The new sensor series SmartRunner Explorer 3-D from Pepperl+Fuchs supplies the 3D vision data for controlling different applications.

It includes two device variants with their own measurement methods on one platform: Stereo Vision and Time-of-Flight. Housed in the same housing, with uniform user software and data output, the integration effort for 3D applications can be significantly reduced.

The stereo vision device has a range of one meter and a resolution of 1.4 megapixels. The size of the detection area is 400 x 350 mm at 600 mm and 550 x 500 mm at a distance of 900 mm. With these parameters, it is optimized for the high-precision detection of objects in this close range and is particularly suitable for inspection applications. For example, it can be used for checking and counting of defined objects or for volume acquisition. The additional depth information in the z-direction opens completely new application possibilities that remain closed with conventional sensors.

The device works with two cameras. Using the high-resolution 2D data, the sensor can be precisely aligned with the target object, which makes it easier to interpret the measurement results. In the first step, your 2D images are automatically superimposed to form a disparity image, which forms the basis of the 3D point cloud. It should also be mentioned that all devices are factory calibrated.