FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through these FAQs to find answers to commonly raised questions.
Introduction to LiDAR
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It is a technology that uses laser light pulses for contactless distance measurement. More information is available on our blog: https://www.blickfeld.com/blog/what-is-lidar-sensor/.
Blickfeld LiDAR Sensors
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 the 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 if you’re looking for a flexible LiDAR platform that combines solid sensing performance with modular on-device software. The QbProtect is specifically designed for security use cases and features on-device detection and alarm generation for reliable real-time intrusion monitoring. The QbVolume is tailored for precise and automated volume measurement in indoor and outdoor environments, with integrated software for continuous stockpile monitoring. The QbBasic is a robust LiDAR sensor designed for OEMs and integrators who want to build their own solutions—it does not include on-device perception software and is best suited for custom development environments.
You need an end device with a recent internet browser to configure the sensor and view data output. The Qb2, QbProtect, QbVolume, QbBasic, and Cube 1 Outdoor require power supply equipment that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). The Cube 1 Standard variant is delivered with a power supply unit with the appropriate connector and an Ethernet cable for data transmission. Blickfeld also offers a range of optional accessories for mounting and cabling the devices.
Qb2, QbProtect, QbVolume, QbBasic and Cube 1 Outdoor 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 802.3at Type 1 standard. These are the most common PoE standards. The Cube 1 ships with a matching 12 V DC power supply. Maximum ratings are 10 – 26 V DC.
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. Qb series devices (Qb2, QbVolume, QbProtect, QbBasic) can require up to 10 MB/s. To reduce the bandwidth, the refresh rate can be lowered from seconds up to several hours.
Qb series devices support the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi standards in the 2.4 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.
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 Qb series devices and Cube 1 Outdoor to walls and poles. For QbProtect, the dual sensor mounting is especially useful for securing fences. Cube 1 sensors ship with a mounting bracket that provides a standard 1/4″-UNC camera thread.
Qb series devices (Qb2, QbVolume, QbProtect, QbBasic) record point cloud data in two standard formats: VTU and PCD, which are archived in a simple ZIP file. These formats can be opened and visualized using standard tools. A list of compatible tools can be found here: https://github.com/Blickfeld/blickfeld-qb2/releases/tag/v1.10.
At the API level, Blickfeld uses a proprietary format based on Protobuf for better performance. This format structures the data in binary arrays, which are encoded in Little Endian format. A Python example for retrieving this data is available here: https://docs.blickfeld.com/qb2/Qb2/guides/core_processing_point_cloud_o3d.html.
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. 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 required to configure and operate the sensors, other than a recent internet browser for accessing the sensor’s web interface. Depending on the chosen model, specific on-device software will be available.
Blickfeld sensors support a wide range of communication protocols, including TCP, UDP, HTTPS, gRPC, and MQTT. QbProtect additionally supports RTSP and ONVIF for integration with video management systems. With 802.1X support, it can be used in enterprise networks.
Blickfeld sensors can be integrated into other software using the sensor’s Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and client libraries. Additionally, Blickfeld offers its own software tools, including:
– On-device perception software for Qb2, QbProtect, and QbVolume, accessible via web interface
– On-device Blickfeld Flow for custom integrations based on Node Red
– Drivers for the Robot Operating System (ROS)
– Support for standard formats like VTU and PCD, compatible with common visualization tools such as ParaView and PCL-based applications
Yes. You can find corresponding ROS(2) drivers on the Blickfeld website at https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/.
Yes, Blickfeld LiDAR sensors meet laser safety class 1 according to the widely acknowledged IEC 60825-1:2014 standard, and are thus considered eye-safe.
Product-specific questions
QbProtect
QbProtect can be integrated into your own existing systems via common interfaces (via TCP/IP & MQTT in VMS or Web I/Os, etc.), enabling the generation of ONVIF-compatible events for alarms. QbProtect also provides an RTSP stream that can be used for alarm verification
QbProtect incorporates sabotage and malfunction alarms using the internal IMU and constantly monitor their optical performance to detect intentional obstructions or dirt on the sensor.
Blickfeld QbProtect offers detection based on true object size, and customizable alarm parameters e.g. for filtering out small animals or vegetation. These features ensure security solutions adapted to customer’s needs with low false alarm rates.
QbProtect ensures privacy by capturing 3D point cloud data, which consists solely of distance measurements, without recording any personally identifiable features such as faces. This makes it a privacy-friendly solution, as it doesn’t capture sensitive personal information. As a result, QbProtect is well-suited for use in public spaces, where privacy concerns are especially important.
QbProtect is able to detect objects based on their true object size via pre-defined parameters that specify the size of an object (the distinction between small objects, humans, and big objects). Therefore, an exact statement can be made on what kind of object has triggered a detection/intrusion.
QbVolume
QbVolume is highly effective for measuring a wide range of stockpile and bulk materials, including asphalt, concrete, minerals, ores, fertilizer, cattle feed, grain, wood chips, and both light and heavy waste, as well as wood waste recycling. For materials with particularly low or high reflectivity, such as coal or processed metals, accurate measurement can be validated on a case-by-case basis. Customers are encouraged to reach out to us for more information and to discuss specific material needs.
Yes, QbVolume can effectively cover large areas through point cloud fusion, providing accurate measurements and insights across expansive areas.
Yes, we offer demonstrations of Blickfeld’s Volume Monitoring Dashboard to interested customers. Contact our sales team to inquire about trial options and schedule a demo: https://www.blickfeld.com/contact/
Performance and Environmental Conditions
Qb2, QbProtect, QbVolume, and QbBasic: Scan approximately 180,000 measurement points per second (single return).
Cube 1: Scans approximately 90,000 measurement points per second (single return).
Qb2, QbProtect, QbVolume, and QbBasic: The highest configurable resolution is 0.25° in the horizontal direction and 0.225° in the vertical direction.
Cube 1: The highest configurable resolution is 0.4° in the horizontal direction and 0.15° in the vertical direction.
Blickfeld’s Qb series devices have an IP67 rating, making them suitable for outdoor use in harsh conditions. The Cube 1 Outdoor sensor has an IP65 rating, also ensuring weatherproofing for outdoor applications. The Cube 1 standard version has an IP40 rating and is designed for indoor use in dry conditions.
Blickfeld’s sensors are designed for reliable outdoor use. The Qb series devices feature weatherproof housings with an IP67 rating, making them highly resistant to dust and water, even when submerged. For added protection, we offer an optional weatherproof roof for Qb series devices, further enhancing their performance in harsh weather conditions. The Cube 1 Outdoor sensor has an IP65 rating, ensuring resistance to rain and dust. Additionally, Blickfeld LiDAR technology performs reliably in various weather conditions, including snow, rain, and fog, making it suitable for diverse outdoor environments. The Cube 1 standard version, with an IP40 rating, is designed for indoor use under dry conditions.
Blickfeld specifies detection ranges for its sensor in terms of a standard 10% reflectivity target, which resembles a strongly absorbing (dark) object. The corresponding value can be found in the sensor data sheet.
Highly reflective objects can be detected over long distances.
LiDAR technology is quite robust in these conditions compared to other sensor technologies. Blickfeld’s sensors offer multiple returns and use scanning LiDAR technology, which helps mitigate issues caused by weather.
However, extreme conditions like heavy rain, snow, or fog can still impact performance. The maximum range may decrease, and the false detection rate may increase due to the scattering of laser beams and environmental interference.
Blickfeld LiDAR sensors are offered with IP6X-rated housings, which are dust-proof. Additionally, dust can affect the performance of the sensor in two ways. In the air, dust can increase the false detection rate of LiDAR sensors. However, Blickfeld sensors perform very well in such scenarios, as long-term installations inside waste facility bunkers, silos, and similar locations have shown. Additionally, dust can settle on the optical aperture of the sensor, which decreases the detection range. However, this is only a problem in extreme cases, such as inside silos containing powdered substances. For such cases, Blickfeld offers a weather protection roof that can be mounted onto the sensor’s top.
Blickfeld’s LiDAR sensors support up to three returns per laser pulse, allowing them to detect multiple objects at different distances within the same beam path. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where a laser pulse encounters multiple surfaces, such as when scanning through vegetation or semi-transparent materials like glass.
Without multiple returns, a LiDAR sensor typically registers only the first object hit, potentially missing partially obscured objects behind it. With multiple returns, the sensor can capture depth information more accurately, distinguishing between different layers of a scene.
For example, in forested areas, a single laser pulse may reflect off treetops, branches, and the ground, creating multiple returns that provide a detailed representation of the landscape. This capability is valuable in applications like terrain mapping and environmental monitoring.
By default, the sensor is configured for single-return mode, as increasing the number of returns can lead to a higher false positive rate at short distances.
Read more here: https://www.blickfeld.com/blog/understanding-lidar-specifications/#Multiple-Returns
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.
Thanks to the intrinsic light source, Blickfeld LiDAR sensors are independent of ambient lighting and therefore guarantee reliable detection both in the dark and in strong sunlight.
Support and Documentation
You can find information on Blickfeld performance specifications and request data sheets & manuals at: https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/
You can find an overview of available firmware for Blickfeld sensors under https://www.blickfeld.com/resources
CAD data are available for download for all current sensor models at https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/.
This Blickfeld WebGUI tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of all software functions and covers all Qb series devices in one guide. The tutorial is available in German and English and is updated with every release. https://www.blickfeld.com/resources/
Blickfeld continuously improves its products and provides regular firmware updates with bug fixes and new features, which are explained in the online WebGUI tutorial.
Cybersecurity
Blickfeld implements an ISO/IEC 27001:2022-based Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect sensitive data. Security is embedded throughout the Software and System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring secure development practices and regular security checks.
For more information, visit https://www.blickfeld.com/cybersecurity/
We track and assess published vulnerabilities (CVEs) and prioritize critical updates. Necessary patches are applied promptly to maintain the security and integrity of our systems.
For more information, visit https://www.blickfeld.com/cybersecurity/
Blickfeld has a dedicated incident response team with a structured plan to detect, contain, and resolve incidents quickly. Lessons learned from each case are used to improve our security processes.
For more information, visit https://www.blickfeld.com/cybersecurity/
Purchasing and Shipping
Please contact sales@blickfeld.com to receive an offer to your request.
Currently, Blickfeld offers payment by wire transfer.
Currently, Blickfeld accepts EUR and USD dependent on the location.
One year of statutory warranty is provided.
All Blickfeld LiDARs are non-dual-use items under the Export Administration Regulations (ECCN: EAR99) and the EU dual-use regulation (EU) 2021/821.
Qb series: Sensor, printed quick start manual and certified WiFi antenna
Cube 1: Cube 1, printed user manual, matching 3 m Ethernet cable, 12 V power supply with wall plug connector according to destination country.
Cube 1 Outdoor: Cube 1, printed user manual, matching 3 m Ethernet cable.
Blickfeld ships to many locations world-wide. Our sales team at sales@blickfeld.com will be happy to give you further information.
Typically, you receive a tracking number either from Blickfeld or from the shipping partner.
In many cases, units can be shipped from stock from one of our logistic centers located in Germany and the United States. Standard delivery time are four weeks. Deliveries to destinations outside of those regions may have longer delivery times as well as larger volumes. Contact sales@blickfeld.com to find out about current lead times.
Standard Incoterm is DAP, exceptions may apply, please refer to your individual quotation.
In accordance with Incoterm DAP, Blickfeld takes care of the export formalities; the customer is responsible for any import formalities in accordance with Incoterm DAP (see also https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/incoterms-2020/ ). Please always refer to your individual quotation and applicable Incoterms.
Product Lifecycle
The Cube 1 has been discontinued. If you still have a need, please contact us – we’ll find a solution that meets your requirements.
The current product line, the Qb series, offers several successor options for Cube 1.
This new generation combines powerful LiDAR technology with partially on-device software processing. QbVolume provides a specialized solution for volume measurement, while QbProtect is specifically designed for security applications.
Qb2 is suitable for applications such as crowd and traffic analysis, processing data directly on the device using integrated algorithms. QbBasic delivers precise point cloud data for projects where analysis is performed externally.
An overview of all models is available here: www.blickfeld.com/en/products
Yes, there are several key differences. The Qb series devices offer improvements over Cube 1, including a longer detection range, a wider field of view, and an enhanced IP protection rating. In addition, our perception software is now integrated directly on the device, enabling these sensors to process data without the need for external systems.
To transition from Cube 1 to a recommended replacement, follow these steps:
1. Review the datasheets and technical documentation for Qb series devices to understand the differences in specifications and performance.
2. Reach out to our sales or customer support teams to discuss your specific use case and technical requirements. They can help you determine the best replacement option based on your project needs.
Couldn’t find the information you were looking for?
Reach us at +49892306935-91 or support@blickfeld.com. Our team aims to respond to emails as fast as possible, usually within 24 hours.
