DOMI tof camera module can be applied to a number of applications. Because ToF camera technology is allowing machines to see beyond simple 2D images and explore the third dimension, thereby enabling depth perception and better object recognition. Compared to other 3D machine vision techniques, ToF is much faster, and its ability to generate real-time depth information means that a wide variety of applications can be served. These include:
Augmented Reality – ToF-enabled 3D vision is allowing exciting new augmented reality (AR) applications to be explored, and existing ones to work better. The point clouds generated by a ToF camera enable AR software to map out its surroundings for an enhanced 3D understanding of the environment around it. This lets it place in-software objects more accurately and facilitates more dynamic interaction between virtual and actual elements of the environment. ToF can also detect the user’s movements and posture, so that they are able to interact with virtual elements using their body directly, without having to rely on handheld controllers or gloves.
Industrial Robots – For the industrial segment, the capacity to recognize objects and produce real-time 3D depth maps will prove invaluable to robotics. Manufacturing robots involved in automated quality inspection will be able to quickly and accurately produce a 3D scan of an object. ToF may also be used in collaborative robot designs, to prevent collisions with humans nearby or to provide interactive gesture control. For logistics, it will allow robots to grab and place objects more accurately.
Medical, Scientific, Engineering – In the medical field there can often be a need to interface with electronics, but the risk of cross-contamination means that touch-based interaction is undesirable. Gesture-based control using ToF cameras will allow doctors and nurses to manipulate images or utilise software without having physical contact with the device. For scientific investigation, ToF cameras would enable gesture-based manipulation of 3D images – such as DNA strands or protein molecules. In engineering, being able to quickly and affordably 3D scan items will be helpful for hardware prototyping and design activities.
Drones and Vehicles – ToF cameras could also bring greater intelligence to drones and unmanned ground vehicles. Drones using ToF would have a better awareness of their 3D environment and be able to create 3D maps or perform automated obstacle avoidance. Similarly, unmanned ground vehicles could use ToF cameras to provide obstacle sensing capabilities, allowing for autonomous navigation.
