Glossar

Time-of-Flight refers to an optical measurement method in which the distance to an object is determined based on the time it takes for a transmitted signal to travel to the object and back to the sensor. The measured time is converted into precise distance information.

ToF sensors typically use light pulses or modulated infrared light, and the reflection of these from the object is analyzed. Three-dimensional information and point clouds can be generated from many individual measurement points. In logistics, ToF technology is used for applications such as dimensional measurement, 3D scanning, contour inspection, and automated object recognition. It enables fast, noncontact measurement even of moving objects.

Practical example:
A ToF sensor measures the distances to the surface as a package moves along a conveyor line and automatically calculates the three-dimensional dimensions based on this data.

See also: 3D sensors, dimensional measurement, DWS, laser scanners, LiDAR, object recognition, sensor technology, volume measurement