МНОГОКАНАЛЬНЫЙ LIDAR-ФОРМИРОВАТЕЛЬ ОБЛУЧЕНИЯ

Изобретение относится к LIDAR-системам измерения с 3D-облаком точек. Сущность: в измерительной LIDAR-системе применяется интегральная схема (IC) многоканального, основанного на нитриде галлия (GaN) формирователя облучения. В одном аспекте IC выборочно соединяет каждый источник облучения, ассоциированный с каждым измерительным каналом, с источником электрической мощности, чтобы формировать измерительный импульс облучающего света. В одном аспекте каждый сигнал запуска импульса, ассоциированный с каждым измерительным каналом, принимается на отдельном узле IC. В другом аспекте дополнительные управляющие сигналы принимаются на раздельных узлах IC и передаются всем измерительным каналам. В другом аспекте IC многоканального, основанного на нитриде галлия (GaN) формирователя облучения включает в себя модуль регулирования мощности, который подает отрегулированное напряжение различным элементам каждого измерительного канала, только когда какой-либо сигнал запуска импульса находится в состоянии, которое ...

АНАЛИЗАТОР ПОЛЯ ИЗЛУЧЕНИЯ

Анализатор поля излучения предусматривает средство для анализа спектра пространственных мод излучения, принимаемого от объекта. В варианте осуществления многомодового волновода световой пучок, выходящий из лазера, направляют непосредственно на объект через волноводную структуру из окиси алюминия. Часть опорного лазерного пучка направляют непосредственно на генератор мод, который выборочно преобразовывает лазерное излучение в одну из ряда мод. Лазерный пучок, отраженный от объекта, смешивают со световым пучком, выходящим из генератора мод, для получения интерференционных сигналов. Эти сигналы измеряют с помощью детектора и анализируют с помощью программируемого компьютера. Путем последовательного изменения моды, которая вырабатывается с помощью генератора и анализа полученных в результате сигналов, получают спектр мод излучения, отраженного от объекта. Техническим результатом является создание анализатора поля излучения, используемого для классификации объектов. 2 с. и 14 з.п.ф-лы, 13 ил ...

ЛАЗЕРНОЕ УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ РАССТОЯНИЯ

Изобретение относится к оптическим системам и может быть использовано для измерения расстояний. Устройство содержит лазер со средством возбуждения, обеспечивающим изменение рабочей частоты лазера для борьбы с помехами в виде спеклов. Излученный сигнал, отражаясь от цели, интерферирует в лазере, выполненном в виде лазерного диода, что приводит к излучению сигнала в сторону, противоположную направлению на цель, в виде импульсов интенсивности. Детектирование этого сигнала обеспечивает выработку сигнала обратной связи, в котором содержится информация о расстоянии до цели. Сигнал возбуждения лазера определяется частотой развертки 14000 Гц и выше, а форма сигнала возбуждения представляет собой последовательность отдельных пилообразных участков, перемежающихся опущенными вниз плоскими участками наклона. В устройстве обеспечивается гашение части сигнала обратной связи для уменьшения воздействия разрывов непрерывности сигнала возбуждения лазера на показания измерителя расстояния. 5 з.п. ф-лы, 9 ...

Способ противодействия преднамеренному воздействию на пилотов авиалайнеров лазерным излучением

Изобретение относится к области авиационной техники и может быть использовано для противодействия преднамеренному ослеплению пилотов лазерным излучением физическими лицами при выполнении снижения и посадки авиалайнеров. Способ противодействия преднамеренному воздействию на пилотов лазерным излучением предусматривает установку на летательном аппарате сферической оболочки, на поверхности которой располагают приемные датчики лазерного излучения. По показаниям датчиков определяют направление на источник помех лазерного излучения. В карданном подвесе монтируют бортовой источник лазерного излучения, который излучает лазерный луч в направлении на источник помех лазерного излучения по сигналу блока вычислителя при срабатывании приемных датчиков. Мощность бортового источника лазерного излучения выбирают из условия недопущения необратимого поражения органов зрения физических лиц, создающих помехи лазерного излучения. Обеспечивается противодействие физическим лицам, ослепляющим пилотов авиалайнеров ...

Способ обнаружени оптических и оптоэлектронных объектов и устройство обнаружени оптических и оптоэлектронных объектов

... 1. Способ обнаружения оптических и оптоэлектронных объектов, основанный на зондировании контролируемого объема пространства импульсным или непрерывным излучением со спектральным составом, соответствующим рабочему спектру обнаруживаемых средств, кодировании зондирующего излучения путем амплитудной манипуляции, приеме отраженного излучения в том же спектре, преобразовании отраженных сигналов в видимое для оператора изображение лоцируемого объема пространства, выделении оператором изображений сигналов, отраженных от оптических и оптоэлектронных средств по утомляющему действию частоты мерцания, соответствующей частоте амплитудной манипуляции зондирующего сигнала, отличающийся тем, что прием отраженного от объекта зондирующего сигнала производят с направления, точно совпадающего с центром диаграммы зондирующего излучения передатчика. 2. Устройство для обнаружения оптических и оптоэлектронных приборов, находящихся в ближней зоне, содержащее телевизионную камеру с объективом, соединенную с монитором ...

ОПТИКО-ЭЛЕКТРОННЫЙ КООРДИНАТОР

Оптико-электронный координатор, содержащий объектив и окуляр телескопической системы, анализатор изображений, конденсор, приемник излучения, отличающийся тем, что анализатор изображений выполнен в виде двухлинейных поляризаторов, причем первый выполнен в виде трех полосок поляризационной пленки, нанесенных на вращающуюся клиновую пластину вдоль ее радиуса через 45°, а второй поляризатор установлен неподвижно.

Устройство для слежения за светящимся объектом

DEVICE FOR MEASURING COORDINATES OF EXTENT LIGHT SOURCE

Electronic distance sensor using optical phase difference

The damping filter (9) is so inclined compared to the main axis of the radiation path (6A), that an irregular radiation component reflected at it does not fall on the detector (2). The filter is arranged between the radiation source (1) and the reflector (5). The filter is an independent element. A shutter (8) with two slits (8a, 8b) permeable for the radiation is provided, also a system including a motor for rotating the shutter about its central axis. The filter is arranged in one of the slits. The shutter is a flat circular disc, the surface normal of which is inclined compared to the main axis of the radiation path.

Vorrichtung zur abstandsabhängigen Erkennung eines mobilen Objektes sowie Verfahren zu deren Betrieb

Vorrichtung zur abstandsabhängigen Erkennung eines mobilen Objektes mittels der Auswertung von reflektierter IR-Strahlung (8), umfassend eine Frontplatte (1) mit einer ersten (2) und einer zweiten Oberfläche (3) sowie einer IR-Sensorvorrichtung (4), umfassend mindestens eine IR-Leuchtdiode (5) und einen davon beabstandeten IR-Sensor (6), wobei die mindestens eine IR-Leuchtdiode (5) eingerichtet ist, um IR-Strahlung (7) in Richtung der ersten Oberfläche (2) der Frontplatte (1) und durch diese hindurch zu emittieren, und der IR-Sensor (6) eingerichtet ist, um reflektierte IR-Strahlung (8) durch die zweite Oberfläche (3) der Frontplatte (1) und durch diese hindurch zu detektieren, sowie eine IR-Auswertungsvorrichtung, welche eingerichtet ist, um die reflektierte IR-Strahlung (8) in Hinblick auf die Anwesenheit eines mobilen Objektes auszuwerten, wobei als IR-Sensor (6) ein IR-Sensor (6) verwendet wird, der bei einer bestimmten Arbeitsfrequenz foeine maximale Empfindlichkeit hat, derart, dass ...

Optoelektronischer Sensor und Verfahren zur Veränderung von Sensoreinstellungen

Es wird ein optoelektronischer Sensor (10) zur Erfassung von Objekten (12) längs eines Überwachungsstrahls (14), insbesondere Lichttaster oder Lichtschranke, mit einem Lichtempfänger (26) zur Umwandlung von längs des Überwachungsstrahls (14) empfangenem Empfangslicht (22) in ein Empfangssignal, mit einer Auswertungseinheit (28) zur Gewinnung von Informationen über Objekte (12) in dem Überwachungsstrahl (14) aus dem Empfangssignal und mit einer Parametriereinheit (32) zur Veränderung von Sensoreinstellungen durch eine Benutzereingabe angegeben. Dabei ist die Parametriereinheit (32) dafür ausgebildet, eine Benutzereingabe aus einer Modulation des Empfangssignals zu erkennen.

Optische Empfängeranordnung für eine Rakete

Laserdioden Entfernungsmessung

VERFAHREN ZUR AUSRICHTUNG EINES BISTATISCHEN DOPPLERSENSORS

Vorrichtung zur Dimensionsmessung.

Moulding material with good mechanical and optical properties,

New moulding material comprising the following components: (A) 1-99 wt.% particulate microemulsion polymer having a glass transition temp. less than 0 deg C and a mean particle size less than 50 nm; (B) 1-99 wt.% at least partially crystalline polymer(s); (C) 0-50 wt.% polymer chosen from a particulate graft copolymer with a mean particle size of 60-10000 nm, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer or an acrylate-, diene-, ethylene propylene (diene)-(EPD(M)) or silicone rubber; (D) 0-50 wt.% polycarbonate; and (E) 0-50 wt.% filler fibres and/or particles.

Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung eines Abstandsprofils

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung eines Abstandsprofils mit einem Lichtsender zur Aussendung pulsförmiger Lichtsignale in Richtung eines Überwachungsraums, einem Lichtempfänger zum Empfang von aus dem Überwachungsraum reflektierten/remittierten Lichtsignalen und einer Auswerteeinheit zur Ermittlung von Abstandswerten in Abhängigkeit von der Lichtlaufzeit zwischen Aussendung und Empfang der Lichtsignale, wobei der Lichtsender zur gleichzeitigen Aussendung mehrerer Lichtsignale in Richtung mehrerer, im Überwachungsraum gelegener, voneinander beabstandeter Reflexions-/Remissionspunkte ausgelegt ist und wobei der Lichtempfänger mehrere Photodioden zum Empfang von von den Reflexions-/Remissionspunkten reflektierten/remittierten Lichtsignalen umfaßt.

Laser range finder - has detector receiving laser pulse energy reflected from the object of interest

The range finder has an electronic unit determining the distance to the object from the pulse propagation time, and a housing common for all components. The laser transmitter is stationary in the housing, the detector rotates about the housing longitudinal axis, and corresponding optical axes consisting of rotating lenses and deflecting prisms, a rotating and swivelling inlet optical system and a mirror, follow the object. The deflecting prism (13") and a further deflecting prism (29) connected with the mirror (11') form, together with the inlet optical system, an optical hinge.

Laser-Radar-System

ENTFERNUNGSMESSYSTEM

LIDAR-Sensoren und Verfahren für dieselben

Ein LIDAR-Sensor ist bereitgestellt. Der LIDAR-Sensor umfasst einen optischen Sender, der ausgebildet ist, bei Betrieb in einem ersten Betriebsmodus erste Teilregionen eines Sichtfeldes zu beleuchten, um die Umgebung in dem Sichtfeld eindimensional abzutasten. Bei Betrieb in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus ist der optische Sender ausgebildet, zweite Teilregionen des Sichtfeldes zu beleuchten, um die Umgebung in einem Bereich des Sichtfeldes abzutasten. Eine zum Beleuchten der zweiten Teilregionen verwendete, zweite Beleuchtungsintensität ist höher als eine zum Beleuchten der ersten Teilregionen verwendete, erste Beleuchtungsintensität. Der LIDAR-Sensor umfasst ferner einen optischen Empfänger, der ausgebildet ist, Reflexionen von den ersten und zweiten Teilregionen zu empfangen.

Verfahren zur Identifikation und Bestimmung der Position insbesondere eines metallurgischen Gefäßes

According to the inventive method for identifying and determining the position of a metallurgical vessel for measuring its fireproof lining using electromagnetic radiation, an operator is defined in relation to a two or three dimensional structure with a known shape and size. Distance values (Rad(m,n)) and corresponding measuring angles ( DOLLAR G(f)(n)), theta (m)) are determined in the area of the structure and the measured distance value (Rad(m,n)) and corresponding measuring angles ( phi (n)), theta (m)) are used to scale the operator. The dimension and resolution of the operator (i:[-imax, imax, DELTA i];: [-jmax, jmax, DELTA i]) in the image co-ordinates system and the anticipated values of the operator (R(m+j,n+j)) are adapted to the measured polar co-ordinates (Rad(m,n), phi (m), theta (n)). A result value (S(m,n)) is then formed from the differences between the anticipated values of the operator (R(m+i,n+j)) and the measured values (Rad(m+i,n+j)) and the location of the structure ...

LiDAR-System sowie Kraftfahrzeug

Es wird ein LiDAR-System (1) beschrieben, das dafür eingerichtet ist, eine Umwelt mit einem Lichtstrahl abzutasten, um Informationen über die Umwelt zu erfassen. Das LiDAR-System (1) ist zudem dafür eingerichtet ist, sowohl hochreflektive Objekte in einem Nahfeld über die Umwelt als auch geringreflektierende Objekte in einem Fernfeld über die Umwelt zu erfassen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das LiDAR-System (1) mehrere Photodetektoren (4) aufweist, die dafür eingerichtet sind, unterschiedliche Sättigungswahrscheinlichkeiten zu haben.Ferner wird ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem solchen LiDAR-System (1) beschrieben, das mit dem Kraftfahrzeug wirkverbunden ist.

Optical system for receiving thermal and laser radiation

The invention relates to an optical receiving system having a common receiving channel for thermal and laser radiation, geometrical coupling out of the laser radiation from the common receiving channel being provided downstream of the scanner and after the geometrical separation of thermal and laser radiation, and the coupled-out laser radiation being directed in a laser receiving channel (55) separated from the thermal radiation via an optical assembly (35) to a preferably common sensor (16). In order to use the common receiving channel (1) and thus also the receiving optical system for transmitting the laser radiation, the transmitted radiation (50) is coupled into the separated laser receiving channel (55) via a polarisation filter (52, 53). In this way, the transmitting optical system is spared, good optical conditions for the transmitted radiation being provided without impairment of the common receiving channel. The invention can be applied in combining a thermal imaging device with ...

Modal-Verarbeitung zur Abstandsmessung mittels Multipulse-Multireturn-Signalen zur Clutter-Beseitigung

Distanzmeßapparatur

Distanzmessapparatur, umfassend: eine Strahlsendevorrichtung (1) zum Senden eines Strahls, eine Reflexionsvorrichtung (21) zum Senden des Strahls der Strahlsendevorrichtung (1) in eine festgelegte Richtung durch Reflexion und zum Reflektieren eines reflektierten Strahls, der sich durch Reflexion des Strahls an einem Hindernis ergibt, in eine festgelegte Richtung, eine Scannvorrichtung (2), die die Reflexionsvorrichtung (21) in einem festgelegten Bereich zum Scannen des Strahls verschwenkt, eine Strahlempfangsvorrichtung (3) zum Empfangen des von der Reflexionsvorrichtung (21) reflektierten Strahls, eine Entfernungsberechnungsvorrichtung (4) zum Berechnen einer Entfernung zu dem Hindernis auf der Grundlage einer verstrichenen Zeitdauer, bezogen auf den Zeitpunkt, in dem die Strahlsendevorrichtung (1) den Strahl sendet, bis zu dem Zeitpunkt, in dem die Strahlempfangsvorrichtung (3) den reflektierten Strahl empfängt, eine Ursprungspunkt-Detektorvorrichtung (5) zum Erfassen eines Ursprungspunkts ...

Abstandsmeßvorrichtung

VERFAHREN ZUM UNTERDRUECKEN VON IN PULS-DOPPLER-RADARGERAETEN UMSCHALTBARER IMPULSWIEDERHOLFREQUENZ BEI DER UMSCHALTUNG AUFTRETENDER SIGNALEN

System und Verfahren zur Erkennung und Abwehr von Laserbedrohungen und Unterwasserobjekten für Unterwasserfahrzeuge

Die Erfindung betrifft ein System und ein Verfahren für Unterwasserfahrzeuge zur Erkennung bzw. Abwehr von Laserbedrohungen einschließlich der Unterwasserobjekterkennung mit Hilfe von Laserdetektoren und den dazugehörigen in einem Unterwasserfahrzeug zu plazierenden Einrichtungen für einen ausreichenden Rundumschutz von Unterwasserfahrzeugen in Elevation und Azimut. DOLLAR A Danach sind auf der Oberfläche des Fahrzeuges Mittel zur Detektion von Lasern angeordnet, wobei die Mittel über einen Laser-Warn-Empfänger und Signal-Prozessor miteinander verbunden und über diesen steuerbar sind. Die Gefahr der Fremddetektion der U-Boote durch Laserbestrahlung wird dadurch verringert. Weiterhin sind auf der Oberfläche des Fahrzeuges Mittel zur Detektion von Lasern und Mittel zur Objektdetektion und Abwehr angeordnet, wobei die Mittel zur Detektion von Lasern über einen Laser-Warn-Empfänger und Signal-Prozessor miteinander verbunden sind. Die Mittel zur Objektdetektion und Abwehr sind über einen Laser-Control-Prozessor ...

Automatic measurement of dimensional data with a laser tracker

Optical radar apparatus for vehicle

Doppler sensor apparatus

A SYSTEM FOR RECOGNISING AND IDENTIFYING TARGET OBJECTS.

The use of radar devices for detecting and identifying target objects is based on the finding that the radar echo signals contain characteristic Doppler frequencies which are produced on moving parts of the propulsion units. A laser sensor operating in accordance with the radar principle, comprising a laser transmitter and an optical heterodyne receiver, detects characteristic surface vibrations of the target objects and derives from the laser echo signals, after frequency conversion and demodulation, low-frequency oscillations having the frequencies of the vibration spectrum, from which detection and identification results are determined by comparison with patterns of known target objects.

Detecting coherent point-source radiation

Detector apparatus for detecting paint source radiation such as a targetting laser includes a diffraction grating (11) having a period such that the incidence of coherent point-source radiation upon it produces a number of spaced self-images of the grating behind it. A Moiré grating (12) is placed to coincide with one of these self-images and a detector array (13 - 16) is placed behind the Moiré grating to detect the resulting interference fringes. ...

Passenger identification and monitoring

A system to identity and monitor contents and/or parts of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, by processing the signal received from the contents or parts using one or more techniques, includes neural networks or other pattern recognition systems and technologies including ultrasonic and electromagnetic radiation. The received signal is a combination of the reflection of a transmitted signal, the reflection of some natural signal within the vehicle, and also some signal emitted naturally by the object. A signal is emitted by transducer 132 and characteristic signals received by multiple transducers 131, 133. A neural network is trained to distinguish between adults, children, children in seats, plants, groceries and the like on the basis of these signals. Information obtained by the identification and monitoring system is then used to affect the operation of some other system in the vehicle such as the airbag, entertainment system, heating and air conditioning system, or the system ...

Wavelength normalized depolarization ratio lidar

A remote sensing optical system and method is disclosed that permits detection and discrimination of aerosols. The system outputs a plurality of wavelengths and is equipped with a polarization sensitive receiver capable of measuring the scattered energy in two orthogonal polarization states. By normalizing the depolarization to the total energy received and calculating the ratio of normalized depolarization at different wavelengths it is possible to use this ratio to discriminate materials having wavelength dependent depolarization properties. One use is the discrimination of bioaerosols such as anthrax from other airborne particular matter.

Deformation location in optical fibres

An optical detection system for detecting the location P of changes in attenuation along an optical fibre, in which means 4, 5, 6 is provided for transmitting light signals simultaneously in opposite directions along an optical fibre 1. Signal detection means 2, 3 are provided at the respective ends of the optical fibre 1 for detecting signals received over the optical fibre 1. Processing means 7 is provided for determining the time relationship between any variations in output levels of the detected signals for the purpose of locating the position P of attenuation changes in the optical fibre. ...

Method for the prevention of eye damage when using high-power lasers

To prevent eye damage when using a high power laser in a spectral range transparent to the eye lens, e.g. for destroying military targets, a warning beam (I2) is generated in the visible or near-infrared range just before the main high power beam (I1) is generated. The warning beam causes the eyelids to close by reflex action, and eye damage by the main beam is therefore avoided. The main and warning beams may be generated from a single Nd-yag device, the warning beam being provided by doubling the operating frequency of the device. ...

Infra-red search head for the location of enemy helicopters

Lidar with interference detection

A distance measurement device comprising a light-sending unit for sending pulsed light toward an object of measurement where a distance thereto is measured, a light-receiving unit for receiving incident light including pulsed reflection light reflected by the object, a distance measurement unit for measuring the time from the sending of the pulsed light to the receiving of the incident light and calculating the distance to the object, and an interference detection unit for determining whether interference light exists in the incident light, based on the intensity of the incident light.

Speed trap detection and warning system

Radiation source indicator

Distance measuring apparatus

... 1,136,567. Photo-electric distance measurement. NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORP. 7 Nov., 1966 [19 Nov., 1965], No. 49232/65. Heading H4D. Distance measuring apparatus comprises means 10 for emitting a light or infra-red beam which has been amplitude modulated by a signal 17 having a stabilized and predetermined wavelength # M and marked by amplitude pulses Fp short compared with # M , means 30B for receiving the echo from reflector 11, means 40 for counting the number of cycles of the modulation signal between the emission of a marking pulse and its echo, and means 36, 37, 38 for measuring the phase difference between the modulation of the emitted and echo beams. Wavelength #M is stabilized by an arrangement incorporating a cavity resonator 21 filled with air at the temperature and pressure existing over the transmission path.

IMAGE PATTERN THREAD PROCESSOR

Object location

A system serves to establish the spatial position of an object automatically. The system uses a computer-controlled lasar beam scanning technique to locate the three-dimensional positions of mirror devices in successive measuring stations spaced from the object.

Two-dimensional, phased-array optical beam steerer.

An optical beam steering device (50) for use in a single-aperture laser transceiver system provides deflection of the transmitted (44) and received (46) beams in two planes, while maintaining the distinctive identities of each channel respective to their polarizations. The device (50) utilizes four single-dimensional beam deflecting devices (10c, 10d, 10e, 10f), two (10c, 10e; 10f, 10d) for each orthogonal linear polarization of the two transceiver channels, one of these for each steering axis. In addition, a 900 polarization rotator (40) and a quarter-wave plate (42) are included in the arrangement of beam deflecting devices (10c-10f) to satisfy the polarization requirements of these devices and of the transceiver channels. The beam deflecting devices (10c-10f) comprise liquid crystal cells functioning as variable phase retarders, each of the cells (Fig. 1) comprising a first window (12) having a common electrode (16), a second window (14) having a multiplicity of electrodes (18) in the ...

Laser scanner and method of registering a scene

A laser scanner and method of operation to determine the consistency of a registration is provided. The method includes generating with the laser scanner at least a first scan of the scene with first measuring points. The laser scanner generates at least one second scan of the scene with second measuring points. At least one measured distance is determined from at least one of the second measuring points to the center of the second scan. The second scan is provisionally registered subjected to a consistency check. The consistency check is performed. At least one virtual distance is determined from at least one of the first measuring points to the center of the second scan. The consistency check is based at least in part on comparing the at least one virtual distance with the at least one measured distance.

Improvements in and relating to remote sensing

Automatic measurement of dimensional data with a laser tracker

Gimbal instrument having a prealigned and replaceable optics bench

A method includes providing an optics assembly including a housing having a substantially cylindrical shaped region, a beam splitter, and a position detector; and an alignment fixture. The assembly is placed on the alignment fixture which makes contact with the assembly on the cylindrically shaped region. A beam of light is projected from the assembly onto a first surface and the assembly is rotated about a central axis on the fixture. A change in a position of the beam of light in response to rotation of the assembly is sensed and the beam path adjusted to align the beam of light to the central axis. The assembly can then be attached to a dimensional measurement device where the beam of light from the assembly is directed to a retroreflector target and a reflected portion of the beam from the target is sent from the beam splitter to the position detector.

Using two-dimensional camera images to speed registration of three-dimensional scans

A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position and a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from a second registration position. In between these positions, the 3D scanner collects 2D camera images. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on the 2D camera images. The processor adjusts the second collection of points relative to the first collection of points based at least in part on the first and second translation values and the first rotation value. The processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in the first and second collection of 3D coordinates, and uses this correspondence to further adjust the relative position and orientation of the first and second collection of 3D coordinates.

Laser tracker with enhanced handling features

POSITION-DETECTING APPARATUS EMPLOYING A GPS ANTENNA

Distance measuring target

TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING DEVICE

SCAN CONVERTER

... 1494899 Television HUGHES AIRCRAFT CO 3 Dec 1974 [3 Dec 1973] 52292/74 Heading H4F Scan converter for changing low time base (slow scan) parallel channel video data into single channel high time base video data of a television format, comprises a plurality of storage devices (e.g. recirculating shift registers) into selected ones of which the applied parallel channel data is stored, these storage devices being sequentially read out in accordance with a television format, e.g. each recorded line of video signal from each channel is read out a number of lines and at a faster time base rate. In a first embodiment two infra-red detectors 10A and 10B, Figs. 1-3, each producing output signals A and B corresponding to 60 line scans per image field are fed via A/D converters 20 and 22 and suitable logic 24 to a digital memory device 26. In operation the simultaneous IR scanner video scan line outputs A 1 and B 1 having a period of 254 Ásecs. are stored in registers 1 and 2 in memory 26. The second ...

OPTICAL TRACKING APPARATUS

An image of the target object is produced, by means of an objective lens (1), in the visible light band in a first imaging plane (F1). The same lens produces the image of a beam source, for example a laser diode, which is arranged on the target object, in a second, advanced imaging plane (F2). The radiation from said beam source is separated from the rest of the beam path by means of a prism (3) while the visible light is passed to an eyepiece (4) through which the operator aims at the target object with the aid of an aiming symbol which is arranged in the first imaging plane (F1). The separated radiation, which has passed through a measurement mask arranged in the second imaging plane (F2), is supplied to a photodetector (7). The evaluation of the signals of the photodetector allows the respective angular deviation of the target object from the line of sight to be determined. The unit allows the target object to be aimed at and allows its angular deviation with respect to the line of sight ...

Gas detection tuning modulation

A method of gas detection comprises emitting radiation of different wavelengths across the absorption spectrum of a gas 2 towards a target area; and analysing the spectrum of returned laser light from the target area to identify the gas in the target area using the time correlation of the emitted radiation 6 and the returning radiation 20. The radiation is modulated using respective orthogonal modulation codes for the different wavelengths and the modulation codes are modified with code padding by the insertion of a gap between each bit of the modulation code, the gap having a duration of at least n-1 bits where n is the number of different wavelengths. For each wavelength, radiation of at least one of the other wavelengths may be transmitted in the gap between bits. The emission of radiation of each wavelength may comprise tuning a source of radiation 4 across a range of frequencies.

VERFAHREN ZUR AUFNAHME EINES OBJEKTRAUMES

VERFAHREN ZUR AUFNAHME EINES OBJEKTRAUMES

PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PURSUIT OF OBJECTS

ARRANGEMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE VIEW IN VEHICLES

PROCEDURE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT COLLECTION FOR AN INFRARED DEAD ANGLE SENSOR SYSTEM

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE FREQUENCY SYNTHESIS IN A DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT

LASER-OPTICAL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR OBJECT RECOGNITION

PROCEDURE FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE FUNCTION MODE AND/OR ADJUSTMENT OF AN OPTO-ELECTRONIC SENSOR ARRANGEMENT AND OPTO-ELECTRONIC SENSOR ARRANGEMENT

OPTICAL COLLECTION MECHANISM

PROCEDURE FOR THE PURSUIT OF OBJECTS

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR GEOMETRISCHEN VERMESSUNG VON KRAFTFAHRZEUGEN

CALIBRATIONCASH RANGEFINDER AND PROCEDURE FOR CALIBRATING SUCH

PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION OF LASER IMPULSES ASSISTANCE OF A PHOTODETECTOR MATRIX

Laser scanner and device for measuring an environment

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Laserscanner (4) zur Vermessung einer Umgebung (2), umfassend einen ersten Sendeempfänger (9) zum Senden und Empfangen eines ersten Lasermessstrahls (5"), eine erste Strahlablenkeinrichtung (16) zum Auffächern des ersten Lasermessstrahls (5") zu einem als Kegelmantel (K) geformten ersten Scanfächer (5), einen zweiten Sendeempfänger (10) zum Senden und Empfangen eines zweiten Lasermessstrahls (6"), und eine zweite Strahlablenkeinrichtung (17) zum Auffächern des zweiten Lasermessstrahls (6") zu einem in einer Ebene (E) liegenden zweiten Scanfächer (6), welche Ebene (E) im Wesentlichen parallel zur Kegelachse (A) des Kegelmantels (K) verläuft, wobei der erste Sendeempfänger (9) dafür ausgebildet ist, das Empfangen des ersten Lasermessstrahls (5") in jenen Bereichen (8) des ersten Scanfächers (5) zu unterdrücken, in denen die Ebene (E) den Kegelmantel (K) außerhalb eines vorgegebenen Mindestabstands (D) vom Laserscanner (4) schneidet.

Apparatus therefor for locating a source of glare for an aircraft and use of a laser scanner

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung (6) zur Ortung einer umgebungserzeugten Blendungsquelle (5) für ein Flugzeug (1), umfassend eine Positions- und Lagebestimmungseinrichtung, eine Datenbank (11) mit einem Terrainmodell {Q}, einen Lichtsensor (12), eine dem Lichtsensor (12) im Strahlengang des Lichtstrahls (L) vorgeordnete Strahlablenkeinrichtung (14), einen an den Lichtsensor (12) angeschlossenen Schwellwertdetektor (13), welcher den Zeitpunkt (t1), zu dem das Empfangssignal (E(t)) einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert (S) überschreitet, detektiert, und eine Auswerteeinrichtung (21), welche dafür ausgebildet ist, aus der Position, der Lage und dem Ablenkwinkel zum genannten Zeitpunkt (t1) den Schnittpunkt des Strahlengangs (15) mit dem Terrainmodell {Q} zu messen und als Ort (Q1) der Blendungsquelle (5) auszugeben. Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine Verwendung eines flugzeuggestützten Laserscanners (27) zur Ortung einer umgebungserzeugten Blendungsquelle (5).

PROCEDURE FOR THE RANGING WITH AN OPTO-ELECTRONIC RANGEFINDER

DOOR CONTROL DEVICE

PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF THE OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEDIUM USING DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

VORRICHTUNG UND VERFAHREN ZUM LASERSCANNEN

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung (14) zum Laserscannen, mit einem Laserscanner (1), der mit einem Meßstrahl (2) einen Abtastwinkel (, ) überstreicht, um an seinem Ausgang (17) eine Folge (7) von winkelmäßig aufeinanderfolgenden Entfernungsmeßpunkten (5) zu erzeugen, wobei an den Ausgang des Laserscanners (1)ein steuerbares Unterabtastglied angeschaltet ist, dessen Unterabtastung abhängig von der Winkelstellung des Meßstrahls (2) gesteuert ist. Die Erfindung betrifft ferner ein Verfahren zum Laserscannen mit Hilfe eines solchen Laserscanners.

LASER-SCANNER UND VERFAHREN ZUR VERMESSUNG VON ZIELRÄUMEN

Laser-Scanner zur Vermessung von Zielräumen, der einen Laser-Entfernungsmesser nach einem Signal-Laufzeitverfahren umfasst, ferner mit einer Scan-Einrichtung (6) zur Ablenkung der optischen Achsen der Sende- und Empfangs-Einrichtung invorzugsweise zwei orthogonale Richtungen, ferner mit einer Auswerte-Einrichtung, die aus der Laufzeit der empfangenen Lasersignale Entfernungswerte ermittelt und vorzugsweise auch die Signalamplitude erfasst, wobei jedem Messwert ein Raumwinkel zugeordnet ist, so dass vom Zielraum ein 3D-Datensatz, bzw. eine entsprechende Punktwolke erzeugt wird und zu jedem Messpunkt die Entfernung, die beiden Ablenkwinkel und gegebenenfalls die Amplitude erfasst und in einemDatenspeicher abgelegt werden, wobei der Antrieb (33,34) der Scan-Einrichtung (6) bezüglich der Winkelgeschwindigkeit derselben variabel ist und die mittlere Winkelgeschwindigkeit ©M in zumindest einer der beiden Scan-Richtungen (a,q>)verstellbar ist und die Auswerte-Einrichtung (25) über eine Summationsstufe ...

OPTO-ELECTRONIC SENSOR

LASERSCANNER UND VERFAHREN ZUM LASERSCANNEN

ELECTROOPTICAL PARA AXIAL DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM

PROCEDURE FOR THE OPTICAL RANGING

DEVICE FOR DIMENSION MEASUREMENT.

SYSTEM AND DEVICE WITH APPLICATION OF LASER BEAMS FOR DETECTING AND LOCALIZING AN OBJECT OR A SUBSTANCE RÜCKSTRAHLUNG, FOR EXAMPLE. SMOKE FROM A FIRE.

PROCEDURE FOR THE OPAQUE MAKING OF A GASEOUS MEDIUM IN THE OPTICAL AND INFAROTEN AREAS OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC ONE SEPKTRUMS.

SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR OPTICAL IDENTIFYING OF OBJECTS

DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE OPTICAL COLLECTION OF THE MOVEMENT OF OBJECTS

OPTO-ELECTRONIC MEASURING PROCEDURE AND OPTO ELECTRONIC ONE MESSEINRIGHTUNG

PROCEDURE FOR THE OBSTACLE WARNING FOR LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT

DEVICE FOR SCANNING AN OBJECT

DEVICE FOR THE CALIBRATION OF DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENTS

OBSTACLE SENSOR WITH COLLIMATION AND FOCUSING OF THE EMITTED WAVES

SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PROTECTION FROM LASER THREATS AND UNDERWATER OBJECTS FOR UNDERWATER CRAFTS

SYSTEM FOR AIRPLANE IDENTIFICATION

LASER SPACER INVESTIGATION DEVICE

ABRASION MEASURING OF THE FIREPROOF CASING OF A METALLURGICAL CONTAINER

PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PURSUIT OF OBJECTS

PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PURSUIT OF OBJECTS

PROCEDURE FOR THE RECOGNITION AND PURSUIT OF OBJECTS

Оптико-электронный модуль с защитой фотоприёмного тракта от воздействия лазерного излучения

Полезная модель относится к области оптического приборостроения, в частности к элементам защиты самих оптико-электронных приборов от воздействия лоцирующего лазерного излучения.Оптико-электронный модуль, содержит общее входное окно, видеокамеру с объективом, фотоприемной матрицей и блоком формирования изображения, лазерный дальномер с объективом, фотоприемником и блоком управления лазером, синхрогенератор, первый выход которого подключен к входу блока формирования изображения, а второй выход подключен к входу блока управления лазером.Технический результат заключается в повышении защиты фотоприемного тракта видеокамеры при ее совместной работе с лазерным дальномером как от внутриприборных засветок, так и от излучения, отраженного от объектов, находящихся в непосредственной близости от устройства. Другим техническим результатом является упрощение конструкции устройства. 2 ил. РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 169 946 U1 (51) МПК G02F 1/01 (2006.01) G02B 23/02 (2006.01) G01C 3/08 (2006.01) G01S 7/483 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ФОРМУЛА ПОЛЕЗНОЙ МОДЕЛИ К ПАТЕНТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ (21)(22) Заявка: 2016100575, 11.01.2016 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: 11.01.2016 07.04.2017 Приоритет(ы): (22) Дата подачи заявки: 11.01.2016 Адрес для переписки: 194044, Санкт-Петербург, ул. Чугунная, 14, АО "ГИРООПТИКА", генеральному директору И.В. Поповой (73) Патентообладатель(и): Российская Федерация, от имени которой выступает Министерство Обороны Российской Федерации (RU) (56) Список документов, цитированных в отчете о поиске: RU 2398252 C2 27.08.2010;SU (57) Формула полезной модели Оптико-электронный модуль, содержащий входное окно, корпус, в котором размещены: видеокамера, включающая телевизионный объектив, фотоприёмную матрицу и блок формирования изображения, лазерный дальномер, включающий объектив, плоское зеркало с осевым отверстием, фотоприемник и блок управления лазером, отличающийся тем, что введён синхрогенератор ...

Depth sensing apparatus and method

A depth sensing apparatus is provided. The depth sensing apparatus may reset, to a reference voltage value, a voltage of each of a first floating diffusion node and a second floating diffusion node of a sensor pixel for a first time period. For a second time period, the depth sensing apparatus may control the first floating diffusion node to store a voltage of a photodiode in a first phase interval, and may control the second floating diffusion node to store the voltage of the photodiode in a second phase interval. The depth sensing apparatus may calculate a difference between the voltage of the first floating diffusion node and the voltage of the second floating diffusion node for a third time period.

Laser distance measurement apparatus

A laser-radar distance measurement apparatus for measuring the distance between two arbitrary points on a measurement target in a non-contact fashion has a light emitter, a light receiver, a scanner, and a calculation controller. The light emitter emits laser light. The scanner deflects the laser light from the light emitter to irradiate with the laser light the two arbitrary points on the measurement target one after the other, and performs one-dimensional scanning along a straight line including the two arbitrary points. The light receiver receives the laser light reflected from the two arbitrary points to output signals respectively. The calculation controller calculates the distance between the two arbitrary points based on the signals output from the light receiver and operation information on the scanner.

Ceramic Optical System Support

An optical system support, especially for an optical measuring device, includes a base on which a mechanism for fixing an electro-optical transceiver system is provided. The optical system support is a ceramic optical system support.

Optical System Module For An Optical Measuring Device

An optical system module for an optical measuring device, especially a laser rangefinder, includes an optical system support, a display and a display holder, the display holder and the display being designed such that they embrace the optical system support between its axial end zones and that they have corresponding connecting elements detachably interconnecting them.

Apparatus, optical assembly, method for inspection or measurement of an object and method for manufacturing a structure

An optical assembly for a system for inspecting or measuring of an object is provided that is configured to move as a unit with a system, as the system is pointed at a target, and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the system. The optical assembly comprises catadioptric optics configured to fold the optical path of the pointing beam and measurement beam that are being directed through the outlet of the system, to compress the size of the optical assembly.

Devices and methods for position determination and surface measurement

In an embodiment a method for position determination of an object ( 25 ) in a spatial area ( 28 ) is provided in which the object ( 25 ) is illuminated with at least one light beam ( 22, 27 ). The light beam ( 22, 27 ) does not cover the complete spatial area ( 28 ) and is guided into a part of the spatial area in which the object ( 25 ) is present depending on the position of the object ( 25 ). In another aspect a method for measuring a surface is provided.

Ladar sensor for landing, docking and approach

A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3 -D scene from a single point of view.

Back-illuminated distance measuring sensor and distance measuring device

Two charge quantities (Q 1 ,Q 2 ) are output from respective pixels P (m,n) of the back-illuminated distance measuring sensor 1 as signals d′(m,n) having the distance information. Since the respective pixels P (m,n) output signals d′(m,n) responsive to the distance to an object H as micro distance measuring sensors, a distance image of the object can be obtained as an aggregate of distance information to respective points on the object H if reflection light from the object H is imaged on the pickup area 1 B. If carriers generated at a deep portion in the semiconductor in response to incidence of near-infrared light for projection are led in a potential well provided in the vicinity of the carrier-generated position opposed to the light incident surface side, high-speed and accurate distance measurement is enabled.

Image-capturing device

The image-capturing device according to the present invention includes a solid-state imaging element, an infrared LED which emits infrared light, a light-emission controlling unit which causes the infrared LED to emit infrared pulsed light on a per frame time basis, and a signal processing unit which extracts, from the solid-state imaging element, a color visible-light image signal in synchronization with a non-emitting period and an infrared image signal in synchronization with an emitting period of the infrared LED. The solid-state imaging element includes an image-capturing region in which unit-arrays are two-dimensionally arranged, and each of the unit-arrays has a pixel for receiving green visible light and infrared light, a pixel for receiving red visible light and infrared light, a pixel for receiving blue visible light and infrared light, and a pixel for receiving infrared light.

Data analysis method and apparatus for estimating time-axis positions of peak values within a signal based on a series of sample values of the signal

A series of samples derived by fixed-frequency sampling of a received signal are processed to detect (local) maximum-value and minimum-value samples. For each of the maximum-value samples, a corresponding reference value and a corresponding group of samples are derived. The reference value is set higher than that of a minimum-value sample which adjoins the maximum-value sample, and the corresponding group consists of successively adjacent samples including the maximum-value sample, each having a higher value than the reference value. The estimated time-axis position of a peak value of the received signal is obtained within the range of time-axis positions of the corresponding group.

Device for optically scanning and measuring an environment

With a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, which is designed as a laser scanner, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and with a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, at least one shell is provided as part of the housing of the laser scanner, said shell being partially covered on its outer side by at least one yoke which serves as protection.

Radiation sensor

A radiation sensor of the type having a packaged radiation source and detector, which includes an isolator that blocks propagation within the package of radiation from the source to the detector, in order to improve signal to noise ratio of the sensor. The isolator is formed by appropriately formed surfaces of the package.

Fast, High Resolution 3-D Flash LADAR Imager

A device and method for LADAR ranging using relatively long laser pulse widths and slower system clock speeds is provided. The center points of the sent and received laser signal such as Gaussian laser pulses are identified by time sampling the sent and received laser signal waveforms at predetermined time positions. The signal energy within each time sample of the respective sent and received laser signals defines a clock “bin”. The received laser signal generates an output from a photodetector cell on a focal plane array that is converted into voltage. The signal energy is integrated using a capacitor array for each of the clock bins and is representative of the signal energy in each time sample. The output of the capacitor array is collected in buffer and digitized. Signal processing means extracts the center of the transmitted and received pulses and the time-of-flight calculated as the time between the transmitted and returned centers of the laser signal pulses.

Distance measuring sensor

A distance measuring sensor includes a substrate doped with a first impurity, first and second charge storage regions spaced apart from each other in the substrate and doped with a second impurity, a photoelectric conversion region doped with the second impurity between the first and the second charge storage regions and configured to receive light to generate charges, a first dielectric layer covering the first and second charge storage regions and the photoelectric conversion region, a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, and first and second transfer gates spaced apart from each other on the first dielectric layer and between the first and second charge storage regions. Each of the first and second transfer gates may cover a portion of the second dielectric layer and may be configured to selectively transfer the charges generated in the photoelectric conversion region to the first and second charge storage regions.

High dynamic range & depth of field depth camera

In order to maximize the dynamic range and depth of field for a depth camera used in a time of flight system, the light source is modulated at a plurality of different frequencies, a plurality of different peak optical powers, a plurality of integration subperiods, a plurality of lens foci, aperture and zoom settings during each camera frame time. The different sets of settings effectively create subrange volumes of interest within a larger aggregate volume of interest, each having their own frequency, peak optical power, lens aperture, lens zoom and lens focus products consistent with the distance, object reflectivity, object motion, field of view, etc. requirements of various ranging applications.

Light condensing lens and three-dimensional distance measuring apparatus

A light directing system including first and second relay lenses through which light passes, the first and second relay lenses being positioned at conjugate positions, the first relay lens being positioned between the second relay lens and a light source, a focal length of the first relay lens being longer than a focal length of the second relay lens.

Method for driving semiconductor device

A semiconductor device capable of acquiring high-precision range information in a short time is provided. Alternatively, a semiconductor device capable of acquiring the range information and image information concurrently in a short time is provided. The accuracy of range information is increased by performing infrared light irradiation more than once to acquire a detection signal and making infrared light irradiation periods identical and extremely short. By detecting light reflected from substantially the same points of an object by adjacent photodiodes, the accuracy of range information can be maintained even when the object is a moving object. By overlapping a photodiode absorbing visible light and transmitting infrared light with a photodiode absorbing infrared light, range information and image information can be acquired concurrently.

Optical beam sweeper

An optical device, comprising an optical device, comprising an optical beam sweeper that includes a multi-wavelength laser source and an optical power splitter. The optical power splitter has an optical input optically coupled to the multi-wavelength laser source, the optical power splitter having N optical outputs, each optical output connected by a corresponding optical pathway of a parallel array to an optical output surface of the optical beam sweeper. N parallel optical paths connect the optical input to the optical output surface, each optical path including a corresponding one the optical pathways and having a different optical path length than the one or more other optical paths, the optical path lengths differing in a wavelength-dependent way.

Apparatus and optical method of ranging and of high bit-rate communication

An optical apparatus for ranging and communication in free space comprises a rangefinder comprising a device for transmitting an optical signal to a target and a device for receiving the signals backscattered by the target. A system for optical communication in free space comprises a device for transmitting an optical signal to a remote optical receiving device. The transmitting device of the rangefinder and transmitting device of the communication system is a transmitting device common to the rangefinder and communication system and transmitting pulses of peak power greater than 50 W and shape factor less than 0.01 or a modulated continuous signal of peak power less than 10 W and shape factor equal to approximately 0.5 and the apparatus comprises a supervisor controlling the common transmitting device according to two modes, the pulse mode to perform the ranging function, or the modulated continuous mode to perform the optical communication function.

Signal select in underground line location

A transmitter and receiver for performing a signal select algorithm are provided. A transmitter for providing a signal on a line to be located includes at least one direct digital synthesizer, the direct digital synthesizer producing two component frequencies in response to an input square wave signal; and a feedback loop providing the input square wave.

Signal processing device of scanning-type distance measurement device, signal processing method, and scanning-type distance measurement device

A signal processing device of a scanning-type distance measurement device includes: a distance calculation unit for, on the basis of a predetermined correlation relationship between measured light and reflection light, calculating, for each predetermined scan angle, the distance from the scanning-type distance measurement device to an object; a to-be-monitored object determination unit for performing a to-be-monitored object determination process, in which, when the distance calculation unit calculates a distance within a to-be-monitored region for N number of scans (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) consecutively in a specific scan angle direction, it is determined that there is an object to be monitored in the specific scan angle direction; and a signal output unit which, when it is determined by the to-be-monitored object determination unit that there is an object to be monitored, outputs a to-be-monitored object detection signal.

Depth sensing apparatus and method

A depth sensing apparatus and method for acquiring a depth image of a target object may calculate a difference voltage between a first floating diffusion node and a second floating diffusion node, based on a voltage of a photodiode stored in the first floating diffusion node in a first phase interval and a voltage of the photodiode stored in the second floating diffusion node in a second phase interval, using a sub-integration period, may feed back the difference voltage to one of the first floating diffusion node and the second floating diffusion node, and may calculate a depth value of a pixel based on difference voltages accumulated during an integration period including sub-integration periods.

Method and Apparatus for a Clock and Signal Distribution Network for a 60 GHz Transmitter System

Herein is presented, a low power on-die 60 GHz distribution network for a beamforming system that can be scaled as the number of transmitters increases. The transmission line based power splitters and quadrature hybrids whose size would be proportional to a quarter wavelength (˜600 μm) if formed using transmission lines are instead constructed by inductors/capacitors and reduce the area by more than 80%. An input in-phase I clock and an input quadrature Q clock are combined into a single composite clock waveform locking the phase relation between the in-phase I clock and quadrature Q clock. The composite clock is transferred over a single transmission line formed using a Co-planar Waveguide (CPW) coupling the source and destination locations over the surface of a die. Once the individuals the in-phase I and quadrature Q clocks are required, they can be generated at the destination from the composite clock waveform.

Distance measuring methods

A distance measuring method includes: emitting a pulse of measuring light towards an object; receiving a pulse measuring light from the object and generating a pulse signal corresponding to the pulse of measuring light received from the object; delaying a first portion of the generated pulse signal for a predetermined time; generating an intensity signal indicative of an intensity of the generated pulse signal, while delaying the first portion of the generated pulse signal; amplifying the delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal using a gain dependent on the generated intensity signal; and determining a value representing a distance based on the amplified delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal.

Distance measurement apparatus

A distance measurement apparatus that measures distance to a target by irradiating the target with laser beams and detecting light reflected by the target includes a light projection unit. The distance measurement apparatus also includes a plurality of light emission units to emit a plurality of laser beams onto the target while setting optical paths of the plurality of laser beams radially along a given virtual plane; and a light receiving unit including a plurality of light receivers to receive the plurality of laser beams projected from the light projection unit and reflected by the target.

OPTICAL RADAR DEVICE

An optical radar device for scanning an object that reduces the effects of stray light is provided. The optical radar device has a light source, a light scanning section, a light path change section, a light receiver, and an opposite phase signal adder. The opposite phase signal adder adds an opposite phase signal to the output signal from the light receiver. A rise timing of the opposite phase signal is delayed by a predetermined time relative to an output timing of the pulse light, and the opposite phase signal has an opposite phase with respect to a phase of the reflected light. 1. An optical radar device comprising:a light source outputting a pulse light;a light scanning section operating a mirror plate (i) to reflect the pulse light toward an object and (ii) to reflect a reflected light received from the object;a light path change section guiding the pulse light outputted from the light source toward the light scanning section and guiding the reflected light reflected by the light scanning section in a direction that is different from a light source direction;a light receiver that receives the reflected light; andan opposite phase signal adder that adds an opposite phase signal to the output signal from the light receiver, whereina rise timing of the opposite phase signal is delayed by a predetermined time relative to an output timing of the pulse light, and the opposite phase signal has an opposite phase with respect to a phase of the reflected light.2. The optical radar device of claim 1 , whereina timing of the opposite phase signal is a timing at which stray light generated inside or near the optical radar device is received by the light receiver.3. The optical radar device of further comprising:an amplitude controller that controls an amplitude of the opposite phase signal.4. The optical radar device of claim 3 , whereinthe amplitude controller controls the amplitude of the opposite phase signal according to a device state of the optical radar device.5. ...

METHOD FOR DETERMINING AND/OR COMPENSATING RANGE OFFSET OF A RANGE SENSOR

A method for compensating range offset of a range sensor located in a predetermined position in a spatial environment and comprising a pixel array adapted for measuring a distance, the spatial environment comprising at least two stationary reference positions located at predetermined reference distances, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining distance values to the reference positions; b) calculating differences between the distance values and the corresponding reference distances; c) determining a range offset value as the maximum of the differences; d) measuring distance values to positions within the spatial environment using the pixel array; e) correcting the measured distance values by subtracting the determined in-situ range offset value from each of the measured distance values. 1. Method for determining a range offset of a range sensor , the range sensor having a predetermined position in a spatial environment and comprising a pixel array adapted for measuring a distance of each pixel of the pixel array to a corresponding position in the spatial environment , the spatial environment comprising at least two stationary reference positions , a first resp. second reference position located at a first resp. second predetermined reference distance from the range sensor , the method comprising:a) determining a distance value to each of the at least two reference positions using the pixel array;b) calculating at least two differences between each determined distance value and the corresponding predetermined reference distance of the at least two reference positions;c) determining an in-situ range offset value of the range sensor by calculating the maximum of the at least two differences.2. The method according to claim 1 , where the spatial environment is the inner space of the cabin of a vehicle.3. A method for compensating range offset of a range sensor claim 1 , the range sensor having a predetermined position in a spatial environment and comprising a ...

Lidar Module With Monolithic Array

A single chip LIDAR module includes a laser, a photo diode, a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), a lens, and a housing. The laser is configured to output light at a predetermined wavelength. The photo diode is configured to detect light energy at the predetermined wavelength. The PIC is coupled with the laser and photo diode, and is integrated with a MEMS switch array that includes an optical antenna configured to diffract light at the predetermined wavelength. The lens is arranged over the PIC. The housing is configured to encompass the laser, the photo diode, and the PIC, and having a window configured to pass light associated with the PIC.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE AND DISTANCE MEASURING METHOD

There is provided a distance measuring device capable of improving the accuracy of measurement while reducing power consumption. A variation amplification part amplifies a variation in a temporal relative relationship between an electrical signal output from a light receiving element and a clock signal generated by a clock generation unit. Subsequently, a synchronizing part generates a synchronizing signal by synchronizing an electrical signal with a clock signal on the basis of the electrical signal and the clock signal after a variation is amplified by a variation amplification part. Subsequently, a histogram creating part creates a histogram based on a period of time from when a light source emits light to when the light receiving element receives reflected light, on the basis of the synchronizing signal generated by the synchronizing part. Subsequently, a distance calculation part calculates a distance to an object on the basis of the histogram created by the histogram creating part. 1. A distance measuring device comprising:a light source configured to emit light;a light receiving element configured to receive light reflected from an object reflecting the light;a variation amplification part configured to amplify a variation in a temporal relative relationship between an electrical signal output from the light receiving element and a clock signal;a synchronizing part configured to generate a synchronizing signal by synchronizing the electrical signal with the clock signal on the basis of the electrical signal and the clock signal after the variation is amplified by the variation amplification part;a histogram creating part configured to create a histogram based on a period of time from when the light source emits light to when the light receiving element receives reflected light, on the basis of the synchronizing signal generated by the synchronizing part; anda distance calculation part configured to calculate a distance to the object on the basis of the ...

Distance measuring method, distance measuring device, and recording medium

A distance measuring method according to the present disclosure includes: measuring, in an environment where background light is applied to an object, the illuminance of the background light; setting a distance measuring range based on the illuminance of the background light; setting, based on the distance measuring range set, an image capturing condition for an image capturer including a plurality of pixels each including an avalanche photo diode (APD) and an emission condition in which light is emitted from a light source; and measuring a distance to the object by controlling the image capturer and the light source based on the image capturing condition and the emission condition that are set.

INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Provided are an information processing system, an information processing method, and a storage medium that can accurately acquire a loading rate of loads on a load-carrying platform of a vehicle. The information processing system includes: a ranging unit that acquires a distribution of distances to a load loaded on a load-carrying platform of a vehicle or to a floor surface of the load-carrying platform; and a loading rate acquisition unit that acquires a loading rate of the load on the load-carrying platform based on the distribution of the distances. 1. An information processing system comprising:a ranging unit that acquires a distribution of distances to a load loaded on a load-carrying platform of a vehicle or to a floor surface of the load-carrying platform; anda loading rate acquisition unit that acquires a loading rate of the load on the load-carrying platform based on the distribution of the distances.2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the ranging unit acquires a two-dimensional distribution of the distances.3. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the ranging unit emits light to the load or the floor surface and acquires the distribution of the distances based on reflected light from the load or the floor surface.4. The information processing system according to claim 3 , wherein the ranging unit performs a scan with the light emitted to the load or the floor surface.5. The information processing system according to claim 4 , wherein the ranging unit performs a scan with parallel light rays as the light.6. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,wherein the load-carrying platform is a box-shaped cargo space, andwherein the ranging unit is installed on a ceiling of the cargo space.7. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the loading rate acquisition unit calculates a volume or a floor surface area of a vacant space above the load-carrying platform based on ...

DISTANCE IMAGE OBTAINING METHOD AND DISTANCE DETECTION DEVICE

A distance-image obtaining method includes: (A) setting a plurality of distance-divided segments in a depth direction, and (B) obtaining a distance image based on each of the plurality of distance-divided segments set. The obtaining of the distance image includes: obtaining a plurality of distance images by imaging two or more of the plurality of distance-divided segments, to obtain a first distance image group; and obtaining a plurality of distance images by imaging distance-divided segments, among the plurality of distance-divided segments, in a phase different from a phase of the two or more of the plurality of distance-divided segments, to obtain a second distance image group. 1. A distance-image obtaining method , comprising:(A) setting a plurality of distance-divided segments in a depth direction; and(B) obtaining a distance image based on each of the plurality of distance-divided segments set, wherein(B) includes:(B-1) obtaining a plurality of distance images by imaging two or more of the plurality of distance-divided segments, to obtain a first distance image group; and(B-2) obtaining a plurality of distance images by imaging distance-divided segments, among the plurality of distance-divided segments, in a phase different from a phase of the two or more of the plurality of distance-divided segments, to obtain a second distance image group.2. The distance-image obtaining method according to claim 1 , wherein the distance-divided segments have continuity in the depth direction.3. The distance-image obtaining method according to claim 1 , wherein the distance-divided segments have no continuity in the depth direction.4. The distance-image obtaining method according to claim 1 , wherein two or more distance-divided segments included in the two or more distance-divided segments imaged in (B-1) are displaced from two or more distance-divided segments included in the distance-divided segments imaged in (B-2) by a half segment claim 1 , respectively.5. The distance- ...

Large Scale Steerable Coherent Optical Switched Arrays

Aspects of the present disclosure describe large scale steerable optical switched arrays that may be fabricated on a common substrate including many thousands or more emitters that may be arranged in a curved pattern at the focal plane of a lens thereby allowing the directional control of emitted light and selective reception of reflected light suitable for use in imaging, ranging, and sensing applications including accident avoidance.

VARIABLE RESOLUTION AND AUTOMATIC WINDOWING FOR LIDAR

A beam steering control system includes a beam angle controller, a fast axis controller configured to receive a first command signal from the beam angle controller and configured to control a first axis component of a light pattern, and a slow axis controller arranged within a closed-loop system. The slow axis controller is configured to receive a second command signal from the beam angle controller and control a second axis component of the light pattern. 1. A beam steering control system comprising:a beam angle controller;a fast axis controller configured to receive a first command signal from the beam angle controller and configured to control a first axis component of a light pattern; and receive a second command signal from the beam angle controller, and', 'control a second axis component of the light pattern., 'a slow axis controller arranged within a closed-loop system and configured to2. The beam steering control system of claim 1 , wherein the fast axis controller is communicatively coupled to a light source and/or a motor claim 1 , wherein the fast axis controller is configured to increase and decrease a pulse rate of the light source and a rotation speed of the motor.3. The beam steering control system of claim 1 , wherein the slow axis controller is communicatively coupled to a rotatable mirror claim 1 , wherein the slow axis controller is configured to increase and decrease a rotation rate of the rotatable mirror.4. The beam steering control system of claim 1 , wherein the slow axis controller is configured to compensate for disturbances.5. The beam steering control system of claim 1 , wherein the fast axis controller is configured to compensate for rotational vibration by controlling a pulse rate of a light source.6. The beam steering control system of claim 1 , wherein the first axis component is a horizontal component of the light pattern claim 1 , wherein the second axis component is a vertical component of the light pattern.7. The beam steering ...

METHOD FOR DETECTING TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF A SURFACE AND DEVICE FOR SUCH PURPOSE

A method for detecting topographical features of a surface, in particular, of extraterrestrial surfaces, light pulses having a predefined output pulse shape being emitted to the surface with the aid of a laser light source and light pulses () reflected by the surface having an input pulse shape of the light intensity modified by the surface being detected over the transit time with the aid of a receiver (), and this at least one topographical feature of the surface being ascertained based on an analysis of the modified input pulse shapes, is provided. 1. A method for detecting topographical features of a surface , the method comprising:emitting light pulses having a predefined output pulse shape to the surface with the aid of a laser light source,detecting with the aid of a receiver light pulses reflected by the surface having an input pulse shape of a light intensity over a transit time modified by the surface; andascertaining at least one topographical feature of the surface based on an analysis of the modified input pulse shapes.2. The method as recited in wherein a hazard present on the surface is deduced by a comparison of an input pulse shape with a reference pulse shape.3. The method as recited in wherein an output pulse shape of an emitted light pulse is used as a reference pulse shape.4. The method as recited in wherein the received light pulses are digitized and digitized input pulse shapes are digitally analyzed.5. The method as recited in wherein the emitted and received light pulses are digitally stored in a buffer in real time and a digital pulse shape of the emitted and received light pulses is subsequently analyzed.6. The method as recited in wherein a topography of a predefined section of the surface is mapped with the aid of multiple light pulses analyzed with respect to the input pulse shapes.7. The method as recited in wherein a hazard map of an extraterrestrial landing target is ascertained from the analysis of digital pulse shapes.8. The method ...

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING PHYSICAL IMPACTS

An impact reducing device applied to a door or window which is closing includes a depth-sensing camera, an impact reducing system, and an impact reducing unit. The depth-sensing camera captures images of a target constantly, and obtains Z depth information of the target. The impact reducing system determines whether the target is going to close according to the Z depth information and controls the impact reducing unit to provide a resistance such as a strong jet of air when the target is going to close, to reduce violent impacts. 1. An impact reducing device , comprising a depth-sensing camera , an impact reducing system , and an impact reducing unit , each of which connects to each other using data buses; wherein the depth-sensing camera is configured to capture images of a target and obtain Z depth information of the target; andthe impact reducing system is configured to determine whether the target is within a predetermined distance to a predetermined location according to the Z depth information, and configured to control the impact reducing unit to provide a resistance in event the target is within the predetermined distance, thereby reducing any impact generated by contact with the target.2. The impact reducing device according to claim 1 , wherein the impact reducing unit comprises a valve and a resistance component claim 1 , and the resistance component is an airstream injection component.3. The impact reducing device according to claim 2 , further comprising an actuator which is used to actuate the impact reducing unit to open the valve claim 2 , and enable the resistance component to inject airstream.4. The impact reducing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a touch sensor claim 1 , which is installed on the target claim 1 , and is used to detect a touch of a user claim 1 , to determine whether the close of the target is intended by the user.5. The impact reducing device according to claim 1 , wherein the depth-sensing camera is a time-of- ...

Method for Reconstructing A Surface Using Spatially Structured Light and A Dynamic Vision Sensor

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and reconstructing a surface illuminated with spatially structured light such that the light illuminates an area of the surface from which the light is reflected back. The light includes a temporarily varying intensity in the form of successive light modulation patterns. The back-reflected light is detected by an optical sensor including a plurality of pixels. A pixel coordinate is associated to each pixel and each pixel generated a photocurrent proportional to the intensity of the light impinging on a respective pixel, computes a signal related to a photocurrent, and each pixel outputs an address-event merely when a respective signal due to the light impinging on the respective pixel increases by an amount larger than a first threshold or decreases by an amount larger than a second threshold since a last address-event from the respective pixel.

AIRCRAFT FUEL MEASUREMENT

A method of estimating a quantity of a liquid fuel in a fuel tank of an aircraft is disclosed. A surface of the fuel is illuminated with light so that the light is reflected or scattered by the surface of the fuel onto an array of sensors. The light travels to and from the surface of the fuel via a measurement path containing a transmission medium. A measured time of flight is made at each sensor for the light which travels via the measurement path to that sensor. At least one of the sensors is illuminated with light via a reference path containing a transmission medium with substantially the same refractive index as the transmission medium in the measurement path, the reference path having a known reference distance which does not vary in accordance with the quantity of the fuel. 1. An aircraft fuel tank system comprising: a fuel tank; an array of sensors; a light source arranged to illuminate a surface of a liquid fuel in the fuel tank with light so that the light is reflected or scattered by the surface of the fuel onto the array of sensors , the light travelling to and from the surface of the fuel via a measurement path containing a transmission medium , wherein the light source is also arranged to illuminate at least one sensor of the array of sensors with light via a reference path containing a transmission medium with substantially the same refractive index as the transmission medium in the measurement path , the reference path having a known reference distance which does not vary in accordance with the quantity of the fuel; and a processing system arranged to determine a measured time of flight of the light which travels via the measurement path to each sensor of the array of sensors , measure a reference time of flight of the light which travels via the reference path to said at least one sensor , and estimate the quantity of the fuel in the fuel tank in accordance with the measured times of flight , the reference time of flight and the known reference ...

Photonics device

A method may include generating, within a device, separate and discrete wavelengths, and generating light intensity profiles based on an interaction between the separate and discrete wavelengths and a multi-wavelength diffractive optic element. The method may include detecting an object from light reflected from the object using the light intensity profiles. The light intensity profiles may include a shorter range light intensity profile and a longer range light intensity profile, each light intensity profile having different energy per solid angle patterns.

METHOD FOR EVALUATING TYPE OF DISTANCE MEASURED BY LASER RANGE FINDER AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING POSITION OF MOBILE ROBOT BY USING SAME

A method for evaluating the distance type of the measured distance comprises a sample extracting step for extracting a plurality of preliminary samples around a predicted pose; a reference set calculating step for calculating a reference distance set corresponding to each preliminary sample through applying each preliminary sample to a reference distance calculating algorithm which is previously registered, wherein the reference distance set comprises reference distances corresponding to each of a plurality of distance types; a distance type extracting step for extracting a distance type corresponding to each of the reference distance sets based on a smallest distance error among distance errors between each reference distance which compose the reference distance set and the measured distance; and a distance type evaluating step for evaluating a distance type of the measured distance based on the distance type which is extracted in correspondence with each reference distance set. 1. A method for evaluating a distance type of a measured distance measured by a laser range finder , comprising the steps of:a sample extracting step for extracting a plurality of preliminary samples around a predicted pose;a reference set calculating step for calculating a reference distance set corresponding to each preliminary sample through applying each preliminary sample to a reference distance calculating algorithm which is previously registered, wherein the reference distance set comprises reference distances corresponding to each of a plurality of distance types;a distance type extracting step for extracting a distance type corresponding to each of the reference distance sets based on a smallest distance error among distance errors between each reference distance which compose the reference distance set and the measured distance; anda distance type evaluating step for evaluating a distance type of the measured distance based on the distance type which is extracted in correspondence ...

LASER SENSOR MODULE ARRAY FOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION, SPEED MONITORING AND TRAFFIC SAFETY APPLICATIONS

A laser sensor module array for vehicle identification, speed monitoring and traffic safety applications. Each of the laser sensor modules comprise a laser signal transmitting and receiving port with the array comprising a basic row of N laser sensor modules, wherein N is greater than 1 and wherein each of the N laser sensor modules in the basic row is displaced at an acute angle with respect to adjacent ones of the laser sensor modules. An additional row of N laser sensor modules may adjoin the basic row of N laser sensor modules in a parallel or acute angular relationship to corresponding ones in the basic row. 1. An array of laser sensor modules , each of said laser sensor modules comprising a laser signal transmitting and receiving port , said array comprising:a basic row of N laser sensor modules, wherein N is greater than 1 and wherein each of said N laser sensor modules in said basic row is displaced at an acute angle with respect to adjacent ones of said laser sensor modules in said basic row.2. The array of laser sensor modules of further comprising:an additional row of N laser sensor modules adjoining said basic row of N laser sensor modules and wherein each of said N laser sensor modules in said additional row is displaced at an acute angle with respect to adjacent ones of said laser sensor modules in said additional row.3. The array of laser sensor modules of wherein said N laser sensor modules in said basic row are configured in a substantially parallel relationship to corresponding ones of said N laser sensor modules in said additional row.4. The array of laser sensor modules of wherein said N laser sensor modules in said additional row are configured in an acute angle with respect to corresponding ones of said N laser sensor modules in said basic row.5. The array of laser sensor modules of wherein said N laser sensor modules in said additional row are configured in a substantially parallel and interstitial relationship with respect to said N laser ...

METHOD OF PREPARING HISTOGRAMS OF A SENSOR SIGNAL FROM AN ARRAY OF SENSORS, IN PARTICULAR PROXIMITY SENSORS, AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE

A method includes preparing a first histogram from the emission of initial optical radiation and including at least one processing iteration performed at a rate of a clock signal having an internal period equal to a sub-multiple of the optical period a sensor signal and a reference signal. Successive iterations of histogram preparation are performed so that in each iteration a time shift of the initial optical radiation is provided by a first fraction of the internal period until at least one portion of the internal period is covered to obtain an additional histogram at the conclusion of each iteration. A numerical combination of the first histogram and additional histograms is performed to obtain a final histogram having a finer time granularity than that of the first histogram. 115-. (canceled)16. A histogram generation method using a sensor array providing a sensor signal based upon optical radiation from an emitter reflected off of an object , the emitter emitting the optical radiation based upon an optical period , the method comprising:(a) generating a first histogram by processing the sensor signal and a reference signal based upon a clock signal having an internal period equal to a submultiple of the optical period;(b) iteratively performing step (a) with each iteration having the optical signal time-shifted by a first fraction of the internal period for at least one portion of the internal period to obtain at least one second histogram; and(c) combining the first histogram and the at least one second histogram to obtain a final histogram having a finer time granularity than the first histogram.17. The method of wherein step (a) further comprises successively processing the sensor signal over the entire optical period using successive time shifts with respect to an initial optical emission.18. The method of wherein step (a) further comprises a step (a1) comprising:generating a first portion of the first histogram from the initial optical emission over an ...

TIME OF FLIGHT SENSOR BINNING

A time-of-flight sensor device generates and analyzes a high-resolution depth map frame from a high-resolution image to determine a mode of operation for the time-of-flight sensor and an illuminator and to control the time-of-flight sensor and illuminator according to the mode of operation. A binned depth map frame can be created from a binned image from the time-of-flight sensor and combined with the high-resolution depth map frame to create a compensated depth map frame. 1. A method for use with a time-of-flight sensor , the method comprising:generating by at least one processing device at least one high-resolution depth map frame from at least one high-resolution image received from the time-of-flight sensor;analyzing by the at least one processing device at least one of the at least one high-resolution depth map frame and the at least one high-resolution image;determining by the at least one processing device a mode of operation having an illuminator power output level and a binning factor for at least one binned lower-resolution image;generating at the at least one processing device at least one binned lower-resolution depth map frame from the at least one binned lower-resolution image received from the time-of-flight sensor;combining information from the at least one high-resolution depth map frame with information from the at least one binned lower-resolution depth map frame to generate at least one compensated depth map frame; andcontrolling by the at least one processing device the time-of-flight sensor and at least one illuminator according to the mode of operation.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of analyzing by the at least one processing device the at least one of the at least one high-resolution depth map frame and the at least one high-resolution image further comprises determining an ambient light interference level claim 1 , wherein determining by the at least one processing device a mode of operation comprising an illuminator power ...

LASER RANGEFINDER AND METHOD OF MEASURING DISTANCE AND DIRECTION

A laser rangefinder includes: a MEMS mirror that changes a traveling direction of laser light; a first photodetector that reflects a portion of the laser light directed in a predetermined direction by the MEMS mirror and receives another portion of the laser light; a second photodetector that receives first reflected light that is reflection of the laser light from a target object outside an enclosure and second reflected light that is reflection of the portion of the laser light from the first photodetector; and a signal processor that calculates a distance from the laser rangefinder to the target object by subtracting, from a first distance from the laser diode to the target object calculated using the first reflected light, a second distance from the laser diode to the first photodetector calculated using the second reflected light, and calculates a direction of the target object with respect to the laser rangefinder. 1. A laser rangefinder comprising:an enclosure;a light source that is disposed inside the enclosure and emits laser light;a scanning unit that changes a traveling direction of the laser light;a first photodetector that is disposed inside the enclosure, reflects a portion of the laser light directed in a predetermined direction from the scanning unit, and receives another portion of the laser light;a second photodetector that receives first reflected light and second reflected light, the first reflected light being reflection of the laser light from a target object outside the enclosure, and the second reflected light being reflection of the portion of the laser light from the first photodetector; anda signal processor that calculates a distance from the laser rangefinder to the target object and calculates a direction of the target object with respect to the laser rangefinder, the distance being calculated by (i) calculating a first distance from the light source to the target object using the first reflected light received by the second ...

LADAR SENSOR FOR A DENSE ENVIRONMENT

A multi-ladar sensor system is proposed for operating in dense environments where many ladar sensors are transmitting and receiving burst mode light in the same space, as may be typical of an automotive application. The system makes use of several techniques to reduce mutual interference between independently operating ladar sensors. In one embodiment, the individual ladar sensors are each assigned a wavelength of operation, and an optical receive filter for blocking the light transmitted at other wavelengths, an example of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Each ladar sensor, or platform, may also be assigned a pulse width selected from a list, and may use a pulse width discriminator circuit to separate pulses of interest from the clutter of other transmitters. Higher level coding, involving pulse sequences and code sequence correlation, may be implemented in a system of code division multiplexing, CDM. A digital processor optimized to execute mathematical operations is described which has a hardware implemented floating point divider, allowing for real time processing of received ladar pulses, and sequences of pulses. 1. A ladar system comprising:a first ladar sensor and a second ladar sensor;said first ladar sensor havinga laser transmitter with a pulsed laser light output transmitting light at a first wavelength through a diffusing optic for illuminating a scene in a field of view of said first ladar sensor,a time zero reference circuit having a time zero reference output, said time zero reference output adapted to signal the beginning of the pulsed laser light transmission,receiving optics for collecting and conditioning the pulsed laser light reflected from said scene in the field of view,a receive filter which receives light at said first wavelength and transmits light at said first wavelength and blocks light at a second wavelength,a two dimensional array of light sensitive detectors positioned at a focal plane of said receiving optics, and receiving ...

INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE DISTANCE AND RANGE MEASUREMENT DEVICE CALIBRATION

Processes and systems for calibrating a distance and range measurement device coupled to an industrial vehicle are disclosed. The calibration requires no physical movement of the distance and range measurement device. Instead, actual measurements from the device are used with nominal detection zones and nominal measurements to create modified detection zones to detect objects within the modified detection zones. 1. A process for calibrating a distance and range measurement device coupled to an industrial vehicle , the process comprising:determining a nominal height above ground to end a nominal detection zone;determining a device height of the distance and range measurement device above the ground;taking a measurement of an emission from the distance and range measurement device at a pitch angle; andcreating a modified detection zone based on the nominal height, the device height, and the measurement.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein taking a measurement of an emission from the distance and range measurement device at a pitch angle comprises taking a measurement of the emission from the distance and range measurement device at a yaw angle of zero degrees with reference to a roll axis of the distance and range measurement device.3. The process of claim 1 , wherein taking a measurement of an emission from the distance and range measurement device at a pitch angle comprises taking a measurement of the emission from the distance and range measurement device at a yaw angle other than zero degrees with reference to a roll axis of the distance and range measurement device.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein creating a modified detection zone based on the nominal height claim 1 , the device height claim 1 , and the measurement comprises:determining that the pitch angle is correct by determining that the measurement is within a pitch tolerance of a length of the nominal detection zone; andusing the nominal detection zone as the modified detection zone if the pitch angle is ...

REFRACTIVE BEAM STEERING DEVICE USEFUL FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLE LIDAR

An illustrative example device for steering a beam of radiation includes at least one compressible optic component including at least one lens in a compressible optic material adjacent the lens. An actuator controls an orientation of the lens by selectively applying pressure on the compressible optic material. 1. A device for steering a beam of radiation , the device comprising:at least one compressible optic component including at least one lens and a compressible optic material adjacent the at least one lens; andan actuator that controls an orientation of the at least one lens by selectively applying pressure on the compressible optic material.2. The device of claim 1 , whereinthe at least one compressible optic component comprises a plurality of compressible optic components respectively including at least one lens and compressible optic material; andthe actuator selectively controls an orientation of the lenses, respectively.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the actuator controls the orientation of the lenses such that all of the lenses have the same orientation.4. The device of claim 2 , whereinthe actuator comprises a plurality of moveable components;each of the plurality of compressible optic components is associated with at least one of the moveable components; anda position or orientation of the movable components, respectively, controls pressure applied to the compressible optic material.5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the actuator comprises a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) actuator.6. The device of claim 4 , whereinthe moveable components respectively comprise moveable electrodes;the actuator comprises at least one stationary electrode; andthe moveable electrodes are moveable relative to the stationary electrode in at least a first direction and a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.7. The device of claim 1 , comprising a source of radiation situated to emit radiation through the at least one compressible optic component.8. The ...

Holographic waveguide lidar

A holographic waveguide LIDAR having a transmitter waveguide coupled to a beam deflector and a receiver waveguide coupled to a detector module. The transmitter waveguide contains an array of grating elements for diffracting a scanned laser beam into a predefined angular ranges. The receiver waveguide contains an array of grating elements for diffracting light reflected from external points within a predefined angular range towards the detector module.

OPTICAL APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND TRANSPORT APPARATUS

A photoelectric conversion device generates a signal correlated with a difference between a first potential at a first detection node and a second potential at a second detection node, the first potential based on electrons that are generated by a first photoelectric conversion portion and collected to a first collection node in a first period, and on holes that are generated by a second photoelectric conversion portion and collected to a second collection node in a second period different from the first period, the second potential based on holes that are generated by the second photoelectric conversion portion and collected to a fourth collection node in the first period, and on electrons that are generated by the first photoelectric conversion portion and collected to a third collection node in the second period. 1. An apparatus including a photoelectric conversion device , a first photoelectric conversion portion configured to generate electrons;', 'a second photoelectric conversion portion configured to generate holes;', 'a first detection node connected to a first collection node and a second collection node, the first collection node configured to collect the electrons generated by the first photoelectric conversion portion, the second collection node configured to collect the holes generated by the second photoelectric conversion portion; and', 'a second detection node connected to a third collection node and a fourth collection node, the third collection node configured to collect the electrons generated by the first photoelectric conversion portion, the fourth collection node configured to collect the holes generated by the second photoelectric conversion portion,, 'the photoelectric conversion device comprising a first potential at the first detection node, the first potential based on electrons that are generated by the first photoelectric conversion portion and collected to the first collection node in a first period, and based on holes that are ...

WAVEFORM RECONSTRUCTION IN A TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR

A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor device is configured to perform classification analytics on a waveform signal representing a reflected light pulse, and to classify an object from which the light pulse was received based on characteristic properties of the reflected pulse. The TOF sensor device can compare the reflected pulse waveform with stored characteristic waveform profiles indicative of different types of objects or atmospheric particulates, including but not limited to snow, aerosol, water, fog, or mist. Some embodiments of TOF sensor device can also detect excessive levels of mist or suspended particulates that may reduce the detection accuracy of the sensor. To this end, such embodiments project focused light beams according to a defined pattern, and compare the reflected pattern with the defined pattern to determine a degree of pattern distortion attributable to the presence of mist. 1. An imaging device , comprising:a memory that stores executable components; an illumination component configured to emit a light pulse toward a viewing field;', 'a photo-receiver configured to generate an electrical output proportional to an intensity of light incident on a surface of the photo-receiver;', 'a pixel array component configured to generate waveform data corresponding to a reflected light pulse received by the photo-receiver based on the electrical output;', 'a waveform analysis component configured to perform a comparison of the waveform data with signature profile data that defines characteristic waveform signatures corresponding to respective object classifications, and generate classification data assigning an object classification, of the object classifications, to an object corresponding to the reflected light pulse based on a result of the comparison; and', 'a hazard analysis and decision component configured to generate an output signal based on the object classification., 'a processor, operatively coupled to the memory, that executes the executable ...

VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM USING POSE ESTIMATION BASED ON POINT CLOUD

Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for positioning a vehicle. The system includes a communication interface configured to receive point cloud frames with respect to a scene and initial pose data of a vehicle captured by sensors equipped on the vehicle as the vehicle moves along a trajectory. The system also includes a storage configured to store the point cloud frames and the initial pose data. The system further includes a processor configured to estimate pose information of the vehicle associated with each of the point cloud frames based on the initial pose data and the point cloud frames. The processor is also configured to adjust the estimated pose information of the vehicle based on a model. The model includes a spatial relationship and a temporal relationship among the plurality of point cloud frames. The processor is further configured to position the vehicle based on the adjusted pose information. 1. A navigation system for positioning a vehicle , comprising:a communication interface configured to receive a plurality of point cloud frames with respect to a scene and initial pose data of the vehicle captured by a plurality of sensors equipped on the vehicle as the vehicle moves along a trajectory;a storage configured to store the plurality of point cloud frames and the initial pose data; and estimate pose information of the vehicle associated with each of the plurality of point cloud frames based on the initial pose data and the plurality of point cloud frames;', 'adjust the estimated pose information of the vehicle based on a model, wherein the model includes a spatial relationship and a temporal relationship among the plurality of point cloud frames; and', 'position the vehicle based on the adjusted pose information., 'a processor configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to:register the adjusted pose information of the vehicle with each of the plurality of point cloud frames; andaggregate the ...

DEPTH INFORMATION CAMERA MODULE AND BASE ASSEMBLY, PROJECTION ASSEMBLY, ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

Provided are a depth information camera module and a base assembly, a projection assembly, an electronic device and a manufacturing method thereof. The depth information camera module includes: a projection assembly to project a laser to a to-be-detected object; a receiving assembly, including a photosensitive element for receiving the laser reflected from the to-be-detected object; and a base assembly, the base assembly including a circuit board and a base body, the base body being supported by the circuit board, where the photosensitive element is electrically connected to the circuit board, the projection assembly circuit board is supported on a top side of the base body such that the circuit board and the projection assembly circuit board are respectively at different heights of the base assembly. Here, the projection assembly has an integral structure to facilitate assembly of the projection assembly. 1. A depth information camera module , comprising:a projection assembly, the projection assembly comprising a projection assembly circuit board and a projection unit, the projection unit being electrically connected to the projection assembly circuit board to project a laser to a to-be-detected object after being conducted;a receiving assembly, the receiving assembly comprising a photosensitive element for receiving the laser reflected from the to-be-detected object; anda base assembly, the base assembly comprising a circuit board and a base body, the base body being supported by the circuit board, the photosensitive element of the receiving assembly being electrically connected to the circuit board, the projection assembly circuit board being supported on a top side of the base body, the base assembly further comprising a conductive element, and the conductive element being disposed between the projection assembly circuit board and the circuit board for conducting the projection assembly to the circuit board.2. The depth information camera module according to ...

OPTICAL RECEIVING MODULE

An optical receiving module may include: a light transmitting body configured to transmit light; a light incidence part through which light is incident into the light transmitting body; and a plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the light incident from the light incidence part a plurality of times, such that the light is incident toward a light receiver unit. 1. An optical receiving module comprising:a light transmitting body configured to transmit light;a light incidence part through which light is incident into the light transmitting body; anda plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the light incident from the light incidence part a plurality of times, such that the light is incident toward a light receiver unit.2. The optical receiving module of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reflectors comprises:a first reflector configured to reflect the light incident from the light incidence part; anda second reflector configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflector to direct the light toward the light receiver unit.3. The optical receiving module of claim 2 , wherein the light incidence part comprises an anti-reflective layer disposed on the light incidence part to prevent light reflection.4. The optical receiving module of claim 2 , wherein the first reflector has a curved surface.5. The optical receiving module of claim 4 , wherein the second reflector has a plane surface.6. The optical receiving module of claim 5 , wherein the light incidence part is formed in a plane shape claim 5 , andthe second reflector is inclined to face the first reflector and the light incidence part, and reflects light in an opposite direction of an incidence direction of the light incidence part.7. The optical receiving module of claim 5 , wherein the light incidence part is formed in a plane shape claim 5 , andthe second reflector is inclined to face the first reflector and the light receiver unit, and reflects light in a same direction as an incidence ...

LIDAR SENSING DEVICE

A LiDAR sensing device may include: a sensing light source unit configured to radiate sensing light; a light transmitting reflector configured to reflect the sensing light radiated from the sensing light source unit; a scanner unit configured to reflect the sensing light reflected from the light transmitting reflector into a target, and to reflect incident light reflected from the target; a light receiving lens configured to pass the incident light reflected from the scanner unit, and integrated with the light transmitting reflector; a light receiving reflector configured to reflect the incident light passing through the light receiving lens; and an optical detecting unit into which the incident light reflected from the light receiving reflector is incident. 1. A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensing device , comprising:a sensing light source configured to radiate sensing light;a light transmitting reflector configured to reflect the sensing light radiated from the sensing light source;a scanner configured to reflect the sensing light reflected from the light transmitting reflector into a target, and to reflect incident light reflected from the target;a light receiving lens configured to pass the incident light reflected from the scanner, and the light receiving lens is integrated with the light transmitting reflector;a light receiving reflector configured to reflect the incident light passing through the light receiving lens; andan optical detector into which the incident light reflected from the light receiving reflector is incident.2. The LiDAR sensing device of claim 1 , wherein the sensing light source is disposed to deviate from an optical path of the light receiving lens and the light receiving reflector.3. The LiDAR sensing device of claim 2 , wherein the sensing light source comprises:a barrel disposed to deviate from the optical path of the light receiving lens;a light source provided in the barrel; anda light transmitting lens provided on an output ...

OPTICAL SCANNING DEVICE, PHOTORECEIVER DEVICE, AND PHOTODETECTION SYSTEM

An optical scanning device includes: first and second mirrors; an optical waveguide layer disposed between the first and second mirrors; a pair of electrodes sandwiching the optical waveguide layer; and a driving circuit that applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes. The first mirror has a higher light transmittance than the second mirror and emits part of light propagating through the optical waveguide layer to the outside. The optical waveguide layer contains a liquid crystal material or an electrooptical material. The alignment direction of the liquid crystal material or the direction of a polarization axis of the electrooptical material is parallel or perpendicular to the direction in which the optical waveguide layer extends. The driving circuit applies the voltage to the pair of electrodes to change the refractive index of the liquid crystal material or the electrooptical material to thereby change the light emission direction. 1. An optical scanning device comprising:a first mirror including a multilayer reflective film;a second mirror including a multilayer reflective film facing the multilayer reflective film of the first mirror;an optical waveguide layer that is disposed between the first mirror and the second mirror and that propagates inputted light as propagating light;a pair of electrodes sandwiching the optical waveguide layer; anda driving circuit that applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes,wherein the first mirror, the second mirror, and the optical waveguide layer have respective structures extending in a same direction,wherein the first mirror has a higher light transmittance than the second mirror and allows part of the propagating light propagating through the optical waveguide layer to pass through and be emitted to outside of the optical waveguide layer as emission light,wherein the optical waveguide layer contains a liquid crystal material or an electrooptical material,wherein, when the voltage is not applied to the pair of electrodes ...

LIGHT RECEIVING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

There is provided a light receiving device including: a pixel including a first tap configured to detect a charge photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit, and a second tap configured to detect a charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit; a first comparison circuit configured to compare a first detection signal detected by the first tap and a reference signal; a second comparison circuit configured to compare a second detection signal detected by the second tap and the reference signal; a first zero reset signal generation circuit configured to generate a first zero reset signal that is supplied to the first comparison circuit when the first comparison circuit performs an auto zero operation; and a second zero reset signal generation circuit configured to generate a second zero reset signal that is supplied to the second comparison circuit when the second comparison circuit performs an auto zero operation. 1. A light receiving device comprising: a first tap configured to detect a charge photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit, and', 'a second tap configured to detect a charge photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit;, 'a pixel including'}a first comparison circuit configured to compare a first detection signal detected by the first tap and a reference signal;a second comparison circuit configured to compare a second detection signal detected by the second tap and the reference signal;a first zero reset signal generation circuit configured to generate a first zero reset signal that is supplied to the first comparison circuit when the first comparison circuit performs an auto zero operation; anda second zero reset signal generation circuit configured to generate a second zero reset signal that is supplied to the second comparison circuit when the second comparison circuit performs an auto zero operation.2. The light receiving device according to claim 1 ,wherein each of ...

TRANSIMPEDANCE AMPLIFIER WITH PULSE WIDENING

Mechanisms for evaluating amplitude for current pulses provided to a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for current levels beyond the linear range of the TIA where clipping circuit(s) may limit the input voltage of the TIA are disclosed. In one aspect, an example TIA arrangement includes a clipping arrangement that includes multiple clipping circuits. Each clipping circuit can be biased by different bias voltages such that the different clipping circuits are activated at different input current amplitudes. Different clipping circuits can have different impedances, which can result in different recovery time characteristics. With the multiple clipping circuits in clipping arrangements discussed herein, a saturated dynamic range of a TIA can be divided into sub-regions and different pulse widening characteristics for each region may be defined, which may enable determination of amplitude for current pulses provided to the TIA even for current levels beyond the linear range of the TIA. 1. A transimpedance amplifier (TIA) arrangement , comprising:a TIA; and each of the first clipping circuit and the second clipping circuit is coupled to an input of the TIA,', 'an impedance of the second clipping circuit is larger than an impedance of the first clipping circuit, and', 'when the TIA is coupled to a device that is configured to sink current from the TIA, a bias voltage of the second clipping circuit is higher than a bias voltage of the first clipping circuit., 'a clipping arrangement comprising a first clipping circuit and a second clipping circuit, wherein2. The TIA arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the bias voltage of the second clipping circuit is at least 100 millivolts (mV) higher than the bias voltage of the first clipping circuit.3. The TIA arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the bias voltage of the second clipping circuit is higher than a voltage at the input of the TIA if an input current applied to the input of the TIA is equal to or greater than the ...

A SYSTOLIC PROCESSOR SYSTEM FOR A LIGHT RANGING SYSTEM

A ROIC can perform systolic processing of light detectors. The ROIC performs the systolic processing of the light detectors to capture at least i) when, in time units, an initial photon of its reflected light pulse is captured by each of the light detectors in the array, ii) where geographically in terms of column and row address of the light detector capturing its photon is located in the array, iii) scan out data captured by the light detectors on the when in time units, and the where geographically that the photon was captured in a given light detector in the array, and then iv) analyze the data on the when and the where with an algorithm to know exactly when exactly, in terms of time units, the photon was captured relative to the input from the clock circuit in order to determine an objects characteristics. 1. A system to measure the presence of one or more objects with one or more light pulses , comprising:one or more lasers configured to generate the one or more light pulses;one or more cameras configured to detect reflected light pulses from the one or more target objects;a receiver circuit that includes a Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) containing one or more light detectors, arranged in an array, that cooperate with a clock circuit, where the ROIC is configured to measure at least a time of flight of the reflected light pulses by using an input from the clock circuit and then measure the time of flight starting at a first reference time and stopping at a second reference point, where the ROIC is configured to perform systolic processing of the light detectors, where the ROIC performs the systolic processing of the light detectors to capture at least i) when, in time units, an initial photon of its reflected light pulse is captured by each of the light detectors in the array, ii) where geographically its photon is located in the array, iii) scan out data captured by the light detectors, and then iv) analyze the scanned out data with an algorithm to know ...

ADAPTIVE CODING FOR LIDAR SYSTEMS

A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprise: a light source configured to emit a multi-pulse sequence to measure a distance between the Lidar system and a location in a three-dimensional environment, and the multi-pulse sequence comprises multiple pulses having a temporal profile; a photosensitive detector configured to detect light pulses from the three-dimensional environment; and one or more processors configured to: determine a coding scheme comprising the temporal profile, wherein the coding scheme is determined dynamically based on one or more real-time conditions including an environment condition, a condition of the Lidar system or a signal environment condition; and calculate the distance based on a time of flight of a sequence of detected light pulses, wherein the time of flight is determined by determining a match between the sequence of detected light pulses and the temporal profile. 1. A system for encoding light pulses emitted from a laser range and detection system to a three-dimensional environment , the system comprising:one or more processors electrically coupled to a light source of the laser range and detection system, wherein the light source is configured to emit a multi-pulse sequence to measure a first distance between the laser range and detection system and a first location in the three-dimensional environment, and wherein the one or more processors are configured to:(a) adaptively select a coding scheme based on one or more detected real-time conditions, wherein the coding scheme comprises a first temporal profile, and(b) generate a control signal to the light source thereby causing the light source to emit the multi-pulse sequence encoded according to the first temporal profile.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first temporal profile comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of an amplitude of each light pulse from the multi-pulse sequence claim 1 , a duration of each light pulse from the multi-pulse ...

Multi-Resolution Maps for Localization

Techniques are discussed for using multi-resolution maps, for example, for localizing a vehicle. Map data of an environment can be represented by discrete map tiles. In some cases, a set of map tiles can be precomputed as contributing to localizing the vehicle in the environment, and accordingly, the set of map tiles can be loaded into memory when the vehicle is at a particular location in the environment. Further, a level of detail represented by the map tiles can be based at least in part on a distance between a location associated with the vehicle and a location associated with a respective region in the environment. The level of detail can also be based on a speed of the vehicle in the environment. The vehicle can determine its location in the environment based on the map tiles and/or the vehicle can generate a trajectory based on the map tiles. 1. A system comprising:one or more processors; and capturing LIDAR data using a LIDAR sensor of an autonomous vehicle;', 'determining, based at least in part on the LIDAR data, a first location associated with the autonomous vehicle in an environment;', 'determining a distance between the first location and a second location associated with a region in the environment;', 'determining that the distance meets or exceeds a threshold distance;', 'selecting, based at least in part on the distance meeting or exceeding the threshold distance, a resolution level from at least a first resolution level and a second resolution level;', 'loading, into a working memory accessible to the one or more processors, map data associated with the region, wherein the region in the environment is represented at the resolution level in the map data; and', 'localizing the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the map data and the LIDAR data., 'one or more computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the system to perform operations comprising2. The ...

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CORRECTING UNDERWATER PHOTON DISPLACEMENT AND FOR DEPTH SOUNDING WITH SINGLE-PHOTON LIDAR

Methods and devices for correcting underwater photon displacement and for depth sounding with a single-photon Lidar are provided. The method includes: acquiring a pointing angle of a photon emitted by the single-photon Lidar, and coordinates of a water-surface photon signal and a water-bottom photon signal returned by the photon emitted by the single-photon Lidar; performing a sea wave fitting according to the water-surface photon signal to determine a sea wave model; determining an intersection of the photon and an air-water interface according to coordinates of any water-bottom photon, the pointing angle and the sea wave model; determining an underwater displacement error of the photon according to the intersection, the sea wave model and the pointing angle; and correcting the coordinates of the water-bottom photon according to the underwater displacement error. The invention performs sea wave modeling through water surface photon signal and determines intersection of the photon and water-air interface.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AIRFLOW INTO A SENSOR ENCLOSURE

Provided herein is a system and method for heat exchange of a vehicle. The system comprises an enclosure disposed on the vehicle and a vent at a base of the enclosure. The enclosure houses one or more sensors. The heat exchange system comprises an adjustable deflector disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow into the vent of the enclosure. The heat exchange system further comprises a controller configured to adjust the adjustable deflector. 1. A heat exchange system of a vehicle , comprising:an enclosure disposed on the vehicle and comprising a vent at a base of the enclosure, the enclosure housing one or more sensors;an adjustable deflector disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow into the vent of the enclosure; anda controller configured to adjust the adjustable deflector.2. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein:the adjustable deflector is retractable; andthe controller is configured to retract the adjustable deflector.3. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust a length of the adjustable deflector based on a speed of the vehicle claim 1 , an internal temperature of the enclosure claim 1 , an external temperature claim 1 , or a wind speed.4. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to pivot the adjustable deflector about a point based on a wind direction and a direction of the vehicle.5. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust a shape of the adjustable deflector based on a speed of the vehicle claim 1 , an internal temperature of an enclosure claim 1 , an external temperature claim 1 , and a wind speed.6. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust a length of the adjustable deflector and to pivot the adjustable deflector about a point simultaneously.7. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , further comprising a ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULAING AIRFLOW INTO AN ENCLOSURE

Provided herein is a system and method for heat exchange of a vehicle. The system comprises an enclosure disposed on the vehicle. The enclosure comprises a fan disposed at a base of the enclosure, one or more sensors within the enclosure, and a cover on an exterior of the enclosure. The cover comprises a hole pattern to selectively permit an airflow to enter the enclosure. A deflector is disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow through the hole pattern. 1. A heat exchange system of a vehicle , comprising: a fan disposed at a base of the enclosure;', 'one or more sensors within the enclosure; and', 'a cover on an exterior of the enclosure, the cover comprising a hole pattern to selectively permit an airflow to enter the enclosure; and, 'an enclosure disposed on the vehicle, the enclosure comprisinga deflector disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow through the hole pattern.2. The heat exchange system of claim 1 , wherein:the cover comprises a first layer having a first hole pattern and a second layer disposed over the first layer and having a second hole pattern, and the second layer being configured to rotate about the first layer to adjust an alignment between the first hole pattern and the second hole pattern, the alignment indicating an amount of the airflow that enters the enclosure.3. The heat exchange system of claim 2 , wherein:the one or more sensors are configured to determine a speed of the vehicle, an internal temperature of the enclosure, and an external temperature, and further comprising: determining an amount of rotation of the second layer about the first layer to adjust the alignment between the first hole pattern and the second hole pattern, based on the speed of the vehicle, the internal temperature of the enclosure, the external temperature, or the difference between the internal temperature of the enclosure and the external temperature; and', 'rotating the second ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING NOISE INTO AN ENCLOSURE

Provided herein is a system and method for cooling of a vehicle. The system comprises an enclosure disposed on the vehicle. The enclosure comprises a fan disposed at a base of the enclosure, one or more sensors within the enclosure, and a cover on an exterior of the enclosure. The cover comprises a hole pattern to selectively permit an airflow to enter the enclosure. The hole pattern comprises a plurality of holes to filter noise from the airflow. A deflector is disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow through the hole pattern.

SYSTEM AND METHOD

A system has detection circuitry configured to detect position information on a first point and a second point of a reflective member based on a first primary reflected electromagnetic wave generated by a reflection of a first emitted pulse on the first point and a second primary reflected electromagnetic wave generated by a reflection of a second emitted pulse on the second point, and processing circuitry configured to estimate an angle of inclination of the reflective member relative to a reference surface of the detection circuitry based on the position information on the first point and the second point. 1. A system comprising:detection circuitry configured to detect position information on a first point and a second point of a reflective member based on a first primary reflected electromagnetic wave generated by a reflection of a first emitted pulse on the first point and a second primary reflected electromagnetic wave generated by a reflection of a second emitted pulse on the second point; andprocessing circuitry configured to estimate an angle of inclination of the reflective member relative to a reference surface of the detection circuitry based on the position information on the first point and the second point.2. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising measurement circuitry configured to measure a first distance to the first point based on a difference in time between emission timing of the first emitted pulse and reception timing of the first primary reflected electromagnetic wave claim 1 , and measure a second distance to the second point based on a difference in time between emission timing of the second emitted pulse and reception timing of the second primary reflected electromagnetic wave claim 1 ,wherein the detection circuitry is further configured to detect the position information on the first point and the second point based on the first distance and the second distance.3. The system according to claim 2 , further comprising receiver ...

EXTENDED DELTA ENCODING TECHNIQUE FOR LIDAR RAW DATA COMPRESSION

A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) receiver includes a photodetector array configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals; a receiver circuit including a plurality of readout channels, configured to read out the plurality of electrical signals from the photodetector array, and a plurality of multibit ADCs, wherein each of the plurality of readout channels includes a different one of the plurality of multibit ADCs, and each of the plurality of multibit ADCs is configured to convert at least one of the plurality of electrical signals into an ADC data sample such that the plurality of multibit ADCs generate a sequence of ADC data samples; an encoder coupled to the plurality of readout channels and configured to receive the sequence of ADC data samples and generate a compressed data packet based on the sequence of ADC data samples; and a communication interface configured to transmit the compressed data packet. 1. A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system , comprising: a photodetector array configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals based on receiving a reflected light beam;', 'a receiver circuit including a plurality of readout channels configured to read out the plurality of electrical signals from the photodetector array and a plurality of multibit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), wherein each of the plurality of readout channels includes a different one of the plurality of multibit ADCs, and each of the plurality of multibit ADCs is configured to convert at least one of the plurality of electrical signals into an ADC data sample such that the plurality of multibit ADCs generate a sequence of ADC data samples;', 'an encoder coupled to the plurality of readout channels and configured to receive the sequence of ADC data samples and generate a compressed data packet based on the sequence of ADC data samples; and', 'a communication interface configured to transmit the compressed data packet., 'a LIDAR receiver comprising2. The LIDAR ...

ELECTRONIC DEVICE, LIGHT RECEIVING DEVICE, LIGHT PROJECTING DEVICE, AND DISTANCE MEASUREMENT METHOD

An electronic apparatus has a light detector configured to detect light by converting a reception photon into a signal and incapable of converting an additional photon into the signal during a recovery period after a reception of photons, a light projector configured to project light having a pulse width different from any of n times the recovery period (n is an integer of 1 or more), and a processor configured to measure a distance to a target object by using a time difference between a timing at which light is projected by the light projector and a timing at which light comprising a reflected wave is detected by the light detector, wherein the reflected wave is obtained by reflection of the light projected by the light projector onto the target object. 1. An electronic apparatus comprising:a light detector configured to detect light by converting a reception photon into a signal and incapable of converting an additional photon into the signal during a recovery period after a reception of photons;a light projector configured to project light having a pulse width different from any of n times the recovery period (n is an integer of 1 or more); anda processor configured to measure a distance to a target object by using a time difference between a timing at which light is projected by the light projector and a timing at which light comprising a reflected wave is detected by the light detector, wherein the reflected wave is obtained by reflection of the light projected by the light projector onto the target object.2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the light projector is configured to project the light having the pulse width that is greater than n times the recovery period, and smaller than (n+1) times the recovery period by 20% of the recovery period or more.3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2 ,wherein the light projector has a pulse width greater than n times the recovery period by 20% of the recovery period or more, and smaller ...

Ladar System with Adaptive Receiver

Disclosed herein are various embodiments for a ladar system that includes an adaptive ladar receiver whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted by the ladar transmitter. 1. A ladar system comprising:a ladar transmitter that includes a beam scanner, wherein the beam scanner selectively targets a plurality of range points within a frame, and wherein the ladar transmitter transmits ladar pulses toward the selectively targeted range points in accordance with a shot list; anda ladar receiver that includes a photodetector array and a circuit;wherein the photodetector array comprises a plurality of light sensors, wherein each light sensor (1) senses light that is indicative of a plurality of ladar pulse returns from a plurality of the range points and (2) generates a signal indicative of the sensed light;wherein the circuit selectively defines a plurality of subsets of the light sensors for read out at a given time based on the shot list to produce a signal representative of the sensed light signals from the light sensors included within the defined subsets, the produced signal for use in computing range information with respect to the targeted range points; andwherein the circuit includes feedback circuitry that amplifies outputs from the light sensors in a controlled feedback loop.2. The system of wherein the beam scanner selectively targets the range points by dynamically scanning a mirror according to the shot list.3. The system of wherein the beam scanner comprises a first mirror and a second mirror claim 2 , wherein the first mirror is scannable to a plurality of first mirror scan positions claim 2 , wherein the second mirror is scannable to a plurality of second mirror scan positions claim 2 , wherein the first and second mirror scan positions in combination define where the ladar transmitter is targeted claim 2 , and wherein ...

Time-of-flight depth mapping with parallax compensation

An optical sensing device includes a light source, which is configured to emit one or more beams of light pulses at respective angles toward a target scene. An array of sensing elements is configured to output signals in response to incidence of photons on the sensing elements. Light collection optics are configured to image the target scene onto the array. Control circuitry is coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in one or more selected regions of the array, each selected region containing a respective set of the sensing elements in a part of the array onto which the light collection optics image a corresponding area of the target scene that is illuminated by the one of the beams, and to adjust a membership of the respective set responsively to a distance of the corresponding area from the device. 1. An optical sensing device , comprising:a light source, which is configured to emit one or more beams of light pulses at respective angles toward a target scene;an array of sensing elements configured to output signals in response to incidence of photons on the sensing elements;light collection optics configured to image the target scene onto the array; andcontrol circuitry coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in one or more selected regions of the array, each selected region containing a respective set of the sensing elements in a part of the array onto which the light collection optics image a corresponding area of the target scene that is illuminated by the one of the beams, and to adjust a membership of the respective set responsively to a distance of the corresponding area from the device,wherein each selected region has a boundary comprising multiple edges, which contain the respective set of the sensing elements, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to enlarge the selected region of the array responsively to the distance by shifting one edge of the boundary, such that the selected region contains a larger number of the sensing elements ...

INTERFERENCE MITIGATION FOR LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING

Methods, apparatus, and systems related to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) are described. In one example aspect, a LIDAR apparatus includes a light emitter configured to generate, according to a first electrical pulse signal, a pulse light signal. The first electrical pulse signal comprises a first set of non-uniformly spaced pulses. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to convert returned light signals from the object into electrical signals and a filtering subsystem in communication with the receiver, configured to receive the electrical signals from the receiver and remove a point from a set of points representing at least a partial surface of the object as noise by determining whether there is a coherence between the point and corresponding neighboring points of the point along at least a first direction and a second direction of the set of points. 1. A light detection and ranging apparatus , comprising:a light emitter configured to generate, according to a first electrical pulse signal, a pulse light signal, the first electrical pulse signal having a first set of non-uniformly spaced pulses; anda filtering subsystem, configured to remove a point from a set of points representing a partial surface of an object as noise by determining whether there is a coherence between the point and neighboring points of the point along at least a first direction and a second direction of the set of points.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filtering subsystem is further configured to generate a validity confidence value based on a number of coherent points in the set of points representing the partial surface of the object.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pulse light signal has a pulse signature including the first set of non-uniformly spaced pulses.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a dithering technique randomizes firing times of the pulse light signal.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the dithering technique is combined with the pulse ...

Proximity Sensor

A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector coupled directly with or formed directly on a lead frame and directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light transmissive compound. A gap in the light transmissive compound between the light emitter and the light detector wherein in some embodiments the gap can be filled with a light blocking barrier material.

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TIME-OF-FLIGHT AND PROXIMITY MEASUREMENTS

An emitter of electromagnetic radiation is configured for modes of operation providing fields of illumination of different widths, and a photodetector is configured for time-of-flight and proximity measurements by detecting electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the emitter and reflected to the photodetector. The emitter is operated by a driver, which is configured for an alternation between the modes of operation. A time-of-flight measurement is performed when the field of illumination is narrow, and a proximity or ambient light measurement is performed when the field of illumination is wide. 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1 , wherein the emitter is a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser.3. The semiconductor device of claim 2 , wherein the driver is configured to generate driving currents claim 2 , one of the driving currents being below a lasing threshold of the emitter claim 2 , and one of the driving currents being above the lasing threshold.4. The semiconductor device of claim 1 , further comprising:a photodetector device comprising a semiconductor die, the photodetector being part of the photodetector device, andan emitter device comprising a further semiconductor die, the emitter being part of the emitter device.5. The semiconductor device of claim 4 , further comprising:an integrated circuit of the photodetector device;the integrated circuit being configured for performing and evaluating time-of-flight measurements and proximity or ambient light measurements using the emitter and the photodetector.6. The semiconductor device of claim 4 , wherein the driver is integrated in the emitter device.7. The semiconductor device of claim 4 , further comprising:a carrier carrying the photodetector device and the emitter device, anda cover with windows, the windows being arranged above the photodetector and the emitter.8. The semiconductor device of claim 1 , wherein the driver is configured to switch the modes of operation when values of varying distances ...

THREE-DIMENSIONAL DISTANCE MEASUREMENT DEVICE

A three-dimensional distance measurement device includes a light emitting unit that irradiates a subject with light; a light receiving unit that detects reflected light from the subject; a distance calculation unit that calculates a three-dimensional distance to the subject on the basis of a transmission time of the detected reflected light; an image processing unit that generates a distance image of the subject on the basis of the calculated distance data; and a distance mode selection processing unit that selects a predetermined distance mode from a plurality of distance modes having different measurable distance ranges and sets a driving condition of the light emitting unit. By selecting a first distance mode in a first frame and selecting a second distance mode in a second frame, and by combining the distance data acquired in the respective frames, three-dimensional distance data of a frame to be output is generated. 1. A three-dimensional distance measurement device that outputs a position of a subject as a distance image , comprising:a light emitting unit that irradiates the subject with light;a light receiving unit that detects reflected light from the subject;a distance calculation unit that calculates a three-dimensional distance to the subject on the basis of a transmission time of the reflected light detected by the light receiving unit;an image processing unit that generates a two-dimensional distance image of the subject on the basis of a distance data calculated by the distance calculation unit; anda distance mode selection processing unit that selects a predetermined distance mode from a plurality of distance modes having different measurable distance ranges and sets a driving condition of the light emitting unit,wherein the distance mode selection processing unit acquires three-dimensional distance data from a first distance mode in a first frame and acquires three-dimensional distance data from a second distance mode in a second frame, andwherein ...

LIDAR APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A method of acquiring distance information of an object by using a LiDAR apparatus includes: irradiating a first laser light of a first type toward surroundings of the LiDAR apparatus for a first time period; receiving a first reflected laser light of the first laser light reflected from a first object located around the LiDAR apparatus, by using an optical sensor of the LiDAR apparatus; irradiating a second laser light of a second type, which is different from the first type, toward the surroundings of the LiDAR apparatus for a second time period following the first time period; receiving a second reflected laser light of the second laser light reflected from a second object located around the LiDAR apparatus, by using the optical sensor; and acquiring an image frame including distance information representing a distance between the LiDAR apparatus and the first object and distance information representing a distance between the LiDAR apparatus and the second object, based on the first reflected laser light and the second reflected laser light.

IMAGE ACQUIRING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE, CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING IMAGE ACQUIRING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE OR CONTROL DEVICE, AND IMAGE ACQUIRING METHOD FOR VEHICLE

An image acquiring apparatus for a vehicle includes a light emitting unit configured to emit pulse light to a predetermined direction, an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of different images of target distance ranges by imaging reflected light returning from the target distance ranges at imaging timings set according to the target distance ranges, and a timing controller configured to control a light emission cycle of the pulse light and the imaging timings. The timing controller is configured to control at least one of the light emission cycle and the imaging timing such that among different target distance ranges, a range of a specific distance necessary for object recognition is imaged with luminance higher than that for ranges other than the range of the specific distance. 1. An image acquiring apparatus for a vehicle , comprising:a light emitting unit configured to emit pulse light to a predetermined direction;an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of different images of target distance ranges by imaging reflected light returning from the target distance ranges at imaging timings set according to the target distance ranges; anda timing controller configured to control a light emission cycle of the pulse light and the imaging timings,wherein the timing controller is configured to control at least one of the light emission cycle and the imaging timing such that among different target distance ranges, a range of a specific distance necessary for object recognition is imaged with luminance higher than that for ranges other than the range of the specific distance.2. The image acquiring apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein during bad weather or night, the range of the specific distance is a range closest to the image acquisition unit among the target distance ranges.3. The image acquiring apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the range of the specific distance is a range from which a recognition candidate object is ...

IMAGE ACQUIRING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE, CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING IMAGE ACQUIRING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE OR CONTROL DEVICE, AND IMAGE ACQUIRING METHOD FOR VEHICLE

An image acquiring apparatus for a vehicle includes a light emitting unit configured to emit pulse light to a predetermined direction, an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of different images of target distance ranges by imaging reflected light returning from the target distance ranges at imaging timings set according to the target distance ranges, and a timing controller configured to control a light emission cycle of the pulse light and the imaging timings. The timing controller is configured to set a light emission interval time to be longer than a delay time which is a time from a light emission start time point of the light emitting unit to an imaging start time point of the image acquisition unit and is required to image a longest-distance range of the target distance ranges from which the reflected light can be imaged. 1. An image acquiring apparatus for a vehicle comprising:a light emitting unit configured to emit pulse light to a predetermined direction;an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of different images of target distance ranges by imaging reflected light returning from the target distance ranges at imaging timings set according to the target distance ranges; anda timing controller control unit configured to control a light emission cycle of the pulse light and the imaging timings,wherein the timing controller is configured to set a light emission interval time to be longer than a delay time which is a time from a light emission start time point of the light emitting unit to an imaging start time point of the image acquisition unit and is required to image a longest-distance range of the target distance ranges from which the reflected light can be imaged.2. The image acquiring apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the delay time which is required to image the longest-distance range is determined from a light emission intensity and a diffusion angle of the pulse light and a sensitivity of the image ...

LIDAR SCANNING DEVICE AND LIDAR SCANNING DEVICE SYSTEM

A lidar scanning device for use in a motor vehicle includes a light source for emitting light onto an object; a light detector for receiving light that was reflected by the object; and multiple optical imaging elements in the optical path between the object and the light detector. 110-. (canceled)11. A lidar scanning device for a motor vehicle , comprising:a light source to emit light onto an object;a light detector to receive light that is reflected by the object; andmultiple optical imaging elements in an optical path between the object and the light detector.12. The lidar scanning device of claim 11 , wherein an optical imaging element includes taper optics claim 11 , a refractive element or a diffractive element.13. The lidar scanning device of claim 11 , wherein the optical imaging elements have different monitoring regions.14. The lidar scanning device of claim 13 , wherein the monitoring regions differ from one another in a spread angle or a range.15. The lidar scanning device of claim 13 , wherein the monitoring regions differ from one another in an orientation of their boundaries.16. The lidar scanning device of claim 11 , wherein the imaging elements project onto different regions of the light detector.17. The lidar scanning device of claim 11 , wherein regions of the light detector claim 11 , onto which the imaging elements project claim 11 , overlap one another claim 11 , and wherein there is a controllable diaphragm to block one of the monitoring regions.18. The lidar scanning device of claim 11 , wherein there is one optical band-pass filter in the optical paths of the imaging elements and bandwidths and/or center wavelengths of the band-pass filters differ from one another.19. A lidar scanning device system for a motor vehicle claim 11 , comprising:a light source to emit light onto an object;a light detector to receive light that is reflected by the object; andmultiple optical imaging elements, one of which is positionable in an optical path between ...

DEFLECTING DEVICE AND SURVEYING INSTRUMENT

A deflecting device and a surveying instrument for deflecting an optical axis two-dimensionally comprising a ring-shaped holding member; ring gears disposed on both sides of the holding member with the holding member interposed between the ring gears and concentric with the holding member; rotary bearings disposed between the holding member and the ring gears on both sides of the holding member and concentric with the holding member; optical deflecting members disposed at central portions of the ring gears and integrated with the ring gears; deflection motors corresponding to the respective ring gears; a drive transmitting member configured to transmit rotary force of the deflection motors to the ring gears; and urging members configured to urge the ring gears in a direction parallel with rotation axes of the ring gears. 1. A deflecting device comprising:a holding member having a ring shape;ring gears disposed on both sides of the holding member with the holding member interposed between the ring gears, the ring gears being concentric with the holding member;rotary bearings disposed between the holding member and the ring gears on both sides of the holding member, the rotary bearings being concentric with the holding member;optical deflecting members disposed at central portions of the ring gears and integrated with the ring gears;deflection motors corresponding to the respective ring gears;a drive transmitting member configured to transmit rotary force of the deflection motors to the ring gears; andurging members configured to urge the ring gears in a direction parallel with rotation axes of the ring gears;wherein each of the rotary bearings includes an outer ring fitted into and fixed to an outer ring fitting section on either one of the holding member and the corresponding ring gear,each of the rotary bearings includes an inner ring fitted into and fixed to an inner ring fitting section on the other of the holding member and the corresponding ring gear,the ring ...

RANGING APPARATUS AND METHOD

The disclosure relates to a range-classifying-module for a radio receiver, the range-classifying-module configured to: receive a signal representative of a chirp from a transmitter, determine the presence of one or more pulses in the received signal; and classify the receiver as either proximal to or distal from the transmitter based on: one or more characteristics of the one or more pulses; in addition to a time-of-arrival of the one or more pulses. 1. A range-classifying-module for a radio receiver , the range-classifying-module configured to:receive a signal representative of a chirp from a transmitter;determine the presence of one or more pulses in the received signal; and 'one or more characteristics of the one or more pulses; in addition to a time-of-arrival of the one or more pulses.', 'classify the receiver as either proximal to or distal from the transmitter based on2. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the one or more pulses are dependent on a channel characteristic of a channel between the transmitter and the receiver.1. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics of the one or more pulses are independent of a time-of-arrival of the one or more pulses.2. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the receiver is classified as either proximal to or distal from the transmitter based on the one or more characteristics being indicative of the transmitter being either inside or outside of a vehicle.5. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics comprise a separation between pulses in at least a portion of the signal.6. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics comprise an energy claim 1 , intensity or amplitude of at least a portion of the signal.7. The range-classifying-module of claim 1 , wherein the one or more characteristics comprise the number of pulses in at least a portion of the ...

Time-of-flight depth mapping with parallax compensation

An optical sensing device includes a light source, which is configured to emit one or more beams of light pulses at respective angles toward a target scene. An array of sensing elements is configured to output signals in response to incidence of photons on the sensing elements. Light collection optics are configured to image the target scene onto the array. Control circuitry is coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in one or more selected regions of the array, each selected region containing a respective set of the sensing elements in a part of the array onto which the light collection optics image a corresponding area of the target scene that is illuminated by the one of the beams, and to adjust a membership of the respective set responsively to a distance of the corresponding area from the device. 1. An optical sensing device , comprising:a light source, which is configured to emit one or more beams of light pulses at respective angles toward a target scene;an array of sensing elements configured to output signals in response to incidence of photons on the sensing elements;light collection optics configured to image the target scene onto the array; andcontrol circuitry coupled to actuate the sensing elements only in one or more selected regions of the array, each selected region containing a respective set of the sensing elements in a part of the array onto which the light collection optics image a corresponding area of the target scene that is illuminated by the one of the beams, and to adjust a membership of the respective set responsively to a distance of the corresponding area from the device.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the signals output by the sensing elements are indicative of respective times of arrival of the photons on the sensing elements claim 1 , and wherein the control circuitry is configured to process the signals in order to compute an indication of the distance to the corresponding area in the target scene based on the ...

EXTRINSIC STATIC NOISE CHARACTERIZATION AND REMOVAL

Computer-implemented methods and systems for at least partially removing extrinsic static noise from data obtained by an optical time-of-flight sensor using full-waveform analysis. The method comprises finding a mathematical representation of the electromagnetic crosstalk present in victim calibration traces and caused by aggressor photosensitive element using aggressor calibration traces and victim calibration traces, determining a predetermined threshold for the amplitude of the aggressor calibration trace at which the electromagnetic crosstalk is present in the victim calibration traces, predicting the extrinsic static noise generated by the aggressor signal on the synchronized victim operation trace using the mathematical representation to generate a predicted crosstalk signal, removing the predicted crosstalk signal from the synchronized victim operation trace to output a denoised signal. The system comprises an identification and parameter estimation unit, a peak detection unit and a crosstalk prediction unit. An optional saturated summit completion unit can be provided. 1. A computer-implemented method for at least partially removing extrinsic static noise from full-waveform data obtained using an optical time-of-flight sensor having a plurality of synchronized photosensitive elements , at least some of said synchronized photosensitive elements being positioned in proximity thereby allowing electromagnetic crosstalk caused by an aggressor photosensitive element of said plurality to affect at least one victim photosensitive element of said plurality , the computer-implemented method comprising use of at least one processing unit for:receiving a plurality of aggressor calibration traces from said aggressor photosensitive element and a plurality of victim calibration traces from said at least one victim photosensitive element, the aggressor calibration traces and the victim calibration traces being obtained in a controlled environment wherein an amplitude of a ...

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Device Range Aliasing Resilience by Multiple Hypotheses

A computing system may operate a LIDAR device to emit light pulses in accordance with a time sequence including a time-varying dither. The system may then determine that the LIDAR detected return light pulses during corresponding detection periods for each of two or more emitted light pulses. Responsively, the system may determine that the detected return light pulses have (i) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of first emitted light pulses that are indicative of a first set of ranges and (ii) detection times relative to corresponding emission times of a plurality of second emitted light pulses that are indicative of a second set of ranges. Given this, the system may select between using the first set of ranges as a basis for object detection and using the second set of ranges as a basis for object detection, and may then engage in object detection accordingly. 1. A method comprising:operating, by a computing system, a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device to emit light pulses at emission times in accordance with an emission time sequence, wherein the emission time sequence includes a time-varying dither, and to detect return light pulses in accordance with a detection time sequence, wherein the detection time sequence includes, for each emitted light pulse, a corresponding detection period for detection of a corresponding return light pulse, and wherein a detection time of a return light pulse relative to a corresponding emission time of a corresponding emitted light pulse is indicative of a range to an object that reflected the corresponding emitted light pulse;making a determination, by the computing system, that the LIDAR device detected return light pulses during corresponding detection periods for each of two or more emitted light pulses;in response to making the determination, determining, by the computing system, that (i) the detected return light pulses have detection times relative to corresponding emission times ...

MINIATURE SOLID-STATE LASER RADAR AND DATA PROCESSING METHOD THEREFOR

A miniature solid-state laser radar and a data processing method therefor. The miniature solid-state laser radar includes a laser emitter (), an imaging lens (), an imaging sensor (), and a control and data processing apparatus (). The laser emitter () is used to emit linear laser; the imaging lens () is used to collect reflected laser light and image same on the imaging sensor (); the imaging sensor () receives light focused through the imaging lens and images the same; and the control and data processing apparatus () is used to control working of the laser emitter (), receive imaging data from the imaging sensor (), run a structural light algorithm, and finally acquire point cloud data in a space environment. 1. A miniature solid-state laser radar , comprising a laser emitter , an imaging lens , an imaging sensor , and a control and data processing apparatus , whereinthe laser emitter is used to emit linear laser;the imaging lens is used to collect reflected laser light and image same on the imaging sensor; the imaging lens is an asymmetric optical lens which has an asymmetric focusing characteristic; an equivalent focal length of the imaging lens in a direction of a connecting line between the laser emitter and the imaging lens is greater than an equivalent focal length in a direction which is perpendicular to the connecting line between the laser emitter and the imaging lens;the imaging sensor receives the light focused through the imaging lens and images the same;the control and data processing apparatus is used to control the laser emitter to work, receive imaging data of the imaging sensor and operate a structural light algorithm to finally acquire point cloud data in a space environment;after the light emitted by the laser emitter irradiates a surface of an object, the light is reflected by the surface of the object, is then received by the imaging lens, and is finally imaged on the imaging lens; and the laser emitter and the imaging sensor are both ...

Silicon Waveguide Photodetector For In-Line Power Monitoring

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a waveguide formed of a PN junction, the waveguide to propagate optical power, the PN junction having a P region adjacent to an N region; and a silicon monitor photodetector formed of the PN junction and in-line with the waveguide to measure the optical power. The silicon monitor photodetector may further be formed of a P-doped region adjacent to the P region and an N-doped region adjacent to the N region. Other embodiments are described and claimed. 1. An apparatus comprising:a waveguide formed of a PN junction, the waveguide to propagate optical power, the PN junction having a P region adjacent to an N region; anda silicon monitor photodetector formed of the PN junction and in-line with the waveguide to measure the optical power, the silicon monitor photodetector further formed of a P-doped region adjacent to the P region and an N-doped region adjacent to the N region.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the silicon monitor photodetector further comprises a first ohmic contact coupled to the P-doped region and a second ohmic contact coupled to the N-doped region.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the silicon monitor photodetector has a length of less than approximately 1000 microns.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is coupled between a laser and a modulator claim 1 , the silicon monitor photodetector comprising an in-line power monitor to measure the optical power at an input of the modulator.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the silicon monitor photodetector is to provide a linear response to the optical power claim 4 , the silicon monitor photodetector directly adjacent to the waveguide without interposition of a tap.6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the laser claim 4 , the modulator claim 4 , the waveguide and the silicon monitor photodetector are formed on a semiconductor die.7. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a first conductive trace to couple the first ohmic contact to a ...

LIGHT SENSOR AND RANGING METHOD

A light sensor and a ranging method are provided. The light sensor includes a light source, a sensing sub-pixel, and a control circuit. The sensing sub-pixel includes a diode. The control circuit operates the diode in a Geiger mode or an avalanche linear mode. The control circuit includes a time-to-digital converter. The control circuit sequentially delays multiple light emission times of the light source in consecutive multiple sensing periods according to delay times during the consecutive multiple sensing periods. The control circuit sequentially monitors whether multiple digital values sequentially outputted by the time-to-digital converter corresponding to the consecutive multiple sensing periods have changed. The control circuit calculates a distance value according to the multiple digital values and a corresponding delay sequence when the control circuit determined that the multiple digital values have changed for a first time. 1. Alight sensor , comprising:a light source;a sensing sub-pixel, comprising a diode; anda control circuit, coupled to the light source and the sensing sub-pixel, and configured to operate the diode in a Geiger mode or an avalanche linear mode,wherein the control circuit comprises a time-to-digital converter, and the time-to-digital converter is coupled to the diode,wherein the control circuit sequentially delays a plurality of light emission times of the light source in a plurality of consecutive sensing periods according to a plurality of delay times during the plurality of consecutive sensing periods, wherein the control circuit sequentially monitors whether a plurality of digital values sequentially outputted by the time-to-digital converter corresponding to the plurality of sensing periods have changed,wherein the control circuit calculates a distance value according to the plurality of digital values and a corresponding delay sequence when the control circuit determined that the plurality of digital values have changed for a ...

RANGING METHOD AND APPARATUS BASED ON DETECTION SIGNAL

A ranging method and apparatus are provided. The method includes processing, by a ranging device, an echo signal of a detection signal based on a time-to-digital conversion ranging manner to determine a first data set. The echo signal is processed based on an analog-to-digital conversion ranging manner to determine a second data set. An output distance set is determined based on at least one parameter in the first data set or the second data set, and one or more of the following relationships: a relationship between at least one of an actual transmit power of the detection signal and a preset power threshold, a relationship between at least one estimated distance and a preset distance threshold, or a relationship between at least one signal parameter of the echo signal and a preset parameter threshold. 1. A ranging method implemented by a ranging device , comprising:processing an echo signal formed by reflecting a detection signal, based on a time-to-digital conversion (TDC) ranging manner, to determine a first data set, wherein the first data set comprises at least one first distance or at least one first time of flight;processing the echo signal, based on an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) ranging manner, to determine a second data set, wherein the second data set comprises at least one second distance or at least one second time of flight; anddetermining an output distance set based on at least one parameter in the first data set or the second data set, and one or more of following relationships:a relationship between at least one of an actual transmit power of the detection signal and a preset power threshold,a relationship between at least one estimated distance and a preset distance threshold, ora relationship between at least one signal parameter of the echo signal and a preset parameter threshold.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the determining an output distance set comprises at least one of:determining the at least one first distance as the ...

DISTANCE MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND IMAGE GENERATION METHOD

A distance measurement device includes: an image capturer that captures N segmental images corresponding to N segmental distances into which a distance measurement range is divided; and a range image generator that generates a range image from the N segmental images. The range image generator determines: among segmental pixels included in the N segmental images, a segmental pixel having a maximum signal value from N segmental pixels at the same pixel position among pixel positions; a value indicating a segmental distance of the segmental pixel having the maximum signal value to be a distance value of the pixel position of the range image, when the maximum signal value is greater than or equal to a threshold; and a value indicating a value outside the distance measurement range to be the distance value of the pixel position of the range image, when the maximum signal value is less than the threshold. 1. A distance measurement device , comprising:an image capturer that captures N segmental images corresponding to N segmental distances into which a distance measurement range is divided, N being an integer of 2 or more; anda range image generator that generates a range image from the N segmental images, wherein among segmental pixels included in the N segmental images, a segmental pixel having a maximum signal value from N segmental pixels at a pixel position among pixel positions, the pixel position being a same pixel position in the N segmental images;', 'a value indicating a segmental distance of the segmental pixel having the maximum signal value to be a distance value of the pixel position of the range Image, when the maximum signal value is greater than or equal to a threshold; and', 'a value indicating a value outside the distance measurement range to be the distance value of the pixel position of the range image, when the maximum signal value is less than the threshold., 'the range image generator determines2. The distance measurement device according to claim 1 ...

Optical scanning device that includes waveguides

An optical scanning device includes: a first waveguide that propagates light by total reflection; and a second waveguide. The second waveguide includes: a first multilayer reflective film; a second multilayer reflective film that faces the first multilayer reflective film; and a first optical waveguide layer directly connected to the first waveguide and located between the first and second multilayer reflective films. The first optical waveguide layer has a variable thickness and/or a variable refractive index and propagates the light transmitted through the first waveguide. The first multilayer reflective film has a higher light transmittance than the second multilayer reflective film and allows part of the light propagating through the first optical waveguide layer to be emitted to the outside. By changing the thickness of the first optical waveguide layer and/or its refractive index, the direction of the part of the light emitted from the second waveguide is changed.

Beam steering device and electronic apparatus including the same

A beam steering device includes an optical waveguide configured to split input light into a plurality of split light along a plurality of paths and output the plurality of split light to a plurality of output terminals which are aperiodically arranged, a plurality of phase shifters provided in the plurality of paths, wherein at least two phase shifters among the plurality of phase shifters have different phase delay length, and a signal input unit configured to supply a uniform signal to each of the plurality of phase shifters.

OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE

In an object detection device for detecting an object, a single sensor unit includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light receiving unit includes a two-dimensional array of light receiving elements and outputs a light reception signal in response to a light reception state of a set of the light receiving elements for each pixel. The sensor unit is configured to, based on the light reception signals, acquire first information indicating reception intensity of the reflected light at each pixel, second information indicating reception intensity of background light that is light other than the reflected light, at each pixel, and third information indicating a distance to the object at each pixel as a pixel value of the pixel. A detection unit is configured to use all of the first to third information included in the pixel values of the respective pixels to detect the object. 1. An object detection device for detecting an object , comprising:a single sensor unit including a light emitting unit configured to emit illumination light, and a light receiving unit including a two-dimensional array of a plurality of light receiving elements on a light receiving surface for receiving light including reflected light of the illumination light, the light receiving unit being configured to output a light reception signal in response to a light reception state of a set of the light receiving elements in each pixel, the set of the light receiving elements within each predefined pixel region forming one pixel, the sensor unit being configured to, based on the light reception signals, acquire first information indicating reception intensity of the reflected light at each pixel, second information indicating reception intensity of background light that is light other than the reflected light, at each pixel, and third information indicating a distance to the object at each pixel as a pixel value of the pixel; anda detection unit configured to use the pixel value of ...

ANALOG LIMIT ON DIGITALLY SET PULSE WIDTHS

A power switching device (e.g., a power MOSFET) drives relatively large surges of pulsed power through a laser emitter of a Time of Flight (TOF) determining system where both the power switching device and laser emitter are closely packed on a printed circuit board having further closely packed and temperature sensitive other components. Waveforms of pulse trains that control the power switching device are programmably defined and thus may include pulse durations that are unduly large or spacing between pulses that are unduly small such that overheating may occur. A pulse duration limiting circuit is provided having an analog integrator configured to integrate over time, the programmably defined pulses and a voltage triggered clamping device coupled to an output of the analog integrator. The voltage triggered clamping device has a predetermined threshold voltage at and above which it is switched from a relatively low transconductances mode to a substantially higher transconductances mode. The voltage triggered clamping device is coupled to a current supplying circuit branch of the system, the current supplying circuit branch being one that has an ability to supply current for switching on the power switching device. 1. A method using analog processing for limiting risk of overheating of circuit components due to digitally set pulse widths , the method comprising:integrating over time and with analog integration circuitry, digitally defined pulses that cause a turning on and off of surges of current through a load and a corresponding current switching device; andapplying an output of the analog integration circuitry to a voltage triggered clamping device, the voltage triggered clamping device having a predetermined threshold voltage at and above which it is switches from being in a first transconductance range to being in a second transconductance range, where transconductances of the second transconductance are substantially larger than corresponding ones of the ...

REAL TIME CALIBRATION FOR TIME-OF-FLIGHT DEPTH MEASUREMENT

A method for determining a distance to a target object includes transmitting light pulses to illuminate the target object and sensing, in a first region of a light-sensitive pixel array, light provided from an optical feedback device that receives a portion of the transmitted light pulses. The feedback optical device includes a preset reference depth. The method includes calibrating time-of-flight (TOF) depth measurement reference information based on the sensed light in the first region of the pixel array. The method further includes sensing, in a second region of the light-sensitive pixel array, light reflected from the target object from the transmitted light pulses. The distance of the target object is determined based on the sensed reflected light and the calibrated TOF measurement reference information. 1. (canceled)2. A time-of-flight (TOF) imaging system , comprising:an illuminator to transmit light pulses to illuminate a target object for determining a distance to the target object;an image sensor having a light-sensitive pixel array to receive optical signals from the light pulses, the pixel array including an active region and a feedback region; andan optical feedback device for directing a portion of the light from the illuminator to the feedback region of the pixel array, the optical feedback device including a preset reference depth;wherein the imaging system is configured to: transmit a group of calibration light pulses to illuminate the target object;', 'sense, in the feedback region of the pixel array, light from the optical feedback device, using a sequence of calibration shutter windows characterized by delay times representing a range of depth; and', 'calibrate TOF depth measurement reference information based on the sensed light in the feedback region of the pixel array;, 'in a calibration period,'} transmit a first measurement light pulse to illuminate the target object;', 'sense, in the active region of the light-sensitive pixel array, light ...

METHOD FOR MEASURING DISTANCE IN ORDER TO FOCUS AT LEAST ONE CAMERA LENS

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a method for measuring distance in order to focus at least one camera lens of a camera. In one example embodiment of the method, a wide-distance measuring system is used to measure the distance of an object and provide at least one wide measurement value, the wide-distance measuring system includes at least one microwave measuring system, and is further used to focus the camera lens, and at least one further measurement value is provided using at least one further measuring system. 1. Method for measuring distance in order to focus at least one camera lens of a camera , the method including the steps of:using a wide-distance measuring system, which is suitable for measuring greater distances, to measure the distance of an object and provide at least one wide-distance measurement value,using the wide-distance measuring system, including at least one microwave measuring system, for focusing the camera lens, andproviding at least one further measurement value using at least one further measuring system.2. The method according to claim 1 , further including the step of calculating a distance parameter from the at least one further measurement value and the wide-distance measurement value via a transfer function.3. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one further measurement value is a distance measurement value.4. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one further measurement value is a directional value claim 1 , a velocity value or an acceleration value of the object.5. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the further measuring system includes at least one short-distance measuring system suitable for measuring short distances and measures a distance of the object to the camera and provides at least one short-distance measurement value as a further measurement value of the at least one further measurement value.6. The method ...

OPTICAL PULSE EMITTER

Disclosed herein is a method of optical pulse emission including three phases. During a first phase, a capacitor is charged from a supply voltage node. During a second phase, a voltage stored on the capacitor is boosted, and then the capacitor is at least partially discharged through a light emitting device. During a third phase, the capacitor is further discharged by bypassing the light emitting device. The third phase may begin prior to an end of the second phase. 1. A method of optical pulse emission , comprising:during a first phase, charging a capacitor from a supply voltage node; andduring a second phase, partially discharging the capacitor through a light emitting device to cause the optical pulse emission.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: during a third phase claim 1 , further discharging the capacitor by bypassing the light emitting device.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the third phase begins during the second phase such that the second phase and third phase partially overlap.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the second phase begins immediately when the first phase ends.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: during the second phase claim 1 , boosting a voltage stored on the capacitor.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising regulating a voltage at the supply voltage node.7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising generating a feedback signal for said regulating during said second phase.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a variable resistance coupled in series with the light emitting device.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein claim 8 , during the second phase claim 8 , the capacitor is partially discharged through the light emitting device and a variable resistance to ground.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein partially discharging the capacitor through a light emitting device emits an optical pulse into an image scene claim 1 , said method further comprising detecting a return optical pulse from the ...

DISTANCE MEASUREMENT DEVICE, DISTANCE MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

A distance measurement device includes the plurality of laser sensors and a processor. The plurality of laser sensors configured to project a laser beam and receive reflected light from a measurement target that moves within a measurement region. The processor configured to drive, based on the measurement region and a provision position of the plurality of laser sensors, each of the laser sensors at a light emission cycle in which a light receiving window that receives reflected light of own light and an interference risk range are included the interference risk range being a range in which an interference is caused by a laser beam from another laser sensor. The processor controls to laser beam emission timings of the plurality of laser sensors so as to be different from each other. 1. A distance measurement device comprising:a plurality of laser sensors configured to project a laser beam and receive reflected light from a measurement target that moves within a measurement region; anda processor configured to drive, based on the measurement region and a provision position of the plurality of laser sensors, each of the laser sensors at a light emission cycle in which a light receiving window that receives reflected light of own light and an interference risk range are included the interference risk range being a range in which an interference is caused by a laser beam from another laser sensor, whereinthe processor controls to laser beam emission timings of the plurality of laser sensors so as to be different from each other.2. The distance measurement device according to claim 1 , whereinthe processor controls to the laser beam emission timings being deviated by light emission delay times different from each other with respect to a laser sensor to be a reference.3. The distance measurement device according to claim 1 , whereinthe processor is further configured to:define the measurement region by an XYZ coordinate system,{'b': 1', '1', '1, 'sup': 2', '2', '2', '1/2, ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A BEAM-DIRECTING SYSTEM USING A GATED LIGHT VALVE

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage may include a micro light-directing unit that is operable to receive a light beam from a light source and direct the light beam along one dimension to discrete input locations of a second stage. The second stage may be operable to receive the light beam from the first stage at the discrete input locations along the one dimension and direct the light beam through two dimensions to discrete output locations of the second stage to scan a three-dimensional space. 1. An apparatus comprising: receive a light beam from a light source; and', 'direct the light beam along one dimension to discrete input locations of a second stage; and, 'a first stage that comprises a grated-light valve (GLV) that is operable to receive the light beam from the first stage at the discrete input locations along the one dimension; and', 'direct the light beam through two dimensions to discrete output locations of the second stage to scan a three-dimensional space., 'the second stage, operable to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second stage is a fiber-optic bundle comprising a plurality of transmit fiber-optic cables claim 1 , each transmit fiber-optic cable comprising a transmit-input end and a transmit-output end claim 1 , wherein:the transmit-input end of each transmit fiber-optic cable is positioned at one of the discrete input locations; andthe transmit-output end of each transmit fiber-optic cable is operable to direct the light beam toward one of the discrete output locations.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the fiber-optic bundle further comprises a plurality of receive fiber-optic cables claim 2 , each receive fiber-optic cable comprising a receive-input end and a receive-output end claim 2 , wherein:the receive-input end of each receive fiber-optic cable is operable to receive a reflected beam from one or more locations in the three-dimensional space; andthe receive-output end of ...

LIDAR WITH ADAPTIVE LASER POINT DENSITY

A LIDAR may be configured to scan a field of view (FOV) with non-uniform density, based on previous scans of the FOV. However reconfiguring a LIDAR during an ongoing scan of a FOV to perform a dense scan of an object, poses additional challenges (e.g. completing the scan of the whole FOV within the original timeframe). Within embodiments, a LIDAR that is originally configured to scan a FOV can be reconfigured during the scan, in response to detecting an object, to thereby investigate the object with a higher than initially planned density of laser pulses. In order to complete the scan of the FOV in a target time the LIDAR may be reconfigured a second time to scan a remaining portion of the FOV with a lower than initially planned density. 1. A method comprising:configuring a LIDAR to perform laser ranging of a field of view (FOV) comprising a first and second region with a set of laser pulses having a first density;while performing laser ranging of the first region of the FOV with the LIDAR, before performing laser ranging of the second region, and in response to one or more laser reflections from at least one of the of set of laser pulses; reconfiguring the LIDAR a first time to perform laser ranging of at least some of the first region of the FOV with a density of laser pulses greater than the first density; andreconfiguring the LIDAR a second time to perform laser ranging of the second region of the FOV with a third density of laser pulses that is less than the second density of laser pulses.2. The method of wherein the step of reconfiguring the LIDAR a second time functions to complete the laser ranging of the FOV in a target time.3. The method of wherein third density is less than the first density and wherein the step of reconfiguring the LIDAR a second time functions to complete the laser ranging of the second region of the FOV within a target time.4. The method of wherein the step of reconfiguring the LIDAR a first time functions to scan a dense scan region ...

APPARATUS COMPRISING A TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR AND METHOD FOR CHARACTERIZING A TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR

A method for characterizing a time-of-flight sensor is provided. The time-of-flight sensor is covered by a cover exhibiting an adjustable transmittance. The method includes selectively adjusting the transmittance of the cover such that the cover is opaque for light emittable by the time-of-flight sensor. Further, the method includes performing at least one time-of-flight measurement with the time-of-flight sensor while the cover is opaque for obtaining measurement data for light reflected from the cover back to the time-of-flight sensor. The method additionally includes determining characterization data based on the measurement data. The characterization data indicate a quantity related to the time-of-flight sensor. 1. A method for characterizing a time-of-flight sensor , wherein the time-of-flight sensor is covered by a cover exhibiting an adjustable transmittance , the method comprising:selectively adjusting the transmittance of the cover such that the cover is opaque for light emittable by the time-of-flight sensor;performing at least one time-of-flight measurement with the time-of-flight sensor while the cover is opaque, for obtaining measurement data for light reflected from the cover back to the time-of-flight sensor; anddetermining characterization data based on the measurement data, wherein the characterization data indicate a quantity related to the time-of-flight sensor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein an illumination element of the time-of-flight sensor configured to emit the light and a light capturing element of the time-of-flight sensor configured to measure the light reflected from the cover are arranged in a common cavity that is covered by the cover.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:modifying, based on the characterization data, image data of an image determined based on time-of-flight measurements performed by the time-of-flight sensor while the transmittance of the cover is adjusted such that the cover is transparent for light ...

OPTICAL DEVICE AND PHOTODETECTION SYSTEM

An optical device includes a first mirror having a first reflecting surface and extending along a first direction, a second mirror having a second reflecting surface that faces the first reflecting surface and extending along the first direction, and an optical waveguide layer, located between the first mirror and the second mirror, that causes light to propagate along the first direction. A transmittance of the first mirror is higher than a transmittance of the second mirror. A reflection spectrum of at least either the first mirror or the second mirror with respect to light arriving from a direction normal to the reflecting surface includes, in a wavelength region in which a reflectance is higher than or equal to 90%, a local maximum point and first and second points of inflection located closer to a long-wavelength side than the local maximum point. 1. An optical device comprising:a first mirror having a first reflecting surface and extending along a first direction;a second mirror having a second reflecting surface that faces the first reflecting surface and extending along the first direction; andan optical waveguide layer, located between the first mirror and the second mirror, that causes light to propagate along the first direction,whereina transmittance of the first mirror is higher than a transmittance of the second mirror, anda reflection spectrum of at least either the first mirror or the second mirror with respect to light arriving from a direction normal to the reflecting surface includes, in a wavelength region in which a reflectance is higher than or equal to 90%, a local maximum point and first and second points of inflection located closer to a long-wavelength side than the local maximum point.2. The optical device according to claim 1 , whereina wavelength at the first point of inflection is shorter than a wavelength at the second point of inflection, anda wavelength λ of the light that propagates through the optical waveguide layer is a ...