ifm · 3D vision

ifm O3D 3D Vision Sensors

Measure depth across an entire scene for completeness, dimensions, level, depalletising and robot guidance. O3D uses PMD time-of-flight technology to calculate a distance value for every pixel, giving the machine real 3D geometry rather than a conventional 2D image alone.

PMD Time-of-Flight23,232 depth points0.3–5 m technology rangeVision Assistant
ifm O3D 3D vision sensor
Depth image176 × 13223,232 distance pixels
PrinciplePMD ToFModulated infrared time-of-flight
Technology range0.3–5 mCurrent O3D PMD platform
Field of view2 routes60°×45° or 40°×30°
Applications

3D data for height, depth and volume

O3D is strongest where a 2D image cannot reliably answer the question because the machine needs the distance or geometry of the scene.

Completeness

Case / container completeness

Look down on a package or carrier and compare its 3D profile with the taught model.

Dimensioning

Measure object dimensions

Calculate height and geometry for parcels, goods or material-handling decisions.

Level

Bulk solids / opaque material

Measure fill level or limit conditions in suitable bins, silos and hoppers.

Depalletising

Layer height & box position

Use depth data to identify the top layer and support controlled removal of boxes.

Robotics

Pick & place guidance

Determine object location / geometry for robot gripping applications.

Sorting

3D object discrimination

Use shape, height and volume to classify objects where 2D appearance is insufficient.

PMD Time-of-Flight

Measure distance at every pixel in one capture

O3D illuminates the scene with modulated infrared light and calculates time-of-flight per image point. The sensor therefore produces depth information without relying on triangulation or a moving scan.

01IR illumination
02PMD sensor
03Depth map
04Application result
Depth imager176 × 132 pixels produce 23,232 simultaneous distance values.
IR illuminationFour high-power 830 nm infrared LEDs illuminate the field of view.
Field of viewChoose 60° × 45° or 40° × 30° optics according to scene size and working distance.
Industrial EthernetM12 Ethernet is used for parameterisation and outgoing data; current documentation lists TCP/IP and EtherNet/IP.
Technical data

Key O3D technology values

These values describe the current O3D3 PMD platform. Exact interfaces, outputs and housing details remain order-number dependent.

3D geometry in a single frame

Use the depth image for built-in application wizards or advanced user-defined models in ifm Vision Assistant.

3D resolution176 × 132 pixels
Depth points23,232
Technology range0.3…5 m
Field of view60° × 45° or 40° × 30°
Illumination830 nm infrared
Setupifm Vision Assistant
Selection workflow

Select O3D from the scene geometry, not just the nominal range

The field of view, smallest height difference, surface reflectivity, ambient light, working distance, object motion and required application output determine whether O3D is suitable.

Scene sizeWidth × height of the required measurement field.
Working distanceClosest and farthest object surface from the sensor.
Depth featureMinimum height / depth difference that matters to the decision.
SurfaceColour, reflectivity, transparency and material.
MotionStatic or moving scene and required cycle time.
ResultCompleteness, dimensions, level, pose, point cloud or custom calculation.
Architecture choice

O3D or O3R?

Both use 3D perception, but they solve different system-level problems.

RequirementO3DO3R
Fixed machine inspection / dimensioningStrong fitUsually unnecessary complexity
Built-in completeness / level / depalletising workflowStrong fitCustom platform route
Several synchronised camerasSeparate sensorsNative multi-camera platform
AMR / AGV perceptionLimited system rolePrimary O3R use case
Run own ROS / Docker / GPU algorithmsNoYes, on VPU