ASTM E608/E608M-24 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM E608/E608M-24 — Standard Test Methods for Time-of-Flight 3-Dimensional (3D) Imaging and Camera System Performance — Test procedures and performance criteria for evaluating time-of-flight 3D imaging and camera systems, specifying methods to measure range accuracy, precision, resolution, intensity response, multi-target performance, and other key characteristics in both metric and inch units.

Abstract

This standard provides test methods for characterizing the performance of time-of-flight (ToF) three-dimensional imaging and camera systems. It defines procedures to measure distance accuracy and precision, spatial resolution, depth linearity, intensity response, multi-path and multi-target response, motion effects, and environmental influences. The standard covers both metric (E608M) and U.S. customary units (E608) and is intended to provide repeatable, comparable results for manufacturers, testers, and users of ToF imaging devices.

General information

• Status: Current (2024 edition)
• Publication date: 2024
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 03.120 (Optics and optical instruments), 17.040.40 (Computers. Computer science), 31.140.30 (Sensors)
• Edition / version: E608/E608M-24
• Number of pages: Approximately 20–40 pages (typical for ASTM 3D imaging test method standards)

Scope

This standard covers test methods for evaluating time-of-flight three-dimensional (3D) imaging and camera systems intended to measure distance or depth information by timing the round-trip travel of modulated or pulsed light. It specifies test setups, required equipment, target types, environmental conditions, procedures to obtain measurements, and methods to report results. The standard applies to continuous-wave (modulated) and pulsed ToF systems across a range of operating distances and illumination conditions, and includes procedures for conversion between metric and U.S. customary units.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and nomenclature for ToF 3D imaging parameters (range, depth, precision, accuracy, resolution).
• Test setup and environmental controls (illumination, temperature, target materials, mounting).
• Procedures to measure range accuracy and systematic error across working distance.
• Procedures to measure repeatability/precision (statistical dispersion of repeated measurements).
• Spatial (lateral) resolution and depth resolution test methods, including edge response and contrast targets.
• Intensity/reflectance response and linearity across target reflectivities.
• Multi-target and multi-path interference test procedures to evaluate ambiguous returns and ghosting.
• Motion testing to assess performance with moving targets and motion compensation.
• Data reporting formats and recommended metadata (measurement geometry, exposure settings, firmware versions).
• Conformance and tolerance guidance for comparing systems or verifying manufacturer claims.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers developing and validating time-of-flight 3D cameras and sensors, test laboratories performing product certification or compliance testing, system integrators selecting sensors for robotics, automotive, industrial automation, gesture recognition, and consumer electronics, and researchers benchmarking imaging performance. The standard aids procurement teams in specifying measurable performance, and quality assurance groups in verifying production units.

Related standards

Related documents include other ASTM and ISO standards on 3D imaging and LIDAR test methods, standards on sensor noise and measurement uncertainty, and industry-specific standards for automotive sensing and machine vision performance. Examples include complementary ASTM/ISO standards addressing stereo vision, structured light, LIDAR, and photometric/reflectance measurement practices.

Keywords

Time-of-Flight, ToF, 3D imaging, depth camera, range accuracy, precision, resolution, multi-path, multi-target, intensity response, test method, ASTM E608, E608M, sensor performance

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM E608/E608M-24, a test-method standard that specifies procedures for measuring and reporting the performance of time-of-flight three-dimensional imaging and camera systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement procedures for range accuracy and precision, spatial and depth resolution, intensity response, multi-target and multi-path behavior, motion effects, test setups, environmental conditions, and reporting practices for ToF 3D cameras.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, system integrators, researchers, quality assurance and procurement teams involved with 3D sensing and imaging technologies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The entry indicates the 2024 edition (E608/E608M-24). Users should confirm with the publisher for the most current status and any amendments or corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It complements a family of ASTM/ISO standards for 3D imaging and sensor performance (including standards for structured light, stereo vision, and LIDAR) and is published as paired units to provide both metric (E608M) and customary (E608) measurement conventions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Time-of-Flight, ToF, 3D camera, depth sensor, range accuracy, precision, resolution, sensor test methods.