fast and on to very fast. If you have diverse imaging projects, there are economies of scale, and efficiencies in deployment, by using drivers, SDKs, and features shared by multiple cameras – and mastered by your team.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

Previously we’ve introduced AT Automation Technology 3D scanners, which use triangulation – together with precision optics and embedded algorithms – to build a point cloud representation of 3D objects.

While there are interesting scanning applications in diverse industries, including automotive, food processing, battery production, display inspection, and more, in this piece we focus on the automotive industry. Below we offer a collection of short videos that help to tell the story. Each application utilizes AT Automation Technology 3D laser profilers.

CONTACT US to discuss your application! We have longstanding returning customers who know we like to help you choose the right cameras and components. It’s what we do.

Inspection of brake discs, for surface defects, duration 1 minute 24 seconds:

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Inspection of stamped metal parts, duration 37 seconds:

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Inspecting asymmetrical objects, duration 50 seconds:

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You don’t have to be in the automotive industry to take advantage of AT Automation Technology 3D laser scanning! Food processing, display inspection, battery production – indeed all sorts of 3D applications are enabled or enhanced by laser triangulation approaches to building 3D point clouds for a scanned object, and comparing the scan to the idealized perfect object. The difference calculation determines if the test object is within the defined tolerances.

We have videos for other industries and applications available, and sales engineers who can help guide you to a solution for your particular needs. Call us at 978-474-0044.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!

“Smart Cameras” for regular machine vision are not new, but a “Smart Thermal camera” is completely new.  Smart cameras attractively reduce or eliminate the need for a computer host, for some applications, putting the image processing onboard the camera.  That can lower costs and/or speed processing by eliminating components and data transfer time. 

AT – Automation Technology provides the IRSX series, bringing smart cameras to the IR space.  

In this overview, we address in turn each of:

• Camera attributes
• Smart camera and communications/control features
• Example applications

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Camera attributes: (physical)

Detector type: Focal Plane Array (FPA), uncooled microbolometer

Range: Thermal measurement range -10°C to +550°C

Precision: Measurement accuracy of +/- 2°C or +/- 2%

ROIs: Supports temperature evaluation based on an unlimited number of ROIs

Rugged: Rugged housing with air purge for the lens

Size: small enough to fit in the tightest of spaces (55 x 55 x 77 mm)

Options: Different models with different resolutions, FoV and frame rates available

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Smart camera and communications/control features:

GigE Vision: Complies to the newest GenICam standard

SDK options: Bundled irsxSupportPackage, AT’s comprehensive SDK, includes interfaces to popular third party packages as well

Smart Processing App: Complete functionality to create applications solutions
for a stand-alone operation of camera

Web-based configuration of your measurement task and display of results

IoT communications: Modbus server and client for IoT communication with
external devices

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Example Applications: Besides the general purpose ability to monitor industrial infrastructure for early detection of combustion, specific industries taking advantage of IR applications include plastics, iron and steel, food processing, automotive, chemical, oil and gas, and electrical utilities, to name a few.

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Are you already using IR imaging, and want to know more about how a smart IR camera could enhance existing applications – or innovate new ways to add value to your product and service offering? Or will your first IR application be with a smart camera? Call us at 978-474-0044 and we’ll be happy to learn more about your unique applications requirements – and how we can help. That’s what we do.

1st Vision’s sales engineers have over 100 years of combined experience to assist in your camera and components selection.  With a large portfolio of lenses, cables, NIC card and industrial computers, we can provide a full vision solution!