SICK has unveiled the first in a new generation of Ruler3000 3D streaming cameras, designed to offer a fast track for integrators to use SICK’s high-definition 3D imaging technology in an “easy-to-integrate”, pre-calibrated device.
The Ruler3000 combines SICK’s Ranger3 streaming camera with a Class 2 eye-safe laser, pre-selected optics and fixed geometries to enable simpler configuration and commissioning. With industry-standard compliance giving access to machine vision software tools, the Ruler3000 is designed to cut time and complexity when integrating more demanding inspection, measurement and robot guidance tasks across a wide range of industries.
Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Imaging, Measurement and Ranging, stated: “With today’s demands for higher throughputs, more accurate quality control and flexible, batch-orientated production, the pressure is mounting to deliver more speed and accuracy from 3D machine vision systems.
“The SICK Ruler3000 is an exciting prospect for OEMs, system integrators and accomplished 3D vision end users. Because so much of the configuration and commissioning work is already done, you can rapidly shortcut to integrating a continuous stream of industry-standard data into higher-level systems or robot controls. And, with accurate 3D, reflectance and scattered light measurements in one device, you can evaluate several aspects of the inspection simultaneously to achieve optimum control and measurement confidence”.
Powered by SICK’s CMOS sensor and ROCC (Rapid On-Chip Calculation) technology, the Ruler3000’s integrated streaming camera processes up to 15.4Gp/s to enable up to 7000 full-frame 3D profiles per second. The Ruler3000 extracts the true 3D shape of an object, regardless of its contrast or colour, as well as simultaneously capturing greyscale and scattered light measurements, so image processing and measurement precision can be optimised.
The Ruler3000’s light sensitivity enables accurate inspection of even very dark or reflective materials, whilst its High Dynamic Range (HDR) function allows components with differing light remissions such as tyres and shiny metal assemblies to be captured in a single scan.
SICK states that the Ruler3000’s “outstanding performance on light, dark, reflective and contrasting surfaces, together with its guaranteed field of view, make it ideal for high-end inspection and precise localisation duties, when mounted above a conveyor or on a robot arm”. It can therefore be used in applications and industries including electronics, automotive components, consumer goods, food and beverage and pharmaceutical production.
The Ruler3000 can be integrated via SICK’s GenIStream API that facilitates integration for C# and C++ users. Full compatibility with industry standards such as GigEvision and GenICam, allows plug and play access to third-party software such as HALCON and LabVIEW. In addition, developers can use SICK’s AppSpace software development platform which features a range of image processing tools and application examples.
SICK plans to release more variants with different fields of view during 2021.
You can find more information about SICK and the Ruler3000 on its website.
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