FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Blickfeld LiDAR sensors use the time-of-flight method to measure the distance to objects. The sensor calculates the distance by measuring the time between emission of a laser pulse and the detection of the light that bounces off the object. The sensors scan in three dimensions using Blickfeld’s proprietary MEMS scanner technology. More information is available on our blog: https://www.blickfeld.com/blog/mems-technology-for-lidar/

Choose the Qb2 for a large field of view, high resolution, and advanced data processing capabilities for volume monitoring and security applications. Cube 1 is an excellent alternative when low weight and dimensions are particularly important or when the budget is limited.

Choose the standard version if you require a small device footprint and weight and if the ambient temperature at the operating location is expected to not exceed 40 °C. If higher temperatures might occur, choose the Extended Temperature Range (ETR) version.

You need an end device with a recent internet browser to configure the device and view data output. The Cube 1 standard variant comes with a power supply unit with the approriate connector and an ethernet cable for data transmission, while the Cube 1 Outdoor and Qb2 products additionally require standard Power over Ethernet power supplying equipment. Blickfeld offers a range of optional accessories for mounting and cabling the devices.

The Cube 1 ships with a matching 12 V DC power supply. Maximum ratings are 10 – 26 V DC. Cube 1 Outdoor and Qb2 devices are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE). You need a PoE power supplying equipment such as a PoE switch or injector that supports the IEEE 802.3af and/or IEEE 802.3at standard. These are the most common PoE standards.

Cube 1 sensors ship with a mounting bracket that provides a standard 1/4″-UNC camera thread.
For Qb2 sensors, Blickfeld offers different mounting options, including a camera mount that provides a standard 1/4″-UNC camera thread and a pan tilt mount which allows for flexible mounting of both Qb2 variants to both walls and poles. Contact sales@blickfeld.com for further information.

CAD data are available for download for all current sensor models at https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/.

The web interface of Blickfeld sensors is independent of the OS used but requires a recent internet browser.

The data rate is variable and depends on the number of detected echoes, however, maximum values can be specified. For Cube 1, a maximum of 6 MB/s applies with one evaluated echo per sampled point. With three evaluated echoes, the maximum data rate can reach up to 8 MB/s. Qb2 devices can require up to 10 MB/s. To reduce the bandwidth, the refresh rate of the Qb2 can be lowered from seconds up to several hours.For Cube 1, a maximum of 6 MB/s applies with one evaluated echo per sampled point. With three evaluated echoes, the maximum data rate can reach up to 8 MB/s. Qb2 devices can require up to 10 MB/s. To reduce the bandwidth, the refresh rate of the Qb2 can be lowered from seconds up to several hours.

The Qb2 supports the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi standards in the 2.4 GHz band and the IEEE 802.11 n/ac WiFi standards in the 5 GHz band.

The antenna is not necessary for operating the sensor. It is only required when using the WiFi functionality. Please note that WiFi operation is only permitted with the Blickfeld-authorized antenna.

Cube 1 sensors use their own data format (.bfpc) for point cloud data. Tools are available to convert this format to standard .vtu or .csv formats. Additionally, point cloud data can be retrieved via the API of the sensor and saved in any user-defined format via the user’s development environment.

Blickfeld sensors come with their own Application Programming Interfaces. For the Cube 1 product line as well as Qb2, Blickfeld offers client libraries supporting the C++ and Python programming languages. However, users can implement clients in further languages using the native sensor APIs. Additionally, Blickfeld provides drivers for the Robot Operating System (ROS). Further information and resources can be found at https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/#developer-tools.

No additional software is needed to configure and operate the sensors except for a recent internet browser.

Blickfeld sensors can be integrated into other software using the sensor’s Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and client libraries. Additionally, Blickfeld offers perception software, which transforms raw point cloud LiDAR data into actionable insights, accessible within your web browser. Qb2 sensors come with multiple software on-device features. Percept PC is currently available for Cube 1 sensors.

Yes. You can find corresponding ROS(2) drivers on the Blickfeld website at https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/.

Sensors can interfere with each other if they face each other directly or illuminate the same highly reflective objects in their field of views. However, due to the unique optical design of Blickfeld LiDARs, this interference is kept at a minimum. Double images or similar artifacts cannot occur. Merely a slightly increased false detection rate will be noticeable in worst-case scenarios.

Yes, the Blickfeld Percept software is capable of fusing the point clouds of several Cube 1-type sensors. With Qb2, this feature is integrated into the device firmware