Integrated ToF and Image Sensor Detector Array for LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D imaging systems, particularly those using time-of-flight Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) technology, face challenges in efficiently integrating depth information from time-of-flight sensors with image information from image sensors, leading to increased computational requirements and potential inefficiencies in processing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of time-of-flight (ToF) sensors and image sensors on the same semiconductor substrate, with shared optics and a detector array configuration that correlates depth information from ToF sensors with image information from image sensors, reducing the need for extensive processing to register these data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth information from time-of-flight sensors and image information from image sensors are processed separately using traditional registration methods, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines time-of-flight sensors and image sensors into a single integrated detector array on the same semiconductor substrate. The sensors share common readout circuitry and processing infrastructure, merging previously separate processing systems into one unified device. This integration maintains the precision benefits of separate sensing while eliminating the complexity of separate processing systems through architectural unification.
2Measurement precision
If traditional separate processing of ToF and image sensor data is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated detector array performs preliminary correlation of depth and image information at the sensor level through shared readout circuitry and synchronized pixel timing. By establishing spatial correspondence between ToF and image data during the sensing phase rather than during post-processing, the system prepares data for faster fusion downstream, reducing the computational time required for final processing while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If separate detector arrays for ToF and image sensors are used, then individual sensor performance is optimized, but manufacturing cost and system integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges time-of-flight sensors and image sensors into a single integrated detector array fabricated on the same semiconductor substrate using compatible manufacturing processes. This unified architecture allows both sensor types to be produced simultaneously in the same fabrication run, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations. The shared substrate and readout circuitry reduce integration complexity while maintaining the performance reliability of each sensor type through dedicated sensing regions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster and less expensive 3D imaging systems by optically correlating depth and image information, thereby reducing computational overhead and enhancing processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Time of flight (ToF) sensors may be provided at a first set of depths, and image sensors may be provided at a second set of depths
Implementation Method 2
receiver optics configured to collect the light over a field of view and direct first and second portions of the light to the first and second pixels, respectively
Implementation Method 3
one or more light detector elements (including semiconductor photodetectors, such as photodiodes, including avalanche photodiodes and single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs))
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus includes a detector having a first pixel and a second pixel configured to output respective detection signals responsive to light incident thereon, and receiver optics configured to collect the light over a field of view and direct first and second portions of the light to the first and second pixels, respectively. The first pixel includes one or more time of flight (ToF) sensors, and the second pixel includes one or more image sensors. At least one of the receiver optics or arrangement of the first and second pixels in the detector is configured to correlate the first and second pixels such that depth information indicated by the respective detection signals output from the first pixel is correlated with image information indicated by the respective detection signals output from the second pixel. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.