Methods and Systems for Protecting a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Device

    公开(公告)号:US20180136321A1

    公开(公告)日:2018-05-17

    申请号:US15352717

    申请日:2016-11-16

    申请人: Waymo LLC

    摘要: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.

    TIME-OF-FLIGHT (TOF) IMAGE SENSOR USING AMPLITUDE MODULATION FOR RANGE MEASUREMENT

    公开(公告)号:US20180059224A1

    公开(公告)日:2018-03-01

    申请号:US15340972

    申请日:2016-11-01

    IPC分类号: G01S7/486 G01S17/10 G01S17/89

    摘要: 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.

    ADAPTIVE LASER POWER AND RANGING LIMIT FOR TIME OF FLIGHT SENSOR

    公开(公告)号:US20170356981A1

    公开(公告)日:2017-12-14

    申请号:US15605611

    申请日:2017-05-25

    IPC分类号: G01S7/484 G01S7/486 G01S17/10

    摘要: A time of flight range detection device includes a laser configured to transmit an optical pulse into an image scene, a return single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, a reference SPAD array, a range detection circuit coupled to the return SPAD array and the reference SPAD array, and a laser driver circuit. The range detection circuit in operation determines a distance to an object based on signals from the return SPAD array and the reference SPAD array. The laser driver circuit in operation varies an output power level of the laser in response to the determined distance to the object.