Three-dimensional image corrections for time-of-flight cameras

Three-dimensional (3D) images from time-of-flight cameras may suffer from distortion because of light scattered inside the camera body (flare light) and diffuse light. To reduce the distortion, a correction method is proposed. The errors of a 3D image are corrected by illuminating the scene with two consecutive light intensities. In one frame, the scene is illuminated. In the consecutive frame, two additional spotlights are added. Using these two consecutive images, a correction vector is computed. Subtracting this vector from the original vector image, a corrected 3D image is obtained. The results show a significant improvement of 3D images, the camera can be calibrated easily. It can be used for industrial applications.