Distance measurement apparatus
US6710859B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/42
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A scanning device periodically changes the direction of the transmission of an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave generating device. A first driving device operates for repetitively driving the electromagnetic wave generating device a plurality of times per one period of the change of the direction by the scanning device, and thereby for repetitively transmitting a distance measurement electromagnetic wave. A second driving device operates for, before the first driving device drives the electromagnetic wave generating device, driving the electromagnetic wave generating device and thereby transmitting a judgment electromagnetic wave having an energy smaller than that of the distance measurement electromagnetic wave. An obstacle judging device permits the first driving device to drive the electromagnetic wave generating device next in cases where a detected obstacle is absent, and inhibits the first driving device from driving the electromagnetic wave generating device next in cases where a detected obstacle is present.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.