Abstract: A device for managing power of a laser source in a laser-based apparatus includes switched-mode power controller circuitry. The power controller circuitry further includes a controller output configured to be coupled to reservoir capacitor of a laser source to provide a first mode of regulating charging of the reservoir capacitor between illuminations of the laser source and a second mode of regulating charging of the reservoir capacitor during illuminations of the laser source.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides numerous applications for the use of liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) to controllably steer light. When combined with an image sensor, light generated or reflected from different fields of view (FOV) can be steered, allowing an increase in the FOV or the resolution of the image. Further, the LCPG can stabilize the resulting image, counteracting any movement of the image sensor. The combination of LCPGs and liquid crystal waveguides (LCWGs) allows fine deflection control of light (from the LCWG) over a wild field of view (from the LCPG). Further applications of LCPGs include object tracking and the production of depth images using multiple imaging units and independently steered LCPGs. The LCPG may be used in controlling both the projection and reception of light.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides numerous applications for the use of liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) to controllably steer light. When combined with an image sensor, light generated or reflected from different fields of view (FOV) can be steered, allowing an increase in the FOV or the resolution of the image. Further, the LCPG can stabilize the resulting image, counteracting any movement of the image sensor. The combination of LCPGs and liquid crystal waveguides (LCWGs) allows fine deflection control of light (from the LCWG) over a wild field of view (from the LCPG). Further applications of LCPGs include object tracking and the production of depth images using multiple imaging units and independently steered LCPGs. The LCPG may be used in controlling both the projection and reception of light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to performing facial recognition using a single-pixel sensor that measures the time signature of a light pulse reflected from a subjects face. Due to depth differences between the sensor position and different parts of the subject's face reflections of a short duration illumination pulse from the different parts of the subject's face will arrive back at the sensor at different times, thus providing a time-based one-dimensional signature unique to the individual subject. By analyzing the reflection signature using neural networks or principal component analysis (PCA), recognition of the subject can be obtained. In addition, the same system may also be used to recognize or discriminate between any other objects of known shape in addition to faces, for example manufactured products on a production line, or the like.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a time-of-flight imaging system and methods of using the same. The time-of-flight imaging system includes a light emitter comprising at least one one-dimensional array of laser diodes; a photosensitive element for receiving reflected light from an object; and a light deflection device configured to deflect light from the light emitter to the object. In embodiments, the time-of-flight imaging system includes a lens structure to deflect emitting light from the laser diodes at a predetermined angle towards a light steering device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to performing facial recognition using a single-pixel sensor that measures the time signature of a light pulse reflected from a subjects face. Due to depth differences between the sensor position and different parts of the subject's face reflections of a short duration illumination pulse from the different parts of the subject's face will arrive back at the sensor at different times, thus providing a time-based one-dimensional signature unique to the individual subject. By analyzing the reflection signature using neural networks or principal component analysis (PCA), recognition of the subject can be obtained. In addition, the same system may also be used to recognize or discriminate between any other objects of known shape in addition to faces, for example manufactured products on a production line, or the like.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to time-of-flight (ToF) imaging systems and method for image processing. The ToF imaging system can include a depth sensor; a light steering device; a photodetector; and an image processor. The ToF imaging system can be configured to acquiring a first image of a scene by the photodetector; identifying one or more regions of interest of the scene from the first image; and capturing a depth map of at least one of the one or more regions of interest.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to time-of-flight (ToF) imaging systems and method for image processing. The ToF imaging system can include a depth sensor; a light steering device; a photodetector; and an image processor. The ToF imaging system can be configured to acquiring a first image of a scene by the photodetector; identifying one or more regions of interest of the scene from the first image; and capturing a depth map of at least one of the one or more regions of interest.

Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a time-of-flight imaging system and methods of using the same. The time-of-flight imaging system includes a light emitter comprising at least one one-dimensional array of laser diodes; a photosensitive element for receiving reflected light from an object; and a light deflection device configured to deflect light from the light emitter to the object. In embodiments, the time-of-flight imaging system includes a lens structure to deflect emitting light from the laser diodes at a predetermined angle towards a light steering device.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a system and method for calibrating a time-of-flight imaging system. The system includes a housing that houses light emitter, a light steering device, and a photosensitive element. The system also includes an optical waveguide or reflective element on an inner wall of the housing. The light steering device can be controlled to steer a beam of light from the light emitter to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide or reflective element can direct the light from a known position on the wall of the housing to the photosensitive element.