ToF camera is an intelligent sensing technology that can recognize scenes and objects and create 3D views. ToF cameras determine object distance by measuring the time it takes for a beam of light to reach an object and return. The data generated and captured is highly accurate, providing detection, user authentication based on facial features, and simultaneous localization and mapping using a SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) algorithm. environment mapping, etc.
Technical principle
ToF camera uses a miniature laser to emit infrared light, calculates the distance according to the time difference or phase difference between the emission and reflection of the beam, and then combines the depth information formed with traditional camera to present a three-dimensional map representing the distance in different colors.
ToF cameras can measure distance and depth in two ways: direct time-of-flight (dToF) and indirect time-of-flight (iToF). dToF method determines the distance of a single pixel. The received signals are finally processed to trigger corresponding actions, such as vehicle evasion maneuvers to avoid collisions with pedestrians or obstacles. This method is called direct time of flight (dToF). LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles are a typical example of dToF applications. The indirect time-of-flight (iToF) approach is similar, but with one notable difference. Illumination from a light source (usually an infrared VCSEL) is amplified by a dodging sheet and pulses are emitted into a defined field of view.
ToF cameras are accurate, fast, long-range, and cost-effective, which are determined by the properties of the laser. As a result, ToF sensors are flexible, capable of detecting near and far objects of various shapes and sizes, and are not affected by humidity, air pressure and temperature, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
