公开(公告)号：US11822014B2

公开(公告)日：2023-11-21

申请号：US16694386

申请日：2019-11-25

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Neale Dutton ,  Sarrah Moiz Patanwala

IPC: G01S7/48 ,  G01S7/484 ,  G01S7/481 ,  G01S7/487 ,  G01S17/10

CPC classification number: G01S7/484 ,  G01S7/487 ,  G01S7/4815 ,  G01S17/10

Abstract: A method can be used for controlling pixel scanning within a range detector. A spatially controllable point light source generates a first series of light source pulses associated with a first spatial direction. The first series of light source pulses are generated during a first time period. The spatially controllable point light source generates a second series of light source pulses associated with a second spatial direction. The second series of light source pulses are generated during a second time period that overlaps with the first time period so that the second series of light source pulses are started during the first series of light source pulses.

公开(公告)号：US11740334B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-29

申请号：US16898600

申请日：2020-06-11

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Sarrah Moiz Patanwala ,  Bruce Rae ,  Neale Dutton

IPC: G01S7/4863 ,  G01S7/4865 ,  H03K3/037 ,  G01S17/89

CPC classification number: G01S7/4863 ,  G01S7/4865 ,  H03K3/037 ,  G01S17/89

Abstract: A combining network for an array of SPAD devices includes: synchronous sampling circuits, wherein each synchronous sampling circuit is coupled to an output of a corresponding SPAD device and is configured to generate a pulse or an edge each time an event is detected; and a summation circuit coupled to an output of each of the synchronous sampling circuits and configured to count a number of pulses or edges to generate a binary output value.

公开(公告)号：US10996323B2

公开(公告)日：2021-05-04

申请号：US15902609

申请日：2018-02-22

Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED

Inventor： Sarrah Moiz Patanwala ,  Neale Dutton

IPC: G01C3/08 ,  G01S7/4863 ,  G01S17/14 ,  G01S17/894 ,  G01S17/931

Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) imaging system includes illumination circuitry, such as a laser, one or more sensors, such as SPAD arrays, and image processing circuitry. The illumination circuitry illuminates one or more objects in an environment around the TOF imaging system. The sensors generate an image data stream based on reflections from the one or more illuminated objects, and possibly based on reflections from one or more reflectors. The image processing circuitry generates counts associated with distances based on the image data stream and possibly a reflection data stream and stores the generated counts in a histogram using a plurality of bins. Each of the plurality of bins stores counts associated with a respective distance range. A size of a bin in the plurality of bins is a function of the respective distance range, and may be based on a logarithmic function of the distance associated with the bin.

公开(公告)号：US20200166612A1

公开(公告)日：2020-05-28

申请号：US16694386

申请日：2019-11-25

Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited

Inventor： Neale Dutton ,  Sarrah Moiz Patanwala

IPC: G01S7/484 ,  G01S7/487 ,  G01S17/10 ,  G01S7/481

Abstract: A method can be used for controlling pixel scanning within a range detector. A spatially controllable point light source generates a first series of light source pulses associated with a first spatial direction. The first series of light source pulses are generated during a first time period. The spatially controllable point light source generates a second series of light source pulses associated with a second spatial direction. The second series of light source pulses are generated during a second time period that overlaps with the first time period so that the second series of light source pulses are started during the first series of light source pulses.