RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE

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

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240230859 titled 'RANGING DEVICE AND DRIVING METHOD OF RANGING DEVICE

The patent application describes a ranging device that can operate in two different modes to output signals based on incident light to different numbers of photoelectric conversion elements.

The processing unit can switch between a first mode, outputting signals to a first number of elements, and a second mode, outputting signals to a second number of elements.
The time conversion unit generates a signal indicating the time of incident light on a light receiving unit based on time count values and signals from the unit.
The switching between modes occurs within a period from the start of light emission to the next start of light emission of a light emitting device.

Potential Applications: - Distance measurement in various industries such as robotics, automotive, and surveying. - Object detection and tracking in security systems and autonomous vehicles.

Problems Solved: - Accurate and efficient ranging capabilities with the ability to switch between different numbers of photoelectric conversion elements. - Precise time indication of incident light for improved data collection.

Benefits: - Enhanced accuracy and flexibility in ranging applications. - Improved performance in low-light conditions. - Increased efficiency in data processing and analysis.

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Ranging Device for Precision Measurements This technology can be utilized in industries such as robotics, automotive, and security systems for accurate distance measurement and object detection. The market implications include improved efficiency and accuracy in various applications, leading to enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness.

Questions about Ranging Devices: 1. How does the time conversion unit contribute to the accuracy of distance measurements? The time conversion unit generates a signal indicating the time of incident light on a light receiving unit, allowing for precise data collection and analysis, ultimately improving the accuracy of distance measurements.

2. What are the key advantages of a ranging device that can switch between different numbers of photoelectric conversion elements? The ability to switch between different numbers of elements provides flexibility and efficiency in ranging applications, allowing for optimized performance based on specific requirements and environmental conditions.

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.