Minimizing image sensor input/output pads in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional pads comprising an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Minimizing image sensor input/output pads in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional pads comprising an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

A time-of-flight imaging device comprises an image sensor comprising a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits, respective ones of the plurality of pixel circuits including a first tap output configured to output a first tap signal, and a second tap output configured to output a second tap signal; and a signal processing circuit including a time-of-flight processing circuit configured to perform at least one logical operation on the first tap signal and the second tap signal based on a mode of the signal processing circuit, and a counter configured to output a digital signal based on an output of the time-of-flight processing circuit.

A time-of-flight imaging device comprises an image sensor comprising a pixel array including a plurality of pixel circuits, respective ones of the plurality of pixel circuits including a first tap output configured to output a first tap signal, and a second tap output configured to output a second tap signal; and a signal processing circuit including a time-of-flight processing circuit configured to perform at least one logical operation on the first tap signal and the second tap signal based on a mode of the signal processing circuit, and a counter configured to output a digital signal based on an output of the time-of-flight processing circuit.

One example method involves a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device focusing light from a target region in a scene for receipt by a detector. The method also involves emitting a primary light pulse. The method also involves directing, via one or more optical elements, the primary light pulse toward the target region. The primary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a primary light intensity of the primary light pulse. The method also involves emitting a secondary light pulse. At least a portion of the secondary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a secondary light intensity of the secondary light pulse. The secondary light intensity is less than the primary light intensity.

One example method involves a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device focusing light from a target region in a scene for receipt by a detector. The method also involves emitting a primary light pulse. The method also involves directing, via one or more optical elements, the primary light pulse toward the target region. The primary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a primary light intensity of the primary light pulse. The method also involves emitting a secondary light pulse. At least a portion of the secondary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a secondary light intensity of the secondary light pulse. The secondary light intensity is less than the primary light intensity.

A range imaging device includes a light-receiving unit including a pixel circuit including a photoelectric conversion element that generates charge according to incident light and N (N≥3) charge storage units that integrate charge in frame cycle, and a pixel drive circuit that turns on or off transfer transistors that transmit charge to the charge storage units at integration timing synchronizing with light pulses to distribute and integrate charge; a light source that emits light pulses; a range image processing unit that calculates a distance to object based on charge integrated in the charge storage units; and a measurement control unit that determines measurement zone to which the measurement distance belongs and which is set according to zone threshold set according to distance, integrates charge according to integration time set in the zone, and emits light pulses by increasing pulse period of light pulses according to increase of the integration time.

A range imaging device includes a light-receiving unit including at least one pixel circuit including a photoelectric conversion element that generates charge in response to incident light, N (N≥3) charge storage units that integrate charge in a frame cycle, and transfer transistors, and a pixel drive circuit that causes the transfer transistors to distribute charge to the charge storage units with integration timing synchronizing with light pulses, a light source unit that emits light pulses; a range image processing unit that calculates a distance to an object based on integrated charges, and a measurement control unit that calculates a thinning time of not integrating charge, according to integrated charge in the charge storage units, the distance, and intensity of the incident light. The measurement control unit controls integration of charge with a thinning time set in a measurement zone corresponding to the distance from the light-receiving unit.

A range imaging device includes: a light-receiving unit including a pixel circuit, and a pixel drive circuit that causes transfer transistors to distribute charge to charge storage units, the pixel circuit including a photoelectric conversion element that generates charge in response to incident light, N (N≥3) charge storage units that integrates charge in frame cycle, and the transistors that transfer charge to the storage units from the conversion element; a light source that emits light pulses; a range image processing unit that calculates a measurement distance to an object based on the integrated charge in the storage units; and a measurement control unit that calculates integration time with which charge is integrated in the storage units, according to the integrated charge, distance, and intensity of incident light. The control unit decrements the time by a first unit until the integrated charge becomes equal to or smaller than a first threshold.

Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.