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Method and system to enhance dynamic range conversion useable with CMOS three-dimensional imaging

  • US 20020176067A1
  • Filed: 05/23/2002
  • Published: 11/28/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A high dynamic range circuit useable with a range finding system that detects reflected energy to determine time-of-flight to a target object reflecting said energy, the circuit comprising:

  • at least one detector to detect reflected said energy and to output a detection signal;

    for each said detector, a resettable integrator coupled to integrate said detection signal and output an integration signal, said resettable integrator having a gain G that is dynamically variable;

    for each said detector, a comparator coupled to receive and to compare said integration signal against a threshold level and to output a pulse when said integration signal exceeds said threshold level, an output of said comparator fed-back to reset said detector; and

    for each said detector, a resettable logic counter coupled to count each said pulse output by said comparator;

    means for providing a RESET signal to said integrator and to said logic counter;

    wherein when said resettable logic counter attains a given count, a count value within said logic counter is readout, and said RESET signal is provided to reset at least two of said detector, said comparator, and said logic counter.

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