18483889. RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

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RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

HIDETOSHI Hayashi of Kanagawa (JP)

SHOGO Yamasaki of Kanagawa (JP)

RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18483889 titled 'RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a ranging device that can switch between different modes to output signals based on incident light to different numbers of photoelectric conversion elements. Additionally, a time conversion unit generates a signal indicating the time at which light is incident on a light receiving unit.

  • Processing unit operates in two modes with different numbers of photoelectric conversion elements
  • Time conversion unit generates signal indicating time of incident light
  • Switching between modes occurs within a period from start of light emission to next start of light emission

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various fields such as:

  • LiDAR systems
  • Distance measurement devices
  • Autonomous vehicles

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the following issues:

  • Efficient utilization of photoelectric conversion elements
  • Accurate time indication of incident light

Benefits

The technology offers the following benefits:

  • Improved accuracy in ranging measurements
  • Enhanced performance in low light conditions
  • Optimal utilization of resources

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could find commercial applications in:

  • Robotics industry
  • Surveillance systems
  • Industrial automation

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of multi-mode ranging devices in LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.

Unanswered Questions

How does the device handle variations in incident light intensity?

The patent application does not provide details on how the device adjusts to different levels of incident light.

What is the power consumption of the ranging device?

The patent application does not mention the power requirements or consumption of the device.


Original Abstract Submitted

A ranging device includes: a processing unit configured to operate in a first mode for outputting a signal based on incident light to a first number of photoelectric conversion elements among photoelectric conversion elements and configured to operate in a second mode for outputting a signal based on incident light to a second number of photoelectric conversion elements among the photoelectric conversion elements, the second number being different from the first number; and a time conversion unit configured to generate a signal indicating a time at which light is incident on a light receiving unit based on a time count value input from a time counting unit and a signal generated in the light receiving unit. Switching from the first mode to the second mode is performed in a period from the start of light emission to the next start of light emission of a light emitting device.