Leopard Imaging ToF Cameras

Time-of-Flight (ToF) Cameras

Redefining Time-of-Flight camera technology with NVIDIA and Microsoft Azure

The basic working principle behind a ToF camera is the time light takes to bounce off an object. The time taken is then processed and the distance between all objects in a scene is determined. Leopard Imaging’s ToF cameras use this data for three-dimensional object mapping, effectively recreating a scene and calculating different parameters such as depth, distance, etc.

Often referred to as ‘depth cameras’, our robust ToF camera systems offer the best-in-class performance while consuming less computing power. This enables power-efficient ToF camera systems to be deployed on a mass scale.
A proud member of the NVIDIA Partner Network, Leopard Imaging focuses on developing ToF cameras for imaging solutions that are compatible with the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier platform. We offer hardware and software development as well as fine-tuning services for both developers and customers.

Developed in exclusive collaboration with NVIDIA, our ToF camera systems are also listed in Jetson AGX Orin. This productive collaboration allows us to empower several industries such as IoT, automotive visual applications, robotics, deep learning, visualization, and edge IT.

Time of Flight Technology Overview

A ToF camera measures how long it takes for light to bounce off an object. Using this principle, the camera calculates the distance to all objects in a scene. This point cloud data is used to compute and create a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object space. Thus, ToF cameras are also referred to as “depth cameras.” Unlike stereo 3D methods, no image contrast is necessary, and ToF systems exhibit excellent mechanical robustness.

Applications & Industries

Retail
Physical Security
Healthcare
Drones
IOT
Robotics
Automotive
industry 4.0

Time of Flight Products

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What is a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera? 

A ToF camera is an advanced imaging device that measures the time it takes for light to bounce off objects in a scene, creating depth maps and 3D representations of the environment.

How do ToF cameras work? 

ToF cameras emit light pulses and measure the time taken for the light to return after reflecting off objects. This time measurement is used to calculate distances, creating a detailed 3D map of the surroundings.

What are the advantages of ToF cameras? 

ToF cameras offer several key advantages:

  1. High-speed 3D imaging, capable of frame rates up to 60 fps or higher.
  2. Operate in various lighting conditions, including low-light environments.
  3. Provide accurate depth information with resolutions up to 1 MP (megapixel).
  4. Consume less computing power, typically requiring only 1-2W for operation.
  5. Compact size, often less than 100mm x 100mm for industrial models.
  6. Wide field of view, commonly ranging from 60° to 90°.
  7. Ability to capture depth information for multiple objects simultaneously.

What are the limitations of ToF cameras? 

ToF cameras face several challenges:

  1. Performance issues with highly reflective (e.g., mirrors) or transparent surfaces (e.g., glass).
  2. Accuracy can degrade in strong ambient light, particularly sunlight.
  3. Interference from other ToF devices or IR sources in multi-camera setups.
  4. Limited range, typically effective up to 10 meters for consumer-grade devices.
  5. Resolution is generally lower than traditional 2D cameras, often 240 x 180 pixels or similar.
  6. Potential for motion blur with fast-moving objects.
  7. Higher cost compared to standard RGB cameras.

How accurate are ToF cameras? 

Modern ToF cameras can achieve millimeter-level accuracy in ideal conditions, though real-world accuracy may vary based on environmental factors and the specific camera model.

What is ToF used for? 

ToF technology has diverse applications:

  1. 3D mapping and environment reconstruction with centimeter-level accuracy.
  2. Object detection and tracking in real-time, processing up to 60 frames per second.
  3. Gesture recognition for touchless interfaces, detecting movements as subtle as finger twitches.
  4. Augmented reality for precise object placement within 1-2mm accuracy.
  5. Autonomous navigation, providing depth information up to 10 meters away.
  6. Facial recognition, capturing 3D facial features with sub-millimeter precision.
  7. Volume measurement in logistics, accurate to within 1-2% of actual volume.

What applications benefit from ToF technology?

ToF cameras benefit numerous industries and applications:

  1. Robotics: Obstacle avoidance and object manipulation with millimeter precision.
  2. Automotive: ADAS systems, utilizing ToF for pedestrian detection up to 200 feet away.
  3. Retail analytics: Customer tracking and heat mapping with 98% accuracy.
  4. Physical security: Intruder detection in low-light conditions, effective up to 20 meters.
  5. Healthcare imaging: Non-invasive body measurements accurate to within 0.5cm.
  6. Drone navigation: Collision avoidance systems reacting within milliseconds.
  7. IoT devices: Smart home sensors for occupancy detection and energy management.
  8. Industry 4.0: Automated quality control, detecting defects as small as 0.1mm.

How do ToF cameras compare with LiDAR systems? 

While both provide 3D sensing, ToF cameras are generally more compact, power-efficient, and cost-effective for shorter ranges, while LiDAR systems offer higher accuracy and longer range for applications like autonomous vehicles.