ToF cameras have multiple applications, and this article focuses on their applications in industrial automation. Based on specific functionalities and scenarios, there are five main areas of application:
1 Intelligent Warehousing
1.1 Identifying Goods
ToF sensors enable fast and precise inventorying of the number and arrangement of items on shelves.
1.2 Volume Calculation
It is possible to gather real-time distance data on commodities and combine it with dimensions like length, width, and height to determine an object's volume.
1.3 Monitoring Anomalies
spotting damage or displacement to quickly spot issues and take the necessary action.
1.4 Avoiding Obstacles
ToF sensors measure the time it takes for light to travel between nearby objects to offer real-time depth information. This aids in the mapping of their immediate surroundings and accurate positioning of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). It makes it possible to identify roadblocks and take the necessary precautions to avoid running into them.
1.5 Sorting in Industry
2 Steel
2.1 Aligning
On steel production lines, ToF sensors can detect the distance between conveyors and objects (such steel plates) with accuracy. This guarantees the accuracy and consistency of the production process by enabling the accurate positioning and alignment of steel materials, tools, and equipment.
2.2 Inspection of Steel Surface Quality
Distance information about the surface can be acquired by timing how long it takes light to travel from the sensor to the steel's surface and back again. This aids in the early detection and resolution of quality problems by detecting surface flatness, irregularities, faults, deformations, etc.
2.3 Thickness of Steel Material
The thickness of the material can be determined by timing how long it takes light to travel from the sensor to the steel's surface and back again.
3 Coal
3.1 Thickness of Coal Seam
The thickness of the coal seam can be determined by timing how long it takes light to travel from the sensor to the coal seam's surface and back again. This helps to determine the distribution and reserves of ore veins, which is important for coal seam detection and analysis in mining operations.
3.2 Velocity of Coal Flow
The coal flow velocity can be determined by timing the length of time it takes for light to travel from the sensor to the coal flow's surface and reflect back. It is crucial to keep an eye on the coal flow velocity on pipes or conveyors in order to regulate and maximize the conveying system's performance.
3.3 Inspection and Analysis of Coal Quality
The physical and chemical qualities of coal can be determined by studying the features of light reflection on its surface. This can be applied to regulating and optimizing coal processing processes as well as assessing, categorizing, and sorting coal quality.
3.4 Coal Pile Volume Measurement
The height and volume of the coal pile can be computed by timing how long it takes light to travel from the sensor to the coal pile's surface and reflect back.
3.5 Blockage warning and anomaly detection
Abnormal circumstances, such as obstructions, material leakage, or poor flow, can be identified through real-time monitoring of data including the coal flow's shape, velocity, and distance. Production-related problems and accidents can be avoided by taking prompt action.
4 Marine Lifting Positioning
4.1 Determining the Length of Time between Lifting Equipment and Target Objects
The distance to the target item can be computed by timing how long it takes light to travel from the sensor to its surface and back again. Lifting procedures are safe and accurate when the target object's position and distance are known with accuracy.
4.2 Position and Orientation Measurements for Lifting Equipment
The location and alignment of the lifting apparatus in three dimensions can be determined by placing several ToF sensors and using the relative distance and angle data between them. This makes it possible to perform manipulation, positioning, and orientation tasks precisely.
4.3 Obstacle Identification in the Marine Environment
Through the measurement of light reflection properties on obstacle surfaces, possible collision hazards can be quickly detected. This makes it possible to take the necessary preventative actions to guarantee the security of lifting operations.
5 Aerial Refueling
5.1 Measurement of Distance between Refueling Aircraft and Receiving Aircraft
The distance between two aircraft can be computed by timing the length of time it takes for light to travel from the sensor to the target aircraft's surface and reflect back. This is essential to guaranteeing correct touch and keeping a safe distance to prevent unintentional crashes and dangerous circumstances when refueling.
5.2 Alignment and Positioning
The position and orientation of the aircraft in three dimensions can be determined by placing several ToF sensors and using the relative distance and angle data between them. This facilitates accurate contact and alignment, guaranteeing that refueling probes are connected correctly.