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This section provides an overview for tof cameras as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 tof camera manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked tof camera companies as of December, 2024: 1.e-con Systems Inc, 2.Analog Devices, Inc., 3.Leopard Imaging.
Table of Contents
A ToF (time-of-flight) camera is a camera that visualizes the distance to an object by measuring the time of flight of light.
Infrared light is mainly used to measure the distance to an object. The time it takes for the irradiated infrared light to return from the object is measured, and the distance is calculated from this time.
While a normal camera can only obtain two-dimensional information about an object, an image taken with a ToF camera includes depth information, making it possible to obtain three-dimensional information. The method of acquiring information through images, as with a camera, is called "3D-ToF," while the method of simply knowing the distance is called "1D-ToF."
ToF cameras have a wide range of applications in industry, medicine, and other fields as follows:
ToF cameras are used for person and shape recognition. ToF cameras can be used to recognize the movement of a patient in a hospital and be useful when watching over the patient. They can also be installed in stores to track people's movements and be used in counting the number of people.
Other uses of ToF cameras are in the automated operation of cars. ToF cameras can be used to detect pedestrians so that cars do not rear-end pedestrians.
ToF cameras are used in factories and other production sites for object detection and safety monitoring. ToF cameras can be attached to industrial robots and transport equipment to detect intrusion of objects.
In addition, when ToF cameras are installed on presses, robots, and other sources of danger, it is possible to identify whether the approaching object is a transported object or a person. When used to observe crops, measuring their size and shape can be used to determine when to harvest them.
ToF distance image sensors are increasingly being used in smartphones, which can accurately capture players' physical movements and reflect them in games.
Also, when buying or selling something on an e-commerce site, it will be possible to measure and display the dimensions of the object instantly. In addition, ToF cameras are also used for facial recognition when logging in to smartphones.
By identifying the shape of the face with the ToF cameras, the face recognition function is realized. Unlike ordinary cameras, ToF cameras can prevent identity theft because it recognizes the owner's face as a mere flat surface, even if a photo of the owner's face is used.
ToF cameras consist of a lens, a detector that detects light, and a light source that synchronizes with the detector. The reference light emitted from the on-board light source is reflected by the object and the time it takes to reach the detector (time of flight) is measured.
The speed of light is about 300,000 km/s and is an invariant constant. Therefore, we know that the distance of the target grain is half the product of the two.
There are two main types of time-of-flight measurement methods: direct TOF and indirect TOF.
In the direct ToF method, a pulse light is irradiated as a reference light and the reflected light pulse is detected. This method measures the time of flight by directly measuring the time from irradiation to detection.
Simultaneously, with the irradiation of the reference light, a measurement pulse current with a known width and period is generated inside the measurement circuit. Time-of-flight can be measured from the difference between the time when the pulse current is generated by the detector and the time when the pulse current is generated by the measurement pulse current and the reflected light.
The indirect ToF method determines the distance from the phase shift with a reference light. The amplitude of the continuous wave emitted from the light source is modulated to generate a sine wave with a known frequency.
This is irradiated onto the object as a reference light, and the phase shift of the reflected light from the object is detected. The phase shift can be converted into a time difference using the frequency of the sine wave. This allows the calculation of the time of flight.
Specifically, the intensity of the reflected light is measured four times for one period of reference light. By discrete Fourier transforming this, the phase shift from the reference light can be obtained.
Advantages of the ToF method include its small size, low CPU load, and the ability to be used in dark locations. Each of these advantages is explained below.
1. Can Be Used in Dark Places
The advantage of ToF cameras is that they can be used in the dark because they use infrared light instead of visible light. Three-dimensional information on objects can be obtained even when there is no light source at all in the surroundings.
2. Small Size and Low CPU Load
ToF cameras have a simple device configuration, which allows them to be smaller than structured light systems. Another attractive feature is its low CPU load.
When considering incorporating a ToF sensor into production equipment used at a manufacturing site, a low CPU load reduces the risk of delays and makes it possible to construct a stable production system.
3. Low-cost Products Are Also Available
ToF cameras are not only expensive but also inexpensive, depending on the specifications. Since the price of ToF cameras varies greatly depending on the specifications, it is recommended that you consider the price of ToF cameras in relation to the specifications you need before purchasing.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
Phase 1 Technology Corp., established in 1986, is a distributor of advanced imaging technology and components headquartered in New York, USA. The company collaborates with manufacturers like Sony, Canon, Fujinon, and more and offers a wide range of imaging components, including cameras, lenses, sensors, frame grabbers, lighting, and other related components. These imaging components are designed to capture, process, and analyze images and videos. The company caters to diverse applications, spanning multiple industries, including industrial inspection, medical imaging, scientific research, and more.
Basler AG (Basler Group), founded in 1988 and a subsidiary of Basler Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. KG, is a German manufacturer headquartered in Ahrensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, specializing in imaging components for computer vision applications. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes computer vision hardware, such as acquisition cards, cables, cameras, lighting tools, and lenses. It also offers network and peripheral devices, related accessories, and software solutions. The company supplies various digital industrial cameras, such as area scan, line scan, and network cameras, for applications in factory automation systems and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), as well as in sectors like life sciences, medical, and retail.
Vzense Technology based in California, USA, was established in 2016 and is a manufacturer of Time-of-Flight cameras. The company also researches 3D perception, image processing, and facial recognition. It's product portfolio includes DS86, DS87, DS77, DCAM550 and DCAM560C, used in parcel recognition and sorting, palletizing and depalletizing and dimension measurement in logistics and industrial automation across 36 countries. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and in 2022, Vision Systems Designs awarded Vzence a Bronze medal for DCAM560C.
K.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.KG was founded in 1945 and is a manufacturer of switchgear and control devices based in Wuppertal, Germany. The company's products include security sensors, solenoid interlocks, safety switches and safety mats. The products are used in escalators, elevators, wood processing, packaging and industrial automation to provide safety at work. The company is ISO 9001 certified and supports local institutions like the University of Wuppertal, charity events and sports clubs. In Brazil, Schmersal has won the international "Great Place To Work" competition five times.
DOMI Sensor is a manufacturer of sensors and depth cameras based in Shenzhen, China. The company specializes in developing, producing, and marketing Time of Flight (ToF) sensors and image-processing vision sensors. Its products enable customers to effectively measure, detect, guard, and position. Specifically, its ToF sensors can enhance and automate various customer processes. These products find applications in industrial automation, manufacturing, logistics, security, and surveillance. The company serves customers worldwide and offers support in multiple languages.
Melexis NV, founded in Brussels, in 1989 is a supplier of micro-electronic semiconductor solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits, Automotive Semiconductors, IC Sensors, Power ICs for Automotive Actuators, and Infrared Thermometers and sensors. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. The company has a global distribution channel, a technical and customer support center and 18 offices worldwide.
Terabee is a manufacturer of advanced sensor solutions based in France, established in 2012. The company specializes in sensor technologies and solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of industries. Its sensors enable precise distance measurement, obstacle detection, and environmental monitoring. The company offers a diverse range of sensor products, including Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. The company's sensor solutions cater to various industries, including industrial automation, robotics, agriculture, smart cities, and more.
Leopard Imaging Inc., established in 2008 and headquartered in Fremont, Silicon Valley, California, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of High Definition embedded cameras and related products used in 3D stereos, augmented reality, smart robotics, and IOT applications. The company manufactures HD embedded cameras used as drone cameras, robotic cameras, 3D depth cameras, 360 cameras, and scientific & machine vision cameras. The company also offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) services, including design, manufacturing, driver development, and image tuning services upon customers' request.
E-con Systems Inc., based in Saint Louis, Missouri, has been a manufacturer of OEM cameras since 2003. The company's product range includes MIPI camera modules, GMSL cameras, USB 3.1 Gen 1 cameras, TOF cameras, and stereo cameras. These cameras offer features such as low light performance, HDR, global shutter, and resolutions ranging from 2MP up to 18MP. They find applications in various fields, including autonomous mobile robots, smart agricultural devices, medical diagnostic systems, smart checkouts, carts, and sports broadcasting systems.
TOPPAN INC., a company founded in 1900 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in electronic components and materials. The company’s product portfolio includes color filters, functional films, photomasks, TFT-LCDs, and semiconductor package substrates. These products are utilized by various industries, including electronics manufacturing, display technology, semiconductor manufacturing, consumer electronics, and education and research. The company provides customer services including metal etching services, consultation and turnkey solutions, and customer collaboration. The company has offices in various countries, including China, France, Germany, the USA, and Singapore, for global reach.
McNika, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, specializing in semiconductors and integrated circuits. The company offers a wide range of product portfolios including, integrated circuits such as PLDs, and ASICs, analog ICs, electronic devices, network-related software, and hardware. These cutting-edge components cater to diverse industries and applications including consumer electronics for memory and control functions, communication systems for optimizing performance and power efficiency, automotive for safety and navigation systems, and medical devices such as MRI, pacemakers, and glucose monitors.
Fabrimex Systems AG, based in Switzerland, has been a supplier and provider of specialized solutions in industrial technology since 1947. The company specializes in providing solutions and products related to embedded computing, industrial PC systems, machine vision systems, and deep learning software. One sample product the company offers is its deep learning components, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that defines training machines to recognize patterns and make data-based decisions. Additionally, the company offers customized hardware and software solutions to meet the specific needs of its clients. The company serves industrial companies, research and development, educational institutions, technology, and manufacturing.
LUCID Vision Labs Inc., established in 2017 and based in Richmond, Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of machine vision cameras and components. The company's product portfolio includes Phoenix machine vision cameras, Triton machine vision cameras, and Helios2 3D time of flight cameras. These products are used in various applications, including manufacturing for quality control, robotics, where the cameras are used for object recognition, and logistics and warehousing. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified with a global partner network in various countries, including China, the United States, and Switzerland.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | e-con Systems Inc |
10.7%
|
| 2 | Analog Devices, Inc. |
9.5%
|
| 3 | Leopard Imaging |
7.8%
|
| 4 | Phase 1 Technology Corp |
7.2%
|
| 5 | K. A. Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG |
6.8%
|
| 6 | Melexis NV |
6.8%
|
| 7 | Basler |
6.1%
|
| 8 | Vzense Technology Inc. |
5.6%
|
| 9 | Terabee |
5.3%
|
| 10 | VoXel Interaction Design |
5.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the tof camera page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
2 | 13.3% |
|
Germany
|
2 | 13.3% |
|
China
|
2 | 13.3% |
Japan
|
2 | 13.3% |
|
Belgium
|
1 | 6.7% |
|
France
|
1 | 6.7% |
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 6.7% |
Singapore
|
1 | 6.7% |
Austria
|
1 | 6.7% |
|
Switzerland
|
1 | 6.7% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 6.7% |
16 products found
16 products
McNika
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Last viewed: 5 hours ago
Standard Response
The distance and color image can be obtained at the same time, and a ROS driver that supports abundant functions is also provided, making it a very...
CIS Co., Ltd.
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RGB+D 2-lens development module kit It is an extremely easy-to-use camera for developers because it can acquire distance and color images at the sa...
Yasudenso Co., Ltd.
180+ people viewing
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Very Fast Response
■Small monocular camera that can simultaneously generate depth maps and 2D images of up to 1.4M pixels at Max 30fps Using a passive monocular camer...
Basler
430+ people viewing
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Standard Response
Feature ■ High -precision data In addition to the Sony DeptherSense ™ (IMX556), which features the backraging structure and a unique pixel technolo...
2 models listed
NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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It can be used as an optical filter to adjust the color temperature and concentration. Various optical characteristics are realized by applying var...
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Micro Technica Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
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■Features ・Inexpensive and compact size ・IP42 and IP67 compatible ・Color image and depth information can be obtained ・SDK, sample software for ...
Micro Technica Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
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■Features ・Inexpensive and compact size ・IP42 and IP67 compatible ・Color image and depth information can be obtained ・SDK, sample software for ...
Micro Technica Co., Ltd.
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■Features ・Inexpensive and compact size ・IP42 and IP67 compatible ・Color image and depth information can be obtained ・SDK, sample software for ...
Micro Technica Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
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■Features ・Excellent ToF distance accuracy ・Supports working distance up to 8.3m ・Excellent cost performance ・Supports cable length of 100m wit...
CIS Co., Ltd.
50+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
The DCC-VCP1GEM is a GigE Vision interface compatible camera that uses a 1/4-inch WVGA (752x480) CMOS image sensor. For desktop PCs and notebook PC...
CIS Co., Ltd.
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The DCC-5CP1GEC is a GigE Vision interface compatible camera that uses a 1/2.5 type 5M (2592x1944) CMOS image sensor. For desktop PCs and notebook ...
LUCID Vision Labs Inc.
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Get an IP67 "Factory Tough" high-performance 3D camera with the precision and accuracy you need, powered by LUCID's 3D ISP core and Sony's DepthSen...
LUCID Vision Labs Inc.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Our 3D + RGB IP67 kit combines a Triton 3.2MP and Helios2 ToF 3D camera to provide accurate color point cloud data. Triton 3.2MP adds color informa...
