Seeing distances – a fast time‐of‐flight 3D camera

Abstract

The world’s first time‐of‐flight (TOF) 3D range camera without moving parts, based on a custom solid‐state imaging device is described in this article. With the single exception of the smart‐pixel array, only electronic and optical standard components are used. The range camera does not need any mechanically scanning parts. It acquires 10 range images per second and achieves a resolution of a few centimeters over a distance range of 10‐20 meters for non‐cooperative targets. The illumination source consists of 160 LEDs, modulated at 20MHz, with a total optical power of about 800mW. The description of the smart pixel’s working principle and the presentation of our first 3D measurements are completed with a discussion of the theoretical limitations and a comparison with the system performance.

Citation

Lange, R. and Seitz, P. (2000), "Seeing distances – a fast time‐of‐flight 3D camera", Sensor Review, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 212-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602280010372359