Time-of-Flight

Time-of-Flight (ToF) is a measurement technique that calculates the distance to an object by measuring the time it takes for a signal (such as light, sound, or radio waves) to travel to the target and back. It is widely used in applications like depth sensing, LiDAR, and proximity detection. This method provides accurate, real-time distance data by leveraging the constant speed of the signal in a medium.

Also known as: ToF, Time of Flight, Flight Time, Time-of-Flight Measurement, ToF Sensing

Why learn Time-of-Flight?

Developers should learn Time-of-Flight for building systems requiring precise distance measurement, such as autonomous vehicles for obstacle detection, robotics for navigation, and augmented reality for spatial mapping. It is essential in applications where high accuracy and fast response times are critical, like gesture recognition in consumer electronics or 3D scanning in industrial settings.

Learning Resources

• docs: Time-of-Flight Camera: An Introduction
• tutorial: Time-of-Flight Principles and Applications
• video: LiDAR and Time-of-Flight Sensors Explained
• book: Handbook of Time-of-Flight and Depth Imaging