IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH - Experts & Thought Leaders

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH is expanding its 3D portfolio with Nion, an industrial ToF camera featuring 1.2-megapixel resolution and integrated depth processing. It provides high-resolution and temporally stable depth information at 30 fps, even during rapid movements and in changing lighting conditions. This makes it suitable for applications such as logistics, automation and robotics, where precise 3D data is required at real-world process speeds. The Nion captures moving objects with virtually no blurring. Its high resistance to stray light ensures reproducible measurement results both indoors and outdoors. The measuring range of 0.3 to 7.5 meters covers typical industrial scenarios. The robust IP67-rated housing allows it to be used in more demanding environments. Power over Ethernet (PoE) reduces installation effort and cabling. Variable lighting conditions Patrick Schick, Product Manager for 3D Vision and Imaging Software at IDS, says: "The Nion provides stable depth data even under variable lighting conditions. This provides a solid foundation for automation processes that rely on fast and accurate 3D data." Compared to standard ToF cameras on the market, the onsemi AR0130 depth sensor offers higher resolution, lower noise, more stable results in ambient light and improved motion stability. This enables the Nion to achieve high depth accuracy even when objects are moving quickly and under variable lighting conditions. Cost-effective solution Thanks to its compact design, high measurement quality and excellent value for money, the Nion offers a straightforward introduction to 3D image processing. Companies can integrate the camera flexibly 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 this aids decision-making within the process,” emphasizes Patrick Schick. The Nion 3D camera is now available in series production. Technical information is available in the IDS Webstore. You can also place orders and make individual enquiries there.

The optical precision sorter uses multiple IDS industrial cameras along a 1.5-metre inspection section to classify potatoes by size and quality, with up to five grades produced in a single pass. Rising quality requirements and labour shortages are forcing agricultural businesses to modernise their sorting processes. Those seeking to ensure product quality while reducing the burden on staff need more than a simple pass/fail separation system. What is required is multi-grade sorting that reliably classifies produce by both size and quality and has proven itself in continuous operation. This is precisely where the Farmsort.one optical precision sorter comes in. It brings industrial inspection principles to small and medium-sized agricultural businesses, combining size grading and quality inspection in a single pass. In most cases, it eliminates the need for manual re-sorting altogether. Rising quality requirements At the core of the system is a 1.5-metre inspection section. Along this section, each potato is captured optically several times. Depending on the configuration, two or three industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems monitor the continuous product flow from different angles. Unlike systems that inspect each tuber from all sides at a single inspection station, the assessment does not rely on every individual object rotating freely. Instead, quality is evaluated directly within the process, based on repeated inspections, redundancy and controlled product handling. This enables the system to deliver reproducible results even when foreign material or adhering soil is present. Delivering reproducible results “We did not want a spot assessment like those used in many conventional systems on the market, but rather a controlled inspection over a defined distance,” explains Jan Kiwitt, Project Manager at schmiede.one. “The combination of a guided conveyor system and multiple inspections enables reliable detection of quality characteristics while maintaining a consistent throughput.” Reduced energy consumption Farmsort.one sorts both unwashed and washed potatoes into up to five grades at throughput rates of up to two tonnes per hour. At the core of the system is a fully electric conveyor-based track system, a concept previously used primarily in large-scale industrial operations. Compared with pneumatic sorting mechanisms, it offers more precise product handling, lower wear and tear, and reduced energy consumption. The controlled guidance of the produce forms the basis for consistent sorting results, even when processing unwashed potatoes, foreign material or crops harvested under challenging conditions, where free-flowing systems can lose accuracy. At the same time, it enables continuous operation regardless of labour availability. Short transmission paths For visual inspection, schmiede.one relies on industrial cameras from IDS. They capture each potato multiple times along the 1.5-metre inspection section, enabling objective quality assessment directly within the sorting process. For compact integration into existing sorting lines, USB3 Vision industrial cameras are used. Short transmission paths, straightforward integration and reliable image transfer ensure consistent inspection performance throughout the entire inspection section. Depending on the specific configuration of the system, two to three IDS U3-3270CP Rev. 2.2 USB 3.0 Vision cameras are used. One camera classifies the objects and detects both foreign objects, such as stones, and small defects on the tubers, such as wireworm holes. Another camera tracks every single object along the conveyor belt. When used in conjunction with a rotary encoder, the position of each tuber can be determined with precision, enabling damaged produce or produce that does not meet specifications to be selectively removed. Low-maintenance continuous operation Integration is carried out using the IDS peak SDK, which supports reproducible parameterisation, correct camera mounting and precise focus adjustment. “In line-integrated sorting systems, reliability and integration security are key factors, alongside image quality,” emphasises Jürgen Hejna, Product Manager for 2D Machine Vision at IDS. “Reliable interfaces, long-term availability and reproducible camera settings are crucial for low-maintenance continuous operation.” Compromising sorting accuracy Rather than simply distinguishing between “good” and “bad” produce, Farmsort.one sorts potatoes by both size and quality in a single pass into up to five grades. Defective potatoes are removed via the first outlet, oversized potatoes via the second, while Grade A produce remains in the main product stream. This results in market-ready produce straight from the sorter, eliminating the manual re-sorting step typically required when using systems that only separate defects. Under real-world operating conditions, many farms achieve throughput rates of 1.4 to 1.7 tonnes per hour without compromising sorting accuracy. As many as 73 per cent of users have eliminated manual re-sorting altogether, significantly reducing their reliance on sorting personnel. Season-critical continuous operation The system has been designed with a modular architecture. Growers can start with a smaller configuration and later expand the system with additional sorting outlets or extra cameras. The line control system is designed for flexibility and supports both 24 V signals and FlowControl. An optional remote monitoring capability allows sorting parameters to be adjusted and optimised remotely. Farmsort.one is a solution developed within the Grimme Group and is already in use on more than 50 farms. Service and sales are supported by an established network, helping to ensure the system’s technical availability during season-critical continuous operation. Additional methods for improving defect detection are being investigated for future applications. These include monocular depth analysis and multispectral inspection methods in the NIR and SWIR ranges. The aim is to reliably record further quality characteristics and to supplement visual sorting with additional objective criteria. Industrial cameras and Software from IDS provide the technical foundation for stable, repeatable inspection and enable the integration of camera-based quality assessment into compact sorting lines.

The expanded uEye FA series adds models with 2 to 12.5 MP Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, combining rugged protection with high image quality for industrial automation and inspection tasks. When production systems are cleaned using high-pressure jets, operate in dusty environments or are exposed to sub-zero temperatures, particularly robust machine vision solutions are required. The uEye FA series from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has been specifically designed for such demanding environments, featuring IP69K protection. Starting in late July, the range will expand to include new models featuring Sony STARVIS 2 rolling shutter sensors, with resolutions ranging from 2 to 12.5 megapixels. They deliver excellent image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. Challenging lighting conditions This provides users with high-performance cameras for a wide range of industrial applications with varying lighting conditions – from manufacturing automation to quality inspection. The new models incorporate sensor variants IMX662 (2 MP), IMX664 (4 MP), IMX675 (5 MP), IMX678 (8 MP) and IMX676 (12.5 MP). All are GigE Vision-compliant, allowing easy integration into existing systems. The Sony STARVIS 2 sensors impress with their exceptional light sensitivity extending into the near-infrared (NIR) range, very low noise levels, and the Clear HDR process for an expanded dynamic range. This enables the capture of detailed, sharp images even in demanding environmental conditions. An asynchronous exposure trigger further enhances their suitability for industrial use. Additional high-performance models The camera hardware itself has also been specifically designed for industrial applications: Thanks to the IP69K-protected housing, lens tube and corresponding cabling, the cameras operate reliably even under high pressure, heavy contamination or temperatures down to –20°C. “The combination of robust hardware and state-of-the-art sensor technology enables precise image analysis even in challenging environments,” explains Alexander Klingner, Head of Product Management at IDS. “This provides the foundation for stable and reliable processes in harsh industrial settings.” With this expansion of the uEye FA series, IDS is further strengthening its portfolio of rugged industrial cameras and offering additional high-performance models for factory automation.