An overview of depth cameras and range scanners based on time-of-flight technologies

作者：Horaud Radu^*; Hansard Miles; Evangelidis Georgios; Menier Clement

来源：Machine Vision and Applications, 2016, 27(7): 1005-1020.

DOI：10.1007/s00138-016-0784-4

• LIDAR
• Range scanners
• Single-photon avalanche diode
• Time-of-flight cameras
• 3D computer vision
• Active light sensors

Time-of-flight (TOF) cameras are sensors that can measure the depths of scene points, by illuminating the scene with a controlled laser or LED source and then analyzing the reflected light. In this paper, we will first describe the underlying measurement principles of time-of-flight cameras, including: (1) pulsed-light cameras, which measure directly the time taken for a light pulse to travel from the device to the object and back again, and (2) continuous-wave-modulated light cameras, which measure the phase difference between the emitted and received signals, and hence obtain the travel time indirectly. We review the main existing designs, including prototypes as well as commercially available devices. We also review the relevant camera calibration principles, and how they are applied to TOF devices. Finally, we discuss the benefits and challenges of combined TOF and color camera systems.

• 出版日期2016-10