New from Sony are back-illuminated time-of-flight
3D image sensors for industrial equipment.
Abbreviated as T.O.F., pronounced "toff”,
time-of-flight is a method of measuring distance to objects
based on the flight time of light.
Distance to objects is determined
from the time it takes emitted light
to travel to objects and reflect back to the sensor.
ToF captures Z-direction
along with X and Y directions.
This realizes three-dimensional sensing.
ToF is useful in inspections that are
difficult to see with regular 2D images
such as shape inspections
or detecting overlapped objects.
As ToF measures distance to objects,
it can also be applied to automatic control
and collision avoidance of industrial mobilities.
ToF will help to meet increasing
demands of automated society.
Let's see what makes Sony's sensor so unique.
The key of ToF sensing accuracy is
how to capture reflected light efficiently.
Sony produced the sophisticated ToF sensor,
by combining two Sony technologies:
technology to detect reflection light accurately,
and a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor.
These technologies allow the Sony's ToF sensor
to realize outstanding performance.
Along with a sensor,
a ToF camera's performance also depends
on the lens, laser diode, and processor, etc..
Here we have a ToF camera.
As an example,
let's see how ToF camera can contribute
to the logistics industry.
Without using a mechanically moving device,
a ToF camera can measure sizes
with only one shot.
Sony's ToF sensor works
up to 60 frames per second,
making it able to capture faster moving objects
than existing 3D cameras.
It looks like the sorted boxes are ready
to get loaded onto a pallet.
Let's look at another scenario
using a ToF camera.
For carton box again,
robots are required to have
instant accurate recognition
of the surrounding environment.
Compared to existing stereo cameras,
the ToF camera has lower system requirements,
so it can perform constant high-speed
3D processing inside the camera.
Even in situations using multiple cameras,
as system loading is light,
it’s easy to provide 3D data to the robots.
A forklift has arrived
to carry the stacked boxes.
It takes skill to insert forklift forks correctly
into the pallet pocket.
A ToF camera serves as the eyes of the forklift,
which makes it easy to detect pockets.
Even while unmanned,
the forklift is able to carry the boxes accurately.
Now we will load these pallets
on to the trucks waiting outside.
Sony's ToF sensor
has high environmental robustness
and is not easily affected by sunlight.
This allows it to assist vehicles to avoid
obstacles both indoors and outdoors.
Loading is finished and ready for shipping.
A ToF camera emits laser light itself.
Therefore, it can work even in dark spaces.
A ToF camera can be used to real-time monitor
the volume of cargo inside a truck
to realize efficient transportation planning.
Demand for automation and manpower reduction
are required not only in the logistics industry,
but across many industries:
factory automation, agriculture,
construction, and others.
Sony's ToF sensors are being introduced
in these diverse applications,
and will continue to contribute
to advancement of society.