Cognex: True 3D vision for machines to see the "real world"

Traditional machine vision systems detect objects by simplifying the 3D "real world" into a 2D flat image. In the past, we used to extract width and length dimension data from 2D machine vision images by carefully selecting software and hardware and performing calibration.

Today, the vast majority of industrial applications involve things such as guiding, identifying, measuring, or inspecting 3D objects. While 3D machine vision can capture and process information about the length, width, and height of objects, most solutions on the market today lack 3D algorithms and tools designed for high-density 3D point clouds (often referred to as true 3D), resulting in suboptimal results.

Cognex: True 3D vision for machines to see the "real world"

　　*Guidance, identification, measurement, and inspection are common industrial applications of machine vision for automating and scaling processes

　　True 3D .

By presenting data as a 3D point cloud, Cognex offers a true 3D solution that avoids perceptual distortion – an advanced image processing solution that combines cost-effective 3D imaging hardware with powerful 3D algorithms to improve measurement accuracy while locating hidden or obscured defects. In addition, by showing a 3D object that is presented in all directions, rather than a 2.5D image that conveys height information through color, this will make it easier for the operator to perform the job.

Inspection systems that generate 3D point clouds provide more accurate results than 2.5D height maps. When it comes to solving vision-based applications, 3D point clouds eliminate uncertainty while providing a number of advantages:

Reduce false negatives/false positives

Ability to detect a wider range of objects and shapes

Improve operational efficiency

Simplify training and speed deployment

　　*Example of a comparison between the 2.5D method and the 3D solution: When the coffee cup is rotated, the 2.5D tool will interpret the inside of the concave surface as a plane, while the true 3D tool will collect curvature information and generate a more accurate representation of the object

Put simply, a true 3D point cloud is a super "data set" that provides measurements in different dimensions and can be combined with an extensive toolset that makes it as easy and clear as viewing inspection results in the real world.

Cognex designed the In-Sight 3D-L4000 vision tool with true 3D in mind, allowing for the extraction of shape information and the identification of angles and edges. By placing vision tools directly on a true 3D image of a component, users can improve accuracy and extend the use of the technology to automotive, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and electronics.

　　*The In-Sight 3D-L4000 3D vision system combines laser displacement technology, a smart camera, and spot-free blue laser optics to provide a full suite of 3D vision tools designed for use in true 3D space

3D machine vision is now widely adopted around the world because it mimics human visual perception and provides an intuitive way for humans to interact with modern machines. These future-proof 3D vision systems will require multiple sensors and dense true 3D point cloud data to solve more demanding assembly and inspection tasks. By employing advanced image processing algorithms and 3D optimization tools, Cognex is also well-positioned to help shape the future of advanced manufacturing.

Cognex: True 3D vision for machines to see the "real world"

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