Imaging systems with single-photon avalanche diodes and ambient light level detection
US12085649B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) imaging system may include a semiconductor device based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). The LIDAR imaging system may also include a light source configured to emit light such that the semiconductor device is exposed to both ambient light and a reflected version of the laser light. Ambient light level detection circuitry may be included to determine a brightness of the ambient light based on an output signal from the semiconductor device. The ambient light level detection circuitry may include a plurality of comparators that receive different reference signals and are coupled to respective counters. The results from the counters may be used to determine the brightness of the ambient light in the scene. The determined brightness may then be used to discriminate between the ambient light and the reflected version of the light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.