A 3D profile sensor, also known as a 3D profiling sensor or 3D depth sensor, is a technology that is used to capture and measure the three-dimensional shape or profile of an object or a scene. These sensors are often used in various applications, including industrial automation, robotics, quality control, augmented reality, and virtual reality. They work by emitting light or other forms of energy and measuring the time it takes for the energy to bounce back to the sensor, similar to how a 2D depth sensor like Microsoft Kinect or LiDAR works.
There are several technologies used in 3D profile sensors:
Structured light: In structured light 3D profile sensors, a pattern of light, typically a grid or a series of lines, is projected onto the object or scene. The sensor then captures the deformation of the pattern caused by the shape of the object, allowing it to calculate the depth information.
Time-of-flight (ToF): Time-of-flight 3D sensors measure the time it takes for a light or laser pulse to travel to an object and back. By knowing the speed of light, the sensor can calculate the distance to the object and create a 3D profile.
Stereo vision: Stereo vision 3D sensors use two cameras or sensors placed a known distance apart to capture the same scene from slightly different perspectives. By comparing the images from both cameras, they can calculate depth information through triangulation.