Processing and Networking Benefits for 3D Inspection

Pleora’s eBUS Edge provides a seamless software-based approach to convert 3D sensors into GigE Vision devices. By converting 3D data into GigE Vision, end-users can employ off-the-shelf image processing software and evolve towards advanced factory automation applications integrating real-time machine-to-machine networking.

3D fringe projection systems display a structure light pattern onto the surface to be inspected. Specialized area scan sensors use this pattern to search for corresponding points and generate a 3D point cloud that is transmitted for processing. Typically, 3D data has been transmitted over legacy or proprietary interfaces, which poses integration complexities for end-users employing off-the-shelf software.

Pleora’s eBUS Edge is a software solution that converts an existing imaging source into a fully compliant GigE Vision, GenICam device without adding additional hardware to a small footprint, portable, or mobile inspection system. With integrated multi-part support, sensor data from multiple sources or regions is transmitted with associated metadata, such as sensor information, GPS data, timestamp, etc. For example, in a 3D application images from the left and right cameras, a 3D depth map and confidence map, and chunk data is integrated into a multi-part payload that is sent to the receiver.

eBUS Edge transmits uncompressed 2D imaging data or 3D data using multi-part payloads with low, predictable latency over off-the-shelf Ethernet cabling directly to existing ports on a computer used for analysis and display. The extended reach of Ethernet enables processing to be located away from harsh inspection environments, while the flexible cable is suited for mobile and robotic systems.

At the processor, eBUS Receive manages high-speed reception of images or data into buffers for hand-off to the end application for further analysis. With eBUS Receive, developers can write applications that run on a host computer to seamlessly control and configure an unlimited number of GigE Vision, USB3 Vision, and GenICam compliant sensor devices. The eBUS Universal Pro driver reduces CPU usage when receiving 2D images or 3D data, leaving more processing power for analysis and inspection applications while helping to meet latency and throughput requirements for automated real-time inline inspection applications.