Melexis Technologies Nv

Hans Van Den Broeck

In a method of optical detection, a carrier signal of a carrier signal period and a code sequence over an exposure time period are generated. Each code () of the sequence comprises a plurality of symbols () with a timing delay () in between. The carrier signal is phase shifted in response to the code sequence () depending upon a value of a symbol (). The modulated carrier signal is applied to a light source, thereby modulating the light which is emitted. An electrical sensor signal is generated in response to received reflected light. A plurality of predetermined phase offset values is applied to the modulated carrier signal, and a plurality of electrical output signals is generated and stored by applying said resulting signal to the electrical sensor signal in accordance with the indirect time of flight measurement technique over the exposure time period. Each symbol () has a duration greater than the carrier signal period.

Method of optical detection and optical detection apparatus

A method for diagnosing an optical sensor includes a photodetector and an integrator. The method comprises exposing the photodetector to incoming light; obtaining an initial integrated signal at an initial frame; at least once executing the steps of changing at least one control parameter of the optical sensor, exposing the photodetector to incoming light, and obtaining one or more subsequent integrated signals at a subsequent frame; obtaining a characteristic of the optical sensor from the obtained integrated signals; comparing the obtained characteristic with a pre-determined characteristic of the optical sensor to diagnose the optical sensor.

Growing community of inventors

Tessenderlo, Belgium

Hans Van Den Broeck