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Application Brief

Application Brief

Highly Scalable TI DLP Technology for 3D Machine Vision

3D Machine Vision

DLP Solutions for 3D Machine Vision

3D machine vision is a fast and accurate opticaltechnique used to capture physical details ofan object. With the digitized 3D scan data, thedimensions of any object including; surface area,volume, and feature size can be extracted. Structured
light is a method of 3D scanning where a series ofpatterns 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. The point
cloud can be used directly for analysis of the object oreasily exported to a variety of CAD modeling formats.

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

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

Example Applications• Factory automation• Industrial robotics• Medical imaging• Dental scanning / intraoral scanning (IOS)• Industrial metrology• Biometrics

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

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 acompelling combination of resolution, brightness,pattern speed, and programmability of DLP
technology.
TI provides free software and firmware downloads
allowing developers to easily create, store, anddisplay high-speed pattern sequences through USBbased application programming interface (API) andeasy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI).

DLPA122 – JULY 2021
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To find an EVM, visit:

Reference Designs and Ecosystem Support••

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

High-Speed Visible: Design and Development
Near-Infrared: Design and Development

System Block Diagram
The DLP solution for 3D machine vision is shown inthe 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 toembedded processors to support the system, TI’svast portfolio provides a complete system solution tocreate your ideal 3D machine vision design.

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

ObjectIlluminator

Digital Micromirror
DeviceDMDLens

LED
Drivers

Frame Data

Reset
(ActivateMirrors)

CameraDLP
Controller
Chip

Shutter
Trigger

SYNC

Video
Data

PC or Embedded
Processor
ConfigEPROM

3D & Machine
Vision Software

MemoryRobotic Control
SoftwareYMV
HeadMotion
Control(DMD & Camera)
Z

Robot
X
ObjectFigure 2. System Block Diagram
Table 1. DLP Chipsets for 3D Machine Vision
DigitalMicromirrorDevice (DMD)

Micromirror Array # of Pixels
Size(MP)# of Prestored Patterns
1-bit

8-bit

16-bitMax Pattern Rate (PrestoredPatterns)
(Hz)
1-bit

8-bit

Controller
Part Number

Evaluation Module

16-bitDLP2010NIR

854 × 4800.41

64*8*2487

272

DLPC3470

DLP2010LC

854 × 480

0.41

64*

8*2487272

DLPC3470

DLP3010LC

1280 × 720

0.92

51-64*

6-8*2487

272

DLPC3478

DLP3010EVM-LC

DLP4500

912 × 1140

1.04

48

64225

120

DLPC350DLPLCR4500EVM

DLP4710LC

1920 × 1080

2.07

60-64*

7-8*2500

437

DLPC3479× 2

DLP4710EVM-LCDLP5500

1024 × 768

0.79

960

1205000

500

DLPC200

DLP6500

1920 × 1080

2.074005011574

1446

DLPC900

DLPLCR65EVM

DLP7000

1024 × 768

0.79

N/A

32552

4069

2034

DLPC410DLPLCR70EVM

DLP500YX

2048 × 1200

2.46

800

10016100

2016

1008

DLPC900× 2

DLPLCR50XEVM

DLP670S

2716 × 1600

4.35

400

5095231190

DLPC900× 2

DLPLCR67EVM

50DLP2010EVM-LC* Prestored patterns are column-repeat or row-repeat (1D) patterns

2

Highly Scalable TI DLP Technology for 3D Machine Vision
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