US 6,661,500 B1 · Integrated range finder and imager

Abstract

An image sensor is disclosed that contains pixel cells that can individually provide a real-time output signal that is proportional to the instantaneous magnitude of incident radiation upon each pixel cell. The individual real-time output signals can be used to construct an electronic image. Additionally, the pixel cells of the image sensor can be used to collectively provide an accumulated real-time output signal that is proportional to the instantaneous magnitude of incident radiation upon a plurality of selected pixel cells. A propagated signal from a source such as a laser can be used to illuminate a target in an image. A reflection from the target can be detected in the accumulated real-time output signal. The range to the target can be determined using the round-trip propagation time between the sensor and the target of a propagated signal.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for range-finding and imaging, the system comprising:

a plurality of pixel cells that are arranged in a pixel array, wherein each pixel cell is configured to produce a real-time output signal that is proportional to the instantaneous magnitude of incident radiation upon the pixel cell;
a pixel selector that is configured to select a group of the plurality of pixel cells, wherein the selected pixel cell group is associated with a set of target pixel cells;
wherein the set of target pixel cells are associated with a selected target;
and
a summer that is configured to accumulate the real-time output signals from the selected pixel cell group and provide an accumulated signal, wherein the accumulated signal corresponds to the sum of the real-time output signals of the pixel cells of the selected pixel cell group.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrated range finder and imager

Life of this patent

Integrated range finder and imager

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20