High range resolution active imaging system using a high speed shutter and a light pulse having a sharp edge
US5519209A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/18
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An active imaging system for viewing targets with a high degree of range resolution of approximately one foot. The imaging system utilizes a laser pulse which passes through an electro-optical pulse slicer which creates a sharp leading edge and/or a sharp falling edge on the laser pulse. The laser pulse travels to the target under observation, illuminates and reflects off of the target and returns to a camera. A target is viewed only during the time all or a portion of the returning laser pulse overlaps the time the camera shutter gate is open. The imaging system is particularly suited for determining depth information about a target by varying the time relationship when the returning laser pulse is received by the camera.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.