Abstract: An electric distance meter is downsized by using a condensing optical member having a small outer diameter (effective diameter) as a condensing optical member in a light-receiving optical system, reducing a focal length of the condensing optical member without reducing a spread angle to a light-receiving optical fiber and reducing a diameter of the light-receiving optical fiber. An optical distance meter emits outgoing light from a light source to an object, and receives reflection light R from the object by a light receiver, so as to perform distance measurement. The optical distance meter includes an emitting optical system which irradiates the object by the emission light via an objective lens and a light-receiving optical system which guides the reflection light via the objective lens to the light receiver, and a cone prism which changes a cross-section shape of a light beam without generating a transmission deflection angle is provided.

Abstract: Determination of a sensor device location in a sensor network is described. A system can include rotating optical beams having a known location. Detectors can be located with each of the rotating optical beams. The system can include a sensor device placeable as part of the sensor network. A reflector can be near the sensor device and can reflect at least two optical beams back to the detectors associated with each of the respective optical beams. A triangulation module can triangulate a position of the reflector, and thus the sensor, based on the reflected optical beams.

Abstract: Coordinate measurement device configured to send a first beam of light to a target includes first and second light sources configured to emit first and second lights having differing first and second wavelengths; fiber-optic coupler that includes three ports, a first port configured to accept a first portion of the first light, a second port configured to accept a second portion of the second light, a third port configured to transmit a third light which includes a portion of the first and second portions; first and second angle measuring devices configured to measure first and second angles of rotation; distance meter configured to measure a first distance from the device to the target based at least in part on a third portion of the second beam received by an optical detector; and a processor configured to provide 3D coordinates of the target.

Abstract: A measuring device for optically measuring a distance to a target object includes an emitter device for emitting an optical measuring beam to the target object, a capturing device including a detection surface for detecting an optical beam returned by the target object, and an evaluation device. The detection surface has a plurality of pixels, each pixel having at least one SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) and each of the plurality of pixels is connected to the evaluation device. The emitting device and the capturing device are configured in such a manner that the optical measurement beam returned by the target object simultaneously illuminates a plurality of pixels. The evaluation device is configured in order to determine the distance between the measuring device and the target object based on the evaluation of detection signals of several pixels.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance to a target point located approximately at ground level includes aiming a measurement device at the target point, determining a tilt of the measurement device using tilt sensors, and determining a height of the measurement device above the ground. A position of the target point may be determined using the tilt and height of the measurement device, a position of the measurement device, and a bearing to the target point.

Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional coordinates of a probe center includes: providing a spherically mounted retroreflector; providing a probe assembly; providing an orientation sensor; providing a coordinate measurement device; placing the spherically mounted retroreflector on the probe head; directing the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the spherically mounted retroreflector; measuring the first distance; measuring the first angle of rotation; measuring the second angle of rotation; measuring the three orientational degrees of freedom based at least in part on information provided by the orientation sensor; calculating the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center based at least in part on the first distance, the first angle of rotation, the second angle of rotation, and the three orientational degrees of freedom; and storing the three-dimensional coordinates of the probe center.

Abstract: An optical ranging device has a light emitting element, a light receiving element, a light emitting lens, and a light receiving lens. Provided between the light receiving lens and the light receiving element are a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface for changing a direction of an optical axis of a light beam condensed by the light receiving lens and guiding the light beam to the light receiving element. A single medium exists between the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) for the detection and distance determination of objects in a monitored area (18) transmits a transmission light beam (14), generates a reception signal from remitted transmission light (20), and determines an object distance from a light time of flight. A reception path between light receiver (24) and evaluation unit (30) is divided into a first and a second partial reception path (46, 48, 50, 52) at a splitter element (44) comprising filtering properties to pass higher frequency parts of the reception signal on to the first partial reception path (46, 48) and lower frequency parts on to the second partial reception path (50, 52). An object's distance is determined from the first and an opacity from the second partial reception signal.

Abstract: In a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, where the device is a laser scanner having a light emitter which, by a rotary mirror, emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam, which, after passing the rotary mirror and a receiver lens which has an optical axis, is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner. The laser scanner also includes a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines the distance to the object. Also, a rear mirror is provided on the optical axis behind the receiver lens, where the rear mirror reflects towards the receiver lens the reception light beam which is refracted by the receiver lens.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using spectrally separated light pulses to collect more LIDAR information are presented. In one embodiment, a monochromatic pulse is transmitted to collect range information and a white pulse is transmitted a short time afterwards to collect spectral responsivity information or color of the target. In another embodiment, the white light pulse is used to collect both range and spectral responsivity information of the target. In another embodiment, the spectral separated laser is spatially spread in order to collect range information over more than one point at a time.

Abstract: In the method for geo-referencing of optical remote sensing images of an area of the earth's surface, the geo-referencing is corrected based on an SAR image which is geo-referenced.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that provide a high-speed synchronized interface for command and control between the sensor and the laser of countermeasure systems. The techniques may be implemented, for example, in a countermeasure system configured for operation with a laser and sensor, wherein the system includes an interface with laser and sensor command control words synchronized with a master clock having an embedded System Heart Beat defining a Master Frame period, a command and control protocol for the laser and the sensor within the Master Frame period; and a T0 sensor to measure the time a laser pulse leaves the system, wherein the sensor uses the measured time as reference to set frame start and timing measurements. The system may support both active ranging and passive tracking (e.g., Master Frame period may include both passive and active sub-frames). The active ranging may include both coarse and fine resolution ranging.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the modulating frequency and the intensity of the IR illumination of a Time of Flight measurement system proportionally to the speed of movement and the ambient light level of the TOF system, thus adjusting the range of vision of the system dependent on speed. In an alternate embodiment the modulating frequency of a TOF measurement system is periodically adjusted to cover a larger range of vision of the TOF.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining, from a first periodic signal, a second signal of same period, including the steps of: generating a third signal exhibiting detectable events; and synchronizing the second signal for each event.

Abstract: An object sensing device has a radiation part that radiates an exploring wave forward, a sensing part having a first sensing element and a second sensing element, wherein the first sensing element and the second sensing element sense a reflected wave of the exploring wave radiated by the radiation part; and a determination part. The determination part determines a rainfall state ahead based on an intensity of the reflected wave sensed by the first sensing element. The determination part determines existence or non-existence of an object positioned forward based on an intensity of the reflected wave sensed by the second sensing element. A visual-field restricting member is disposed in front of the first sensing element. The visual-field restricting member causes a visual field, in which the first sensing element senses the reflected wave, to differ from a visual field, in which the second sensing element senses the reflected wave.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for proximity sensor distance detection ambiguity removal.

Abstract: A method of categorizing the reliability of measurement data in a chromatic range sensor (e.g., an optical pen) which uses chromatically dispersed light to measure the distance to a surface. In one embodiment, the system performs a number of predetermined reliability checks which determine the reliability categories for the sets of measurement data. The reliability categories may be stored as metadata with the respective workpiece height measurements that are determined from the associated measurement data. The reliability categories may be reported to the user (e.g., as graphical reliability category indicators that accompany a graphical display of the measurement data). With these reliability categories, the user may make informed decisions regarding the measurement data (e.g., deciding to filter out data that is associated with certain reliability categories, making adjustments to the setup to achieve improved measurements, etc.).

Abstract: A method and system for 3D surface mapping system using a plurality of image sensors, each image sensor associated with an optical flow processor, each image sensor sharing a substantially coaxial optical path from the scene to a beam splitter and having substantially non-coaxial optical paths between the beam splitter and the image sensor such that the optical magnification of each optical path varies differently with the distance between the system and the surface of interest. The ratio of detected optical flows combined with the parameters of the two optical paths and the baseline between the image sensors is used to compute the Z-distance from the optical center of the image sensors to the surface.

Abstract: A laser rangefinder includes a scanning laser emitter emitting a narrow laser beam, a controller in communication with the scanning laser emitter and configured to control the scanning laser emitter to emit the laser beam to scan a preset range in a preset manner, a laser detector positioned adjacent to the scanning laser emitter and configured to capture an image of a spot formed by the laser beam reflected off an object; and a processor in communication with the controller and the laser detector. The processor is configured to obtain an angle that the laser beam is tilted and process the image to obtain position coordinates of the spot in the image. The processor is further configured to calculate a distance from the laser rangefinder to the object based upon the angle and the position coordinates of the spot.

Abstract: A technique includes using at least one emitter to generate a first optical signal to propagate along a first optical path to interact with a target, to generate a second optical signal and generate a third optical signal to propagate along a second optical path other than the first optical path to generate a fourth optical signal. The technique includes using at least one receiver to acquire a first measurement of the second optical signal and acquire a second measurement of the fourth optical signal. The technique includes generating an indication of a parameter that is associated with a target, which includes scaling a ratio of the first and second measurements based at least in part on optical communication between the emitter(s) and the receiver(s) that does not involve interaction with the target.

Abstract: A handheld measuring device for optical distance measurement includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, an evaluation device, and a homogenizing device. The transmitting device is configured to transmit periodically modulated optical measurement radiation toward a target object. The receiving device is configured to detect optical measurement radiation returning from the target object. The evaluation device is configured to receive and evaluate detection signals of the receiving device. The evaluation device comprises a plurality of accumulation devices configured to accumulate detection signals. The evaluation device conducts detection signals during a sampling time window from a plurality of sampling time windows temporally schematically changeably to an assigned accumulation device from the plurality of accumulation devices, such that the accumulation device accumulates the detection signals during the sampling time window.

Abstract: Highly accurate electro-optical time of flight distance measuring device for determining a distance to a target, including a transmitter for sending out a pulse shaped optical radiation to the target as well as a receiver for an optical signal built for turning the optical signal to an electrical signal, and a filter with a transfer function for filtering the electrical signal whereby the filter is built in such a way that its transfer-function is of at least 4th order, in particular 5th or 7th or higher order, so that aliasing is suppressed. Further a waveform-sampler, as an analog-to-digital-converter, for digitalizing the pulse shape from the filtered electrical signal as time- and value-quantized digital data, and a computation means for a numerical evaluation of the distance according to the pulse shape or a pulse shape representing numerical signature from the digital data.

Abstract: A laser distance measuring device comprising a transmitter channel (1), a receiver channel (2) and a dimensionally stable multilayer base printed circuit board (3), with the transmitter channel (1) and the receiver channel (2) being mounted and symmetrically disposed one on each side of the base printed circuit board (3), with the base printed circuit board (3) serving as a mechanical foundation, as an optical and electrical shield, as a carrier of electrical and optical connections and, optionally, as a heat conductor.

Abstract: A coordinate measurement device sends a first light beam to a target which returns a portion as a second beam. The device includes: first and second motors that direct the first beam to a first direction determined by a first angle of rotation about a first axis and a second angle of rotation about a second axis, the first and second angles of rotation produced by the first and second motors, respectively; first and second angle measuring devices that measure first and second angles of rotation, respectively; a distance meter that measures a first distance from the device to the target based in part on a first portion of the second beam; a processor that provides a 3D coordinate of the target based in part on the first distance and the first and second angles of rotation; and a retractable handle at the device top side.

Abstract: A scanning beam laser range finder and a method are provided for detecting an intrusion into a protected area by enhancing the capability of detecting an intruded attempting to blend with the area background. The laser range finder and method include an Emitter/Receiver configured to emit laser pulses towards each point out of the plurality of points and to receive therefrom reflected laser pulses. Further included is a processor coupled to the Emitter/Receiver and configured to derive an initial distance separating the laser range finder away from each point, the initial distance having an initial measurement error. At least one amplitude comparator is coupled to the Emitter/Receiver and to the processor, which is configured to derive a corrected distance to each point, the corrected distance having a corrected measurement error smaller than the initial measurement error.

Abstract: A radar apparatus for detecting a distance to an object by receiving an electromagnetic wave reflected by the object is disclosed. The radar apparatus comprises a scan part and an electromagnetic wave emitter. The scan part includes a polarized light separation member configured to pass a preset first component of the electromagnetic wave and reflect a preset second component of the electromagnetic wave. The first and second components, respectively, are polarized lights having first and second polarization directions, which are perpendicular to each other. The scan part scans the second component of the electromagnetic wave in a predetermine scan angle range by rotating the polarized light separation member around a predetermined rotation axis. The electromagnetic wave emitter emits the electromagnetic wave toward the polarized light separation member of the scan part.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus including at least one analog and one digital circuit component and an analog/digital converter for converting analog signals of the analog circuit component into digital signals for the digital circuit component, and vice versa, wherein the analog circuit component and the digital circuit components include at least one module for electronically implementing a function, and wherein one of the modules of the analog circuit component is embodied as a sensor device for detecting optical radiation and one of the modules of the digital circuit component is embodied as a signal processing device for processing digital signals. In order to enable improved integration into application-based sensor devices, the circuit components including the analog/digital converter are integrated as an integrated circuit in a chip and the chip is manufactured as a semiconductor structure using 1-poly technology.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for estimating a location on an object in a three-dimensional scene. Multiple radiation patterns are produced by spatially modulating each of multiple first radiations with a distinct combination of one or more modulating structures, each first radiation having at least one of a distinct radiation path, a distinct source, a distinct source spectrum, or a distinct source polarization with respect to the other first radiations. The location on the object is illuminated with a portion of each of two or more of the radiation patterns, the location producing multiple object radiations, each object radiation produced in response to one of the multiple radiation patterns. Multiple measured values are produced by detecting the object radiations from the location on the object due to each pattern separately using one or more detector elements. The location on the object is estimated based on the multiple measured values.

Abstract: A LIDAR device may transmit light pulses originating from one or more light sources and may receive reflected light pulses that are then detected by one or more detectors. The LIDAR device may include a lens that both (i) collimates the light from the one or more light sources to provide collimated light for transmission into an environment of the LIDAR device and (ii) focuses the reflected light onto the one or more detectors. The lens may define a curved focal surface in a transmit path of the light from the one or more light sources and a curved focal surface in a receive path of the one or more detectors. The one or more light sources may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the transmit path. The one or more detectors may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the receive path.

Abstract: A geodetic target 1 for use in geodesy comprises an orienting device 10 with a bearing direction P, a first inclinometer 20 with a first axis of inclination 20A, a reflector 30 reflecting incident measurement beams S, an imaging optics 40 that focuses the incident measurement beams S, a matrix sensor 50, whose receiving surface 51 is situated in an image plane of the imaging optics 40, and an interface 60, which is connected to the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50. The spatial arrangement and orientation of the optical axis and/or axis of symmetry 30A of the reflector 30 relative to the bearing direction P of the orienting device 10 is predetermined here. The first axis of inclination 20A makes an angle ? other than zero with an optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40. The optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40 coincides with an optical axis 30A and/or axis of symmetry of the reflector 30 or is parallel to it or make an angle with it.

Abstract: Suspended or overhanging of obstructions are selectively signaled to an individual by a device that can worn by an individual. The device includes a first sensor that is oriented to selectively detect a suspended or overhanging obstruction at an elevation above the housing and a second distance sensor that is oriented to selectively detect an object at an elevation of the housing. A logic circuit within the housing is electrically connected to the first and second sensors and emits a response if the first sensor is activated, but emits no response if the first and second sensors are both activated. A signaling device electrically connected to the logic circuit is activated upon emission of a response from the logic circuit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with distance based position measurement are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to be positioned proximate a feature of interest. The apparatus includes a laser distance meter (LDM) configured to emit a laser beam and to determine first and second distances between the LDM and first and second targets. The first and second targets have known positions in three dimensions with respect to a reference plane from which the LDM is located. The apparatus also includes a trilateration unit configured to compute a two dimensional position of the LDM relative to the targets based, at least in part, on the first and second distances.

Abstract: An optical pen for use in a chromatic range sensor (CRS) may be used in a probe system for a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The optical pen includes a confocal optical path, an interchangeable optics element, an optical pen base member, and a repeatable fast exchange mount. The confocal optical path includes a confocal aperture and a chromatically dispersive optics portion. The interchangeable optics element includes the chromatically dispersive optics portion. The optical pen base member includes an external mounting surface for mounting to an external reference frame. The repeatable fast exchange mount includes a first mating half located on the base member and a second mating half located on the interchangeable optics element. The repeatable fast exchange mount is configured to allow the base member to receive and hold the interchangeable optics element in a fixed relationship relative to the base member and the external reference frame.

Abstract: An optical sensor for measuring at least one of a range, a position, and a profile of an object that is to be measured, the measured object emitting electromagnetic radiation due to the temperature of the object to be measured, and the sensor having a light source for illuminating the surface of the measured object and a detector for detecting the illuminating light reflected at the object to be measured, wherein with respect to the measurability even on the bodies that emit electromagnetic radiation, the light generated by the light source has a wavelength below the peak of the Planck radiation spectrum of the object that is to be measured. A corresponding method is specified.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for automatic target recognition. A hypothesis about a target's classification, position and orientation relative to a LADAR sensor that generates range image data of a scene including the target is simulated and a synthetic range image is generated. The range image and synthetic range image are then electronically processed to determine whether the hypothesized model and position and orientation are correct. If the score is sufficiently high then the hypothesis is declared correct, otherwise a new hypothesis is formed according to a search strategy.

Abstract: Method for determining wheel alignment of a vehicle, which vehicle comprises at least one wheel axle (12, 13, 14) having an axle end with at least one wheel member (2a-b, 3a-b, 4a-b) at a respective longitudinal side of the vehicle. The method comprises steps for determining the out of square of the wheel axle in relation to the longitudinal geometric centerline of the vehicle. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.

Abstract: A distance-measuring device for contactless measurement of a distance to an object, including a housing; a contactless measuring apparatus utilizing an optical measuring beam arranged in the housing and having a radiation unit, an optical unit with optical elements encompassing at least a transmitting and receiving lens system, an optical transmitting path with an optical axis for emitting a measuring beam onto the target object, an optical receiving path with an optical axis for receiving a measuring beam that is reflected and/or scattered by the target object. At least one optical element is movable relative to an initial position; a motion sensor detects a movement of the object, the optical element movable out of the initial position into a variable compensation position so that the transmitting path can be stabilized at a spatially fixed position.

Abstract: In a distance measuring system, photoelectrons are generated depending on light energy received in a light-receiving period predetermined for the emission timing of pulsed light emitted to a target object and are cumulatively stored, and a distance to the target object is determined according to a time-of-flight process. A solid-state image sensing device cumulatively stores therein photoelectrons generated depending on the light energy received in each of the first and second light-receiving periods. The first light-receiving period is part of a rise period of the reflected light intensity received by the image sensing device, and the second light-receiving period includes a peak of the reflected light intensity and a fall period thereof.

Abstract: A distance-measuring system includes a light source, a light detector, and measuring optics for projecting light emitted by the light source to a target and for guiding light reflected from said target towards the light detector. The distance-measuring system also includes reference optics for guiding light emitted by the light source within the system towards the light detector as internal reference light and a variable attenuator for adjusting intensity of light incident on the light detector. The variable attenuator includes an attenuating filter arranged in a beam path between the measuring optics and the light detector and an actuator coupled to the attenuating filter for moving the attenuating filter. The distance-measuring system further includes an optical selector coupled to at least one of the actuator or the attenuating filter and moved by the actuator together with the attenuating filter.

Abstract: A measurement device for the determination of the characteristics of the object's surface by means of the optical radiation, wherein a measurement device comprises an optical radiation source and a detector to receive the radiation reflected from the surface being measured. In addition, a measurement device comprises an emitted optical radiation processing unit, which is adjusted to split optical radiation emitted by an optical source into separate wavelengths and to direct said separate wavelengths to the object being measured in a direction, that differs from the normal of the surface being measured so, that at least the shortest and the longest wavelengths of said wavelengths are focused on different halves and different heights of the measured object's surface, in the direction of the normal of the surface being measured.

Abstract: This invention is related to a light measuring apparatus and a method of using the device. It is used to measure various photometric quantities of the light emanating from a distant source of light.

Abstract: A multifunctional detector for emitting and receiving optical signals in order to determine the presence, location, and range movement of a player within a field of regard is disclosed. The detector generally includes a laser module operable for emitting an optical signal; an optional fiber optical delay line; a microcontroller/processor; a faceted scanning mirror pattern having multiple facets with each facet being tilted downward to allow for unique depressions for reflecting and scattering optical signals emitted by the laser module; a spinner/motor for driving and rotating the faceted mirror pattern; an optional combiner for separating emitted optical signals from the laser module or combining reflected optical signals from an reflective source; and a transceiver with an integrated APD receiver for receiving reflected optical signals combined from the combiner and transmitting reflected optical signal data to a central controller or other players. A method of using the detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a distance measuring apparatus that can measure a distance with accuracy even when a light receiving level of a reflected light becomes saturated. A light emitting section of the distance measuring apparatus emits a measuring light toward an object to be measured. A light receiving section receives the reflected light being reflected from the object to be measured. A distance calculating section obtains a distance to the object to be measured based on an elapsed time which is from a point the measuring light is emitted until a point a light receiving level of the reflected light indicates a peak thereof. A distance correcting section corrects a value of the distance to the object to be measured depending on a length of saturation time of the light receiving level when the light receiving level becomes saturated and the peak is impossible to identify.

Abstract: A LIDAR optical remote sensing system and method analyzes the falling edge profile of a return LIDAR signal that may be indicative of an object or an aerosol cloud, which is generally more diffuse. Using the falling edge profile permits burnthrough to an object that may be obscured by the aerosol cloud. The profile is compared against at least one threshold that may correspond, in various embodiments, to a negative slope of the falling edge, an integrated power under the falling edge, or a range estimate error for varying transmitted power values, varying transmitted pulse lengths and/or varying receiver detector field of view values.

Abstract: A measuring device for optically measuring a distance to a target object including an emitter device for emitting an optical measuring beam to the target object, a capturing device comprising a detection surface for detecting an optical beam returned by the target object, and an evaluation device. The detection surface has a plurality of pixels, each pixel having at least one light-sensitive element and each of the plurality of pixels is connected to the evaluation device. The emitting device and the capturing device are configured in such a manner that the optical measurement beam returned by the target object simultaneously illuminates a plurality of pixels. The evaluation device is configured in such a manner that detection signals of a plurality of pixels are guided to at least one of the plurality of distance determining devices.

Abstract: The apparatus for sensing a distance from an object includes an emitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver. The emitter emits a light along an emitting direction toward the object. The first receiver is disposed on a side of the emitter and has a first light incident surface, wherein the first receiver receives the light reflected from the object to generate a first signal. The second receiver is disposed between the emitter and the first receiver and has a second light incident surface, wherein the second receiver receives the light reflected from the object to generate a second signal. The first receiver has a first signal-to-distance curve with a first peak, the second receiver has a second signal-to-distance curve with a second peak, and a distance corresponding to the first peak is larger than a distance corresponding to the second peak.

Abstract: An optical beam scanner includes a light source, an optical scanner configured to scan a light beam irradiated from the light source, and an input optical system configured to direct the light beam irradiated from the light source to the optical scanner, wherein the optical scanner includes a rotating mirror configured to rotate around a rotational axis and reflect the light beam irradiated from the light source; the rotating mirror is rotated around the rotational axis so that the light beam is irradiated on differing positions of a mirror surface of the rotating mirror; and the mirror surface of the rotating mirror has a mirror surface inclining angle with respect to a direction parallel to the rotational axis that is arranged to gradually increase from a first side to a second side of the rotating mirror in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A pair of first gate electrodes IGR, IGL are provided on a semiconductor substrate 100 so that potentials ?TX1, ?TX2 between a light-sensitive area SA and a pair of first accumulation regions AR, AL alternately ramp. A pair of second gate electrodes IGR, IGL are provided on the semiconductor substrate 100 so as to control the height of first potential barriers ?BG each interposed between the first accumulation region AR, AL and a second accumulation region FDR, FDL, and increase the height of the first potential barrier ?BG to carriers as a higher output of a background light is detected by a photodetector.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes representing a range of Doppler frequency offsets as a local oscillator waveform comprising a plurality of digital waveform samples, selecting a portion of the plurality of digital waveform samples using a Doppler value to form an optical heterodyne; and generating a signal associated with a target within a bandwidth of a receiver using the optical heterodyne.