Range finding array camera
US5200793A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1992 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/32
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electro-optical camera system is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a light source (e.g. laser) is modulated by an electro-optic modulator (such as a Pockels cell) and transmitted out through an optical system toward a static target scene. The light backscattered from the target scene is then focused by the same optics back through the same Pockels cell onto a two-dimensional array camera such as a CCD or a CID (charge-couple device or charge injection device). A computer determines the frequency modulation period of each pixel in the array as the frequency of the electro-optic modulator is varied. This period is inversely proportional to the range of the target in the direction defined by the pixel location. Thus, all three spatial coordinates (two angles and a range) of each target area sensed by each pixel are determined. The computer will display the array of range data using a suitable output device such as a video display unit or a printer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.