Automation Technology C3 - CMOS cameras for fast, three dimensional measurements using laser triangulation

The C3 camera series from AT Automation Technology extend the STEMMER IMAGING Group's range of 3D measurement components by adding laser scanning sensors with fast measurement speeds and high resolutions.

These robust laser scanning sensors are an efficient, attractively priced solution for industrial inspection applications that require three-dimensional imaging. Thanks to the on-board pre-processing of the raw image data, the C3 3D cameras offer previously unattainable frame rates for inspection, measurement and sorting in the third dimension.

The product family comprises of models with different features plus a range of corresponding accessories. The cameras deliver unbeatable performance and flexibility due to the extremely fast profile measurement speeds at the highest resolutions. By evaluating the laser line data within the camera, only the information that is relevant to the application is determined, such as profile height and intensity values, which can then be sent over the interface to a further imaging system (Common Vision Blox, for instance). The enormous reduction in the amount of data that is transmitted allows previously unattainable measuring speeds with minimum load on the imaging system being used for subsequent processing. The use of standard interfaces such as CameraLink and Gigabit Ethernet, allows uncomplicated integration into both new and existing systems.

Examples of possible applications

• Inspection tasks (e.g. adhesive bead, welded seams, wood, tyres, rubber seals, BGA, PCB, solder paste etc.)
• Inspection of components and surfaces
• Geometric inspection
• Robot control
• Rail measurement
• Foodstuff portioning

Technical Highlights

• 3D imaging using the laser scanning triangulation method
• Measuring speed:
  • C3-2350: up to 58 million 3D points/s (at 24600 profile/s), sensor resolution of 2352 x 1728 pixels for a pixel size of 7 μm
  • C3-1280: up to 60 million 3D points/s (at 47000 profile/s), sensor resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels for a pixel size of 12 μm
• Evaluation of the laser line on-board the camera
• Output of the height image via the standard camera interface
• Configurable camera modes: image mode, profile mode
• Selection of 3D camera algorithms: threshold selection method (TRSK), maximum method (MAX), centre-of-gravity (COG) method
• Maximum profile rate independent of the selected algorithm
• Simple configuration via camera register
• Configurable selection of the data output - e.g., height data or height data plus intensity data
• Genuine global snapshot shutter for accurate profiles with minimum motion distortion (blurring) (C3-1280)
• Programmable number of profiles merged to form an elevation image
• Up to 8 freely selectable sensor read-out windows (AOIs) in image and profile mode
• Configurable shutter modes: snapshot shutter (sequential and interleaved), rolling shutter
• Flexible trigger functions for profile and image triggering
• RS422 encoder interface with programmable counter for profile trigger generation and integral identification of direction of movement
• Data transmission over CameraLink or Gigabyte Ethernet interface via extension box
• Configurable I/Os for trigger function and synchronisation
• Storage of a user-defined start-up camera configuration in a configuration EEPROM
• Supported by Common Vision Blox
• Easy to integrate through compliance with the GenICam standard (transport layer available for CameraLink)