Next Generation Time-of-Flight Imaging
Abstract
Next Generation Time-of-Flight Imaging. Vision and robotics systems enabled by 3D cameras are revolutionizing several aspects of our lives via technologies such as autonomous transportation, robotic surgery, and ‘hands-free’ user interfaces. The key catalyst behind this revolution is the emergence of low-cost and compact 3D cameras, specially those based on time-of-flight (ToF). While ToF cameras have already found success in several scenarios, they have the potential to be the driving force behind a much larger, potentially transformative set of technologies. However, the current capabilities of these cameras are a long way from what is needed to enable their widespread adoption. For instance, the resolution of ToF cameras is simply inadequate for applications such as AR (augmented reality) and robotic surgery. Imagine a user wearing an AR headset equipped with a TOF based depth camera. For her to achieve a truly immersive AR experience, the ToF camera must measure the 3D structure of the surroundings with extremely high resolution (e.g., sub-millimeter), which is currently impossible. Moreover, the performance of these cameras falls woefully short of what is required in real-world scenarios (e.g., autonomous transportation) involving bright sunlight, multiple reflections of light (underground tunnel) and scattering (fog, dust). The goal of this project is to develop mathematical and physical foundations for ToF imaging which can transform ToF cameras into low-cost, extremely high resolution, and ‘all-weather’ depth measuring devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612995
Entities
People
- Mohit Gupta
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System