Distance/ToF Sensor

Distance sensors (or proximity sensors) generally work by outputting a signal of some kind, (eg laser, IR LED, ultrasonic waves) and then reading how it has changed on its return. That change may be in the intensity of the returned signal, the time it takes the signal to return, etc.

A ToF camera uses infrared light (lasers invisible to human eyes) to determine depth information - a bit like how a bat senses it surroundings. The sensor emits a light signal, which hits the subject and returns to the sensor. The time it takes to bounce back is then measured and provides depth-mapping capabilities.