Glossary · Machine vision
Time-of-flight camera
Also known as: ToF camera, 3D time-of-flight sensor
German: Time-of-Flight-Kamera
In 3D vision, a time-of-flight camera measures the distance for each pixel from the travel time of emitted light, either directly by timing light pulses or indirectly by measuring the phase shift of modulated light, and outputs a depth image.
- Machine vision
In one sentence
A time-of-flight camera measures per-pixel distance from the travel time of emitted light and outputs a depth image in one shot.
Example
A time-of-flight camera over the loading bay detects whether a pallet position is free and measures the height of the stacked goods.
How it applies
- Engineering: ToF cameras deliver depth images at video rates without scanning and without needing surface texture. Resolution is modest, and multipath reflections, very dark or shiny surfaces and strong sunlight reduce accuracy. Direct ToF with pulsed light is common in lidar; indirect ToF with modulated light is common in industrial ToF cameras.
- Commissioning: Mounting, integration time and filters are set for the scene; neighboring ToF sensors may interfere unless configured to avoid it.
- Documentation: The documentation team should document measuring range, accuracy under validated conditions, and the light source classification of the emitter where relevant.
Time-of-flight camera vs. time-of-flight ranging
A ToF camera measures a full depth image. Time-of-flight ranging measures a single distance, for example between radio devices or with a single light beam.