Time-of-Flight Camera
A Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera is a depth-sensing device that measures the distance to objects by calculating the time it takes for light to travel from the camera to the object and back. It emits modulated light (typically infrared) and uses sensors to detect the phase shift or time delay of the reflected signal, generating a 3D depth map of the scene. This technology enables real-time, high-resolution depth perception without relying on stereo vision or structured light patterns.
Developers should learn about ToF cameras when working on applications requiring accurate, real-time 3D sensing, such as augmented reality (AR), robotics, gesture recognition, and autonomous systems. They are particularly useful in scenarios where precise depth data is critical, like obstacle avoidance in drones or immersive user interactions in VR/AR environments, offering advantages over traditional RGB cameras in low-light conditions.