The output of raw, unprocessed data provides various options for implementing individual vision applications. At the same time, the effort required to traditionally evaluate this data is relatively large. For this reason, Pepperl+Fuchs has equipped the SmartRunner Explorer laser profile sensor and the SmartRunner Explorer 3D vision sensor with manufacturer-independent GenICam and ROS interfaces. This enables universal access to the data and parameters as well as to the various programming modules of the software library. This enables users to save time and money when implementing image processing applications.
Access to standardized image and data processing libraries with GenICam
Because every vision sensor is different, users often need to familiarize themselves with the data structure of their own system before evaluating the raw data. To minimize this effort, a universal programming interface, GenICam, was developed. This standard of the European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) combines product-specific data and parameters into a common structure, allowing standardized editing and processing.
SmartRunner Explorer and SmartRunner Explorer 3-D can also be connected to image processing libraries such as HALCON via GenICam. Ready-to-use programming modules available there allow you to quickly and easily implement image processing applications. GenICam allows you to use the same framework for different sensors, making it easy to integrate new devices into existing applications.
Complex robotics applications and simple proofs of concept using ROS
The SmartRunner Explorer laser profile sensor and the SmartRunner Explorer 3-D vision sensor handle demanding tasks in production robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), from pick-and-place applications to quality control and collision avoidance. These applications are often complex and expensive to implement. Different interfaces and the large number of sensor and actuator suppliers make implementation even more difficult.
This is where the open source Robot Operating System (ROS) framework comes into play. It includes a set of software libraries, tools, and programs available as open source software. This allows you to quickly and easily deploy applications on PCs or industrial PCs. ROS also offers benefits for applications outside of robotics. For example, open source tools can be used to perform cost-effective proofs of concept that can serve as a basis for investment decisions.