Abstract: A multi-wavelength LIDAR system includes a first laser source that generates a first optical beam having a first wavelength and a second laser source that generates a second optical beam having a second wavelength. An optical element projects the first optical beam to form a first beam profile at a target plane and projects the second optical beam to form a second beam profile at the target plane. An optical receiver generates a first wavelength signal corresponding to the received reflected portion of the first beam profile and generates a second wavelength signal corresponding to the reflected portion of the second beam profile at the target plane. A controller generates a measurement point cloud from the first and second wavelength signals, wherein an angular resolution of the measurement point cloud depends on a relative position of the first and second beam profiles at the target plane.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a LIDAR system that includes a waveguide array, a collimator configured to receive a plurality of beams from the waveguide array and output a plurality of collimated beams, and a scanner configured to adjust a direction of the plurality of collimated beams. The vehicle also includes one or more processors configured to determine a range to an object based on a return signal received from reflection or scattering of the plurality of collimated beams by the object and to control operation of at least one of a steering system or the braking system based on the range.

Abstract: Airborne LiDAR bathymetry systems and methods of use are provided. The airborne LiDAR bathymetry system can collect topographic data and bathymetric data at high altitudes. The airborne LiDAR bathymetry system has a receiver system, a detector system, and a laser transmission system.

Abstract: A modular host system may include one or more processors and a host unit installed in a support structure of a building. The host unit can be configured to receive and house an accessory (e.g., modular accessory) and electrically couple to an electrical source. The host unit can include a power gating module configured to couple electrical power from the electrical source to the accessory, and a communication module configured to communicate with one or more additional host units installed in the building. The one or more processors may be configured to determine a distance between the host unit and each of the one or more additional host units based on the communication with the one or more additional host units, and determine a floor plan of the building based at least on a distance from the host unit to each the one or more additional host units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for light beam scanning in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes a beam shaping subsystem configured to generate an illumination pattern elongated in a first direction, and a scanning subsystem configured to direct the elongated illumination pattern towards a plurality of positions along a second direction different from the first direction. The LIDAR system further includes a sensor configured to generate a detection signal in response to detecting light reflected by a target object illuminated by the elongated illumination pattern, and a processor configured to determine a characteristic of the target object based on the detection signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring three-dimensional LiDAR information of a scene are disclosed. According to one aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting N pulses in a sequence with each successive pulse having a relative time shift to the sampling reference, thus producing a reconstructed sampled signal with an effective sampling rate of N times the sampling reference. According to another aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting two or more frequencies, the differences of each pair of differing frequencies being designated as ?f, and sampling the return information with the use of a sampling reference. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled information to determine the reference times at which the ?f signals occur and the signal intensity of the ?f signals at each time.

Abstract: A system for the surveillance of terrain and the detection of intrusions over a plane extending into that terrain. A curtain array of light beams is projected along the plane and reflections from the terrain are detected by a sensor array essentially spatially coincident with the array of light sources. The times of flight of the beams are determined, and these characterize the form of the terrain being surveilled. The initial background reflection pattern is acquired and stored by the system. A sudden change in this detected background pattern can be defined as arising from an unexpected reflection, indicative of an intrusion. Signal processing systems are described utilizing modulated laser beams and detection at a frequency at least twice that of the modulation, such that reflected signals arising from the ON and the OFF periods of the laser modulation can be subtracted to eliminate the background signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of generating a structured light speckle encoded pattern, comprising: fabricating an initial speckle pattern with evenly distributed speckle particles; screening positions that all speckle particles can be disturbed to in the initial speckle pattern according to a speckle particle isolation principle; performing random disturbance to each speckle particle in the initial speckle pattern according to a generated random array and the screened positions that can be disturbed to; performing window uniqueness analysis to the disturbed speckle encoded pattern to determine whether the disturbed speckle encoded pattern meets requirements of a window uniqueness distribution. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for generating a structured light speckle encoded pattern.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that performs control according to an azimuth detected during photographing, such that a user can enjoy excellent viewing of the synthesized image. A digital camera includes a main camera for obtaining a first image, and an in-camera for obtaining a second image when the first image is obtained. An azimuth sensor and a system controller generate first azimuth information by detecting a photographing direction of the main camera, and generate second azimuth information by detecting a photographing direction of the in-camera. The system controller records the first azimuth information in association with the first image, and the second azimuth information in association with the second image, in a recording medium.

Abstract: Target point recognition method including emitting electromagnetic radiation to illuminate targets, moving the scanning beam within a predetermined angular range in order to scan the surveying environment, detecting reflections of the electromagnetic radiation on the targets, wherein the targets are defining the target points, and determining the angle to the target points. The method further including a capturing procedure with capturing an overall image of the surveying environment, wherein the overall image comprises at least one single image taken by the camera, and determining target points and their angle on the overall image by image processing by matching targets with one or more predetermined search criteria, storing the target points together with their angle a data base, and displaying the overall image together with marks for indicating a position of the target points detected within the scanning procedure and the capturing procedure in the overall image.

Abstract: In the conventional contaminant particle/defect inspection method, if the illuminance of the illumination beam is held at not more than a predetermined upper limit value not to give thermal damage to the sample, the detection sensitivity and the inspection speed being in the tradeoff relation with each other, it is very difficult to improve one of the detection sensitivity and the inspection speed without sacrificing the other or improve both at the same time. The invention provides an improved optical inspection method and an improved optical inspection apparatus, in which a pulse laser is used as a light source, and a laser beam flux is split into a plurality of laser beam fluxes which are given different time delay to form a plurality of illumination spots. The scattered light signal from each illumination spot is isolated and detected by using a light emission start timing signal for each illumination spot.

Abstract: An Integrated Laser Field Conjugation System (ILFCS) for end-to-end compensation of high-energy laser for propagation through turbulence with non-cooperative target. ILFCS using interferometric slaving technique and stand-alone adaptive optical systems to effect pre-compensation of amplitude and phase aberrations in turbulent medium, providing pre-compensation for aberrations in a laser amplifier. Performing compensation functions in low-power beam paths, increasing capability, reducing cost, reducing size compensation components for phase correction devices. Pre-compensating low-power master oscillator beam for aberrations in both high-power amplifier and turbulent propagation path-to-target with configuration enabling wavefront sensing of aberrations. Can be configured to perform phase compensation, or compensation of phase/amplitude aberrations. Capability to compensate aberrations in master oscillator beam.

Abstract: A position reference sensor for a marine vessel comprises an optical assembly including a pulsed laser device for emitting laser light, a lens arrangement comprising a lenticular lens for producing a vertically fanned beam (18) of the laser light emitted by the pulsed laser device and a photodiode (32) comprising a plurality of photodetectors Rx, Ry, Rz for detecting laser light (28) that has been emitted by the pulsed laser device and reflected by a retro-reflective target (22) towards the photodiode (32). The level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector is individually detectable and the position reference sensor further comprises an actuator for varying the inclination of the optical assembly. The actuator is automatically controllable based on the level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector Rx, Ry, Rz.

Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geographical data collecting device, which comprises a distance measuring unit 5 for projecting a distance measuring light and for measuring a distance to an object to be measured, an image pickup unit 3 for taking an image in a measuring direction, a display unit 6 for displaying an image picked up, a touch panel installed to match a position of screen of the display unit, a tilt sensor 11 for detecting a tilting, an azimuth sensor 12 for detecting a horizontal angle in the measuring direction, and a control arithmetic unit 8, wherein the image pickup unit takes an image of a measurement range, acquires a reference image, is directed to a selected measuring point in the reference image, and acquires a measured image with the measuring point as a center, and wherein said control arithmetic unit calculates the measuring point in the reference image through an image matching of the reference image and the measured image and displays a measuring point on at least one of the refer

Abstract: Provided is a method for measuring the heights of components based on laser ranging, including the following steps of: 1) a laser ranger uniformly moving along a test route and measuring the distance from each test point to the laser ranger; 2) the laser ranger transmitting the measurement result and the measurement time to a storage unit; 3) the storage unit sending the received measurement result and the received measurement time to an analysis unit; and 4) according to the data sent by the storage unit and referring to the test route and the position of each test point, the analysis unit calculating the height of each test point and outputting it. The method of the present invention omits the time of determining the position of each point and the start-stop time of the laser ranger at each test point so that saving the large amount of the measurement time.

Abstract: A distance measuring device is provided. The distance measuring device includes: a distance sensing unit, for sensing a distance value of a target object; a drive unit, for driving the distance sensing unit to rotate according to a rotation angle; and a compensation unit, for providing a compensation value according to the rotation angle and obtaining an actual distance according to the compensation value and the distance value.

Abstract: A range finder 100 includes a transmission optical system 20 that transmits signal light toward a target object, a detection optical system 30 that has a different optical axis from that of the transmission optical system and detects the signal light reflected from the target object, and a photodetector 12 that is disposed on an imaging surface of the detection optical system. A distance to the target object is measured on the basis of a time difference between a transmission time and a detection time of the signal light. The detection optical system 30 includes a variable focal length optical system 14 that makes the focal length of the detection optical system variable, thereby providing a range finder capable of measuring a distance to a target object that locates from further away to nearer by using a photodetector having the same size.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which, when projecting a video onto a curved surface of an object for display, can realize an undistorted display of the video. The measuring means outputs the distance information representing the distance to the object. Based on the distance information produced by the measuring means, the curved surface contour is detected with high precision. According to at least the detected curved surface contour distortions, pixels of the display image are unevenly rearranged to correct the video information before it is output. This arrangement realizes an undistorted display of video when the video is projected onto the curved surface of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical-electronic distance measuring method according to the phase measurement principle by emitting of optical measuring radiation, which is modulated according to the burst modulation principle, having a burst period duration made of an active burst time and a dead time, receiving at least a part of the measuring radiation (23), which is reflected on the measured object, wherein transforming into an input measuring signal (ES) is performed, and determining a distance to the measured object by analyzing a measuring signal (MS, gMS) generated from the input measuring signal (ES).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a three dimensional imaging system includes a portable housing configured to be carried by a user, microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) projector supported by the housing sensor supported by the housing and configured to detect signals emitted by the MEMS projector, a memory including program instructions for generating an encoded signal with the MEMS projector, emitting the encoded signal, detecting the emitted signal after the emitted signal is reflected by a body, associating the detected signal with the emitted signal, comparing the detected signal with the associated emitted signal, determining an x-axis dimension, a y-axis dimension, and a z-axis dimension of the body based upon the comparison, and storing the determined x-axis dimension, y-axis dimension, and z-axis dimension of the body, and a processor operably connected to the memory, to the sensor, and to the MEMS projector for executing the program instructions.

Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.

Abstract: The invention is based on a distance-measuring device having a transmission unit (20) for generating a transmission signal (42) having at least one measurement frequency (f1, f2) which is desired for detecting distance information. It is proposed that the transmission unit (20) comprises a means (60) for generating an evaluation signal (62) having an evaluation frequency (fA) which is desired for evaluating the distance information.

Abstract: An optical-member driving apparatus for laser radar, comprising: an optical-member integrated portion including an optical member and an optical-member mounted portion having the optical member mounted thereon; first erection members supporting the optical-member integrated portion; a relay portion to which the first erection members is connected; second erection members supporting the relay portion; and a fixed portion to which the second erection members are connected.

Abstract: A system is disclosed, which comprises a rotatable mirror 2, a camera 3 for taking an image of a screen 5 through the mirror 2, a photodetector 4 having a detection range covering a part of the screen 5, and a control section 6. At a time when a measuring pattern included in a moving image displayed on the screen 5 is detected by the photodetector 4, a detection signal is outputted from the photodetector 4. Based on the detection signal, the control section triggers the mirror 2 to rotate, and after the mirror 2 starts rotating, the control section 6 controls so that the mirror 2 rotates to follow the motion of the measuring pattern. It is possible to obtain images that trace the motion of the moving image on a detector plane of the camera 3 without resorting to electrical synchronization of the rotation of the mirror and moving image signals, and to measure the moving image quality of displays with a simple structure.

Abstract: Spatial encoding of a search space is achieved by an array of radiation or acoustic energy detectors receiving data from at least one radiation or energy source. At least one radiation source capable of providing a predetermined type of radiation is used. The radiation may be in the form of a plurality of beams arrayed along at least one directional axis, and arranged in successive alignment to exhibit a directional component. The directional component is characterized by a frequency variance between successive beams in accordance with direction and disposed so radiation therefrom propagates within the search space. At least one radiation detector capable of detecting the radiation is provided, and is disposed to detect at least that type of radiation.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for use in a scanning optical system comprises a laser transmitter to produce a transmitter beam. This transmitter beam is deviated by a beam scanner, e.g. a tiltable mirror, to produce a pattern of a scanning beam. There are bearings which define first and second axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and intersecting each other in an intersecting point for allowing the beam scanner to scan. In front of the beam scanner is a window of transparent material in the shape of a spherical cap so as to define a central axis and a central point. The central axis intersects the intersecting point of the two other axes, and this common intersecting point coincides preferably with the central point of the sphere of the window.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arm-worn rangefinder device includes a rangefinder body and a switch. The rangefinder body is shaped for coupling to a user's arm and has an electronic rangefinder circuit operable to emit an energy beam directed at a selected target, to receive a reflected beam from the target, and to calculate the target's approximate range based on properties of the reflected beam and indicate the calculated approximate range to the user. The switch is coupled to the rangefinder body, and the user can use the switch to selectively actuate the rangefinder circuit.

Abstract: A range finder adapted to be mounted to a scope. The range finder includes a main housing, range finding circuit received in the main housing and a mounting mechanism adapted to mount the main housing to a scope.

Abstract: A handheld device is adapted to perform non-contact measurements to determine distances, angles, arc lengths and radii between select points on physical structures. The device is assembled and contained within a handheld, portable housing and includes various control and input keys, a visual display and three laser components. Each laser component includes a laser emitter including a laser emitter diode with an associated emitter lens. The laser emitters of the three laser components are set at fixed, predetermined angles relative to one another at the front end of the housing. Each laser component also includes a laser receiver with an associated detector lens correspondingly positioned in alignment with the emitter lens. The laser components are adapted to emit and receive light signals to collect image data representative of a straight line distance between a predetermined set point within the device and a point on the surface of the measured structure.

Abstract: A system for detecting an object of interest in a search space, comprising a radiation signal generator capable of generating a spatially-encoded radiation signal in the search space. The spatially-encoded radiation signal comprises a series of n beams, each having a unique characteristic, radially extending from the radiation signal generator, where n is a positive integer greater than one. The system also comprises a radiation signal collector disposed to detect and transform a reflected radiation signal reflected from the object of interest into a first data signal. The system also comprises a processor capable of transforming the first data signal into positional and vectoral data of the object of interest.

Abstract: A distance measurement device that provides high speed and accuracy. A light divider separates pulsed light emitted from an ultrashort pulse fiber laser into reference light A and signal light. A scanning mirror unit irradiates an object with the signal light and receives scattered light B, which is reflected from the object. An optical path length adjustment unit adjusts an optical path length of the reference light A. A differential detector detects the degree of interference of the reference light A having the adjusted optical path length with the scattered light B and outputs the detected degree of interference as an interference signal. A computer specifies an adjustment value, set in the optical path length adjustment unit, to attain a specific optical path length maximizing the interference signal and uses the specified adjustment value to compute the distance from the scanning mirror unit to the object.

Abstract: Performance of pixel detectors in a TOF imaging system is dynamically adjusted to improve dynamic range to maximize the number of pixel detectors that output valid data. The invention traverses the system-acquired z depth, the brightness, and the active brightness images, and assigns each pixel a quantized value. Quantization values encompass pixels receiving too little light, normal light, to too much light. Pixels are grouped into quantized category groups, whose populations are represented by a histogram. If the number of pixels in the normal category exceeds a threshold, no immediate corrective action is taken. If the number of pixel receiving too little (or too much) light exceeds those receiving too much (or too little) light, the invention commands at least one system parameter change to increase (or decrease) light reaching the pixels. Controllable TOF system parameters can include exposure time, common mode resets, video gain, among others.

Abstract: A laser riflescope includes a laser emitter, a laser receiver, an objective lens group (11) for collecting the visible light from the target to be measured, an eyepiece group (14) adapted for observation by the user of the distance information of the target and defining an optical axis with the objective lens group, a prism group (12) disposed between the objective lens group and the eyepiece group for light beam transmission, and a display element (13) for displaying the distance information of the target. The display element is an OLED having high transmittance to enhance the display brightness of the laser riflescope.

Abstract: A device for measuring the distances (d) to far-off objects (8) and close objects by emitting modulated laser beams (1) that are reflected on the objects. The device includes an objective (2), structure(s) (12, 36, 38, 39, 40) for selecting beams, and a receiver (7). Beams are bundled by the objective, the beams not only containing the laser beams (3) reflected on the objects but also background beams (28). The beams in an associated cross-sectional region (34, 37) of the bundle are selected from a bundle of beams by the selection structure(s) (12, 36, 38, 39, 40). The cross-sectional region includes a first section (5) and at least one second section (6), laser beams (3) reflected by a far-off object being associated with the first section (5), and laser beams (3) reflected by a close object (8) being associated with the at least second section (6).

Abstract: A high precision, high performance optical system and beam pathway design for laser-based distance measuring, or range-finding, devices includes an etched, or etched and filled, aiming reticle in the image plane which does not require daytime use illumination, and only minimal auxiliary illumination during nighttime operation, thereby conserving available battery power. In a preferred embodiment, a low power consuming back-lit liquid crystal display provides high contrast distance or other operational information to a user superimposed upon a black-appearing field stop thereby further providing operational power savings.

Abstract: A platform such as a car has a processor receiving information representing the location of the platform and a location of a target. An emitter assembly controlled by the processor produces a visual display outside of and beyond the platform that an occupant of the platform can see. The display is transmitted along the target bearing.

Abstract: Embodiments of an arm-worn rangefinder device includes a rangefinder body and a switch. The rangefinder body is shaped for coupling to a user's arm and has an electronic rangefinder circuit operable to emit an energy beam directed at a selected target, to receive a reflected beam from the target, and to calculate the target's approximate range based on properties of the reflected beam and indicate the calculated approximate range to the user. The switch is coupled to the rangefinder body, and the user can use the switch to selectively actuate the rangefinder circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic display and control device for a geodesic measuring device containing capturing means and representation means for detecting and reproducing a measuring range together with input means for controlling the measuring processes. The radiation beam necessary for said measuring processes is emitted by a radiation source and is influenced in the direction of emission thereof by orientating means such that it can be orientated onto a selected target within the measuring range without the capturing means being displaced. Determining the target and initiating the measuring process occurs by displacing a position mark on a screen. A suitable operating module con be produced by suitably combining the representation means with means for inputting data. Said module can also be used independently from and separately from a measuring device which is connected thereto by communication means.

Abstract: It has been found that target optics produce non-specular, augmented optical returns when interrogated by a laser pulse. This non-specular radiation is detected by an active laser search system employing a direct-reading, thresholded focal plane detector that is able to detect non-cooperating targets with optics that employ a detector or optical element at the focal plane of their receiving optics. The pulses returned from such target optics have a width commensurate with the original transmitted pulse width, whereas passive background noise and the spread out active returns from the ground exhibit temporally long returns. By setting the sensor threshold sufficiently high, the system discriminates against noise and clutter while at the same time reducing the number of sweeps required to detect a target within the search area.

Abstract: A method for measuring time of flight of radiation includes emitting modulated radiation in response to a first modulation signal, projecting the modulated radiation onto a scene, receiving radiation, the received radiation comprising a first portion being the modulated radiation reflected by the scene and a second portion being background radiation, converting the received radiation into a signal on a conversion node, the signal on the conversion node having a first and second signal component, the first signal component being indicative of the background radiation and the second signal component being dependent on the reflected modulated radiation, and determining the time of light of the radiation based on the second signal component. A corresponding device is also provided.

Abstract: An optical beam separation element for a measuring apparatus includes a reflecting component with a reflecting surface and an aperture for forming an optical channel common to the transmission and the reception directions in the optical beam separation element. The reflecting surface of the reflecting component is positioned at an angle with respect to the optical channel. The aperture extends from the reflecting surface through the optical beam separation element allowing the optical beam to pass through the optical beam separation element to the optical channel in the transmission direction. The reflecting component separates the optical beams of the reception and the transmission directions.

Abstract: A laser radar (LADAR) system is provided with amplitude-weighted spatial coherent processing. An amplitude-weighted sum of time domain signals arising from several detectors within a detector array is formed and used for range doppler processing. Weighting coefficients are chosen to be proportional to the signal amplitude present for each of the separate signals from each detector within the array. The amplitude coefficients are determined using target returned energy arising from a continuous wave (CW) porch portion of the transmitted waveform. Amplitude-weighted spatial coherent processing improves the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR).

Abstract: A system and method of imaging an object. An array of detectors is mounted in an image plane. Each detector in the array of detectors is connected to a timing circuit having an interpolator, wherein the interpolator includes a first circuit which charges a first capacitor at a different rate than it discharges. An optical pulse is transmitted toward an object so that a portion of the optical pulse is reflected from the object as a reflected pulse and a first value representative of when the optical pulse was transmitted toward the object is recorded. The reflected pulse is detected at one or more detectors and a pulse characteristic of the pulse and a second value representative of when the reflected pulse arrived at the detector are recorded. Range to the object is then calculated as a function of the first and second values and the reflected pulse characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for recording three-dimensional distance-measuring images of an object surface by measuring light propagation time using a short-term integrated photodetector. For starting a light-induced pulse on the transmission side, a trigger signal is produced that is at the same time used on the receiving side for opening at least one integration window for receiving back-scattered light-induced pulses with a predetermined time delay. A predetermined event such as a maximum or a zero crossing is detected which, by its interval relative to the integration windows, determines a trigger delay. The trigger delay is correlated with the light propagation time and allows calculation of the object point distance d.

Abstract: Method for obtaining information about objects in an environment around a vehicle in which infrared light is emitted into a portion of the environment and received and the distance between the vehicle and objects from which the infrared light is reflected is measured. An identification of each object from which light is reflected is determined and a three-dimensional representation of the portion of the environment is created based on the measured distance and the determined identification of the object. Icons representative of the objects and their position relative to the vehicle are displayed on a display visible to the driver based on the three-dimensional representation. Additionally or alternatively to the display of icons, a vehicular system can be controlled or adjusted based on the relative position and optionally velocity of the vehicle and objects in the environment around the vehicle to avoid collisions.

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 system and method for measuring a parameter of a target in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes transmitting at least one signal towards a target and receiving at least a portion of the transmitted signal back from the target. The measured parameter is one of distance velocity, or reflectivity. The transmitted signal is of the coherent burst waveform, and upon reception is processed with equivalent time sampling, AGC with minimal, if any, error, and a discrete Fourier transform.

Abstract: A handheld laser distance measuring device (1) and extreme value measurement process, including, in a first step, an input means (2) is actuated that triggers a measurement sequence, during which, in a second step, individual distance measurements are made triggered by the handheld laser distance device (1) and, in a third step, at least one minimum value (4) or one maximum value (5) relative to the measurement sequence is determined by the handheld laser distance measuring device using the individual measurements. An extreme value difference (6) relative to the measurement sequence is computed by the handheld laser distance measuring device (1) using at least one minimum value (5) and at least one maximum value (4).

Abstract: A circuitry for measuring a time interval with ring oscillator has a ring oscillator formed by a plurality of delay switching units, a counter and an encoder. Wherein, the ring oscillator generates a plurality of oscillating signals when receives a pulse signal used to turn on or turn off the ring oscillator. The counter can count the numbers of the oscillating signal during an active period of the pulse signal to generate a counting value. In addition, the encoder encodes the oscillation signals generated by a plurality of delay switching unit with a certain interval of delay time. Therefore, when the pulse signal is disabled to lead to turn off the ring oscillator, one can obtain the time interval of the pulse signal based on the encode data and the counting value.