Designing Compact Multi-Camera Systems
You are faced with the challenge of developing a multi-camera system, e.g. for a stereo vision application with limited space. The solution is to combine dart M camera modules with GigE interface and special dart M Switches. Since the dart M Switches are optionally available with PoE+, they enable the operation of further external electronics without additional hardware and thus maintain the compact design of the overall system.
Get to know the example systems
Compact stereo vision system for 3D scanners
Realize a space-saving and cost-effective stereo vision system for capturing homogeneous surfaces with 3D scanners: combine the 1GigE dart M Switch with two dart M camera modules and add a randomdot projector to your system.
Components for a compact stereo vision system
1GigE dart M Switch, 2 ports, PoE+, with 1 Gbps bandwidth
Operation of two dart M camera modules (with mount and lens) via two Flat Flex Cables (FFC)
The camera modules run at half the frame rate (0.5 Gbps)
Both camera modules can be synchronized via PTP or via the I/Os
Ethernet cable connects the switch to the host system
One-cable solution thanks to PoE+ for data transport and power supply
I/O cable connects the switch to a randomdot projector (RDP)
The RDP is operated and triggered via the I/O cable
Fast stereo vision system for AGVs
Set up a compact and inexpensive stereo vision system with a high frame rate (e.g. for AGVs): connect the 2.5GigE dart M Switch with two dart M camera modules and a 2.5GigE interface card.
Components for a fast stereo vision system
2.5GigE dart M Switch, 3 ports, AUX, with 2.5 Gbps bandwidth
Operation of two dart M camera modules (with mount and lens) via two FFCs
The camera modules run at maximum frame rate (1 Gbps) thanks to the 2.5GigE Switch
Both camera modules can be synchronized via PTP or via the I/Os
2.5GigE interface card, 1 port, ensures optimum data transmission and enables further external electronics to be connected to the host system
Ethernet cable for data transport between switch and interface card
I/O cable provides the power supply for the switch
Stereo vision system with overview image
Expand a stereo vision system with a third camera for an overview image (e.g. in higher resolution or in color) to realize sophisticated 3D captures: combine a 2.5GigE dart M Switch with three dart M camera modules and a 2.5GigE interface card.
Components of a stereo vision system with an overview image
2.5GigE dart M Switch, 3 ports, PoE+, with 2.5 Gbps bandwidth
Operation of three dart M camera modules (with mount and lens) via three FFCs
The camera modules run at ~84 % frame rate
Two camera modules form the stereo vision system, with their synchronization achieved via PTP or via the I/Os
The third camera module is a high-resolution color model for the overview image
2.5GigE interface card, 4 ports, PoE+, ensures optimum data transfer and enables further external electronics to be connected to the host system
Ethernet cable connects the switch to the interface card
One-cable solution thanks to PoE+ for data transport and power supply
Multi-camera system with up to 12 cameras for 360° view
The scalable solution is suitable for complex applications such as 360° captures. Starting with a 2.5GigE interface card with 4 ports, you can add up to four dart M Switches and up to twelve dart M camera modules.
Components of a multi-camera system with up to 12 cameras
2.5GigE interface card, 4 ports, PoE+
Optimal data transfer
Data acquisition via just one PCIe slot
Variable system expansion by up to four dart M switches
Four 2.5GigE dart M Switches, 3 ports, PoE+, each with 2.5 Gbps bandwidth
Per switch operation of three dart M camera modules (with mount and lens) via three FFCs
The camera modules run at ~84 % frame rate
Four ethernet cables connect the switches to the interface card
One-cable solution thanks to PoE+ for data transport and power supply
Advantages of dart M, switch, and interface card for multi-camera systems
Variable system configuration according to individual requirements
dart M camera modules with Sony sensors, monochrome or color
1GigE and 2.5GigE dart M Switches with PoE+ and AUX
2.5GigE interface cards with 1 port or 4 ports and PoE+
Cable lengths up to 100 m
Simple cabling, quick and easy integration
Space-saving
Suitable for cost-sensitive applications
dart M camera module to switch: All components at a glance
Start by selecting the appropriate sensor. On the page of the corresponding dart M camera module, continue the configuration by selecting the lens connection, FFC, I/O cable, and dart M Switch, and you will arrive at the appropriate multi-camera system.