The present disclosure provides a range-finding system capable of data communication. The range-finding system includes a rangefinder for acquiring ranging data, a magnetic ring unit having at least two communication channels, and a data processing and control unit. Each communication channel includes a magnetic ring. The magnetic ring unit transmits the ranging data as downlink data from the rangefinder to the data processing and control unit via one or more of the communication channels.

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light.

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an adaptive ladar receiver and associated method whereby the active pixels in a photodetector array used for reception of ladar pulse returns can be adaptively controlled based at least in part on where the ladar pulses were targeted. Additional embodiments disclose improved imaging optics for use by the receiver and further adaptive control techniques for selecting which pixels of the photodetector array are used for sensing incident light.

A LIDAR device includes an input node, an output node, and a sample-and-convert circuit. The input node receives a photodetector signal, and the output node generates an output signal indicating a light intensity value of the photodetector signal. The sample-and-convert circuit includes a number of detection channels coupled in parallel between the input node and the output node. In some aspects, each of the detection channels may be configured to sample a value of the photodetector signal during the sample mode and to hold the sampled value during the convert mode using a single capacitor.

A LIDAR device includes an input node, an output node, and a sample-and-convert circuit. The input node receives a photodetector signal, and the output node generates an output signal indicating a light intensity value of the photodetector signal. The sample-and-convert circuit includes a number of detection channels coupled in parallel between the input node and the output node. In some aspects, each of the detection channels may be configured to sample a value of the photodetector signal during the sample mode and to hold the sampled value during the convert mode using a single capacitor.

A distance measuring device according to one embodiment includes a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver. The light emitter includes a light source. The light source emits an optical signal. The first light receiver includes a first sensor and a first optical system. The first sensor includes first pixels. The first optical system is configured to guide a reflected light of the optical signal emitted from the light emitter to the first sensor. The second light receiver includes a second sensor and a second optical system. The second sensor includes second pixels. The second optical system is configured to guide the reflected light to the second sensor.

A distance measuring device according to one embodiment includes a light emitter, a first light receiver, and a second light receiver. The light emitter includes a light source. The light source emits an optical signal. The first light receiver includes a first sensor and a first optical system. The first sensor includes first pixels. The first optical system is configured to guide a reflected light of the optical signal emitted from the light emitter to the first sensor. The second light receiver includes a second sensor and a second optical system. The second sensor includes second pixels. The second optical system is configured to guide the reflected light to the second sensor.

A light detector according to an embodiment includes a light receiver and a controller. The controller is configured to set first and second light-receiving regions. The first light-receiving region includes first and second pixel regions. The second light-receiving region includes a third pixel region. An area of the third pixel region is larger than a total area of the first and second pixel regions. The light receiver is configured to, when light is applied: cause each of the first and second pixel regions within the first light-receiving region to individually output a signal; and cause the third pixel region within the second light-receiving region to output signals collectively.

A light detection and ranging system can have a camera sensor connected to an optical sensor and a controller with the optical sensor consisting of a light source coupled to a emitter and a detector for identifying downrange targets with photons. The camera sensor consisting of a lens for capturing a downrange image. The controller can track downrange targets with the camera sensor at a different frame rate than the optical sensor.

Apparatus for collimating light in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. A light source outputs a light beam for transmission to a target, such as a multi-mode source which generates an elongated beam with a higher diverging fast axis and a lower diverging slow axis. A refractive lens assembly collimates the light beam using a concave first cylindrical surface extending in facing relation toward the light source along the fast axis and a convex, second cylindrical surface facing away from the light source and extending along the slow axis orthogonal to the first cylindrical surface. A second refractive lens assembly distal from and orthogonal to the second cylindrical surface has a convex third cylindrical surface to further collimate the light beam along the fast axis. The elongated beam may diverge at a greater angle along the fast axis as compared to the slow axis.