Lucid launches Helios2+ time-of-flight camera

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Lucid Vision Labs introduced its Helios2+ 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera for $1,745. This is an upgraded version of the Helios2 ToF camera and offers two new on-camera depth processing modes: High Dynamic Range Mode (HDR) and High-Speed Mode.

Lucid said the HDR Mode combines multiple exposures in the phase domain to provide accurate depth information in high contrast, complex scenes, containing both high and low reflectivity objects. The High-Speed Mode enables depth perception using a single-phase measurement, allowing for faster acquisition speed and higher frame rates compatible with moving object perception.

The Helios2+ integrates Sony’s DepthSense IMX556PLR back-illuminated ToF image sensor and uses four 850nm VCSEL laser diodes. The camera delivers 640 x 480 depth resolution at up to an 8.3m working distance and a frame rate of 30 fps in standard mode. In High-Speed Mode the Helios2+ camera can run up to 103 fps at 2.5m distance. Additional features include six different operating distance modes, an integrated ambient light filter, a wider FOV, multi-camera support and a flying pixels filter. On-camera processing provides range, intensity and confidence data which reduces the need for expensive host systems.

“Through the adoption of these two new acquisition modes, the Helios2+ ToF camera presents a new set of opportunities for users developing 3D imaging systems and enables deployment in challenging environments,” said Rod Barman, founder and president at Lucid Vision Labs. “Its compact form factor, industrial reliability and attractive price point make the Helios2+ ideal for many demanding 3D applications such as 3D inspection, automated material handling and robotics to run more efficiently while reducing overall system cost.”

Lucid’s Arena SDK includes controls for the Helios2+ ToF camera. The ArenaView GUI can show the intensity and depth of a scene in either a 2D view or a 3D point cloud view, which can be manipulated and oriented in real-time. Additionally, settings can be adjusted and seen in real-time, including false color overlay and depth range.

All of Lucid’s cameras conform to the GigE Vision 2.0 and GenICam3 standards. The Arena SDK provides customers with easy access to the latest industry standards and software technology. The SDK supports Windows, Linux 64-bit and Linux ARM operating systems, and C, C++, C# and Python programming languages.