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1. Introduction
– For Advancing Robot Vision with Precise 3D ToF Sensing
In the global market of robot industry, many 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras and their applications have appeared and are gaining popularity, but their use is often limited by environmental factors and specific conditions. A common problem is their outdoor performance, as they often don’t work well outdoors. One frequent point that’s made is that ToF cameras are affected by sunlight and weather conditions, which stops them from fully showing their advantages. For example, under such conditions, robots equipped with 3D cameras might fail to recognize obstacles like fences or sudden objects appearing on the path, potentially leading to collisions. Or, they might stop because they can’t find the cargo they’re supposed to transport. Solving these problems is crucial for enhancing the performance of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) operating outdoors, where 3D sensing is indispensable. This is also key to the wider adoption of 3D ToF cameras.
TOPPAN’s 3D ToF camera, part of our innovative senSPure™ Series, faces these challenges directly. It offers high-precision, real-time views of the environment, something that was hard to achieve before. Our solution creates new possibilities for next-generation robot vision, including AMR navigation, reliable obstacle detection, and advanced mapping.
In this article, we would like to share the great potential of our 3D ToF camera to perform effectively in outdoor environments.
2. Results of Comparative Experiments
– Proven Performance in Challenging Outdoor Conditions (up to 100,000 lx)
In 3D sensing, the clarity and accuracy of depth images are essential for ToF camera performance, especially for object recognition in outdoor environments.
Introducing TOPPAN’s 3D ToF Camera, senSPure™ C11U, featuring our proprietary hybrid ToF™ method. This innovative approach, which combines the short-pulse indirect ToF method with multi-time window technology, ensures faithful capture of intricate shapes and fine details, even in challenging environments.
Click here for information on hybrid ToF™ technology
Let’s see what we’ve got!
▼ Experimental Conditions & Cameras
All comparison depth images and video were taken outdoors under sunlight, with an illuminance ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 lx.
Range: 0.8–4.4m
Range: 0.6–6.0m
▼ Results
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▼ Demo Video: Driving on a walkway – TOPPAN vs Camera B
In this short demonstration video, these cameras mounted on a moving cart (simulating a robot) travels along a walkway. The video shows that due to measurement errors, the Camera B (Company B @video) was difficult to capture fine details of plants and leaves, while senSPure™ C11U precisely captured in real time.
The comparison images clearly demonstrate that the C11U captures fine details – such as the wire mesh pattern, individual branches – without noise-related artifacts. This capability ensures reliable object detection and environmental recognition in robotics applications, making the C11U an ideal choice for applications that require precise depth sensing.
3. Why Can TOPPAN’s ToF Camera Capture “Precise Depth Images”?
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Our Proprietary hybrid ToF™ Sensor
Thanks to the C11U’s integrated proprietary hybrid ToF™ sensor, it achieves highly optimized sensor driving and calibration, meticulously tuned to the camera’s specifications. This system guarantees consistently stable and precise 3D sensing performance across diverse operating environments.
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Short-pulse based ToF Sensing Method
By adopting this method, the C11U simultaneously performs distance measurement and ambient light noise suppression in every frame. This approach enables real-time distance sensing with high ambient light tolerance, making it suitable for outdoor use. It also prevents motion blur and artifacts, which are common sources of measurement errors.
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senSPure™ SDK: Empowering the C11U
Operate the C11U camera with ease using our dedicated senSPure™ SDK. The SDK supports functionality such as integration control (number of emissions), spatial filtering, flying pixel removal, and more. Users can fine-tune these features to meet the specific requirements of their application.
4. Conclusion
We conducted a field test under strong sunlight in outdoor environments. In addition to our own 3D ToF camera senSPure™ C11U (SP-type iToF), we tested two other widely used systems: a 3D ToF camera (CW-type iToF) and a stereo vision-based 3D camera. All cameras were operated at a commonly used frame rate of 30 fps to capture depth data. While there may be room for discussion regarding whether the comparison cameras were configured for maximum performance, we believe the results clearly and visually demonstrate the strength of our 3D camera in outdoor conditions.
Curious about how our camera performs in your application?
– Empowering Next-Generation Robotics and Automation
TOPPAN’s 3D ToF camera senSPure™ C11U delivers precise depth perception for autonomous robots, enabling true automation and precise spatial awareness in every application.
Seeing is believing. Experience the TOPPAN’s ToF camera yourself.
▼ Contact Us
Visit the TOPPAN Electronics Division Page
▼ Download
3D ToF camera senSPure™ C11U leaflet
