Configure 3D sensor via app in three minutes

3D image processing opens up possibilities in numerous applications that are difficult to realize with conventional 2D sensors. However, a prerequisite for this is that the 3D systems can be easily installed, configured and integrated into the application. This is exactly what is possible with the 3D sensors O3D.

Configuration via app
But it is the software that has often presented many image processing users with problems in the past. The processing of the raw data to the pixels, the parameterization as well as the pattern recognition and the development of corresponding algorithms require a high degree of image processing know-how. With the 3D sensors ifm is now taking a new path: In so-called apps, the algorithms for one application at a time are already fully programmed. Setting up the app for the respective framework conditions is simple - knowledge of image processing is not necessary for this. The app also independently determines the optimum limit values of the measurements during configuration. This makes using a 3D sensor almost as easy as using a conventional optical distance sensor with teach-in function. In three minutes, the configuration of the app is complete and the operation of the system can start. In a completeness check in the beverage industry, for example, the 3D sensor sends a switching signal to indicate whether the container is complete or not.
Currently, two apps are already pre-implemented and come with the 3D sensor. In addition to the completeness check described above, the volume determination of cuboid objects for storage and conveying technology is also integrated. The algorithm determines the height, width and length of the object and forwards the values to the warehouse management system or an ERP system via Ethernet. This makes it possible to determine the important variables in logistics, such as volume and girth.