초록 ▼

A three-dimensional imaging system is fabricated on a single IC. The system includes a two-dimensional array of pixel light sensing detectors and dedicated electronics and associated processing circuitry, all preferably fabricated on a single IC using CMOS fabrication techniques. The system includes

A three-dimensional imaging system is fabricated on a single IC. The system includes a two-dimensional array of pixel light sensing detectors and dedicated electronics and associated processing circuitry, all preferably fabricated on a single IC using CMOS fabrication techniques. The system includes a detector array comprising a plurality of pixel photodiodes and photodiode circuits, wherein each pixel photodiode acquires delay time data and pulse brightness data simultaneously. The system emits an energy pulse at time t0 and a fraction of the energy is returned to the array by a target object. Photodiodes in the array output a brightness signal B(t) that is integrated. An elapsed time ET from t0 to when said B(t) attains a predetermined threshold value is determined, where the slope of B(t) is B/PW, where B is B(t) after integrating over a time equal to the emitted pulse width PW. Time-of-flight TOF representing time from t0 to when a photodiode begins to detect energy is determined, where TOF=ET-IT, where IT is proportional to PW/B. A system processor determines distance from the system to the target object, from TOF and the velocity of light, and can translate TOF into commands to control electronic devices.

대표청구항 ▼

A three-dimensional imaging system is fabricated on a single IC. The system includes a two-dimensional array of pixel light sensing detectors and dedicated electronics and associated processing circuitry, all preferably fabricated on a single IC using CMOS fabrication techniques. The system includes

A three-dimensional imaging system is fabricated on a single IC. The system includes a two-dimensional array of pixel light sensing detectors and dedicated electronics and associated processing circuitry, all preferably fabricated on a single IC using CMOS fabrication techniques. The system includes a detector array comprising a plurality of pixel photodiodes and photodiode circuits, wherein each pixel photodiode acquires delay time data and pulse brightness data simultaneously. The system emits an energy pulse at time t0 and a fraction of the energy is returned to the array by a target object. Photodiodes in the array output a brightness signal B(t) that is integrated. An elapsed time ET from t0 to when said B(t) attains a predetermined threshold value is determined, where the slope of B(t) is B/PW, where B is B(t) after integrating over a time equal to the emitted pulse width PW. Time-of-flight TOF representing time from t0 to when a photodiode begins to detect energy is determined, where TOF=ET-IT, where IT is proportional to PW/B. A system processor determines distance from the system to the target object, from TOF and the velocity of light, and can translate TOF into commands to control electronic devices. each other, and the controlling means effects control such that the respective upper end portions of the pair of first side walls are moved in a direction in which they move apart from each other before the second side walls are moved, and the respective upper end portions of the pair of first side walls are moved in a direction in which they move toward each other after the second side walls has been moved. 4. An image reading apparatus comprising: illuminating means for illuminating an original to be read; changing means for changing automatically one of an illumination area and a degree of diffusion of the illuminating means according to reading conditions of the original to be read; a lens for focussing the original to be read; an image sensor for separating an image of the original to be read, which is obtained through the lens, into a plurality of pixels for reading and outputting as image data; wherein the changing means comprises: a plurality of light diffusing means, each having one of a different illumination range and degree of diffusion, in which illumination light generated by the illuminating means is made into diffused light; and controlling means for changing one of the illumination range and the degree of diffusion automatically by effecting control such that the light diffusing means corresponding to a type of the original to be read is chosen from among the plurality of light diffusing means and the chosen light diffusing means is located on one of an optical axis and an optical path. 5. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of conveying means, each of which is provided for each type of original to be read, for conveying the original to be read in such a manner that the original to be read passes a position at which the image sensor carries out a reading, wherein the controlling means chooses the light diffusing means corresponding to the type of the original to be read by detecting one of the type of the original to be read and the type of the conveying means. 6. An image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the controlling means causes the chosen light diffusing means to move, thereby allowing the chosen light diffusing means to be located on one of the optical axis and the optical path. 7. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the controlling means causes the chosen light diffusing means to move, thereby allowing the chosen light diffusing means to be located on one of the optical axis and the optical path. 8. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image sensor is a linear CCD. 9. An image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the diffusing means is a diffusion box. 10. An image reading apparatus comprising: illuminating means for illuminating an original to be read; changing means for changing automatically one of an illumination area and a degree of diffusion of the illuminating means according to reading conditions of the original to be read; a lens for focussing the original to be read; an image sensor for separating an image of the original to be read, which is obtained through the lens, into a plurality of pixels for reading and outputting as image data; wherein the reading conditions are one of: a size of the original to be read; whether printing comprises a simultaneous film processing or a reprinting when the original to be read is a photosensitive material; wherein the changing means comprises: a plurality of light diffusing means, each having one of a different illumination range and degree of diffusion, in which illumination light generated by the illuminating means is made into diffused light; and controlling means for changing one of the illumination range and the degree of diffusion automatically by effecting control such that the light diffusing means corresponding to a type of the original to be read is chosen from among the plurality of light diffusing mean