3-D Cameras: A Novel Method and Device for 3-D Imaging Using Light Detection and Ranging [From Mind to Market]

In this column, we provide a method and device for measuring the distance of a targeted object (pixels in this case) based on a number of reflected light signals with low cost and high resolution. The distance is obtained by the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals. Consequently, the technology provides the high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) image beyond the two-dimensional (2-D) image. This invention can be used in many industrial products, e.g., an examination device for sorting out defective goods. We expect that this technology will contribute to the development of the next generation of digital cameras in the near future.