IDS Imaging adds Nion ToF sensor to its portfolio of 3D cameras

The Nion iToF sensor combines a global shutter, pixel-internal memory and a fast readout structure. | Source: IDS Imaging

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH this week expanded its 3D sensor portfolio with Nion. The new product is an industrial time-of-flight, or ToF, camera that features 1.2-megapixel resolution and integrated depth processing. The Nion 3D camera is now available in series production.

The company said the new camera provides high resolution and temporally stable depth information at 30 fps. It continues to work during rapid movements and under changing lighting conditions. IDS said Nion is suitable for applications where precise 3D data is required at real-world process speeds, such as logistics, automation, and robotics.

“The Nion provides stable depth data even under variable lighting conditions,” said Patrick Schick, the product manager for 3D vision and imaging software at IDS. “This provides a solid foundation for automation processes that rely on fast and accurate 3D data.”

Founded in 1997, Obsersulm, Germany-based IDS Imaging offers 2D and 3D cameras, monitoring cameras, and AI-supported models are modular, intuitive, and versatile. Its portfolio includes around 5,000 products.

The company has a team of more than 320 employees from 21 countries. This includes branches in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and the U.K. as well as representative offices in France, the Benelux countries, and India.

IDS said Nion can work in a range of conditions reliably

IDS claimed the Nion captures moving objects with virtually no blur. Additionally, its high resistance to stray light ensures reproducible measurement results both indoors and outdoors. The camera’s measurement range of 0.3 to 7.5 m (0.9 to 24.6 ft.) covers typical industrial scenarios.

Nion features a rugged IP67-rated housing, which allows for use in more demanding environments. It also offers Power over Ethernet (PoE), which reduces installation effort and cabling.

Nion is powered by the advanced 1.2 MP indirect time-of-flight sensor AF0130 from onsemi‘s Hyperlux ID family. Compared with standard ToF cameras on the market, the company said the onsemi depth sensor offers higher resolution, lower noise, more stable results in ambient light, and better motion stability. As a result, IDS said Nion achieves high depth accuracy even with fast-moving objects and variable lighting conditions.

With its compact design, high measurement quality, and excellent value for money, IDS said Nion offers a straightforward introduction to 3D image processing. Companies can easily integrate the camera into existing systems and benefit from a cost-effective solution for reliable depth data.

“In many cases, existing 2D processes can be retained and supplemented with depth data where necessary, if that aids decision-making in the process,” said Schick.