PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9506750-B2
Application Number: US-201213708796-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Imaging range finding device and method

Abstract:
Imaging range finding device and method are disclosed. The range finding device can include an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with an imaging lens. During the range finding method, the emitters in the array can emit light that is directed by the lens toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can detect light received from the object through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The lens, the array, or both can be movable to adjust the light emitted by the device. Characteristics of the emitted light and/or the received light can be used to find the object&#39;s range.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An imaging range finder comprising:
 an array comprised of emitters capable of emitting light and photodetectors capable of detecting light; 
 an imaging lens capable of collimating the emitted light from the emitters and focusing light received from an object onto corresponding photodetectors; 
 a moveable prism positioned between the array and the imaging lens, the moveable prism configured to adjust a path of the focused light from the imaging lens based on movement of the moveable prism, wherein the moveable prism is capable of moving along a plurality of axes; and 
 an electromechanical device capable of moving the moveable prism. 
 
     
     
       2. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electromechanical device capable of moving the array, 
 wherein the array is movable relative to the imaging lens so as to adjust a path of the emitted light from the emitters based on movement of the array. 
 
     
     
       3. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electromechanical device capable of moving the imaging lens, 
 wherein the imaging lens is movable relative to the array so as to adjust a path of the collimated light outputted to the object and the light received from the object based on movement of the imaging lens. 
 
     
     
       4. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one electromechanical device capable of moving the imaging lens and the array, 
 wherein the imaging lens and the array are movable relative to each other so as to adjust paths of the emitted light and the focused light between the array and the imaging lens and paths of the collimated light and the light received from the object between the imaging lens and the object based on movement of the imaging lens and the array. 
 
     
     
       5. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second imaging lens adjacent to the imaging lens; and 
 at least one electromechanical device capable of moving the imaging lens and the second imaging lens, 
 wherein the two imaging lenses are movable relative to the array, the imaging lens movable in a first direction and the second imaging lens movable in a second direction so as to adjust a path of the collimated light outputted to the object and the light received from the object based on movement of the two imaging lenses. 
 
     
     
       6. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one second imaging lens capable of focusing light scattered by the object, 
 wherein the second imaging lens is proximate to the imaging lens. 
 
     
     
       7. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a driver circuit capable of driving the array, 
 wherein the driver circuit selects which emitters to emit light and which photodetectors to detect light. 
 
     
     
       8. The range finder of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electromechanical device capable of moving at least one of the imaging lens or the array; 
 and a driver circuit capable of driving the electromechanical device, 
 wherein the driver circuit drives the electromechanical device to move the imaging lens or the array. 
 
     
     
       9. The range finder of  claim 1 , wherein the array includes at least one emitter and one photodetector combined as a single node. 
     
     
       10. The range finder of  claim 1  incorporated into at least one of a mobile phone, a digital media player, or a personal computer. 
     
     
       11. A method of finding a range of an object, comprising:
 emitting light from an emitter in an array; 
 moving a movable prism positioned between the array and an imaging lens in a plurality of axes to adjust a path of the emitted light with an electromechanical device; 
 collimating the emitted light with the imaging lens in optical communication with the array; 
 outputting from the imaging lens the collimated light to the object; 
 receiving at the imaging lens light from the object; and 
 focusing the received light onto a photodetector in the array. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 finding a proximate range of the object based on a time lapse between the emitted light leaving the emitter and the focused light arriving at the photodetector, 
 wherein the focused light includes at least a portion of the outputted light reflected off the object, and 
 wherein the shorter the time lapse, the closer the object. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 finding a proximate range of the object based on an intensity of the focused light, 
 wherein the higher the intensity, the closer the object. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 capturing an image of the focused light, representative of the object; and 
 determining a proximate range of the object based on the object representation, 
 wherein the larger the relative size of the representation, the closer the object. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 generating a wave tone; 
 modulating the emitted light from the emitter with the wave tone; 
 receiving the focused light at the photodetector modulated with a sound wave from the object; and 
 demodulating the focused light to capture the sound wave. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 encoding data; and 
 transmitting the emitted light having the encoded data therein for decoding at the object. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving the focused light at the photodetector having encoded data from the object therein; and 
 decoding the encoded data. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving at the imaging lens light generated by the object as an acknowledgement that the object detected the outputted light, the acknowledgement indicating presence of the object in a predefined space with the range finder. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving at the imaging lens light generated by the object; and 
 emitting light from the emitter as an acknowledgement of the light generated by the object, 
 the acknowledgement indicating presence of the range finder in a predefined space with the object. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 moving at least one of the array or the imaging lens, 
 wherein moving the array or the lens adjusts a location on the object at which the collimated light strikes and selects which photodetector is to detect the received light from the object. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving at a second imaging lens light scattered by the object; and 
 focusing the received scattered light onto a photodetector in the array. 
 
     
     
       22. An imaging range finder system comprising:
 an imaging range finder including
 an array of nodes, each node having at least one of an emitter or a photodetector, 
 and 
 
 an imaging lens capable of transmitting light from an emitter in one of the nodes toward an object, and receiving light from the object to a photodetector in one of the nodes for detection; and
 a processor capable of processing a detection signal from the photodetector in the one node, the detection signal based on the received light from the object; 
 a moveable prism positioned between the array and the imaging lens, the moveable prism configured to adjust a path of the light from an emitter in one of the nodes based on movement of the moveable prism, wherein the moveable prism is capable of moving along a plurality of axes; and 
 an electromechanical device capable of moving the moveable prism. 
 
 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 22 , wherein the detection signal indicates at least one of a range of the object from the range finder, a sound emanating from the object, acknowledgement of data sent to the object, data received from the object, or confirmation of a presence of the object in a predefined space. 
     
     
       24. The range finder of  claim 1 , wherein the array and the lens are fixed relative to each other as to provide a path for the emitted light through the lens and a path for the focused light onto the photodetectors.

Description:
FIELD 
     This relates generally to range finders and more specifically to range finders integrated with imaging technology. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Range finders are very popular devices for determining a proximate range or distance of a target object. One type is a camera-based range finder, which projects a field of spots onto the target object and captures an image of the spots with a remote camera. The range finder uses the parallax shift of the spots in the captured image to determine the object&#39;s range. The greater the parallax shift, the closer the object. However, the image resolution of the spots can be very poor for far objects, such that the range finder is limited to use with near objects. 
     Another type is an intensity-based range finder, which blasts full visible light toward the target object and captures the light the object reflects back. The range finder uses the intensity of the reflected light to determine the object&#39;s range. The dimmer the intensity, the farther the object. However, different colors can reflect different intensities, such that different-colored objects at the same range can reflect different light intensities. Similarly, if the range finder has dirt, smudges, or other particles on it, these particles can block some of the reflected light, thereby dimming the intensity of the reflected light to make the object appear farther away than it is. Or these particles can themselves reflect back light emitted by the range finder, thereby brightening the intensity of the reflected light to make the object appear closer than it is. Also, this range finder is generally limited to use with very close objects, e.g., on the order of millimeters. 
     A third type is a time-of-flight range finder, which emits a light pulse and detects a pulse reflected back from the target object. The range finder uses the phase shift between the emitted and reflected pulses and the speed of light to determine the time lapse between the pulses. The greater the time lapse, the farther the object. However, there are several issues with this range finder. It can be power inefficient. The emission wavelengths can interfere with the retina of the human eye, raising eye safety concerns. And the resolution can be low to moderate, making object detection less accurate. 
     Accordingly, currently available range finders often do not provide the desirable accuracy and performance that many applications require. 
     SUMMARY 
     This relates to an imaging range finder that can include an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with an imaging lens. The emitters in the array can emit light onto the lens, which can then direct the light toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can detect light from the object received through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The light received from the object can be the range finder&#39;s emitted light reflected back from the object and/or light generated by the object itself. In some instances, the array and the lens can be fixed. In some instances, the array can be movable using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the angle of the emitted light. In some instances, the lens can be movable using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the angle of the light passing through the lens. In some instances, a second movable lens can be added adjacent to the first movable lens. In some instances, both the lens and the array can be movable. In some instances, a prism can be disposed between the lens and the array and movable using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the apparent source of the emitted light. The imaging range finder can advantageously provide near- and far-distance object detection accuracy in a power saving and eye safe manner and in less ideal and variable object and environment conditions. 
     This further relates to a method for finding a range of an object using the imaging range finder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an imaging range finder having a fixed array and lens according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate a combined emitter-photodetector array for an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates driver circuitry for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 1  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A through 4D  depict light paths for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 1  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A through 5F  illustrate operating modes of an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A through 6D  illustrate fabrication of the imaging range finder of  FIG. 1  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable prism according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A through 8E  depict light paths for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 7  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates driver circuitry for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 7  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A through 10E  illustrate fabrication of the imaging range finder of  FIG. 7  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable array according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict light paths for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 11  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates driver circuitry for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 11  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 14A through 14E  illustrate fabrication of the imaging range finder of  FIG. 11  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable imaging lens according to various examples. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  depict light paths for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 15  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 17A through 17F  illustrate fabrication of the imaging range finder of  FIG. 15  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable array and a movable imaging lens according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an imaging range finder having multiple movable imaging lenses according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a lens portion of an imaging range finder having multiple imaging lenses according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  depicts light paths for the imaging range finder of  FIG. 20  according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a computing system having an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a mobile telephone that can include an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a digital media player that can include an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a portable computer that can include an imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which it is shown by way of illustration specific examples of the disclosure that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various examples of the disclosure. 
     This relates to an imaging range finder and a method of finding a range of an object using the range finder. The imaging range finder can include an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with an imaging lens. The emitters can emit light onto the lens, which can then direct the light toward a target object. The photodetectors can detect light from the object received through the lens and onto the photodetectors. In some examples, the light received from the object can be the range finder&#39;s emitted light reflected back from the object. In some examples, the light received from the object can be light generated by the object itself. In some examples, the light received from the object can be light generated external to both the range finder and the object and reflected from the object. 
     In some examples, the array and the lens can be fixed. In some examples, the array can be movable using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the angle of the emitted light. In some examples, the lens can be movable using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the angle of the light passing through the lens. In some examples, a second movable lens can be added adjacent to the first movable lens. In some examples, both the lens and the array can be movable. In some examples, a movable prism can be disposed between the lens and the array and rotated or tilted using an electromechanical device so as to adjust the apparent source of the emitted light from the emitters. In some examples, additional imaging lenses can be used to detect scattered light reflected back from the target object. 
     The imaging range finder according to various examples of the disclosure can provide several advantages over other range finders. For example, the range finder can emit light that has little or no spread as it travels toward the target object. As a result, a maximum amount of light can contact the target object and be reflected back to the range finder, resulting in high optical efficiency. The range finder can also provide near- and far-distance range accuracy. The range finder can operate at a wavelength longer than the range normally detected by traditional photodetectors, e.g., silicon photodetectors, so as to avoid visible light negative effects on detection, prevent or reduce adverse effects on human retinas, and “see” through less than ideal conditions of the object and the environment. The range finder can also save power. 
     The method of finding a range of an object using the imaging range finder can include emitting light from an emitter in the array, collimating the emitted light with the imaging lens, outputting from the lens the collimated light toward the object, receiving light reflected back from the object, and focusing the reflected light onto a photodetector in the array for processing to determine the object&#39;s range. 
     In some examples, the object&#39;s range can be determined based on the time lapse between the emitted light leaving the emitter and the focused light arriving at the photodetector, where the shorter the time lapse, the closer the object. In some examples, the object&#39;s range can be determined based on the intensity of the focused light received at the photodetector, where the higher the intensity, the closer the object. In some examples, the object&#39;s range can be determined from a captured image of the focused light that includes an image of the object, where the larger the relative size of the object&#39;s image, the closer the object. 
     In some examples, the range finder can also record sound emanating from the object, where the sound is embedded in the focused light received at the photodetector. In some examples, the range finder can also transmit data encoded in the light emitted from the emitter to the object and/or receive data encoded in the focused light received from the object. In some examples, the range finder can also detect whether the object is within a predefined space with the range finder based on light generated by the object and transmitted from the object to the photodetector in response to the emitted light from the emitter and/or light generated by the emitter and transmitted to the object in response to focused light received from the object. 
     Various examples of the imaging range finder are described below. 
     Imaging Range Finder with Fixed Array, and Lens 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an imaging range finder having a fixed array and lens according to various examples. In the example of  FIG. 1 , imaging range finder  100  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  110  for emitting and detecting light, and imaging lens  120  for collimating light emitted by the array and focusing light received from an object back onto the array. The lens  120  can be a Fresnel lens or any other suitable lens, mirror, or optical component capable of performing the lens operations. Because the lens  120  collimates the light, almost all the light that the array  110  generates can be outputted, with little or no spread, by the range finder  100 . 
       FIGS. 2A through 2C  illustrate the array in more detail. In the example of  FIG. 2A , the array  110  can include multiple nodes  211  on die  217  in an array configuration. Each node  211  can include a combined emitter for emitting light and photodetector for detecting light.  FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate top and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the node  211 . In each node  211 , emitter  212  can be in the center of the node and surrounded by photodetector  214 . It should be understood that other configurations of the emitter  212  and photodetector  214  are also possible, e.g., side-by-side, the photodetector surrounded by the emitter, and so on. In some examples, the numbers of emitters and photodetectors can be the same. In some examples, the numbers of emitters and photodetectors can be different. In the example of  FIG. 2A , the emitters  212  and photodetectors  214  are disposed on the same die  217 . It should be understood however that more than one die can be used, where the emitters can occupy one die and the photodetectors another die. Each die can have an adjacent lens, where the emitters&#39; lens can collimate light emitted by the emitters and the photodetectors&#39; lens can focus reflected light onto the photodetectors. In some examples, the dies can be located together. In some examples, the dies can be located at separate locations. 
     The emitter  212  can be a laser, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The VCSEL can provide several advantages. It can emit light perpendicular to the array  110 , providing for more efficient operation. Its compact size can allow for dense packing of multiple VCSELs on the die. Its spectral and spatial coherence allows for better collimation of the emitted light to be transmitted by the lens. The photodetector  214  can be a PIN photodiode. It should be understood that other suitable components capable of performing the functions of the emitter and the photodetector can also be used. For example, other emitters can include LEDs, optical fibers or fiber bundles, quantum dots, a micro mirror array, an LCD array, and any other components capable of releasing or generating light as described herein. Similarly, other photodetectors can include CCD sensors, LEDs, photoresisters, and any other components capable of detecting light as described herein. 
     In some examples, the VCSELs can emit light at a wavelength of 1000 nm or higher; more preferably, 1300 nm or higher; and most preferably, 1550 nm or higher. In some examples, the detection range of the photodetector can be matched to the emission spectrum of the VCSEL. A wavelength of 1000 nm or higher can provide several advantages. Light transmission in this wavelength range can be resistant to poor atmospheric conditions, e.g., humidity, haze, smog, fog, and so on. The atmospheric transmissivity in this wavelength range can have a value of approximately 1.0, indicating little or no absorption. Light in this wavelength range can also emit at a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) level of approximately 1 J/cm 2  pulses for 1 ns or longer, which is well within the levels considered safe for the eyes. The spectra of sunlight and most man-made light sources can contain less power in this wavelength range. Spectral irradiance, indicative of detectable light levels, in this wavelength range can be approximately 0.75 W/m 2 /nm or lower, in contrast to full sunlight which has a spectral irradiance of approximately 2 W/m 2 /nm. Light in this wavelength range can also result in less energy needed to generate photons for detection at the photodetector. Hence, the power responsivity, indicative of photodetector light-to-current conversion, can be as high as approximately 1.1 A/W and a quantum efficiency, indicative of the photodetector&#39;s light sensitivity, can be approximately 84.1% or higher for the photodetector. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in addition to the array  110  and lens  120 , the imaging range finder  100  can include window  190  to hold the lens  120 . The window  190  can be a transparent, high refractive index material. The range finder  100  can also include anti-reflective (AR) coating  140  on the lens  120  and band-pass coating  150  on the undersurface of the window  190 . The band-pass coating  150  can match the desired wavelength range of the emitters  212 , e.g., at 1000 nm or higher. The range finder  100  can include application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  130  to drive the array  110 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary ASIC that can be used in the range finder  100 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , ASIC  330  can include laser MUX  335  to select which emitter  312  in the array  310  to emit light and laser driver  336  to drive the MUX. The ASIC  330  can also include photodetector MUX  331  to select which photodetector  314  in the array  310  to detect light and analog front-end  332  to drive the MUX. The ASIC  330  can include interface and control circuits  333  to control the emitter and photodetector components such that the emitter-photodetector pairs work together during operation. The interface and control circuits  333  can also connect via an interface to external components in communication with the range finder  100 . The ASIC  330  can also include voltage regulators  334 , e.g., low dropout (LDO) regulators, to regulate the power supply to the ASIC. 
     In operation, the ASIC  330  can drive one or more of the emitters  312  and their corresponding photodetectors  314  to emit light from the selected emitters and to detect light received at the selected photodetectors. 
     It should be understood that the ASIC components are not limited to those described here, but can include other and/or additional components capable of driving the array according to various examples. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the imaging range finder  100  can include vias  160 , e.g., a through-silicon via (TSV), through which electrical connections can be made from the power supply, processors, memory, analog circuits, and the like to electrical components in the range finder, e.g., to the ASIC  130 . The range finder  100  can also include bonding material  180  to bond the array portion to the lens portion of the range finder. The bonding material  180  can be any suitable transparent, adhesive material, e.g., epoxy resin. The range finder  100  can also include solder balls  170  on the lower surface to connect the range finder to a circuit board. 
     The range finder  100  can operate as follows. The ASIC  130  can drive one or more of the emitters  212  in the array  110  to emit light. Multiple emission patterns can be used according to the design of the system in which the range finder  100  is to be used. For example, a single emitter  212  can be driven to emit light. Or each emitter  212  can be driven one at a time either sequentially or randomly. Or all the emitters  212  can be driven simultaneously. Or a subset of emitters  212  can be driven together, followed by another subset, and so on. The ASIC  130  can concurrently drive the photodetector(s)  214  corresponding to the driven emitter(s)  212 . 
     The lens  120  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the emitters  212 . The lens  120  can then output the collimated light toward a target object. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  120 . The lens  120  can capture the reflected light and focus it on the photodetectors  214 . The photodetectors  214  driven by the ASIC  130  can detect the focused light from the lens  120  and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  130  or other components for processing. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4D  depict exemplary light paths for the range finder  100 . In the example of  FIG. 4A , the light path from the array  410  to object  480  is depicted when light is emitted from an emitter  411  at a first position in the array. Here, the emitter in the combined emitter-photodetector  411  can emit light  415 . The imaging lens  420  can collimate the emitted light  415  and output the collimated light  416  toward the target object  480 . The focal length F of the lens  420  is shown. The collimated light  416  can contact the object  480  at location A. In the example of  FIG. 4B , light is emitted from an emitter  411  at a second position in the array  410 . Here, the collimated light  416  can contact the object  480  at a different location A′. In the example of  FIG. 4C , light is emitted from an emitter  411  at a third position in the array  410 , which coincides with the center of the lens  420 . Here, the collimated light  416  can contact the object  480  at another location A″.  FIGS. 4A through 4C  demonstrate how the light path can vary depending on which emitter is used, thereby providing flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
     In the example of  FIG. 4D , the reflected light path from the object  480  back to the array  410  is depicted. Here, the object  480  can reflect the light  417  back to the lens  420  along the reverse path that the light traveled to the object, e.g., in  FIG. 4A . It should be noted that, because the object  480  typically has non-smooth surfaces, some of the reflected light can scatter away from the reverse path, though the majority of the light can tend to follow the reverse path. However, for explanatory purposes, only the light reflected along the reverse path is depicted. The lens  420  can focus the light  418  and transmit it to the photodetector in the combined emitter-photodetector  411  for detection. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4D  depict examples in which the object reflects back the light from the range finder. It should be understood, however, that some objects can also generate their own light and transmit that light to the range finder for detection, along light paths similar to those shown in  FIG. 4D . For example, another range finder or any other suitable light emitting device can generate and emit light, e.g., from location A (in  FIG. 4A ) toward the lens. The lens can then focus the generated light and transmit it to the photodetector in the array for detection. 
     The imaging range finder of  FIG. 1  can operate in various modes.  FIGS. 5A through 5F  illustrate exemplary modes of operation. In the example of  FIG. 5A , the range finder can operate in time-of-flight (TOF) mode, in which the range finder can use the time lapse or time difference between the emitters emitting light and the photodetectors detecting the reflected light to find the proximate range or distance of the target object. In TOF mode, one or more emitters in the array can emit light ( 530 ). The lens can collimate the emitted light ( 531 ). The lens can output the collimated light toward the target object ( 532 ). The lens can then receive back portions of the collimated light reflected from the object ( 533 ). The lens can focus the reflected light onto one or more photodetectors in the array ( 534 ). The photodetectors can detect the focused light ( 535 ). A processor can then calculate the proximate range of the object based on the time difference between the time that the emitters emitted light and the time that the photodetectors detected reflected light ( 536 ). The processor can be either the range finder ASIC or a system processor in communication with the range finder. 
     The time difference t d  can be calculated as t d =(t 2 −t 0 )/2=t, where time t 0 =0, the time at which the range finder emits a light pulse; time t 1 =t, the time at which the pulse contacts a target object; and time t 2 =2t, twice t 1  and the time at which the range finder detects a light pulse reflected from the object. Because of timing issues between emitter actuation and light travel, the time difference t d  can include excess time, which can result in inaccurate range calculations. 
     The following exemplary method can be used to improve the accuracy of the time difference t d  calculation. A predefined time period can be divided into equal segments beginning at t 0 =0. For example, a time period of 100 ns can be divided into 1 ns increments at 1 ns, 2 ns, 3 ns, and so on. The predefined time period can be longer than the time required for the light to reflect back from the object to the range finder. An emitter can emit a light pulse at t 0 =0. A photodetector can be monitored beginning at t 0 =0 and the detection signal of that photodetector recorded at each 1 ns increment. At around time t 2 =2t, the corresponding 1 ns increments can show an increase in the detection signal to indicate the reflected light pulse from the object. Because of the timing issues mentioned previously, the detection signal can straddle multiple 1 ns increments, such that it is difficult to precisely determine time t 2 . 
     Hence, this method can be repeated with a shift in the time segments so as to better determine time t 2 . For example, the time segments can be shifted by δ to begin at t 0 ′=0+δ. As such, the increments can be at 1 ns increments of (0+δ) ns, (1+δ) ns, (2+δ) ns, and so on. The emitter can emit another light pulse at t 0 =0 and the photodetector can be monitored beginning at t 0 =0, but with the detection signal recorded at each +δ ns increment. At around time t 2 =2t, the corresponding +δ ns increment(s) can show an increase in the detection signal with a different distribution of the signal than previously. If time t 2  still cannot be determined with reasonable precision, the time segments can be shifted again by some other amount and the method repeated. In some examples, the method can be repeated approximately 10 times to determine a reasonable time t 2 , resulting in a highly accurate proximate range calculation. 
     Another exemplary method to improve the accuracy of the time difference t d  calculation can be as follows. An emitter can emit a light pulse toward a target object and a photodetector can detect a light pulse reflected back from the object. The processor can calculate a time difference t d  for an initial coarse measurement. The emitter can then emit a pulse train toward the object. In some examples, the pulse train can be 10 or more pulses. The photodetector can detect a pulse train reflected back from the object. To determine the error in time t 2 , the processor can pair each emitted pulse with its reflected pulse and calculate the time difference t d  between each pair. For each pair, the processor can then subtract the coarse t d  measurement from each pair&#39;s t d  measurement. The subtraction results can be averaged and the average deemed the error in time t 2 . Subsequent t d  measurements can be adjusted using this average to eliminate or reduce this error. 
     It should be understood that the time difference calculations are not limited to those described herein, but can include other methods capable of improving the accuracy of the calculation. 
     In the example of  FIG. 5B , the range finder can operate in proportional-to-intensity mode, in which the range finder can use the intensity of the reflected light to find the proximate range of the target object. This mode is similar to the TOF mode of  FIG. 5A  with the exception of the last action ( 546 ) of  FIG. 5B . Here, after the photodetectors detect the focused light ( 545 ), the processor can calculate the proximate range of the object based on the intensity of the focused light detected at the photodetectors ( 546 ). The higher the light intensity, the closer the object. When the object is closer, the lens can collect more of the reflected light from the object, thereby focusing higher intensity light on the photodetectors. 
     In the example of  FIG. 5C , the range finder can operate in a passive mode of the proportional-to-intensity mode, in which the range finder can capture an image based on the focused light, rather than actively processing the light intensity. This mode is also similar to the TOF mode of  FIG. 5A  with the exception of the last actions ( 556 - 557 ) of  FIG. 5C . Here, after the photodetectors detect the focused light ( 555 ), the processor can capture the detection signals from the photodetectors and form an image therefrom ( 556 ). The processor can then process the image to find a proximate range of the object based on characteristics of the image, e.g., the object size in the image ( 557 ). In passive mode, the range finder can also detect ambient light present in the scene with no illumination from the emitters. 
     In the example of  FIG. 5D , the range finder can operate in Doppler shift mode, in which the range finder can capture sound emanating from the target object. In the Doppler shift mode, the range finder can operate as a sound recorder or player. The processor can generate a sine wave tone ( 560 ) and modulate one or more emitters with the tone ( 561 ). The emitters can emit light modulated at the tone ( 562 ). The lens can collimate the emitted light ( 563 ) and output the collimated light toward the target object ( 564 ). If the object is emitting a sound wave, the sound wave can modulate the light reflected back from the object to the lens. Accordingly, the lens can receive light modulated with the object&#39;s sound wave ( 565 ). The lens can focus the modulated light on one or more photodetectors in the array ( 566 ). The photodetectors can detect the focused light ( 567 ). Upon receipt of the detection signal from the photodetectors, the processor can demodulate the focused light to capture the sound wave for recording or playback ( 568 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 5E , the range finder can operate in free-space optical mode, in which the range finder can transmit and receive optical communications with the target object. In this mode, the range finder can operate as a communication device. The processor can encode a first set of data ( 570 ). One or more emitters can emit light ( 571 ). The processor can embed the encoded data in the emitted light ( 572 ). The lens can collimate the light with the encoded data ( 573 ) and output the collimated light toward a target object, where the object can receive and decode the data ( 574 ). In some examples, the target object can be a second range finder or other suitable device capable of receiving and transmitting an optical communication. If the object also has data to transmit to the range finder, the object can similarly encode a second set of data, emit light, and embed the encoded data on the light transmitted from the object to the lens. If the object does not have data to transmit, the object can simply send an encoded ACK signal with the emitted light, indicating receipt of the first set of data from the range finder. Accordingly, the lens can receive light with the object&#39;s encoded data from the object ( 575 ). The lens can focus the light on one or more photodetectors in the array ( 576 ). The photodetectors can detect the focused light ( 577 ). Upon receipt of the detection signal from the photodetectors, the processor can decode the second set of data in the focused light and store the decoded data for further processing ( 578 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 5F , the range finder can also operate in the free-space optical mode, in which the range finder can bounce light off a surface of a predefined space, e.g., within a room, to detect the presence of one or more other objects in the same space. In this mode, the range finder can operate as an object detector. One or more emitters in the array can emit light ( 580 ). In some examples, the light can be emitted in a pattern unique to the range finder for identifying the range finder. The lens can collimate the emitted light ( 581 ) and output the collimated light toward a surface in the space, e.g., toward the ceiling, the wall, or the floor in the space ( 582 ). If a target object is in the same space, the object can detect the emitted light and emit light in response. In some examples, the target object can be a second range finder or other suitable device capable of receiving and transmitting an optical communication. In some examples, the object can emit its unique pattern for identification. Accordingly, the range finder&#39;s lens can receive the object&#39;s emitted light ( 583 ) and focus the light on one or more photodetectors in the array ( 584 ). The photodetectors can detect the focused light ( 585 ). Upon receipt of the detection signal from the photodetectors, the processor can confirm the presence of the object in the space and, optionally, identify the object from its light pattern ( 586 ). 
     It should be understood that the operating modes are not limited to those described herein, but can include other modes in which the range finder can operate according to various examples. 
       FIGS. 6A through 6D  illustrate an exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  100  of  FIG. 1 . In the example of  FIG. 6A , the fabrication process can start by cutting a transparent wafer to form window  690  and sputter coating the undersurface of the window with band-pass coating  650 . In some examples, the coating  650  can match the wavelength range of the emitters and photodetectors to act as a light filter. In the example of  FIG. 6B , a gel material can be deposited onto the window  690 , molded to form imaging lens  620 , and cured with UV light. As an alternative to this gel molding, the lens  620  can be formed by molding a thermoplastic resin at elevated temperatures; molding a thermoset resin and curing at elevated temperatures; etching a profile into the transparent wafer; placing an equivalent volume of material and reflowing it to form a droplet shape in the form of a section of a sphere; diamond turning or other methods of precision machining of any suitable optical material; bonding a lens formed in a separate process to the top of the window; or the like. AR coating  640  can be deposited onto the formed lens  620  to coat the lens. 
     In the example of  FIG. 6C , ASIC  630  can be provided and vias  660  formed in the ASIC. Solder balls  670  can be attached to the undersurface of the ASIC  630 . Combined emitter-photodetector array  610  can be provided and bonded to the ASIC  630 . In the example of  FIG. 6D , the fabricated lens portion of  FIG. 6B  and the fabricated array portion of  FIG. 6C  can be bonded together, with the array  610  and lens  620  aligned, using bonding material  680  to form the imaging range finder  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     It should be understood that the fabrication process is only an example, as other processes can also be used according to the available equipment and material. 
     Imaging Range Finder with Movable Prism 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable prism according to various examples. The movable prism can rotate and tilt, thereby adjusting the emitted light path to different angles so that it appears as if the emitter has shifted to a new location. In some examples, the maximum shift can be ±(emitter pitch/2). This can advantageously allow the range finder to direct light at the target object so as to get the optimal detection of that object. In the example of  FIG. 7 , imaging range finder  700  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  710  and imaging lens  720 , similar to the array  110  and lens  120  of  FIG. 1 . The range finder  700  can also include window  790 , AR coating  740 , band-pass coating  720 , vias  760 ,  761 , and solder balls  770 , similar to the window  190 , AR coating  140 , band-pass coating  120 , vias  160 , and solder balls  170  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The range finder  700  can include tilt prism  735  disposed in a cavity between the array  710  and the lens  720  to adjust the transmitted and received light. The prism  735  can rotate and tilt within the cavity. Inert gas  745  or some other suitable fluid, e.g., gel, liquid, emulsion, solution, gas, and so on, can fill the cavity. AR coating  740  can coat the upper and lower surfaces of the prism  735 . The range finder  700  can also include microelectromechanical (MEMS) device  715  connected to the prism  735  to rotate and tilt the prism. ASIC  730  in the range finder  700  can drive the array  710  and the MEMS device  715 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary ASIC that can be used in the range finder  700 . In the example of  FIG. 9 , ASIC  930  can include laser MUX  935 , photodetector MUX  931 , analog front-end  932 , interface and control circuits  933 , and voltage regulators  934 , which can operate in the same or similar manner as the laser MUX  335 , photodetector MUX  331 , analog front-end  332 , interface and control circuits  333 , and voltage regulators  334  of  FIG. 3 . 
     The ASIC  930  can also include MEMS MUX  937  to select MEMS drive lines  916  and MEMS sense lines  917  in MEMS device  915 . The drive lines  916  can be used to transmit control commands to the MEMS device  915  to control the rotation and tilt of the prism. The sense lines  917  can be used to transmit rotation and tilt measurements to MEMS analog front-end  938 . The MEMS analog front-end  938  can drive the MUX  937  and connect to the power supply. 
     In operation, the ASIC  930  can drive one or more of the emitters  912  and their corresponding photodetectors  914  to emit and detect light. The ASIC  930  can concurrently drive the MEMS device  915  to move the prism  735 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the range finder  700  can operate as follows. The ASIC  730  can drive one or more of the emitters in the array  710  to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  700  is to be used. The ASIC  730  can also drive the prism  735  to transmit the emitted light from the array  710  to the lens  720 . The ASIC  730  can drive the prism  735  to either a position parallel to the array  710  and the lens  720 , a tilted position, or a rotated position. Depending on its position, the prism  735  can adjust the angle of the emitted light from the array  710  as the light passes through the prism. The lens  720  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the prism  735 . The lens  720  can then output the collimated light toward a target object. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  720 . The lens  720  can capture and focus the reflected light. The prism  735  can transmit the focused light to the photodetectors in the array  710 . Depending on its position, the prism  735  can adjust the angle of the focused light as the light passes through the prism. The photodetectors driven by the ASIC  730  can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  730  or other components for processing. 
       FIGS. 8A through 8E  depict exemplary light paths for the range finder  700  based on the position of the prism. In the example of  FIG. 8A , the light path from the array  810  to object  880  with a parallel prism  835  is depicted. Here, the emitter in the combined emitter-photodetector  811  can emit light  815 . The parallel prism  835  can adjust the angle of the emitted light and transmit the light  819  to the lens  820 . For simplicity, in this example, the portion of the parallel prism  835  through which the emitted light passes does not adjust the light angle. The lens  820  can collimate the light  819  and output the collimated light  816  toward the target object  880 . The collimated light  816  can contact the object  880  at location A. 
     In the example of  FIG. 8B , the light path from the array  810  to the object  880  is depicted in which the prism  835  has rotated. Here, the emitter can emit light  815 . The portion of the rotated prism  835  through which the emitted light passes can refract the light, thereby changing the light angle. The prism  835  can transmit the adjusted emitted light  819  to the lens  820 . The lens  820  can collimate the light  819  and output the collimated light  816  toward the target object  880 . Because the prism  835  adjusted the light angle, the collimated light  816  can contact the object  880  at new location B, rather than location A in  FIG. 8A . 
     In the example of  FIG. 8C , the reflected light path from the object  880  back to the array  810  is depicted in which the prism  835  has rotated. Here, the object  880  can reflect the light  817  back to the lens  820  along the reverse path that the light traveled to the object, e.g., in  FIG. 8B . The lens  820  can focus the light  818  and transmit it to the rotated prism  835 . The prism  835  can refract the light, thereby changing the light angle, and transmit the adjusted focused light  814  to the photodetector in the combined emitter-photodetector  811  for detection. Because the prism  835  adjusted the light angle, the focused light  814  can contact the photodetector at position B′ in the array, rather than the photodetector at position A′, which corresponds to the emitter that emitted the light in  FIG. 8B . 
     Although the light  815  was emitted from the emitter at position A′ in  FIG. 8B , the light appears to have been emitted from the emitter at position B′ in  FIG. 8C . The net effect is that, because of the rotated prism  835 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact the object  880  at position B, rather than position A in  FIG. 8A . As stated previously, this can advantageously allow the range finder flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
     Similar results can be realized with a tilted prism. In the example of  FIG. 8D , the light path from the array  810  to the object  880  is depicted in which the prism  835  has tilted. Here, the tilted prism  835  can refract the emitted light  815 , thereby changing the light angle. Because the prism  835  adjusted the light angle, the collimated light  816  from the lens  820  can contact the object  880  at new location C, rather than location A in  FIG. 8A  or location B in  FIG. 8B . 
     In the example of  FIG. 8E , the reflected light path from the object  880  back to the array  810  is depicted in which the prism  835  has tilted. Here, the tilted prism  835  can refract the focused light  818  from the lens  820 , thereby changing the light angle. Because the prism  835  adjusted the light angle, the adjusted focused light  814  can contact the photodetector at position C′ in the array, rather than the photodetector at position A′, which corresponds to the emitter that emitted the light in  FIG. 8D . 
     The net effect is that, because of the tilted prism  835 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact the object  880  at position C. 
       FIGS. 10A through 10E  illustrate an exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  700  of  FIG. 7 . In the example of  FIG. 10A , the fabrication process can start by cutting a transparent wafer to form window  1090 . In the example of  FIG. 10B , the window  1090  can be thinned and a hollow etched into its undersurface. The hollow can be sputter coated with band-pass coating  1050 . Imaging lens  1020  can be formed on the window  1090  using any of the methods previously described in  FIG. 6B . AR coating  1040  can be deposited onto the formed lens  1020  to coat the lens. 
     In the example of  FIG. 10C , a transparent material can form prism  1035 . The upper and lower surfaces of the prism  1035  can be sputter coated with band-pass coating  1050 . In the example of  FIG. 10D , ASIC  1030  can be provided and vias  1060  formed in the ASIC. Solder balls  1070  can be sputtered onto the undersurface of the ASIC  1030 . Combined emitter-photodetector array  1010  can be provided and bonded to the ASIC  1030 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 10E , the fabricated lens portion of  FIG. 10B  and the fabricated array portion of  FIG. 10D  can be brought together to form a cavity. The prism  1035  can be positioned within the cavity. MEMS device  1015  can be provided and vias  1061  formed in the MEMS device. The MEMS device  1015  can be connected to the prism  1035 . Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill the cavity. The cavity can be sealed with hermetic seal  1055  to bond the fabricated lens and array portions together, with the array  1010 , prism  1035 , and lens  1020  aligned, to form the imaging range finder  700  of  FIG. 7 . 
     The imaging range finder  700  of  FIG. 7  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder with Movable Array 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable combined emitter-photodetector array according to various examples. The array can move along its x- and y-axes, thereby adjusting the emitted light path to different angles according to the shifted emitter position. In some examples, the maximum shift can be ±(emitter pitch/2). This can advantageously allow the range finder to direct light at the target object so as to get the optimal detection of that object. In the example of  FIG. 11 , imaging range finder  1100  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  1110  and imaging lens  1120 , similar to the array  110  and lens  120  of  FIG. 1 . The range finder  1100  can also include window  1190 , AR coating  1140 , band-pass coating  1120 , vias  1160 , and solder balls  1170 , similar to the window  190 , coatings  140  and  120 , vias  160 , and solder balls  170  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The range finder  1100  can also include MEMS device  1115  to connect to the array  1110  and ASIC  1130  using bonding material  1180  to move the array within a cavity. The cavity can be formed by substrate  1195  supporting the MEMS device  1115 , array  1110 , and ASIC  1130  and the window  1190  supporting the lens  1120 . Inert gas  1145  or some other suitable material can fill the cavity. ASIC  1130  in the range finder  1100  can drive the array  1110  and the MEMS device  1115 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary ASIC that can be used in the range finder  1100 . In the example of  FIG. 13 , ASIC  1330  can be the same as the ASIC  930  in  FIG. 9 , except that MEMS MUX  1337  in  FIG. 13  can connect to the MEMS device  1315  disposed below, instead of above, the ASIC  1330 . The MEMS MUX  1337  can select MEMS drive lines  1316  and MEMS sense lines  1317  in the MEMS device  1315 . The drive lines  1316  can be used to transmit control commands to the MEMS device  1315  to control the movement of the array  1310 . The sense lines  1317  can be used to transmit position measurements to MEMS analog front-end  1338 . 
     In operation, the ASIC  1330  can drive one or more of the emitters  1312  and their corresponding photodetectors  1314  to emit and detect light. The ASIC  1330  can concurrently drive the MEMS device  1315  to move the array  1310 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the range finder  1100  can operate as follows. The ASIC  1130  can drive one or more of the emitters in the array  1110  to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  1100  is to be used. The ASIC  1130  can also drive the array  1110  to move along its x- or y-axes. The lens  1120  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the array  1110 . The amount that the lens  1120  refracts the emitted light as it passes through the lens can depend on the position of the emitters in the array  1110 . Accordingly, if the array  1110  moves, the lens  1120  can output the collimated light toward a target object at a different angle. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  1120 . The lens  1120  can capture and focus the reflected light. The lens  1120  can transmit the focused light to one or more photodetectors in the array  1110 . The photodetectors driven by the ASIC  1130  can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  1130  or other components for processing. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict exemplary light paths for the range finder  1100  based on the position of the array. In the example of  FIG. 12A , the light path from the array  1210  to object  1280  is depicted. Here, the emitter in the combined emitter-photodetector  1211  can emit light  1215 . The lens  1220  can collimate the light  1215  and output the collimated light  1216  toward the target object  1280 . The collimated light  1216  can contact the object  1280  at location A. 
     In the example of  FIG. 12B , the light path from the array  1210  to the object  1280  is depicted in which the array  1210  has moved. Here, the emitter can emit light  1215  from a different position relative to the lens  1220 . The portion of the lens  1220  through which the emitted light  1215  passes can refract the light at a different angle that in  FIG. 12A , thereby changing the light angle. The lens  1220  can collimate the light  1215  and output the adjusted collimated light  1213  toward the target object  1280 . Because the lens  1220  adjusted the light angle, the collimated light  1213  can contact the object  1280  at new location B, rather than location A in  FIG. 12A . 
     The net effect is that, because of the movable array  1210 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact the object  1280  at position B, rather than position A in  FIG. 12A . As stated previously, this can advantageously allow the range finder flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict the array moving along its x-axis. Similar results can be realized with the array moving along its y-axis to move the light contact position at the target object. 
       FIGS. 14A through 14E  illustrate an exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  1100  of  FIG. 11 . In the example of  FIG. 14A , the fabrication process can start by cutting a transparent wafer to form window  1490  and bonding wafer  1492 . The window  1490  and wafer  1492  can be bonded together. In the example of  FIG. 14B , portions of the wafer  1492  can be etched away to expose the undersurface of the window  1490 . The exposed undersurface can be sputter coated with band-pass coating  1450 . Imaging lens  1420  can be formed on the window  1490  using any of the methods previously described in  FIG. 6B  AR coating  1440  can be deposited onto the formed lens  1420  to coat the lens. 
     In the example of  FIG. 14C , MEMS device  1415  can be provided and bonded to substrate  1495 . Solder balls  1470  can be sputtered onto the undersurface of the substrate  1495 . Vias  1460  can be formed in the substrate  1495 . Bonding material  1480  can be deposited onto the MEMS device  1415  in preparation for bonding combined emitter-photodetector array  1410  and ASIC  1430  thereto. In the example of  FIG. 14D , the array  1410  and ASIC  1430  can be provided and bonded together. Vias  1461  can be formed in the ASIC  1430 . The bonded array  1410  and ASIC  1430  can be bonded to the MEMS portion by the bonding material  1480 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 14E , the fabricated lens portion of  FIG. 14B  and the fabricated array portion of  FIG. 14D  can be brought together to form a cavity. Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill the cavity. The cavity can be sealed with hermetic seal  1455  to bond the fabricated lens and array portions together, with the array  1410  and lens  1420  aligned, to form the imaging range finder  1100  of  FIG. 11 . 
     The imaging range finder  1100  of  FIG. 11  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder with Movable Lens 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an imaging range finder having a movable imaging lens according to various examples. The lens can move along its x- and y-axes, thereby adjusting the collimated light path to different angles according to the shifted lens position. This can advantageously allow the range finder to direct light at the target object so as to get the optimal detection of that object. In the example of  FIG. 15 , imaging range finder  1500  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  1510 , similar to the array  110  of  FIG. 1 . The range finder  1500  can also include window  1590 , AR coating  1540 , band-pass coating  1520 , vias  1560 ,  1561 , and solder balls  1570 , similar to the window  190 , coatings  140  and  120 , vias  160 , and solder balls  170  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The range finder  1500  can include imaging lens  1520 , similar to the lens  120  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the lens  1520  can be either a single- or double-sided Fresnel lens or any other lens suitable for the range finder. 
     The range finder  1500  can further include MEMS device  1515  to connect to the lens  1520  to move the lens within a cavity. The cavity can be formed by the window  1590  and exit window  1585 . ASIC  1530  can support the array  1510  within a second cavity formed by the ASIC and the window  1590 . Inert gas  1545  or some other suitable material can fill the lens cavity and/or the array cavity. ASIC  1530  can drive the array  1510  and the MEMS device  1515 . 
     The ASIC  1530  can have the same or similar configuration as the ASIC  930  in  FIG. 9 . The ASIC  1530  can operate in a similar manner as well, except the ASIC  1530  can drive the MEMS device  1515  to move the lens  1520 , rather than the prism  735  of  FIG. 7 . 
     The range finder  1500  can operate as follows. The ASIC  1530  can drive one or more of the emitters in the array  1510  to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  1500  is to be used. The ASIC  1530  can also drive the lens  1520  to move along its x- or y-axes. The lens  1520  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the array  1510 . The amount that the lens  1520  refracts the emitted light as it passes through the lens can depend on the position of the lens. Accordingly, if the lens  1520  moves, it can output the collimated light toward a target object at a different angle. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  1520 . The lens  1520  can capture and focus the reflected light and can transmit the focused light to one or more photodetectors in the array  1510 . The photodetectors driven by the ASIC  1530  can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  1530  or other components for processing. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  depict exemplary light paths for the range finder  1500  based on the position of the lens. In the example of  FIG. 16A , the light path from the array  1610  to object  1680  is depicted. Here, the emitter in the combined emitter-photodetector  1611  can emit light  1615 . The lens  1620  can collimate the light  1615  and output the collimated light  1616  toward the target object  1680 . The collimated light  1616  can contact the object  1680  at location A. 
     In the example of  FIG. 16B , the light path from the array  1610  to the object  1680  is depicted in which the lens  1620  has moved. Here, the emitter can emit light  1615  and contact the lens  1620  at a different position because the lens has moved. The portion of the lens  1620  through which the emitted light  1615  passes can refract the light at a different angle that in  FIG. 16A , thereby changing the light angle. The lens  1620  can collimate the light  1615  and output the adjusted collimated light  1613  toward the target object  1680 . Because the lens  1620  adjusted the light angle, the collimated light  1613  can contact the object  1680  at new location B, rather than location A in  FIG. 16A . 
     The net effect is that, because of the movable lens  1620 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact the object  1680  at position B in  FIG. 16B , rather than position A in  FIG. 16A . As stated previously, this can advantageously allow the range finder flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  depict the lens moving along its x-axis. Similar results can be realized with the lens moving along its y-axis to move the light contact position at the target object. 
       FIGS. 17A through 17F  illustrate an exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  1500  of  FIG. 15 . In the example of  FIG. 17A , the fabrication process can start by cutting a transparent wafer to form exit window  1785  and bonding wafer  1792 . The exit window  1785  and wafer  1792  can be bonded together. In the example of  FIG. 17B , portions of the wafer  1792  can be etched away to expose the undersurface of the exit window  1785 , forming a hollow for housing imaging lens  1720 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 17C , imaging lens  1720  can be formed using any of the methods previously described in  FIG. 6B . AR coating  1740  can be deposited onto the formed lens  1720  to coat the lens. In the example of  FIG. 17D , a transparent wafer can be cut to form window  1790 . MEMS device  1715  can be provided and bonded to the window  1790 . The undersurface of the window  1790  can be sputter coated with band-pass coating  1750 . Bonding material  1795  can be deposited on the undersurface in preparation for bonding with ASIC  1730 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 17E , ASIC  1730  can be provided and vias  1760  formed in the ASIC. Solder balls  1770  can be sputtered onto the undersurface of the ASIC  1730 . Combined emitter-photodetector array  1710  can be provided and bonded to the ASIC  1730 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 17F , the fabricated exit window portion of  FIG. 17B  and the fabricated MEMS portion of  FIG. 17D  can be put together to form a cavity. The lens  1720  can be positioned on the MEMS device  1715  within the cavity. The cavity can be sealed with hermetic seal  1755 . This structure can be put together with the fabricated array portion of  FIG. 17E  to form a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity can also be sealed with the hermetic seal  1755 . Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill either or both the cavities. The via  1761  in the ASIC  1730  can be extended through the window  1790  and bonding material  1795  to allow electric connection to the MEMS device  1715 . The resulting structure, with the array  1710  and lens  1720  aligned, can form the imaging range finder  1500  of  FIG. 15 . 
     The imaging range finder  1500  of  FIG. 15  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder with Movable Array and Lens 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an imaging range finder having both a movable imaging lens and a movable array according to various examples. The lens and the array can move along their respective x- and y-axes, thereby adjusting the light path to different angles according to the shifted lens and array positions. This can advantageously allow the range finder to direct light at the target object so as to get the optimal detection of that object. 
     In the example of  FIG. 18 , imaging range finder  1800  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  1810  and imaging lens  1820 . The array  1810  can be the same or similar to the array  110  of  FIG. 1 . The range finder  1800  can also include first MEMS device  1815  to connect to the array  1810  and ASIC  1830  using bonding material  1880  to move the array within a cavity. The cavity can be formed by substrate  1895  supporting the first MEMS device  1815 , array  1810 , and ASIC  1830  and by window  1890  supporting the lens  1820  and second MEMS device  1816 . 
     The lens  1820  can be the same or similar to the lens  1510  of  FIG. 15 . The second MEMS device  1816  can connect to the lens  1820  to move the lens within a second cavity. The second cavity can be formed by the window  1890  and exit window  1885 . Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill the lens cavity and/or the array cavity. 
     The range finder  1800  can also include AR coating  1840  to coat the lens  1820 , band-pass coating  1850  to coat an undersurface of the window  1890 , solder balls  1870  on an undersurface of the substrate  1895 , and hermetic seals  1855 ,  1856  to seal the cavities. The range finder  1800  can form vias  1861  through the substrate  1895 , window  1890 , and exit window  1885  to allow electrical connections to the ASIC  1830  and two MEMS devices  1815 ,  1816 . 
     The ASIC  1830  can drive the array  1810  and the two MEMS devices  1815 ,  1816 . The ASIC  1830  can have the same or similar configuration as the ASIC  930  in  FIG. 9 . The ASIC  1830  can operate in a similar manner as well, except the ASIC  1830  can drive the two MEMS device  1815 ,  1816  to move the lens  1820  and the array  1810 , rather than the prism  735  of  FIG. 7 . 
     The range finder  1800  can operate as follows. The ASIC  1830  can drive one or more of the emitters in the array  1810  to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  1500  is to be used. The ASIC  1830  can also drive the array  1810  and the lens  1820  to move along their respective x- or y-axes. The lens  1820  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the array  1810 . The amount that the lens  1820  refracts the emitted light as it passes through the lens can depend on the position of the lens and the array  1810 . Accordingly, if the lens  1820 , the array  1810 , or both move, the lens  1820  can output the collimated light toward a target object at a different angle. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  1820 . The lens  1820  can capture and focus the reflected light and can transmit the focused light to one or more photodetectors in the array  1810 . The photodetectors driven by the ASIC  1830  can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  1830  or other components for processing. 
     The light paths in the range finder  1800  can be adjusted because of lens and/or array movement in the same or similar manner as depicted in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  (array movement) and  FIGS. 16A and 16B  (lens movement). The net effect is that, because of the movable lens  1820  and/or movable array  1810 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact a target object at adjusted positions. This can advantageously allow the range finder flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
     An exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  1800  can be a hybrid of the fabrication in  FIGS. 14A through 14E  of a movable array and the fabrication in  FIGS. 17A through 17F  of a movable lens. For example, the fabrication process for the range finder  1800  of  FIG. 18  can start by cutting a transparent wafer to form exit window  1885  and a bonding wafer to attach to the exit window. Portions of the bonding wafer can then be etched away to expose the undersurface of the exit window  1885 , forming a hollow for housing lens  1820 . 
     Imaging lens  1820  can be formed using any of the methods previously described in  FIG. 6B . AR coating  1840  can be deposited onto the formed lens  1820  to coat the lens. A transparent wafer can be cut to form window  1890 . Second MEMS device  1816  can be provided and bonded to the window  1890 . The undersurface of the window  1890  can be sputter coated with band-pass coating  1850 . Bonding material can be deposited on the undersurface of the window  1890 , forming a hollow for housing array  1810  and ASIC  1830 . 
     The first MEMS device  1815  can be provided and bonded to the substrate  1895 . The solder balls  1870  can be sputtered onto the undersurface of the substrate  1895 . The vias  1860  can be formed in the substrate  1895 . The bonding material  1880  can be deposited onto the first MEMS device  1815 . The array  1810  and the ASIC  1830  can be provided and bonded together. Vias  1862  can be formed in the ASIC  1830 . The bonded array  1810  and ASIC  1830  can be bonded to the first MEMS device  1815  by the bonding material  1880 . 
     The fabricated exit window portion and the fabricated second MEMS device portion can be put together to form a cavity. The lens  1820  can be positioned on the second MEMS device  1816  within the cavity. The cavity can be sealed with the hermetic seal  1856 . This structure can be put together with the fabricated array portion to form a second cavity therebetween. The second cavity can be sealed with the hermetic seal  1855 . Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill either or both the cavities. The via  1861  in the substrate  1895  can be extended through the window  1890  and the bonding material to allow electrical connection to the ASIC  1830  and the two MEMS devices  1815 ,  1816 . The resulting structure, with the array  1810  and lens  1820  aligned, can form the imaging range finder  1800  of  FIG. 18 . 
     The imaging range finder  1800  of  FIG. 18  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder with Dual Movable Lenses 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an imaging range finder having dual movable imaging lenses according to various examples. One lens can move along its x-axis and the other can move along its y-axis, thereby adjusting the collimated light path to different angles according to the shifted lenses&#39; positions. This can advantageously allow the range finder to direct light at the target object so as to get the optimal detection of that object. In the example of  FIG. 19 , imaging range finder  1900  can include combined emitter-photodetector array  1910 , similar to the array  110  of  FIG. 1 . The range finder  1900  can also include imaging lenses  1920 ,  1921 , which can be the same or similar to the lens  1520  of  FIG. 15 . The lenses  1920 ,  1921  can be coated with AR coating  1940 . 
     The range finder  1900  can further include first MEMS device  1915  to connect to the first lens  1920  to move the lens within a cavity. The cavity can be formed by window  1990  and exit window  1985 . The range finder  1900  can include second MEMS device  1915  to connect to the second lens  1921  to move the lens within a second cavity. The second cavity can be formed by the window  1990  and window  1991 . 
     ASIC  1930  can support the array  1910  within a third cavity formed by the ASIC and the window  1991 . Inert gas  1945  or some other suitable material can fill any or all of the three cavities. ASIC  1930  can drive the array  1910  and the two MEMS devices  1915 ,  1916 . 
     The ASIC  1930  can have the same or similar configuration as the ASIC  930  in  FIG. 9 . The ASIC  1930  can operate in a similar manner as well, except the ASIC  1930  can drive the two MEMS devices  1915 ,  1916  to move the lenses  1920 ,  1921 , rather than the prism  735  of  FIG. 7 . 
     The range finder  1900  can operate as follows. The ASIC  1930  can drive one or more of the emitters in the array  1910  to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  1900  is to be used. The ASIC  1930  can also drive the lens  1920  to move along its x-axis and/or the lens  1921  to move along its y-axis or vice versa. The lenses  1920 ,  1921  can receive and collimate the emitted light from the array  1910 . The amount that the lenses  1920 ,  1921  refract the emitted light as it passes through the lenses can depend on the position of the lenses. Accordingly, if either or both lenses  1920 ,  1921  move, they can output the collimated light toward a target object at a different angle. The target object can reflect the light back to the lenses  1920 ,  1921 . The lenses  1920 ,  1921  can capture and focus the reflected light and can transmit the focused light to one or more photodetectors in the array  1910 . The photodetectors driven by the ASIC  1930  can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC  1930  or other components for processing. 
     The light paths in the range finder  1900  can be adjusted because of lens movement in the same or similar manner as depicted in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . The net effect is that, because of the movable lenses  1920 ,  1921 , the emitted light can be adjusted to contact a target object at adjusted positions, which can advantageously allow the range finder flexibility in directing light toward the object to get the optimal detection. 
     An exemplary fabrication process for the imaging range finder  1900  of  FIG. 19  can be similar to the fabrication in  FIGS. 17A through 17F  of a movable lens. For example, the fabrication process can start with cutting a transparent wafer to form exit window  1985  and a bonding wafer to attach to the exit window. Portions of the wafer can be etched away to expose the undersurface of the exit window  1985 , forming a hollow for housing the first lens  1920 . 
     Imaging lenses  1920 ,  1921  can be formed using any of the methods previously described in  FIG. 6B . AR coatings  1940  can be deposited onto the formed lenses  1920 ,  1921  to coat the lenses. A transparent wafer can be cut to form windows  1990 ,  1991 . The first MEMS device  1915  can be provided and bonded to the window  1990 . Bonding material can be deposited on the undersurface of the window  1990 , forming a hollow for housing the second lens  1921 . The second MEMS device  1916  can be provided and bonded to the window  1991 . The undersurface of the window  1991  can be sputter coated with the band-pass coating  1950 . Bonding material can be deposited on the undersurface of the window  1991 , forming a hollow for housing the array  1910 . 
     The ASIC  1930  can be provided and vias  1960  formed in the ASIC. Solder balls  1970  can be sputtered onto the undersurface of the ASIC  1930 . The array  1910  can be provided and bonded to the ASIC  1930 . 
     The fabricated exit window portion and the fabricated first MEMS portion can be put together to form a cavity. The first lens  1920  can be positioned on the first MEMS device  1915  within the cavity. The cavity can be sealed with the hermetic seal  1957 . This structure can be put together with the fabricated second window portion to form a second cavity. The second lens  1921  can be positioned on the second MEMS device  1915  within the second cavity. The second cavity can be sealed with the hermetic seal  1956 . This structure can be put together with the fabricated array portion to form a third cavity. The third cavity can be sealed with the hermetic seal  1955 . Inert gas or some other suitable material can fill any or all of the three cavities. The via  1961  in the ASIC  1930  can be extended through the windows  1990 ,  1991  and bonding material to allow electrical connection to the MEMS devices  1915 ,  1916 . The resulting structure, with the array  1910  and lenses  1920 ,  1921  aligned, can form the imaging range finder  1900  of  FIG. 19 . 
     The imaging range finder  1900  of  FIG. 19  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder with Multiple Imaging Lens 
     As described previously, because a surface of a target object is not generally perfectly smooth, light reflected off the object can scatter along several paths, in addition to the reverse path of the light from the range finder. It can be beneficial to capture some of the scattered light to increase the amount of reflected light detected, thereby improving the detection of the target object. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a lens portion of an imaging range finder having multiple imaging lenses to capture scattered light according to various examples. In the example of  FIG. 20 , imaging range finder  2000  can include imaging lens  2020 , which is similar to the lens  120  of  FIG. 1 , and window  2090  for holding the lens. The range finder  2000  can also include secondary imaging lenses  2021  adjacent to the lens  2020 . The secondary lenses  2021  can have different focal lengths than the lens  2020 . The secondary lenses  2021  can capture the scattered light from the object that could otherwise be lost. The secondary lenses  2021  can also compensate for aberrations resulting from the lens  2020  that result in light loss at the edge of the emitter-photodetector array (not shown). This multiple lens combination can replace the lens portions in  FIGS. 1, 7, and 11 , for example. The array portion (not shown) of the image finder  2000  can be the same or similar to any one of the array portions shown in  FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 15, 18, and 19 , where a combined emitter-photodetector array (not shown) can emit light via the lens  2020  onto objects and detect light via the lens reflected back from the object and where an ASIC (not shown) can drive the array. 
     The range finder  2000  can operate as follows. The ASIC can drive one or more of the emitters in the array to emit light. As described previously in  FIG. 1 , multiple emission patterns can be used according to the system in which the range finder  2000  is to be used. The lens  2020  can collimate and output the emitted light toward a target object. The target object can reflect the light back to the lens  2020 , with scattered light reflected to the secondary lenses  2021 . The lenses  2020 ,  2021  can capture and focus the reflected light and can transmit the focused light to one or more photodetectors in the combined emitter-photodetector array. The photodetectors in the combined emitter-photodetector array driven by the ASIC can detect the focused light and transmit a detection signal to the ASIC or other components for processing. 
       FIG. 21  depicts exemplary light paths for the range finder  2000 . In the example of  FIG. 21 , the reflected light path from object  2180  back to combined emitter-photodetector array  2110  through the lenses  2120 ,  2121  is depicted. Here, the object  2180  can reflect light  2117 , in which most of the light can be reflected back to the lens  2120  along the reverse path that the light traveled to the object and can be focused  2118  onto the photodetectors of the array  2110 . However, some of the reflected, scattered light  2112  can scatter away from the reverse path onto the secondary lenses  2121 . The secondary lenses  2121  can then focus the light  2118  onto the photodetectors of the array  2110 . Scattered light that would otherwise have been lost can be captured, thereby increasing the amount of reflected light detected and, hence, improving the detection of the target object. 
     During fabrication of the imaging range finder  2000 , the lenses  2020 ,  2021  and the window  2090  can be fabricated in the same or similar manner as described in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , for example. The resulting structure can be bonded to the array portion as described  FIG. 6C , for example. 
     The imaging range finder  2000  of  FIG. 20  can operate in any of the operating modes of  FIGS. 5A through 5F . 
     Imaging Range Finder Systems 
     One or more of the imaging range finders can operate in a system similar or identical to system  2200  shown in  FIG. 22 . System  2200  can include instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as memory  2203  or storage device  2201 , and executed by processor  2205 . The instructions can also be stored and/or transported within any non-transitory computer readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “non-transitory computer readable storage medium” can be any medium that can contain or store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus or device, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) (magnetic), a portable optical disc such a CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, or DVD-RW, or flash memory such as compact flash cards, secured digital cards, USB memory devices, memory sticks, and the like. 
     The instructions can also be propagated within any transport medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “transport medium” can be any medium that can communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The transport medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or infrared wired or wireless propagation medium. 
     The system  2200  can further include imaging range finder  2209  coupled to the processor  2205 . The imaging range finder  2209  can be any of those described in  FIGS. 1 through 21 . The system  2200  can include touch panel  2207  coupled to the processor  2205 . Touch panel  2207  can have touch nodes capable of detecting an object touching or hovering over the panel. The processor  2205  can process the outputs from the touch panel  2207  to perform actions based on the touch or hover event. 
     It is to be understood that the system is not limited to the components and configuration of  FIG. 22 , but can include other or additional components in multiple configurations according to various examples. Additionally, the components of system  2200  can be included within a single device, or can be distributed between multiple devices. In some examples, the processor  2205  can be located within the touch panel  2207  and/or the imaging range finder  2209 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an exemplary mobile telephone  2300  that can include touch panel  2324 , display  2336 , imaging range finder  2348 , and other computing system blocks according to various examples. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an exemplary digital media player  2400  that can include touch panel  2424 , display  2436 , imaging range finder  2448 , and other computing system blocks according to various examples. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an exemplary personal computer  2500  that can include touch panel (trackpad)  2524 , display  2536 , imaging range finder  2548 , and other computing system blocks according to various examples. 
     The mobile telephone, media player, and personal computer of  FIGS. 23 through 25  can increase capabilities and improve performance with an imaging range finder according to various examples. 
     Imaging Range Finder Applications 
     An imaging range finder according to various examples can be used in several applications, for example: to scan a room to get accurate room measurements for interior design of the room; to map a space for inventory control, space planning, space navigation, and photo sharing; for 3D object scanning and pattern matching; as a navigation aid for the visually-impaired to detect landmarks, stairs, low tolerances, and the like; as a communication aid for the deaf to recognize and interpret sign language for a hearing user; for automatic foreground/background segmentation; for real-time motion capture and avatar generation; for photo editing; for night vision; to see through opaque or cloudy environment, such as fog, smoke, haze; for computational imaging, such as to change focus and illumination after acquiring images and video; for autofocus and flash metering; for same-space detection of another device; for two-way communication; for secure file transfers; to locate people or objects in a room; to capture remote sounds; and so on. 
     Therefore, according to the above, some examples of the disclosure are directed to an imaging range finder comprising: an array of emitters capable of emitting light and photodetectors capable of detecting light; and an imaging lens capable of collimating the emitted light from the emitters and focusing light received from an object onto the corresponding photodetectors. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the array and the lens of the range finder can be fixed relative to each other so as to provide a path for the emitted light through the lens and a path for the focused light onto the photodetectors. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise a movable prism positioned between the array and the lens and capable of adjusting a path of the emitted light from the emitters and the focused light from the lens based on movement of the prism; and an electromechanical device capable of moving the prism. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise an electromechanical device capable of moving the array, wherein the array is movable relative to the lens so as to adjust a path of the emitted light from the emitters based on movement of the array. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise an electromechanical device capable of moving the lens, wherein the lens is movable relative to the array so as to adjust a path of the collimated light outputted to the object and the light received from the object based on movement of the lens. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise at least one electromechanical device capable of moving the lens and the array, wherein the lens and the array are movable relative to each other so as to adjust paths of the emitted light and the focused light between the array and the lens and paths of the collimated light and the light received from the object between the lens and the object based on movement of the lens and the array. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise a second imaging lens adjacent to the imaging lens; and at least one electromechanical device capable of moving the imaging lens and the second imaging lens, wherein the two imaging lenses are movable relative to the array, the imaging lens movable in a first direction and the second imaging lens movable in a second direction so as to adjust a path of the collimated light outputted to the object and the light received from the object based on movement of the two imaging lenses. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise at least one second imaging lens capable of focusing light scattered by the object, wherein the second imaging lens is proximate to the imaging lens. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise a driver circuit capable of driving the array, wherein the circuit selects which emitters to emit light and which photodetectors to detect light. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can comprise an electromechanical device capable of moving at least one of the lens or the array; and a driver circuit capable of driving the electromechanical device, wherein the circuit drives the electromechanical device to move the lens or the array. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the array of the range finder can include at least one emitter and one photodetector combined as a single node. With respect to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the range finder can be incorporated into at least one of a mobile phone, a digital media player, or a personal computer. 
     Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method of finding a range of an object, comprising: emitting light from an emitter in an array; collimating the emitting light with an imaging lens in optical communication with the array; outputting from the lens the collimated light to an object; receiving at the lens light from the object; and focusing the received light onto a photodetector in the array. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise finding a proximate range of the object based on a time lapse between the emitted light leaving the emitter and the focused light arriving at the photodetector, wherein the focused light includes at least a portion of the outputted light reflected off the object, and wherein the shorter the time lapse, the closer the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise finding a proximate range of the object based on an intensity of the focused light, wherein the higher the intensity, the closer the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise capturing an image of the focused light, representative of the object; and determining a proximate range of the object based on the object representation, wherein the larger the relative size of the representation, the closer the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise generating a wave tone; modulating the emitted light from the emitter with the wave tone; receiving the focused light at the photodetector modulated with a sound wave from the object; and demodulating the focused light to capture the sound wave. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise encoding data; and transmitting the emitted light having the encoded data therein for decoding at the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise receiving the focused light at the photodetector having encoded data from the object therein; and decoding the encoded data. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise receiving at the lens light generated by the object as an acknowledgement that the object detected the outputted light, the acknowledgement indicating presence of the object in a predefined space with the range finder. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise receiving at the lens light generated by the object; and emitting light from the emitter as an acknowledgement of the light generated by the object, the acknowledgement indicating presence of the range finder in a predefined space with the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise moving at least one of the array or the lens, wherein moving the array or the lens adjusts a location on the object at which the collimated light strikes and selects which photodetector is to detect the received light from the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the method can comprise receiving at a second imaging lens light scattered by the object; and focusing the received scattered light onto a photodetector in the array. 
     Some examples of the disclosure are directed to an imaging range finder system comprising: an imaging range finder including an array of nodes, each node having at least a emitter or a photodetector, and an imaging lens capable of transmitting light from an emitter in one of the nodes toward an object, and receiving light from the object to a photodetector in one of the nodes for detection; and a processor capable of processing a detection signal from the photodetector in the one node, the signal based on the received light from the object. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, the detection signal indicates at least one of a range of the object from the range finder, a sound emanating from the object, acknowledgement of data sent to the object, data received from the object, or confirmation of a presence of the object in a predefined space. 
     Although examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the various examples as defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121207
Publication Date: 20161129
Grant Date: 20161129
Priority Date: 20120907
Inventors: LAST MATTHEW EMANUEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G01C3/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C3/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4815", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C25/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C3/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/89", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4815", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4815", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C25/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C3/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50232986