Pixel-level oversampling for a time of flight 3D image sensor with dual range measurements
US9523765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/894
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A time of flight pixel cell includes a photosensor to sense photons reflected from an object. Pixel support circuitry including charging control logic is coupled to the photosensor to detect when the photosensor senses the photons reflected from the object, and coupled to receive timing signals representative of when light pulses are emitted from a light source. A controllable current source is coupled to receive a time of flight signal form the charging control logic to provide a charge current when a light pulse emitted from the light source until the photosensor senses a respective one of the photons reflected from the object. A capacitor is coupled to receive the charge current, and a voltage on the capacitor is representative of a round trip distance to the object. A reset circuit is coupled to reset the voltage on the capacitor after being charged a plurality number of times.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.