Target tracking device and method
US8405011B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41G7/2293
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A target tracking device incorporating a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) 1 is described. A target is illuminated by a laser of a suitable wavelength. The target reflects the laser radiation and the reflected radiation is incident on a flying vehicle carrying a target tracking device. The PSD in the device outputs a signal representative of the position of the incident laser spot. The output signal is input into control electronics, the control electronics incorporating a resistive transimpedance amplifier. A higher than usual bias voltage is applied to the PSD yielding improved pulse response of the target tracking device. Therefore, the tracking device is particularly suited for use with a target marking laser having a short pulse duration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.