Adjustable near infrared rangefinder illuminator
US5336899A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/18
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A near infrared illuminator for enhancing viewing of a target viewed with infrared viewing device when the target falls within a predetermined range. A pulse generator generates a laser pulse in the near infrared with a pulse clock for control of laser brightness and a pulse frequency adjust for control of laser blink rate. The pulse is transmitted along an optical path at a specific brightness and blink rate to a target. A detector within the optical path detects a reflected infrared signal from the target and converts the signal to an electrical signal which is processed by a processor to obtain target range information. A trigger logic controls the pulse clock rate means whereby when the target range falls within a predetermined range the laser pulse rate is increased such that increased illumination of the target is viewable with an infrared viewing device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.