Light receiving element array, light detection apparatus, driving support system, and automated driving system

A light detection apparatus comprising:

• a light emitting section configured to emit light to a preset sensing area;
• a light receiving element array including one or more unit element blocks configured to receive light coming from the sensing area, the unit element blocks each having a first element which is a photodiode with an electron multiplying function and a second element which is a photodiode without the electron multiplying function;
• a distance measurement unit configured to measure a distance using a detection signal read from the light receiving element array;
• an image generation unit configured to generate an image using a detection signal from the light receiving section;
• a mode setting unit configured to set an operation mode to any one of a distance measuring mode and an imaging mode;
• and
• a readout unit configured to, in response to the operation mode being set to the distance measuring mode, cause each of the first element and the second element to output a detection signal corresponding to received light intensity to the distance measurement unit, and in response to the operation mode being set to the imaging mode, output to the image generation unit, a detection signal indicating an amount of electric charge accumulated on the second element during a preset shutter release period, wherein
• the light emitting section operates when the operation mode is the distance measuring mode.