Abstract: An optical range finder for determining the distance comprises a focusing optical member that focuses emitted electromagnetic radiation upon a micro-mirror array. A processor controls the micro-mirror array to direct the focused electromagnetic radiation into a defined radiation pattern consistent with a lower resolution scan over a greater area and a higher resolution scan over a lesser area of interest within the greater area. A transmission optical member focuses the defined radiation pattern toward an object. A reception optical member receives electromagnetic radiation reflected from the object. A detector detects the receipt of the reflected electromagnetic radiation. A timer determines an elapsed time, between transmission of the electromagnetic radiation to the object and receipt of the electromagnetic radiation from the object, to facilitate determination of the distance between the object and the range finder.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object uses a composite evidence grid based on dual frequency sensing. A source transmits a laser transmission in a first zone. A detector receives a reflection of the laser transmission from an object in the first zone to determine laser observed data associated with points on the object. A transmitter transmits a radar transmission in a second zone that overlaps with the first zone. A receiver receives a reflection of the radar transmission from an object in the second zone to determine radar observed data associated with points on the object. The laser observed data is processed to form a laser occupancy grid for the first zone and the radar observed data is processed to form a radar occupancy grid for the second zone. An evaluator evaluates the radar occupancy grid and the laser occupancy grid to produce a composite evidence grid for at least an overlapping region defined by the first zone and the second zone.

Abstract: An optical range finder for determining the distance comprises a focusing optical member that focuses emitted electromagnetic radiation upon a micro-mirror array. A processor controls the micro-mirror array to direct the focused electromagnetic radiation into a defined radiation pattern consistent with a lower resolution scan over a greater area and a higher resolution scan over a lesser area of interest within the greater area. A transmission optical member focuses the defined radiation pattern toward an object. A reception optical member receives electromagnetic radiation reflected from the object. A detector detects the receipt of the reflected electromagnetic radiation. A timer determines an elapsed time, between transmission of the electromagnetic radiation to the object and receipt of the electromagnetic radiation from the object, to facilitate determination of the distance between the object and the range finder.