Systematic distance deviation error compensation for a ToF-camera in the close-up range

In machine vision applications, Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors like the Photonic Mixer Devices (PMD) became considerable alternatives to common 3D sensing devices. Because of the enormous progress in TOF-vision systems, nowadays 3D matrix cameras can be used for many applications such as robotic, automotive, industrial, medical and multimedia applications. This paper focuses on the range data resolution for machine vision applications in the close-up range. A new approach is presented which achieves a range data resolution in the lower millimeter range for low-cost commercial TOF cameras. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is well suited for machine vision applications.