Video guidance sensor system with laser rangefinder
US6658329B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0236
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A video guidance sensor system for use in automated docking of a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle includes a laser rangefinder that uses pulse or phase time of flight measurement to measure distance. The laser rangefinder includes a diode laser pulse or phase driver that produces an output signal to a timing element and simultaneously operates a laser diode. The laser diode produces an intense light beam of a predetermined wavelength which is directed to retroreflectors that are positioned on a passive target. The laser rangefinder includes an avalanche photodetector that produces a corresponding output signal when detecting light reflected from the retroreflectors. The timing element measures a time interval between the output of the laser diode and the detection of light and supplies a corresponding output signal to a computer in order to determine the range of the target vehicle relative to the chase vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.