Orbiting actuated three-dimensional spinning sensor

US11086018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security · US

Inventors

• William T. Sutherland · Washington, US
• John Bray · Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 22, 2018
• Grant date: Aug 10, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F05B2270/806
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and methods for generating three dimensional (3D) images with increased composite vertical field of view and composite resolution for a spinning three-dimensional sensor, based on actuating the sensor to generate a plurality of sensor axis orientations as a function of rotation of the actuator. The output data from the sensor, such as a spinning LIDAR, is transformable as a function of the actuator angle to generate three dimensional imagery.