Optical ranging system having multi-mode operation using short and long pulses
US11579291B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/497
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus includes a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor system that has an illuminator operable to emit pulses of light toward an object outside the apparatus. The illuminator is operable in a first mode in which the illuminator emits pulses having a first width and a second mode in which the illuminator emits pulses having a second width longer than the first width. The TOF sensor system further includes a photodetector operable to detect light produced by the illuminator and reflected by the object back toward the apparatus. An electronic control device is operable to control emission of light by the illuminator and is operable to estimate a distance to the object based on a time elapsed between an emission of one or more of the pulses by the illuminator and detection of the reflected light by the photodetector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.