A Performance Review of 3D TOF Vision Systems in Comparison to Stereo Vision Systems

The most common and well-known principle of 3D image acquisition is stereo vision (SV). This principle of 3D-image acquisition is already known and used for decades in the research community. The advantage of stereo vision to other range measuring devices such as laser scanners, acoustic or radar sensors is that it achieves high resolution and simultaneous acquisition of the entire range image without energy emission or moving parts. Still, the major disadvantage is the limited Field of View (FOV) and the correspondence problem. Because of the enormous progress in TOF-vision systems, nowadays 3D matrix cameras can be manufactured und be used for many application such as robotic, automotive, industrial, medical and multimedia applications. In this book chapter the transition from a general model of the system to specific applications such as intelligent airbag control and robot assistance in surgery are demonstrated.