Performance improvement of a 3D-TOF PMD camera using a pseudo 4-phase shift algorithm

Time-of-Flight sensors have recently become available at reasonable prices. In comparison to stereo vision system and laser range scanners they combine the advantages of active sensors providing accurate distance measurements and camera-based systems recording a 2D matrix at a high frame rate. Moreover low cost 3D imaging has the potential to open a wide field of additional applications and solutions in markets like consumer electronics, multimedia, digital photography, robotics and medical technologies. This paper focuses on the currently implemented phase-shift algorithm in this type of sensors. This paper presents a new approach which doubles the frame rate and thereby increases the performance of PMD TOF sensors. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is working effectively.