Method and apparatus for measuring range by use of multiple range baselines
US5374985A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/32
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extending the range and accuracy of electronic and electro-optical systems for determining the distance from a reference object to another object. A multiplicity of range baselines is employed, and a computer, usually a microprocessor, is used to automatically switch between baselines to extend the total measurement range, to increase the precision of range measurement over a prespecified set of ranges, or both. The invention has applications in a wide variety of range measuring systems, including robotics, autofocus cameras, autofocus binoculars, and autofocus vision aids for people with impaired vision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.