Low-power 20-meter 3D ranging SPAD camera based on continuous-wave indirect time-of-flight

S. Bellisai; L. Ferretti; F. Villa; A. Ruggeri; S. Tisa; A. Tosi; F. Zappa

doi:10.1117/12.920407

19 May 2012 Low-power 20-meter 3D ranging SPAD camera based on continuous-wave indirect time-of-flight

S. Bellisai, L. Ferretti, F. Villa, A. Ruggeri, S. Tisa, A. Tosi, F. Zappa

Proceedings Volume 8375, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques VI; 83750E (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.920407
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) image acquisitions is the enabling technology of a great number of applications; culture heritage morphology study, industrial robotics, automotive active safety and security access control are example of applications. The most important feature is the high frame-rate, to detect very fast events within the acquired scenes. In order to reduce the computational complexity, Time-of-Flight algorithms for single sensor cameras are used. To achieve high-frame rate and high distance measurement accuracy it is important to collect the most part of the reflected light using sensor with very high sensitivity, allowing the implementation of a low-power light source. We designed and developed a single-photon detection based 3D ranging camera, capable to acquire distance image up to 22.5 m, with a resolution down to one centimeter. The light source used in this prototype employs 8 laser diodes sinusoidally modulated. The imager used in the application is based on Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) fabricated in a standard CMOS 0.35 μm technology. The sensor has 1024 pixels arranged in a 32x32 squared layout, with overall dimensions of 3.5mm x 3.5mm. The camera acquires 3D images through the continuous-wave indirect Time of Flight (cw-iTOF) technique. The typical frame-rate is 20 fps while the theoretical maximum frame-rate is 5 kfps. The precision is better than 5 cm within 22.5 m range, and can be effectively used in indoor applications, e.g. in industrial environment.

Citation Download Citation

S. Bellisai, L. Ferretti, F. Villa, A. Ruggeri, S. Tisa, A. Tosi, and F. Zappa "Low-power 20-meter 3D ranging SPAD camera based on continuous-wave indirect time-of-flight", Proc. SPIE 8375, Advanced Photon Counting Techniques VI, 83750E (19 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.920407

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