3D imaging laser radar
US6133989A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/894
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A three dimensional imaging device is presented which uses single pulse from a pulsed light source for detecting objects enveloped by a light-transmitting medium such as the earth's atmosphere or free space. By means of switching off a ramping voltage, individually for each object pixel, the time of arrival of the reflected pulse is recorded. This time is related to the third object dimension. The device consists of the pulsed light source, optics for collecting the reflected light, a sensor for detecting the light, drive and output electronics for timing and signal conditioning of data generated by the sensors and a computer for processing the sensor data and converting it to a three dimensional image. The sensor collects and processes the light data in a unique manner, using a hybrid. The hybrid is actually a two dimensional array of collectors or detectors combined in very close proximity with their own processing electronics. In general, the hybrid is composed of two integrated circuit chips mated together. The two dimensional array defines two dimensions of the image. The processing electronics individually and independently switch off, at high-speed, a time varying voltage wh…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.