DLPA122A July   2021  – August 2025 DLP2010LC , DLP2010NIR , DLP3010LC , DLP4500 , DLP4710LC , DLP500YX , DLP5500 , DLP6500FLQ , DLP6500FYE , DLP670S , DLP7000 , DLPC200 , DLPC3470 , DLPC3478 , DLPC3479 , DLPC350 , DLPC410 , DLPC900

 

  1.   1
  2. 1Application Brief

1 Application Brief

3D Machine Vision

3D machine vision is a fast and accurate technology used to capture physical details of an object. With the digitized 3D scan data, the dimensions of any object including; surface area, volume, and feature size can be extracted. Structured light is a method of 3D scanning where a series of patterns are projected upon an object and a camera or sensor detects distortions of the patterns. Image processing and triangulation algorithms then convert these distortions into a 3D point cloud, which can be used directly for analysis of the object or easily exported to a variety of CAD modeling formats

TI DLP technology enables programmable structured light designs for portable and high resolution applications. DLP systems can produce non-contact, highly accurate 3D data in real-time, facilitating 3D machine vision.

Features and Benefits

  • Fast, programmable pattern rates up to 32 kHz
    • Acquire 3D scan data in real-time on moving objects.
    • Optimize scan speed and accuracy for multiple objects and environments using adaptive pattern sets.
  • Precise depth capture
    • Achieve measurement accuracy to sub μm level.
  • Digital switching using reflective, reliable MEMS micromirrors
    • Consistent performance over time and temperature with minimal sensitivity to color and environment.
  • Active illumination with LEDs, lasers, or lamps
    • Multiple wavelengths for scanning a wide range of materials.
    • Enables strong low light performance.

DLP Solutions for 3D Machine Vision

DLP chipsets are available with different DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) sizes, pixel pitches, resolutions, and wavelength capabilities. The best choice for a DLP chipset can depend on the size of the scanning volume, pattern speed and system form factor. The table at the end of this document includes chipset offerings varying in resolution, speed and size. Higher resolution DMDs allow for a larger point cloud. High speed DMDs increase throughput with faster pattern speeds. Smaller DMDs allow for small form factor solutions.

Benefits for Integrators OEMs

  • Design Flexibility: Address volume, resolution, and system size requirements with a wide range of DLP chipsets.
  • Application Breadth: Ideal for use in factory automation, industrial robotics, medical and intraoral/dental scanning, industrial metrology, and biometrics.

Example Applications

  • Factory automation
  • Industrial robotics
  • Medical imaging
  • Dental scanning / intraoral scanning (IOS)
  • Industrial metrology
  • Biometrics
3D Scanner Mounted on Robotic Arm Figure 1 3D Scanner Mounted on Robotic Arm

Evaluation Modules

Accelerate your design cycle by evaluating DLP technology with a broad selection of evaluation modules (EVMs). Our portfolio of EVMs offer a compelling combination of resolution, brightness, pattern speed, and programmability of DLP technology.

TI provides free software and firmware downloads allowing developers to easily create, store, and display high-speed pattern sequences through USB based application programming interface (API) and easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI).

To find an EVM, visit:

DLP® products design & development | TI.com

System Block Diagram

The DLP solution for 3D machine vision is shown in the diagram. DLP technology enables 3D machine vision capabilities by providing single or multiple camera 3D image capture. The system utilizes a DMD as a spatial light modulator and a DMD controller to provide high-speed control of the micromirrors. TI LED drivers provide illumination for the DMD to project the image. From power management to embedded processors to support the system, TI’s vast portfolio provides a complete system solution to create your ideal 3D machine vision design.

System Block Diagram Figure 2 System Block Diagram

Reference Designs and Ecosystem Support

There are several reference designs and third party modules to empower developers with a framework to build accurate 3D scanners and 3D machine vision systems. Reference designs include schematics, block diagrams, bills of materials, design files, software, and test reports. The reference designs and third party modules range from projection subsystems to full 3D scanner designs.

To learn more, visit Advanced Light Control Reference Designs, Explore Our Third-Party Solution Providers, and Optical Module Maker Search Tool.

Table 1 DLP Chipsets for 3D Machine Vision
Product or Part number Operating Wavelength Micromirror Array Size Pattern Rate, Binary (max) (Hz) Array Diagonal (in) Controller Part Number EVM
DLP2010LC Visible 854 x 480 2487 0.2 DLPC3470 BENANO-3P-C2100
DLP3010LC Visible 1280 x 720 2487 0.3 DLPC3478 DLP3010EVM-LC
DLP4500NIR Infrared 912 x 1140 4225 0.45 DLPC350 DLPNIRSCANEVM
DLP4500 Visible 912 x 1140 4225 0.45 DLPC350 DLPLCR4500EVM
DLP4710LC Visible 1920 x 1080 2487 0.47 DLPC3479 DLP4710EVM-LC
DLP5500 Visible 1024 x 768 5000 0.55 DLPC200 DLPLCR55EVM
DLP650LNIR Infrared 1280 x 800 12500 0.65 DLPC410 DLPNIRSCANEVM
DLP6500FLQ Near-UV 1920 x 1080 11574 0.65 DLPC900 DLPLCR65NEVM
DLP6500FYE Visible 1920 x 1080 11574 0.65 DLPC910 DLPLCR65EVM
DLP670S Visible 2716 x 1600 9523 0.67 DLPC900 DLPLCR67EVM,
DLP7000 Near-UV 1024 x 768 32552 0.7 DLPC410 DLPLCR70EVM,
DLP9000X Near-UV 2560 x 1600 14989 0.9 DLPC910 DLPLCR90XEVM
DLP9000 Near-UV 2560 x 1600 9523 0.9 DLPC900 DLPLCRC900DEVM
DLP9500 Near-UV 1920 x 1080 23148 0.95 DLPC410 DLPLCR95EVM
Feature DLP Structured Light Laser Scanning Stereo Vision
Pattern Rate Up to 32kHz Low N/A
Accuracy Sub-micron High Low
Flexibility User-programmable by software Limited (Fixed Hardware) Limited (post-processing)
Form Factor Compact to large Large Compact

* Prestored patterns are column-repeat or row-repeat (1D) patterns