Abstract: An optical system is provided which combines range-finding (distance measurement), sighting (target acquisition) and scanning capabilities. This single beam system uses a polarization selector and a retardation plate to take advantage of the polarization properties of light from a transmit source and of light reflected to a receiver. The system further includes scanning optics for moving the optical beam of light in relation to object in order gather information from the object. Methods for using the system are also provided.
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining location information corresponding to a volume in space (VIS) that is occupied by a selected target from a remote observation platform through the process of collecting an identification signal from a source at or near the selected target and associating VIS location information data with that signal to identify location information corresponding to the VIS occupied by the target.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 14, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 16, 2002
Assignee:
VantagePort, Inc.
Inventors:
Philip E. Chumbley, Suzanne Kennedy Rajchel, Michael Gerard Ressl
Abstract: An optical system for measuring distance and for range-finding is provided. This single beam system uses a polarization selector and a retardation plate to take advantage of the polarization properties of light from a transmit source and of light reflected to a receiver. Another embodiment of the system uses the properties of certain types of transmit sources to further reduce the dimensions of the system. Methods for using the system are also provided.