Abstract: A method for evaluating distance from a first point to a second point. The method includes the steps of generating a periodic binary sequence, generating a harmonic modulation signal, generating a modulated light signal at a range finding device, wherein the modulated light signal is generated based upon the periodic binary sequence and the harmonic modulation signal, transmitting the modulated light signal from the first point toward an object at the second point, receiving a reflected light signal from the object, and determining a distance between the first point and the second point based upon a phase evaluation of periodic binary sequence and harmonic modulation signal of both the transmitted light signal and the received light signal.

Abstract: A method for evaluating distance from a first point to a second point. The method includes the steps of generating a periodic binary sequence, generating a harmonic modulation signal, generating a modulated light signal at a range finding device, wherein the modulated light signal is generated based upon the periodic binary sequence and the harmonic modulation signal, transmitting the modulated light signal from the first point toward an object at the second point, receiving a reflected light signal from the object, and determining a distance between the first point and the second point based upon a phase evaluation of periodic binary sequence and harmonic modulation signal of both the transmitted light signal and the received light signal.

Abstract: A scanner for scanning three-dimensional objects, wherein the distance between the scanner and the object for each measured location is derived by determining the phase difference between a generated light beam, and light received off of the object being scanned. The phase difference is determined by mixing the modulation signal for the generated light with a second modulation signal, and also mixing the received light signal with the second modulation signal. Additionally, an approximation of the amplitude of the mixed received light signal and the second modulation signal is used in conjunction with the received light signal to generate a correction for delay inherent in a photoreceiver used in the scanner. The approximation and raw receiver signal may also be used to obtain texture information from a surface being scanned. The distance between two points may also determined by the apparatus and method of this invention.