Triple vision in quest for excellence

From precise monitoring to picking and automation: there are countless applications that benefit from reliable image information. But what can be done when there is only a tight budget to realise such an application?

Camera manufacturer IDS Imaging Development Systems says that, with the introduction of uEye XCP, Ensenso S and the IDS NXT ocean Creative Kit, industrial-grade image processing technology does not have to be expensive.

Smallest housed camera with C-mount on market

IDS will be offering the new uEye XCP industrial camera family from October. Measuring only 29 x 29 mm, with a length of just 17 mm, a zinc die-cast housing with C-mount encloses the cost-optimised camera electronics. This allows the tiny cameras to be used with budget-friendly lenses. All models feature a screwable USB3 port (SuperSpeed USB, 5 Gpbs) for Micro B connectors and are 100% GenICam compliant.

During development, great importance was given to a cost-efficient design. “This makes them perfect for price-sensitive applications where simple camera requirements are needed,” states the company. “They can be used, for example, for analysis tasks in laboratories, as eyes in autonomously navigating vehicles in production or for visual support of robots in the field of automation.”

Budget-friendly 3D vision for wide variety of applications

The Ensenso S series from IDS has been specially designed for applications that require favourably priced, easy-to-integrate and industrial-grade 3D camera technology. Equipped with an ultra-compact zinc die-cast housing (IP65/67), a 1.6 MP Sony sensor and an infrared LED laser, the models are said to deliver fast and accurate 3D data, using laser point triangulation, supported by artificial intelligence. Thus, the camera provides robust 3D information, even in low ambient light. Ensenso S is particularly suitable for large-volume projects and companies that want to take their first steps in 3D vision.

Getting started with AI vision

Image processing with artificial intelligence goes far beyond what rule-based image processing can do, adds IDS Imaging Development Systems. “Thanks to IDS NXT ocean, users need no expertise in deep learning, image processing or camera programming to train and run a neural network. If you want to test the IDS NXT ocean embedded vision system and evaluate its potential for your applications, you should take a look at the IDS NXT Creative Kit. It gives you all the components you need to create, train and run a neural network.”

In addition to an IDS NXT industrial camera with 1.6 MP Sony sensor, lens, cable and tripod adapter, the package includes six months' access to the AI training software IDS NXT lighthouse.

To make it as easy as possible for new customers to get started with the technology, the package is available at a reduced price until the end of October, the company confirms.