Achieving sub-millimetre precision with a solid-state full-field heterodyning range imaging camera

We have developed a full- field solid- state range imaging system capable of capturing range and intensity data simultaneously for every pixel in a scene with sub- millimetre range precision. The system is based on indirect time- of- flight measurements by heterodyning intensity- modulated illumination with a gain modulation intensified digital video camera. Sub- millimetre precision to beyond 5 m and 2 mm precision out to 12 m has been achieved. In this paper, we describe the new sub- millimetre class range imaging system in detail, and review the important aspects that have been instrumental in achieving high precision ranging. We also present the results of performance characterization experiments and a method of resolving the range ambiguity problem associated with homodyne and heterodyne ranging systems.