High-performance depth cameras offer precise 3D mapping capabilities, critical for embedded vision applications to ensure real-time object recognition and spatial analysis.
Their advanced depth perception facilitates accurate gesture recognition and object tracking, elevating user interactions. Moreover, they help applications like autonomous navigation systems get mission-critical data for safe and efficient operations.
But how do you go about picking the right depth camera for your application?
In this article, you’ll unearth a thorough comparison of two popular depth cameras on the market: Intel’s RealSense D435i and e-con Systems’ DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD.
Find out how these cameras fare against each other based on key parameters and get the all-important comparison numbers regarding accuracy, operating temperature, and more.
About e-con Systems’ DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD
DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD, designed, developed and manufactured by e-con Systems, is an advanced Time of Flight (ToF) USB camera engineered for meticulous 3D depth analytics.
It integrates a high-resolution 3D depth sensor (640 x 480 @ 30fps) with an AR0234 color global shutter sensor by onsemi®, facilitating HD and FHD video streaming at 30fps. This sophisticated design enables obstacle detection and object recognition capabilities within a single unit.
The DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD also operates with dual range modalities at 1.2m and 6m and employs an 850nm VCSEL, optimizing safety for ocular health and ensuring operability in complete darkness.
Read more about DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD
About Intel’s RealSense D435i
The D435i depth camera is a key component of the Intel® RealSense™ D400 series – representing Intel’s advanced depth-sensing technologies. Ideal for technical pioneers, this camera series facilitates effortless out-of-the-box integration, helping state-of-the-art depth-sensing systems to see better and think smarter.
RealSense D435i vs. DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD
1) Depth accuracy in dark rooms and office spaces
Let’s start by examining its performance under various lighting conditions. This indicates the camera’s robustness and helps potential users understand where it can be best employed.
At 1.5 meters:
- Intel RealSense D435i recorded a depth of 1562mm (or 1.562m), which presents an error of 4.13% from the original 1.5 meters.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD, on the other hand, measured a depth of 1499mm (or 1.499m), closely mirroring the actual distance with just a negligible error of 0.07%.
At 3 meters:
- Intel RealSense’s performance further diverged from the actual depth, logging in 3489mm (or 3.489m) – a sizable 16.3% error.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD showcased a remarkable accuracy, presenting 3003mm (or 3.003m) with a negligible error of just 0.1%.
At 5 meters:
- Intel RealSense D435i hit its limitations and could not measure depth beyond this range.
- In contrast, DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD continued its impressive performance, measuring 5003mm (or 5.003m)
At 6 meters:
- Intel RealSense D435i could not measure depth beyond this range.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD kept going, measuring 6015mm (or 6.015m)
Upon evaluation, when used in dark rooms (low-light conditions), the Intel RealSense D435i struggled, showing an error greater than 5%. The DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD, however, maintained stellar accuracy even up to 6 meters.
This superior performance was mirrored in the office space lighting, where Intel’s RealSense couldn’t calculate depth beyond 3 meters. However, DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD consistently provided depth accuracy up to 6 meters.
2) Depth Feature Highlights
Accuracy alone doesn’t give the full picture of a depth camera’s capabilities. The clarity with which it depicts the features of an object also plays a vital role in its overall effectiveness.
- Intel RealSense D435i: Unfortunately, in our tests, it was observed that the features of the object were not portrayed accurately. This may limit its utility in applications where clear object definition is essential.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD: DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD outshines by producing clear and distinct representations of the object’s features. This accuracy can be especially vital for tasks requiring detailed object analysis.
3) Latency (Motion Blur)
The latency of a depth camera is crucial for real-time applications, especially those dealing with moving objects or deployed in interactive environments.
- Intel RealSense D435i: It presented a higher latency, resulting in visible motion blur, which can be problematic in fast-paced scenarios.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD: It demonstrated commendable performance with lower latency. No motion blur was observed, ensuring the captured images were sharp even with fast-moving subjects.
4) Operating Temperature
The operating temperature range of a device is a testament to its durability and adaptability in various environments.
- Intel RealSense D435i: It has an operating range from 0°C to 35°C – suitable for indoor applications in controlled environments.
- DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD: It displays a broader range, operating effectively from 0°C to 50°C, suggesting it’s more adaptable to diverse conditions, especially outdoors or in areas with high ambient temperatures.
In-depth comparison between RealSense D435i & DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD
Final thoughts
Comparing Intel’s RealSense D435i and e-con Systems’ DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD, it’s evident that the latter consistently outperforms the former across the parameters tested. DepthVista_USB_RGBIRD is the more reliable and versatile depth camera choice from depth accuracy to latency and operating temperature.
However, please note that it’s vital to consider specific use cases, budgets, and additional features not covered in this comparison before making a purchase decision.
e-con Systems offers several high-performance 3D depth cameras
e-con Systems, a trailblazer in depth-sensing technologies for over a decade, was among the first companies to introduce stereo cameras for embedded vision. Today, we offer DepthVista, a line of time-of-flight cameras optimized for precise 3D depth measurement.
These cameras ensure accuracy rates of <1%, discerning depth without ambient light and simultaneously delivering depth and RGB data in one frame. We also offer customization, covering depth range, enclosure, interface, and more.
See our full line of 3D depth cameras
If you are looking to integrate best-fit depth cameras into your embedded vision products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at camerasolutions@e-consystems.com.
Meanwhile, check out our Camera Selector page to view our complete portfolio.
