Abstract: A time-of-flight camera system to measure distance to a target is described. A light emitter is configured to generate emitted light directed towards the target to produce reflected light from the target. An optical sensor defines a plurality of sensing locations, at least partially distributed parallel to a blurring axis, to sense the reflected light. A blurring element is optically positioned between the optical sensor and the target so as to blur light received by the optical sensor. The blurring element is configured to cause a predetermined spreading of light parallel to the blurring axis at the plurality of sensing locations to reduce light intensity thereat. The time-of-flight camera system is operable to determine the distance to the target based on sensed light, the emitted light, and the predetermined spreading of the light.

Abstract: A camera system has a chassis carrying one or more cameras. Each camera has support member mounted to the chassis and an imaging chip mounted to the support member. An optical system for imaging onto the imaging chip may also be mounted to the chassis. The chassis and support members may have coefficients of thermal expansion that are substantially matched. In some embodiments the support members are located between the imaging chips and one or more circuit boards to which the imaging chips are electrically connected. In some embodiments the imaging chips are located over apertures or other channels through the chassis and light is incident on the imaging chips by way of the channels. The relative locations of the imaging chips can be maintained constant to preserve calibration for stereo imaging.

Abstract: A camera has a strobe output. When the camera acquires a sequence of images, a strobe pattern control determines for each image whether or not to apply a strobe signal to the strobe output according to a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern and the length of the sequence can be user defined by way of a suitable software interface, for example. The strobe output may be used to control a device such as a flash unit, a sound recorder or the like.