ToF camera technology enables machines to go beyond simple 2D images and explore the third dimension, enabling depth perception and better object recognition. Compared to other 3D machine vision techniques, ToF is faster, and its ability to generate real-time depth information means a wide variety of applications. These include:
Augmented Reality – ToF enabled 3D vision allows exploration of exciting new augmented reality (AR) applications and makes existing applications work better. The point cloud generated by the ToF camera enables AR software to map out the surroundings to enhance the 3D understanding of the surroundings. This allows for more accurate placement of in-software objects and facilitates dynamic interactions between virtual and physical environment elements. ToF can also detect user movements and gestures so that they can interact with virtual elements directly using their body without relying on handheld controllers or gloves.
Industrial Robotics – For the industrial sector, the ability of ToF cameras to identify objects and generate real-time 3D depth maps is invaluable to robotics. Manufacturing robots involved in automated quality checks will be able to quickly and accurately generate 3D scans of objects. ToF cameras can also be used in collaborative robot designs to prevent collisions with nearby people or provide interactive gesture control. For logistics, it will allow robots to grasp and place objects more accurately.
Medical, Science, Engineering - In the medical field, interfacing with electronic devices is often required. Gesture-based control using ToF cameras will allow doctors and nurses to manipulate images or utilize software without physically touching the device. For scientific research, ToF cameras will enable pose-based 3D image processing – such as DNA strands or protein molecules. In engineering, being able to 3D scan projects quickly and affordably will aid in hardware prototyping and design activities.
Drones and Vehicles – ToF cameras can also bring greater intelligence to drones and unmanned ground vehicles. Drones using ToF cameras will have a better understanding of their 3D environment and be able to create 3D maps or perform automatic obstacle avoidance. Likewise, unmanned ground vehicles can use ToF cameras to provide obstacle sensing, enabling autonomous navigation.
While there are other ways to achieve 3D machine vision, ToF cameras offer relatively low cost, compactness, speed and accuracy. It provides real-time data on surrounding locations and can be compiled using an embedded processor. This will bring 3D machine vision into a wider range of industries and enable many new applications to emerge.
