Time-of-flight (TOF) image sensor using amplitude modulation for range measurement
US10557925B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/894
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The Time-of-Flight (TOF) technique is combined with analog amplitude modulation within each pixel in an image sensor. The pixel may be a two-tap pixel or a one-tap pixel. Two photoelectron receiver circuits in the pixel receive respective analog modulating signals. The distribution of the received photoelectron charge between these two circuits is controlled by the difference (or ratio) of the two analog modulating voltages. The differential signals generated in this manner within the pixel are modulated in time domain for TOF measurement. Thus, the TOF information is added to the received light signal by the analog domain-based single-ended to differential converter inside the pixel itself. The TOF-based measurement of range and its resolution are controllable by changing the duration of modulation. An autonomous navigation system with these features may provide improved vision for drivers under difficult driving conditions like low light, fog, bad weather, or strong ambient light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.