Microvision, Inc.

Ibeo Automotive Systems Gmbh

Zf Friedrichshafen Ag

Dsp-weuffen Gmbh

Ralf Beuschel

Michael Kiehn

Jochen Abhau

Michael Köhler

Ünsal Kabuk

Rainer Kiesel

Falko Diebel

Özgür Nurettin Püskül

Michael Kohler

Dieter Weuffen

A method for analyzing backscatter histogram data in an optical pulse runtime method, including the steps of receiving backscatter histogram data; and analyzing the received backscatter histogram data.

Method for analyzing backscatter histogram data in an optical pulse runtime method and device for data processing

The invention relates to a device for operating a light source for the optical time-of-flight measurement. The light source operating device includes a light source, which is configured to emit light pulses according to a pulse signal sequence and a monitoring circuit for monitoring a light output emitted by the light source based on a current signal and/or voltage signal of the light source.

Device for operating a light source for the optical time-of-flight measurement

A method for controlling sensor elements of a LIDAR measuring system, wherein a sensor element is activated and deactivated during a measurement cycle, wherein a measurement process comprises a plurality of measurement cycles, wherein the sensor element is activated at a first time during a first measurement cycle and the same sensor element is activated at a second time during a second measurement cycle.

Method for controlling sensor elements of a LIDAR measuring system

Described herein are analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that utilize time-to-digital converters (TDCs) and a histogram block to generate time-correlated histograms from analog signals. In some implementations, the time-to-digital converters determine time intervals for which the analog signal above or below a ramp signal, and the histogram block generates the time-correlated histograms of values using the determined time intervals. Furthermore, in some implementations, the analog-to-digital converters receive the analog signals from photodiodes, such as photo diodes used in Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) devices. In some such applications, the use of time intervals to generate time-correlated histograms may be used to reduce the effects of time jitter.

Analogue-to-digital converter

LIDAR measurement system with a LIDAR transmitting unit and a LIDAR receiving unit, which is configured in a focal-plane-array arrangement, wherein the LIDAR receiving unit has a plurality of sensor elements and wherein the LIDAR transmitting unit has a plurality of emitter elements, wherein a plurality of sensor elements form a macrocell, wherein the macrocell is associated with a single emitter element, wherein the distance between two adjacent emitter elements is unequal to an integer multiple of the distance between two adjacent sensor elements.

LIDAR measurement system

Light signals are converted into first electric signals by a first group of light-receiving elements, and the light signals are additionally converted into second electrical signals by a second group of light-receiving elements. The second group has a lower degree of sensitivity for converting the photons into an electric current than the first group. The first electric signals are used to ascertain the distance to an object by means of a time-correlated photon counting process depending on a starting time for the emission of the light signals. Furthermore, the second electric signals are used to determine the distance depending on the starting time but using a second signal processing different from the process used for the first electric signals.

Arrangement and method for using light signals and groups of light-receiving elements with different sensitivities to determine a distance of an object

Method for the improved near and remote detection of a LIDAR receiving unit for motor vehicles, wherein the receiving unit has a plurality of sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements can be activated and deactivated, wherein at least a subset of the sensor elements are activated at a first point in time within a measurement cycle, wherein one or more sensor elements are activated and/or one or more sensor elements are deactivated at a second point in time within the measurement cycle, said second point in time occurring after the first point in time.

Method for improved near and remote detection of a LIDAR receiving unit

A receiving arrangement for receiving light signals and a method for receiving light signals are proposed, wherein a light receiver is provided, which serves for receiving the light signals and converting them into electrical signals. Furthermore, an evaluation circuit is provided, which, depending on the electrical signals and a start signal for the emission of the light signals, determines a distance between the receiving arrangement and an object at which the light signals are reflected. A characterizing feature is that the light receiver has a first group of light-receiving elements, which has a higher sensitivity for receiving the light signals than at least one further group of light-receiving elements, wherein the first and the further groups are ready for reception at different times.

Arrangements of light-receiving elements with different sensitivities and methods for receiving light signals

A receiver assembly for receiving light pulses, a lidar module containing such a receiver assembly, and a method for receiving light pulses are proposed. There is at least one photosensitive receiver (SPAD) therein, which converts the light pulses into an electric signal. An evaluation circuit is connected to the receiver, which determines a distance between the receiver assembly and at least one object that reflects the light pulses from the electric signal, by means of a time-correlated photon counting with at least one histogram, via a time of flight of the light pulse. The evaluation circuit is configured to reduce the resolution of the distance determination starting at no further than a predetermined distance.

Receiver arrangement for the reception of light impulses, lidar module and method for receiving light impulses

LIDAR receiving unit in a focal plane array assembly, including a plurality of sensor elements arranged in macro cells and a plurality of readout elements, wherein at least two sensor elements are assigned to a macro cell, and each sensor element can be activated and deactivated individually or can be activated and deactivated in groups of sensor elements.

Growing community of inventors

Wangen, Germany

Ralf Beuschel