Light Receiving Element Array Dynamic Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light receiving element arrays face challenges in extending dynamic range towards higher sensitivity without increasing the size of the light receiving elements, as previously proposed techniques are effective only for lower sensitivity levels.
Innovation Solution
A light receiving element array comprising unit element blocks with a combination of photodiodes having different structures, including one with an electron multiplying function and another without, allowing for a wide dynamic range extension without altering the size of each element, and a light detection apparatus that includes a light emitting section, a light receiving element array, and a distance measurement unit to measure distances using detection signals from these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of light receiving elements is increased to improve sensitivity, then the dynamic range towards higher sensitivity is extended, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element array is divided into multiple unit element blocks, where each block contains a plurality of light receiving elements with different element structures. This segmentation allows different regions to have specialized structures optimized for specific sensitivity ranges, enabling the overall system to achieve extended dynamic range without increasing individual element sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different unit element blocks are configured with different element structures tailored to their specific functional requirements. For example, blocks detecting distant targets use structures optimized for high sensitivity, while blocks detecting nearby targets use structures for lower sensitivity. This local optimization allows the system to achieve wide dynamic range coverage without requiring all elements to be large in size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single light receiving element structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the dynamic range cannot cover both short and long distance targets
Solution Approach 1:
The array is segmented into unit element blocks with different internal structures, allowing each block to be optimized for specific detection ranges while maintaining a manageable overall system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving element array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both distant targets requiring high sensitivity and nearby targets requiring lower sensitivity, effectively combining the capabilities of multiple specialized devices into a single multi-functional system.
3Measurement precision
If different sized light receiving elements are used to extend dynamic range, then sensitivity range is improved, but the manufacturing precision and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of varying element sizes across the array, the invention maintains uniform element sizes while varying the internal structures of unit element blocks. This approach preserves manufacturing precision and uniformity while still achieving extended dynamic range through structural differentiation rather than dimensional variation.
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
The solution enables improved distance measurement capability by extending the dynamic range towards higher sensitivity without enlarging the light receiving elements, allowing for effective detection of targets at varying distances with a single apparatus, combining LIDAR and camera functions in a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
a first element which is a photodiode with an electron multiplying function
Implementation Method 2
a first element which is a photodiode with an electron multiplying function
Implementation Method 3
a second element which is a photodiode without the electron multiplying function
Implementation Method 4
The light emitting section emits light to a preset sensing area
Data Source
AI summary
A light receiving element array includes one or more unit element blocks. Each of the unit element blocks includes different light receiving elements with different element structures.