Fast range imaging by CMOS sensor array through multiple double short time integration (MDSI)

The presented novel approach for direct range image acquisition is based on a CMOS image sensor with extremely short integration time and a defined flash illumination by fast infrared laser diodes. Determining the light propagation time by the MDSI method on a chip, a single CMOS sensor chip measures simultaneously distances to a net of numerous target points in a few milliseconds with a resolution of typically 5 mm. The exclusive use of semiconductor components assures high robustness, small size and low cost under high volume production. Hence the fields of applications are very versatile, ranging from safety and security to transportation, traffic and industrial automation as well.