Method for monitoring objects or an object area
US6480270B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser-based target detection system applicable to search and rescue operations takes into account a plurality of optical attributes in the energy delivered to, and received from, a target-containing area. In addition to analyzing the returned optical signature for sufficient energy reflected by a potential target at a primary laser wavelength, the system also senses the target's effect on a supplemental optical attribute. Only when sufficient amplitude at the primary wavelength is detected in conjunction with a substantial effect on the supplemental optical attribute is a valid target confirmed. The supplemental optical attribute can be amplitude at a wavelength other than the primary wavelength, with the system looking for a high degree of attenuation at the non-primary wavelength, or polarization. with the system preferably looking for change of orientation in the return optical signature. The system includes scan head chassis (102) for transmitting energy to a target-containing area, electronic chassis (104) for processing the received optical energy, laser pulse drive (106), and laser cooler (108).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.