A LIDAR system, preferably including one or more: optical emitters, optical detectors, beam directors, and/or processing modules. A method of LIDAR system operation, preferably including: determining signals, outputting the signals, receiving one or more return signals, and/or analyzing the return signals.

A system to avoid obstacles, having an infrared emitter emitting an infrared pulse, an infrared receiver aligned with the infrared emitter so as to receive a reflection of the infrared pulse, a timer coupled to the infrared emitter and infrared receiver, the timer controlling a length of time the infrared emitter emits the infrared pulse and an exposure duration of the infrared receiver, the timer simultaneously initiates the emitting of the infrared pulse and an initiation of the exposure duration of the infrared receiver, and a controller coupled to the timer, the infrared emitter and the infrared receiver to adjust the exposure duration of the infrared receiver to determine a distance of an object reflecting the emitted infrared pulse.

An imaging system for material characterization of a sample is provided. Said imaging system comprises at least two imaging arrays configured to form at least one imaging array pair. In this context, the imaging system is configured to perform at least one reflection measurement with the aid of at least one imaging array. Furthermore, the imaging system is configured to perform at least one transmission measurement with the aid of the at least one imaging array pair. In addition to this, the imaging system is configured to determine material characteristics of the sample on the basis of the at least one reflection measurement and/or the at least one transmission measurement.

A solid-state image sensor capable of detecting a photon and having smaller circuit scale is provided. The solid-state image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixel cells, a pixel driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of pixel cells, a readout circuit, and a plurality of readout wires corresponding to respective columns of the pixel cell. Each of the plurality of pixel cells includes an avalanche photodiode configured to detect a photon by avalanche multiplication occurring when one photon enters, and a transfer transistor configured to transfer a detection result of the photon to the corresponding readout wire. The readout circuit determines whether a photon is detected or not, and outputs a determination result.

Apparatuses and methods for focusing a camera are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may be coupled to a camera for focusing the camera. The apparatus includes a vision sensor coupled to a processor and configured to capture a view. The processor configured to receive a selection of an area of interest in the view. The apparatus further includes a distance measurement unit coupled to the processor and configured to measure a distance to the area of interest for adjusting the camera's focus.

Apparatuses and methods for focusing a camera are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may be coupled to a camera for focusing the camera. The apparatus includes a vision sensor coupled to a processor and configured to capture a view. The processor configured to receive a selection of an area of interest in the view. The apparatus further includes a distance measurement unit coupled to the processor and configured to measure a distance to the area of interest for adjusting the camera's focus.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for multi-detector LIDAR and methods. An example method may include emitting, by a light emitter of a LIDAR system, a first light pulse. The example method may also include activating a first light detector of the LIDAR system at a first time, the first time corresponding a time when return light corresponding to the first light pulse would be within a first field of view of the first light detector. The example method may also include activating a second light detector of the LIDAR system at a second time, the second time corresponding a time when return light corresponding to the first light pulse would be within a second field of view of the second light detector, wherein the first light detector is configured to include the first field of view, the first field of view being associated with a first range from the light emitter, and wherein the second light detector configured to include the second field of view, the second field of view being associated with a second range from the light emitter.

An optical system and method for controlling the system, and a self-driving vehicle connected thereto. The optical system includes a housing; a first light source configured to emit light in a first wavelength band; a second light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band; a dichroic element configured for combining light from the first light source and the second light source into an output light beam to be scanned over a field of view; a scanning unit configured to direct output beam outwardly from the optical system, the scanning unit being disposed in the housing; a controller communicatively coupled with the scanning unit; and at least one sensor communicatively coupled with the controller and configured to sense light reflected off surrounding objects into the optical system.

The present application generally relates communications and hazard avoidance within a monitored driving environment. More specifically, the application teaches a system for improved target object detection in a vehicle equipped with a laser detection and ranging LIDAR system by determining a plurality of ranges in response to a plurality of light pulse reflections and determining a false target indication by exploiting the expected continuity of surfaces in the environment.

A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a laser, a transceiver, and one or more optics. The laser source is configured to generate a beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the beam as a transmit signal through a transmission waveguide and to receive a return signal reflected by an object through a receiving waveguide. The one or more optics are external to the transceiver and configured to optically change a distance between the transmit signal and the return signal by displacing one of the transmit signal or the return signal.