Abstract: A LIDAR calibration system can detect a first set of return signals from a plurality of fiducial targets in a calibration facility for a lower set of laser scanners of the LIDAR module. The LIDAR calibration system can also detect a second set of return signals from one or more planar surfaces associated with a calibration trigger location on a road network for an upper set of laser scanners of the LIDAR module. Based on the first and second sets of return signals, the LIDAR calibration system can generate a set of calibration transforms to adjust a set of intrinsic parameters of the LIDAR module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a transmitter operable to transmit a first light beam from a light source. The apparatus also includes a receiver operable to receive a plurality of return light beams and direct the plurality of return light beams through a first beam splitter to an imaging sensor and a LiDAR sensor. The imaging sensor may be operable to process a first portion of the return light beams into image profile data, and the LiDAR sensor may be operable to process a second portion of the return light beams into depth profile data. In addition, the first and second portions of the return light beams may be received from a shared field of view.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging in degraded visual environments. The system includes a laser that is positioned to transmit a Gaussian beam toward a target object located within the degraded visual environment. An optical receiver is positioned to receive return signals. A helical phase element is positioned between the target object and the optical receiver. The return signals pass through the helical phase element. The helical phase element separates coherent and incoherent light by imparting orbital angular momentum on the coherent returns to form an optical vortex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the distance of targets in the surroundings by way of a time-of-flight measurement of pulses, in particular laser pulses, reflected at said targets, said pulses each being successively emitted at a transmission time in accordance with a predeterminable pulse repetition rate and said pulses, after the reflection thereof, each being received at a reception time, said method comprising the following steps: selecting a first pulse repetition rate from a set of at least two different pulse repetition rates and predetermining the selected pulse repetition rate for the emission, ascertaining a transmission time lying closest in time to the reception time of a reflected pulse and a time interval between these, and, if the ascertained time interval drops below a predetermined first threshold, selecting a second pulse repetition rate from the set and predetermining the second pulse repetition rate for the emission.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a time difference extraction circuit for extracting a time difference based on the distance to a target on the basis of a first received light pulse signal from a first light receiving unit, a reference cycle, and a second received light pulse signal from a second light receiving unit, and a determination circuit for determining whether a crosstalk value can be calculated on the basis of the time difference extracted by the time difference extraction circuit and the reference cycle.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a photosensitive element, a lens and a microstructure unit. The microstructure unit is arranged between the photosensitive element and the lens. After plural light beams passing through the lens are received by the microstructure unit, travelling directions of the plural light beams are changed. Consequently, at least a portion of the plural light beams is guided to the photosensitive element. In such way, the light collecting efficacy of the photosensitive element is enhanced.

Abstract: A method includes extracting a plurality of feature points from a first image and a second image of an image-capture target, acquiring, from the second image, for each of the plurality of feature points in the first image, a set of points having a correlation with the feature point, identifying, for each of the plurality of feature points in the second image, a position of a center of gravity of the set of points, and determining an amount of movement of the image-capture target by performing weighting processing, the weighting processing being performed on each of amounts of displacements and a number of points in the set of points acquired for each of the plurality of feature points, each of the amounts of displacements being a displacement from a position of each of the plurality of feature points in the first image to the position of the center of gravity.

Abstract: Optoelectronic modules (100) are operable to distinguish between signals indicative of reflections from an object of interest and signals indicative of a spurious reflection. Various modules are operable to recognize spurious reflections by means of dedicated spurious-reflection detection pixels (126) and, in some cases, also to compensate for errors caused by spurious reflections.

Abstract: Time-of-flight cameras may be synchronized where the fields of view of the time-of-flight cameras overlap. The time-of-flight cameras may be programmed within intervals of time for illuminating their respective fields of view that do not conflict with one another. When a first time-of-flight camera illuminates a first field of view that overlaps with a second field of view of a second time-of-flight camera, and the second time-of-flight camera detects reflected light from the illumination, the second time-of-flight camera may determine a time to illuminate the second field of view based on the reflected light. A time-of-flight camera may include an image sensor modified to include one or more modulated light sensors among an array of photoreceptors. A modulation frequency or illumination interval may be selected for the time-of-flight camera based on modulation frequencies or illumination intervals of other cameras, as determined based on data captured by the modulated light sensors.

Abstract: An optical distance measuring system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to generate a first optical waveform and direct the first optical waveform toward a first scan point within a field of view (FOV). The receiver is configured to receive the first optical waveform reflected off a first object within the FOV, direct the first optical waveform reflected off the first object to a first photodiode group of an array of photodiode elements, and determine a distance to the first object based on a time of flight of the first optical waveform from the transmitter to the first object and back to the receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring underwater structures are provided. First and second sets of point cloud data that are obtained at different times are compared to determine whether the location of the underwater structure has changed. For detecting vibration, a series of range measurements taken along a line intersecting the underwater structure are compared to one another to determine an amplitude and frequency of any vibration present in the underwater structure. For detecting temperature, the ratio of different components of return signals obtained from a point in the water surrounding the underwater structure is measured to derive the temperature of the water. Leak detection can be performed by scanning areas around the underwater structure. Monitoring systems can include a primary receiver for range measurements, and first and second temperature channel receivers for temperature measurements.

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: A technique includes determining a depth value for each of a plurality of pixels of a frame, down-sampling the depth values of a tile of the frame to obtain a plurality of down-sampled depth values, the frame including one or more tiles, determining a change in a head pose, determining, from the plurality of down-sampled depth values, a down-sampled depth value for a vertex, determining an adjusted position for the vertex based on the change in head pose and the down-sampled depth value for the vertex, performing, based on at least the adjusted position for the vertex, a depth-adjusted time-warping of the frame to obtain a depth-adjusted time-warped frame, and triggering display of the depth-adjusted time-warped frame.

Abstract: A lidar including a laser having a first frequency-modulated laser radiation and a second frequency-modulated laser radiation, a first waveguide coupled to the laser, wherein the first frequency-modulated laser radiation and the second frequency-modulated laser radiation are transmitted by the laser into the first waveguide, a second waveguide, a filter coupled between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, wherein the filter is configured to couple and pass the first frequency-modulated laser radiation through the filter to the second waveguide, and is configured to not couple or pass the second frequency-modulated laser radiation through the filter to the second waveguide, and a photodetector coupled to the second waveguide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning environments and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles within the scanned environments are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes using a rangefinder off-board an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to identify points in a region. The method can further include forming a computer-based map of the region with the points and using the rangefinder and a camera to locate the UAV as it moves in the region. The location of the UAV can be compared with locations on the computer-based map and, based upon the comparison, the method can include transmitting guidance information to the UAV. In a further particular embodiment, two-dimensional imaging data is used in addition to the rangefinder data to provide color information to points in the region.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to determine a traveling time for a plurality of received light pulses that reflected and returned from an object. Each returned light pulse is associated with a timestamp indicating a time between a transmission time of a corresponding light pulse and a time of arrival of the returned light pulse. For each timestamp, a number C is determined of time stamps that are subsequent to the timestamp and within a predetermined time window after the timestamp. A maximum number C is determined, and an index i is determined for the maximum number C. A traveling time is determined for the plurality of light pulses as an average of the timestamp having a same index as the maximum number C and timestamps that are within the predetermined time window after the timestamp having the same index as the maximum number C.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for implementing a system for determining the range to a target object and orienting a map. In implementations, GPS data is used to determine the location of the system and an approximate distance from that location to the target. Based on the approximate distance, one or more parameters of operation of the system may be set. Modes of operation may be entered to further adjust parameters of operation. An optical pulse may then be projected at the target and its reflections collected and analyzed to calculate a distance measurement. A visual display may be adjusted based on the calculated distance estimate to the target.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring the time-of-flight of a signal. The signal may be acoustic energy or electromagnetic energy such as x-ray, radio frequency, microwave, millimeter-wave, radar, and laser. Unlike unambiguous ranging devices that measures the phases of two or more signals to determine the time-of-flight and requires long averaging to achieve some degree of accuracy, this invention phase lock one or more transmitter signals to the corresponding received signals in predetermined phase relationships and measures the frequencies of one or more variable frequency oscillators having frequencies several times higher than the frequency of the transmitter signal to determined the time-of-flight with much higher accuracy.

Abstract: A computing system may operate a LIDAR device to emit and detect light pulses in accordance with a time sequence including standard detection period(s) that establish a nominal detection range for the LIDAR device and extended detection period(s) having durations longer than those of the standard detection period(s). The system may then make a determination that the LIDAR detected return light pulse(s) during extended detection period(s) that correspond to particular emitted light pulse(s). Responsively, the computing system may determine that the detected return light pulse(s) have detection times relative to corresponding emission times of particular emitted light pulse(s) that are indicative of one or more ranges. Given this, the computing system may make a further determination of whether or not the one or more ranges indicate that an object is positioned outside of the nominal detection range, and may then engage in object detection in accordance with the further determination.

Abstract: To decrease the likelihood of a false detection when detecting light from light pulses scattered by remote targets in a lidar system, a receiver in the lidar system includes a photodetector and a pulse-detection circuit having a gain circuit with a varying amount of gain over time. The gain circuit operates in a low-gain mode for a time period T1 beginning with time t0 when a light pulse is emitted to prevent the receiver from detecting return light pulses during the threshold time period T1. Upon expiration of the threshold time period T1, the gain circuit operates in a high-gain mode to begin detecting return light pulses until a subsequent light pulse is emitted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with an integrated LIDAR measurement device are described herein. In one aspect, a Gallium Nitride (GaN) based illumination driver integrated circuit (IC), an illumination source, and a return signal receiver IC are mounted to a common substrate. The illumination driver IC provides a pulse of electrical power to the illumination source in response to a pulse trigger signal received from the return signal receiver IC. In another aspect, the GaN based illumination driver IC controls the amplitude, ramp rate, and duration of the pulse of electrical power based on command signals communicated from the return signal receiver IC to the illumination driver IC. In a further aspect, illumination driver IC reduces the amount of electrical power consumed by the illumination driver IC during periods of time when the illumination driver IC is not providing electrical power to the illumination source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processor for processing skin conductance data of a living being, comprising an input unit (12) for receiving a skin conductance data signal (13) comprising a plurality of data peaks, a calculating unit (14) for computing a skin conductance peak data signal over a long-term period by deriving a feature related to said data peaks from said skin conductance data signal (13) and forming a summation of said feature per time unit and an analyzing unit (16) for analyzing an average and/or an absolute value of said skin conductance peak data signal over at least a portion of said period to get information on at least one stage of burnout and/or chronic fatigue syndrome of said living being.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved LiDAR systems methods employing late-lock Geiger mode detection. In sharp contrast to the prior art, a late-lock Geiger mode detection system and/or method utilizes a pulsed laser and asynchronous avalanche photodiodes with a holdoff time between photodiode arm pulses that are substantially equal to—but slightly less than—the laser pulse period. Preferably, such difference between the holdoff time and the pulse period is <10 nsec.

Abstract: An optical apparatus including a semiconductor substrate; a first light absorption region supported by the semiconductor substrate, the first light absorption region including germanium and configured to absorb photons and to generate photo-carriers from the absorbed photons; a first layer supported by at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate and the first light absorption region, the first layer being different from the first light absorption region; one or more first switches controlled by a first control signal, the one or more first switches configured to collect at least a portion of the photo-carriers based on the first control signal; and one or more second switches controlled by a second control signal, the one or more second switches configured to collect at least a portion of the photo-carriers based on the second control signal, wherein the second control signal is different from the first control signal.

Abstract: Pixel arrangements in time-of-flight sensors or other imaging sensors are presented that include a sensing element configured to accumulate charges related to incident light, and two transfer gates proximate to the sensing element and configured to selectively control transfer of the charges in the pixel arrangement. During an integration phase, a charge storage element for a global shutter stores first charges received from the sensing element based on activation of a first transfer gate and inactivation of a second transfer gate. During a reset phase, a diffusion node receives second charges received from the sensing element based on inactivation of the first transfer gate and activation of the second transfer gate. During a pixel readout phase, the diffusion node receives the first charges received from the charge storage element based on activation of the first transfer gate and activation of the second transfer gate.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a distance measuring device measures a distance to the measured object base on light scattered on the measured object is detected. The distance measuring device includes an optical detector and a measurer. The optical detector detects the scattered light. The measurer has a sampler to sample a signal corresponding to an output signal of the optical detector every time when the light is emitted at a plurality of sampling time points and a storage to accumulate sampling values and store an accumulation value at each sampling time point. The measurer measures the distance based on a plurality of accumulation values at the sampling time points.

Abstract: A depth camera assembly for determining depth information for objects in a local area comprises a light generator, a camera and a controller. The light generator illuminates the local area with structured light in accordance with emission instructions from the controller. The light generator includes an illumination source, an acousto-optic deflector (AOD), and a liquid crystal device (LCD) with liquid crystal gratings (LCGs). The AOD functions as a dynamic diffraction grating that diffracts optical beams emitted from the illumination source to form diffracted scanning beams, based on emission instructions from the controller. Each LCG in the LCD is configured to further diffract light from the AOD to generate the structured light projected into the local area. The camera captures images of portions of the structured light reflected from objects in the local area. The controller determines depth information for the objects based on the captured images.

Abstract: A distributed FM LiDAR system that provides a central unit that includes a frequency modulated optical signal source and a central receiver for reflected light, along with multiple optical heads that include only optical components is described. No optical delay lines or timing compensation photonic or electronic circuitry is necessary between the central unit and the optical heads. The relatively simple optical heads do not require extensive protection from shock or vibration, and can be distributed between a vehicle and a towed trailer or similar vehicle, with connections being provided by an optical coupling.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional hyperspectral imaging includes an illumination source configured to illuminate a target object; a dispersive element configured to spectrally separate light received from the target object into different colors; and a light detection and ranging focal plane array (FPA) configured to receive the light from the dispersive element, configured to acquire spatial information regarding the target object in one dimension in the plane of the FPA, configured to acquire spectral information in a second dimension in the plane of the FPA, wherein the second dimension is perpendicular to the first dimension, and configured to obtain information regarding the distance from the FPA to the target object by obtaining times of flight of at least two wavelengths, thereby imaging the target object in three dimensions and acquiring spectral information on at least one 3D point.

Abstract: A focal plane array light detection and ranging 3D imaging method based on a code division multiple access technique is provided. A narrow laser pulse is shaped into a flat-top beam. The shaped beam is space-time encoded by a focal plane array-based optical encoder. The encoded beam is projected onto the target. The echo signals are obtained by a collecting lens. According to the encoding rule, the signals are grouped and multiplexed into several channels; subsequently, the multi-channel multiplexed signals are captured by a focal plane array detector and converted by a multi-channel digitizer. The multi-channel encoded full waveform signals are acquired from the digitizer by a PC terminal. The encoded full waveforms can be demodulated into the flight ranges for all subpixels via signal processing. By orthogonal range correction and pixel splicing and integrating the geographical data of all pixels, the 3D image reconstruction of the target can be accomplished.

Abstract: A LIDAR can encounter a remotely located mirror as it moves through a local environment (e.g. a convex roadside mirror). The remote mirror can occupy a small portion of the LIDAR field of view but offer a wealth of reflection data regarding a larger indirect field of view (e.g. around a corner). In one embodiment a LIDAR can learn the location of the remote mirror and then can dynamically increase the density of laser ranging measurements in an associated mirror region of the field of view. The LIDAR can track the mirror region as it moves in the local environment with an increased density of outgoing laser pulses and thereby interrogate the remote mirror for reflection data from a wide indirect field of view.

Abstract: A time of flight sensor device is provided that is capable of generating accurate information relating to propagation time of emitted light pulses using a small number of measurements or data captures. By generating pulse time of flight information using a relatively small number of measurement cycles, object distance information can be generated more quickly, resulting in faster sensor response times. Embodiments of the time of flight sensor can also minimize or eliminate the adverse effects of ambient light on time of flight measurement. Moreover, some embodiments execute time of flight measurement techniques that can achieve high measurement precision even when using relatively long light pulses having irregular, non-rectangular shapes.

Abstract: LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems use one or more emitters and a detector array to cover a given field of view where the emitters each emit a single pulse or a multi-pulse packet of light that is sampled by the detector array. On each emitter cycle the detector array will sample the incoming signal intensity at the pre-determined sampling frequency that generates two or more samples per emitted light packet to allow for volumetric analysis of the retroreflected signal portion of each emitted light packet as reflected by one or more objects in the field of view and then received by each detector.

Abstract: A system including a light projecting system configured to project collimated beams of light; and a switchable diffuser. The switchable diffuser is coupled to a control source. The switchable diffuser changes from a first state to a second state responsive to the source being changed from a first condition to a second condition (e.g., changing a voltage condition from 0V to 1-50V). In the first state, the switchable diffuser receives collimated beams of light, diffuses them and projects a flood light. In the second state, the switchable diffuser is substantially transparent to the plurality of collimated beams of light, and permits the collimated beams of light to propagate through and out as an array. Systems may also include a detector configured to capture flood light and dot array reflections, and/or a ToF detector configured to measure time differences between different portions of returning light reflected off of a surface.

Abstract: A distance measuring device executes a collection process that includes driving a MEMS mirror in each of a plurality of sensors and collecting a drive voltage of the MEMS mirror satisfying a given condition, executes a drive frequency determination process that includes determining a drive frequency of the MEMS mirror when measuring distances by the plurality of sensors based on the drive voltage of the MEMS mirror, and executes a control signal generation process that includes generating and transmitting a control signal to the plurality of sensors, the control signal including configuration information specifying the drive frequency as a drive frequency of the MEMS mirror in each of the plurality of sensors, the configuration information including the drive frequency determined by the drive frequency determination process.

Abstract: A method for performing an operation on an object includes capturing a plurality of images of the object. Each image is a different view of the object. The method also includes generating a sparse 3D point cloud from the plurality of images. The sparse 3D point cloud defines a 3D model of the object. The sparse 3D point cloud includes a multiplicity of missing points that each correspond to a hole in the 3D model that renders the 3D model unusable for performing the operation on the object. The method additionally includes performing curvature-based upsampling to generate a denser 3D point cloud. The denser 3D point cloud includes a plurality of filled missing points. The missing points are filled from performance of the curvature-based upsampling. The denser 3D point cloud defines a dense 3D model that is useable for performing the operation on the object.

Abstract: A system including: a light source, a switchable diffuser, a structured light detector, and a ToF detector. The light source and switchable diffuser are controlled to operate in concert (together, and/or with other optical and electrical elements of the system) to project pulses of collimated beams of light (interleaved between pulses of flood light) during a single image capture period, the pulses of collimated beams of light being resolvable by the structured light detector and the ToF detector within the same image capture period.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a range rate estimate for a target with a laser detection and ranging system including a laser transmitter and an array detector. The method includes: transmitting a plurality of laser pulses at a pulse repetition frequency; forming a one dimensional time series array corresponding to a time record of ladar return photons detected with the array detector; fitting the time series array with a superposition of a sine and a cosine of an initial value of a tentative frequency; iteratively fitting the time series array with a superposition of a sine and a cosine of the tentative frequency, and adjusting the tentative frequency until a completion criterion is satisfied at a final value of the tentative frequency.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described herein for invalidating pixels in a time-of-flight depth-sensing device based on active brightness (AB) measurements. In one implementation, the technique involves, for each sensing element of a sensor: generating frequency-specific sensor readings in response to receiving instances of radiation having plural frequencies (e.g., frequencies f1, f2, and f3); generating a set of active brightness measurements (ABf1, ABf2, and ABf3) associated with the respective frequencies; generating a variation measure that reflects an extent of variation within the set of active brightness measurements; and invalidating a pixel associated with the particular sensing element if the variation measure satisfies a prescribed invalidation condition.

Abstract: A distance measuring device and a method for determining a distance are provided. The method includes: illuminating an object with a sequence of the light pulses, capturing one arriving light pulse corresponding to an intensity Ie,l within a first integration gate, and outputting a signal value U1, capturing another arriving light pulse corresponding to the intensity Ie,l within a second integration gate, and outputting a signal value U2, capturing one arriving light pulse corresponding to an intensity Ie,h within the first integration gate and outputting a signal value U3, capturing the other arriving light pulse corresponding to the intensity Ie,h within the second integration gate and outputting a signal value U4, and calculating the distance between the distance measuring device and the object based on U1, U2, U3, and U4.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a light source configured to emit pulses of light and a scanner configured to scan at least a portion of the emitted pulses of light across a field of regard. The lidar system also includes a receiver configured to detect at least a portion of the scanned pulses of light scattered by a target located a distance from the lidar system.

Abstract: An embodiment device includes an optical source configured to transmit an optical pulse and an optical sensor configured to receive a reflection of the optical pulse. The device further includes a processor configured to determine a parameter based on the reflection, the parameter indicative of a distance between the device and a target; and a controller configured to generate a first control signal based on the parameter, the first control signal being configured to control an operation of the optical source.

Abstract: A lidar apparatus includes a foreign matter detector detecting foreign matter hindering laser light and reflected light from passing through the light transmission window, based on at least one of the measurement success or failure result and the signal-to-noise ratio; a precipitation determiner determining whether precipitation, included in the foreign matter, exists on the external surface of the light transmission window based on a time elapsed since the latest wiper operation, when the foreign matter detector detects the foreign matter, and that the precipitation does not exist, when the foreign matter detector does not detect the foreign matter. When the precipitation determiner determines that precipitation exists, the wiper operation controller causes the wiper to operate and the washer fluid supplier not to operate.

Abstract: A technique for acquiring target's coordinates for industrial dimensional metrology involves a target that serves both as a 2D contrast target and a 3D contact target, and a metrology tool. The target has proximal and distal surfaces, at least some of which being primarily flat and facing a common normal direction. At least 3 mm separate the proximal and distal surfaces in the normal direction. Reflectivity factors of the distal and proximal surfaces differ by at least 20%. Risers connecting pairs of the proximal and distal surfaces are sufficiently undercut so that none of the risers are in view at nominal viewing angles. At least two reference edges are defined where risers meet proximal surfaces. The tool has meeting features for registration with the edges and primarily flat surfaces, in at least two registered positions, to permit a retroreflector of the tool to acquire coordinates the target centre.

Abstract: A decoding device, an encoding device and a method for point cloud decoding is disclosed. The method includes receiving a compressed bitstream. The method also includes decoding the compressed bitstream into 2-D frames that represent a 3-D point cloud. Each of the 2-D frames including a set of patches, and each patch includes a cluster of points of the 3-D point cloud. The cluster of points corresponds to an attribute associated with the 3-D point cloud. One patch of the set of patches, the set of patches, and the 2-D frames correspond to respective access levels representing the 3-D point cloud. The method also includes identifying a first and a second flag. In response to identifying the first and the second flag, the method includes reading the metadata from the bitstream. The method further includes generating, based on metadata and using the sets of 2-D frames, the 3-D point cloud.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional surveying instrument, which comprises a light emitter for emitting a distance measuring light, a light projecting optical unit for irradiating a distance measuring light from the light emitter along a distance measuring optical axis, a light receiving optical unit for receiving a reflection light from an object to be measured, a photodetection element for converting the reflection light as focused at the light receiving optical unit to an electric signal, a scanning unit for scanning a distance measuring light with respect to the object to be measured provided on a frame unit, angle detecting units for detecting an irradiating direction of the distance measuring light as scanned by the scanning unit, a vibration detecting unit for detecting vibration amount of the frame unit, and a control arithmetic unit having a storage unit where a threshold value is stored, wherein the control arithmetic unit controls so that the number of rotations of the scanning unit is gradua

Abstract: An apparatus includes time of flight single-photon avalanche diode (ToF SPAD) circuitry. The ToF SPAD circuitry generates indications of distance between the apparatus and an object within a field of view. A processor receives the indications of distance and controls at least one image sensor, such as a camera, to capture at least one image based on at least one indication of distance. The processor determines whether an image is a true representation of an expected object by comparing multiple indications of distance associated with the object to an expected object distance profile and comparing the image to at least one expected object image.

Abstract: A method for propagation time calibration of a LIDAR sensor which includes a pulsed light source, a detector surface with a plurality of optoelectronic elements for receiving light pulses of the light source reflected on objects and for converting these light pulses into electronic signals, and an electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the light pulses and for measuring the propagation times thereof. In the method, the measured propagation times are corrected with respect to the propagation times of the electronic signals in the evaluation circuit by decoupling, for at least some of the light pulses, a portion of the light, using a beam splitter at the light source, and using detection times of the decoupled light pulses as a time reference. The detector surface is illuminated with the decoupled light via a light-scattering system and used for detecting the decoupled light pulses.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) for detecting an object in a monitoring area (20), the sensor (10) having at least one light transmitter (22) for transmitting a plurality of mutually separated light beams (26), a light receiver (34) with a plurality of light receiving elements (34a) for generating a respective reception signal from the remitted light beams (30) remitted by the objects, a receiving optics (32) arranged in front of the light receiver (34) and an evaluation unit (46) for obtaining information about the object from the reception signals, wherein at least some of the light receiving elements (34a) have a mutual offset in a direction perpendicular to their receiving surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface. A photoelectric conversion portion has a PN junction configured with first and second semiconductor regions of different conductivity types. A buried portion is buried in the semiconductor substrate and includes an electrode and a dielectric member located between the electrode and the semiconductor substrate and in contact with the second semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region is located in a position deeper than the first semiconductor region. The buried portion is located to extend from a first surface to a position deeper than the first semiconductor region. Electric potentials are supplied to the first semiconductor region, the second semiconductor region, and the electrode in such a manner that an inversion layer occurring between the electrode and the second semiconductor region and the first semiconductor region are in contact with each other.