Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras - linchpin for maximum precision and speed

The principle of 3D laser triangulation
In 3D laser triangulation, the synergy between camera and laser is key to capture precise 3D measurements. In this technique the laser emits a beam onto the object, and the camera records how the laser light reflects off the surface. By analyzing this reflection, the system calculates distances and angles, enabling the creation of an accurate 3D profile of the object.

Photonfocus' 3D laser triangulation cameras play a central role in this process, serving as the linchpin for maximum precision and speed. In a wide range of applications where precise 3D measurements are required, Photonfocus cameras are the critical component that unlocks the full potential of 3D laser triangulation technology. Crucial to their efficiency is also the selection of the right camera based on professional advice from our camera experts.


3D laser profiling with maximum precision and speed - theory and practice

The theory


In the field of machine vision, 3D laser profiling, also known as 3D laser triangulation, is used in a variety of industries to optimize production processes, for quality control and defect detection. The proven process uses the geometric interaction between the camera and laser to capture and analyze objects in 3D in real time.

The practice


In practice, 3D laser profiling presents system integrators and OEMs with major challenges. Interference and reflections in 3D machine vision applications can significantly impair the reliability of measurement results. The inspection of irrelevant areas can also significantly increase data processing time and slow down processes.

3D laser profiling with Photonfocus cameras

Reliable measurement results

Our 3D cameras use on-board camera filters that minimize interfering influences. The robust algorithms in the camera's FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) have been specially developed by Photonfocus to suppress artifacts and reflections. This is of particular importance when it comes to highly reflective materials, as the correct laser line can thus be reliably identified.

Faster data processing

The on-board processing in the FPGA of our cameras allows data to be processed directly in the camera, which leads to a significant reduction in data bandwidth and considerably faster results. Filter functions such as multi-ROI (multiple region of interest), moving ROI and line skipping also enable only relevant areas to be inspected. This saves time and resources.



Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras have proven themselves in many industrial applications.


Learn in our whitepaper what makes photon3D cameras the perfect choice for precise and fast 3D laser triangulation.


Electronics manufacturing

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in solder joint inspection

 

Solder joint inspection:
 

  • 3D profile provides detailed information about the joint's shape and dimensions
  • Detection of manufacturing defects​ such as insufficient solder, solder bridges, misalignment, irregularities in solder joints
 

 

 

Food processing

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in food processing

 

High speed meat slicer:
 
  • Fixes the start and the end of a cut line
  • Determines optimal cut slice thickness
 

 

 

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in cookie inspection

 

Cookie inspection:
 
  • Circularity inspection
  • Missing or partial “piece“ inspection
 

 

 

Infrastructure maintenance

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in drainpipe inspection

 

Drainpipe inspection detects:
 

  • Cracks in pipe​
  • Breaks in pipe​
  • Disruptions ​
  • Sedimentation
 

 

 

Material processing

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in lumber / log metrology inspection

 

Lumber / log metrology inspection:
 

  • Surface Inspection​
  • Determines log diameter​​
  • Pre-selection for optimal cut​
 

 

 

Structural health monitoring

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in steel cable inspection

 

Steel cable inspection:
 

  • Helps assess structural integrity and health
  • Detect structural damage, wear, or stress
  • Identifiy physical damage: corrosion, cracks
  • Measure the displacement of steel cables
  • Ensure timely maintenance and repairs​
 

 

 

Traffic and transportation

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in rail track inspection

 

Rail track inspection:
 

  • Precise information on the track profile
  • Identify deviations from target profile
  • Detect defects: cracks, wear, irregularities
  • Enable predictive maintenance
 

 

 

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in train wheel inspection

 

Train wheel inspection:
 

  • Quality and wear inspection
  • Wheel thickness measurement​​
  • Lasers fitted underneath track at train service station!​
 

 

 

Photonfocus 3D triangulation cameras in tunnel inspection

 

Tunnel inspection:
 

  • Capturing tunnel's geometry
  • Assessment of the tunnel's condition
  • Identification of defects
  • Ensure structural integrity
  • Tunnel maintenance and safety
 

 

 

photon3D: The perfect choice for precise and fast 3D laser profiling


The Linefinder algorithm of the photon3D cameras is the heart of 3D laser triangulation. It reliably detects the laser line and calculates a 3D profile in the camera with subpixel accuracy.

What you will learn in our whitepaper:
 

✓ The advantages of our LineFinder algorithms for 3D laser profiling

✓ The precision of laser line recognition in complex measurement scenarios  

✓ The importance of our special onboard filters for precision and speed

✓ How precise laser line detection can be done on highly reflective surfaces

Download whitepaper

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Contact me. I will be happy to help you.


Mike Faulkner Sales Manager Americas
Languages: English, French

Phone: +1 514 663 7292
E-Mail: faulkner@photonfocus.com