TimeofFlightsystem

TimeofFlightsystem is a measurement technology that determines distance to a target by calculating the time elapsed between sending a probing signal and receiving its reflection. It is commonly based on the time of flight of light, though similar methods use acoustic signals. TimeofFlightsystem is used in applications such as 3D imaging, depth sensing, robotics, and range finding.

Two main implementations exist: pulsed direct ToF and phase-based indirect ToF. Direct ToF measures the actual travel time of short light pulses, often requiring detectors and time-to-digital converters capable of resolving nanosecond-scale intervals. Indirect ToF uses a continuously modulated light source and measures the phase shift between emitted and received light to infer distance; this approach favors compact, lower-cost sensors but can introduce range ambiguities beyond certain distances.

Components typically include a light source, optics, a photodetector, timing electronics or phase detectors, and a signal processing unit. Some systems incorporate scanning mechanisms or solid-state focal planes for two- or three-dimensional imaging. Key performance metrics include range, accuracy, spatial resolution, frame rate, and robustness to ambient light and target reflectivity.

Applications span LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, consumer depth sensors in smartphones, industrial automation, and gesture recognition. Limitations involve sensitivity to ambient light, surface texture and reflectivity, as well as safety considerations for laser emissions. The term TimeofFlightsystem covers both direct and indirect ToF approaches and remains a central part of broader time-of-flight sensing technologies.