Divcam – Distance Mapping Camera
Project Number
1469
Description
Technology
A novel, inexpensive distance mapping camera that uses the rate of decay of illumination light with distance, as a means of measuring the distance. Infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are typically used as cost-effective illuminators. The effect of reflectivity of the objects is removed by taking the ratio of the two photographs with two different illuminators placed at different distances from the object (i.e. reflectivity cancels out).
Special features include: simplicity, compactness, ruggedness, portability, high resolution, real-time operation and low cost. Lead potential applications include:
- General purpose of mapping distance of any object
- Robotics
- TV camera to fabricate virtual studios
- Medical use as a laparoscope
- Aid to the blind
- Instant, non-contact fingerprinting
- Cameras to generate side profile of objects from front view profile
