Having Specific If Mixing Of Returns Patents (Class 356/5.15)
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Patent number: 12146991Abstract: The noise calculation unit applies a statistical process for the measurement signal of the first number of data to calculate the noise value. The calculation threshold setting unit sets the calculation threshold based on the noise value. The period determination unit determines a period where a difference between the measurement signal and a moving average value calculated in a previous cycle exceeds the calculation threshold, to be the non-calculation period of the baseline. The moving average calculation unit is configured such that the measurement signal in a period excluding the non-calculation period is moving-averaged for each second number of data to calculate the moving average value. The first number of data and the second number of data are set independently.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Shunsuke Kimura, Hidekazu Adachi
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Patent number: 11988779Abstract: Provided is a readout integrated circuit of a FMCW LiDAR system includes a transimpedance amplifier to receive an optical signal of optical mixer output from balanced PIN photo diode, convert the received optical signal into a current signal including a mixed signal of high and low frequencies, and convert the current signal into a voltage signal including a low frequency sinusoidal waveform, a comparator to receive the voltage signal, and generate a pulse signal from the voltage signal, a primary counter to receive a primary signal corresponding to the pulse signal, and count a number of pulses to generate primary counter data, a reference counter to receive a reference signal, and count a number of pulses to generate reference counter data, and an arithmetic logic unit to receive the primary and reference counter data, and calculate depth information corresponding to a distance of a target.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang Oh Kim, Yibing Michelle Wang
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Patent number: 11867842Abstract: [Problem] To provide a pulse generator that is used in a ToF camera system especially adopting the indirect system and can be ready for various settings of a frequency or a phase with a simple configuration. [Solving means] There is provided a pulse generator that includes a first counter that determines a phase of a pulse to be outputted and used for distance measurement to a distance measurement target using an input signal, and a second counter that determines a frequency of the pulse using the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Yohtaro Yasu, Yuichi Kato
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Patent number: 11828882Abstract: The present technology relates to a distance measuring device and a distance measuring method that can improve the accuracy of distance measurement. A control unit controls a light emitting operation by supplying a light emitting unit with a light emission timing signal for controlling the light emitting operation for emitting irradiation light and controls the light receiving operation by supplying a light receiving unit with a light reception timing signal for controlling the light receiving operation for receiving reflected light. A measuring unit measures a deviation time between the light emission timing at which the light emitting unit emits the irradiation light and the light reception timing at which the light receiving unit receives the reflected light, using the light emission timing signal and the light reception timing signal. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a case where distance measurement is performed by using the ToF method.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventors: Keitarou Amagawa, Yusuke Moriyama
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Patent number: 11733387Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples of ladar systems and methods where data about a plurality of ladar returns from prior ladar pulse shots gets stored in a spatial index that associates ladar return data with corresponding locations in a coordinate space to which the ladar return data pertain. This spatial index can then be accessed by a processor to retrieve ladar return data for locations in the coordinate space that are near a range point to be targeted by the ladar system with a new ladar pulse shot. This nearby prior ladar return data can then be analyzed by the ladar system to help define a control parameter for use by the ladar receiver with respect to the new ladar pulse shot.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: AEYE, Inc.Inventors: Luis Carlos Dussan, Allan Steinhardt, Federico Presutti, Joel David Benscoter
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Patent number: 11649660Abstract: A door handle assembly for integration into a vehicle door including a support element coupled to the vehicle door, a handle element arranged on the support element, and a radar apparatus arranged on the support element or on or in the handle element and configured to emit radar radiation and to receive reflected radar radiation.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Inventors: Bernd Herthan, Bertram Bopp, Christoph Brueckner, Carsten Topf, Michael Richter, Sebastian Schoedel
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Patent number: 11598849Abstract: Methods and systems for generating illumination modulation signals, image intensifier gain modulation signals, and image sensor shutter control signals in a three-dimensional image-capturing system with one or more frequency synthesizers is disclosed. The illumination modulation signals, image intensifier gain modulation signals, and image sensor shutter signal are all coherent with one another, being derived from a common clock source. The use of frequency synthesizer concepts allow for the use of rapid modulation phase changes for homodyne operation, and further allow the use of rapid modulation frequency changes to mitigate the effects of inter-camera interference.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: MUNRO DESIGN & TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: James F. Munro
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Patent number: 11513226Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) apparatus capable of extracting speed information and distance information of objects in front thereof is provided. The LiDAR apparatus includes: a continuous wave light source configured to generate continuous wave light; a beam steering device configured to emit the continuous wave light to an object for a first time and stop emitting the continuous wave light to the object for a second time; a receiver configured to receive the continuous wave light that is reflected from the object to form a reception signal; and a signal processor configured to obtain distance information and speed information about the object based on the reception signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dongjae Shin, Hyunil Byun, Changgyun Shin, Bongyong Jang
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Patent number: 11506768Abstract: A TOF camera apparatus for transmitting light signals and recording the light that is scattered back at an object and also for determining the distance of the TOF camera apparatus from the object is proposed, wherein the TOF camera apparatus comprises: a transmitter for transmitting light signals, a receiver for detecting the light scattered back at the object, embodied in the form of a pixel matrix having at least one pixel, a modulation device for producing a modulation signal in order to modulate light signals that are to be transmitted by the transmitter, an evaluation device for evaluating the light detected by the receiver, which evaluation device is connected to the modulation device to obtain the modulation signal for evaluating and determining the distance. In order to make possible particularly reliable error detection, a check apparatus for error detection in at least one of the pixels is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: ESPROS Photonics AGInventor: Beat De Coi
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Patent number: 11500091Abstract: An improved non-line-of-sight camera provides for real-time evaluation of a relay wall with respect to illuminated points and sensing areas for higher accuracy and practical field use. Gated sensing allows improved recovery of faint photon signals and higher resolution. The system allows an operator to a find virtual camera from looking around multiple corners.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Andreas Udo Velten, Marco La Manna
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Patent number: 11493603Abstract: A LIDAR sensor for detecting an object in the surroundings and a method of the LIDAR sensor includes a light source emitting electromagnetic radiation, a micromechanical deflection mirror deflecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation by at least one angle into the surroundings, and a mirror, which includes an aperture situated on a main beam axis of the light source, deflecting onto an optical receiver received electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Reiner Schnitzer, Siegwart Bogatscher, Jan Sparbert
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Patent number: 11366200Abstract: A set of signals are sampled at the LiDAR system and the set of signals are converted to a frequency domain to generate a set of sampled signals in the frequency domain. The set of signals are received consecutively over time. A set of first functions are created based on the set of sampled signals. The set of first functions are averaged to generate a second function. The second function represents a power spectrum density estimate of the set of signals. A peak value of the second function is detected to determine range and velocity information related to a target based on a corresponding frequency of the peak value of the second function.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Aeva, Inc.Inventors: Jose Krause Perin, Mina Rezk, Kumar Bhargav Viswanatha, Rajendra Tushar Moorti
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Patent number: 11307019Abstract: A system and method for generating, enhancing, and detecting the amplitude and phase modulation of a laser under a condition of self-mixing is provided. The system may comprise a laser and a detector to extract the characteristic self-mix signal, which is then interpreted using algorithms implemented in hardware or software. In the case of the laser being a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting laser (VCSEL), the output signal can be detected by monitoring the surface light emission by means of a beam splitter, or in some embodiments as emission from the bottom surface of the laser. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a wavelength filter such as an etalon in the signal path.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Vixar, Inc.Inventors: Klein Johnson, Tal Fishman, Tal Bakish
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Patent number: 11187807Abstract: Frequency modulated lasers, LIDAR systems, and methods of controlling laser are disclosed. A laser source emits an optical beam having an optical frequency that changes in response to a signal applied to an input of the laser source. A laser driver that generates the signal applied to the input to cause the optical frequency to vary in accordance with a periodic frequency versus time function. The laser driver generates the signal for a current period of the periodic frequency versus time function based, at least in part, on optical frequency versus time measurements of one or more prior periods of the periodic frequency versus time function.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Naresh Satyan, George Rakuljic
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Patent number: 11169246Abstract: A method to compensate for phase impairments in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes transmitting a first optical beam towards a target, receiving a second optical beam from the target to produce a received optical beam; and generating a digitally-sampled target signal using a local oscillator (LO) beam, a first photo-detector and the received optical beam. The method also includes generating a digitally-sampled reference signal using a reference beam transmitted through a fiber delay device and a second photo-detector, and estimating one or more phase impairments in the LiDAR system using the digitally-sampled reference signal to produce one or more estimated phase impairments. The method also includes performing a first correction on a first phase impairment introduced into the digitally-sampled target signal by the LO beam; performing a second correction on a second phase impairment introduced into the digitally-sampled target signal by the received optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: AEVA, INC.Inventors: Kumar Bhargav Viswanatha, Jose Krause Perin, Rajendra Tushar Moorti, Mina Rezk
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Patent number: 11125879Abstract: A method for processing a signal arising from coherent lidar includes a coherent source that is periodically frequency-modulated; a beat signal being generated by photodetector on the basis of the interference between an optical signal that is referred to as the local oscillator having a local oscillator frequency (fOL(t)) and an optical signal that is backscattered by a target illuminated by the lidar, said beat signal being digitized; the local oscillator frequency (fOL(t)) being made up of the sum of a mean value (f0) and of a modulation frequency (fmod(t)) arising from the modulation of the source, the modulation frequency being periodic according to a modulation period (TFO), each period comprising n linear portions having n frequency slopes (?i), respectively, where n is greater than or equal to 2, the method comprising the steps consisting in: complexly modulating the beat signal; complexly demodulating the modulated signal (Smod) by n demodulation frequencies (fdemod(i)) each having a single slope thaType: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: THALESInventors: Patrick Feneyrou, Grégoire Pillet
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Patent number: 10564268Abstract: A method is for phase-error correction in a synthetic aperture (SA) imaging system. A transmission signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal are generated with a relative time delay, which can be adjusted in real-time to match a range to a target region to be imaged. A portion of the transmission signal is transmitted onto the target region and a return signal is collected and mixed with a portion of the LO signal to provide a raw SA signal. Transmission and LO phase errors associated respectively with the transmission and LO signals are determined, as well as a frequency jitter between the transmission and LO signals. A phase-corrected SA signal is obtained by applying a phase correction to the raw SA signal based on the transmission phase error, the LO phase error and the frequency jitter. An SA imaging system is capable of implementing the method for phase-error correction.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUEInventors: Simon Turbide, Alain Bergeron
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Patent number: 10024647Abstract: A method of air refractive index correction for an absolute long distance measurement adopting a two-color method based on a single wavelength and a synthetic wavelength is provided. Two lasers emit two laser beams with a constant single wavelength and a variable wavelength, respectively, to form a synthetic wavelength chain from large to small through a laser interferometric system. Each order of the synthetic wavelength chain is used to obtain a series of the estimate values of optical distance with gradually increasing accuracy. After optical distances corresponding to a minimum synthetic wavelength and a single wavelength are obtained simultaneously, the corrected absolute distance is achieved according to the principle of the two-color method for air refractive index correction.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: ZHEJIANG SCI-TECH UNIVERSITYInventors: Benyong Chen, Shihua Zhang, Liping Yan
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Patent number: 9897538Abstract: Methods for optical imaging, particularly with optical coherence tomography, using a low coherence light beam reflected from a sample surface and compared to a reference light beam, wherein real time dynamic optical feedback is used to detect the surface position of a tissue sample with respect to a reference point and the necessary delay scan range. The delay is provided by a tilting/rotating mirror actuated by a voltage adjustable galvanometer. An imaging probe apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The probe initially scans along one line until it finds the tissue surface, identifiable as a sharp transition from no signal to a stronger signal. The next time the probe scans the next line it adjusts the waveform depending on the previous scan. An algorithm is disclosed for determining the optimal scan range.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma
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Patent number: 9831630Abstract: A LiDAR sensor having particular application for use on a vehicle. The LiDAR sensor includes a plurality of spaced apart VCSEL arrays each including a single lens, where the lens for each VCSEL array directs the beam of the particular laser in the array that is illuminated in a desired direction so that turning on and off of the lasers in each array creates a scanning effect. The number and the size of the VCSEL arrays are selected to provide the desired FOV for the sensor, where the VCSEL arrays can be positioned on a curved platform to provide that FOV. The sensor also includes one or more detectors for detecting reflections of the laser beams emitted by the lasers. Control electronics are provided to scan the laser beams and generate a three-dimensional point cloud of return image points.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Ariel Lipson
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Patent number: 9804263Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring distance from an instrument origin to each of a plurality of points in an environment. Laser pulses are emitted along a measurement axis at successive displacements about the origin. The emission time of each pulse is time-shifted relative to a fixed rate. The time shift corresponds to an index of a repetitive sequential pattern. Received pulses are detected at respective arrival times. For each received pulse: a current apparent distance is determined, a measured delta distance is calculated, a range interval is assigned by comparing measured delta distance with an expected delta distance synchronized with the index of the latest emitted pulse, the current apparent distance is defined to be a true measured distance for any received pulse assigned to a first time interval, otherwise the current apparent distance is defined to be a false measured distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: TRIMBLE ABInventors: Gregory Lepere, Guillaume David
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Patent number: 9175947Abstract: A device for determining a position of an object (25) in a spatial region (28) comprises a light source (3), a light directing device (4-9), at least one reference signal detector (11, 12) and a detector arrangement (13, 14). The light source (3) generates a sequence of light pulses with a repetition rate. The light directing device (4-9) directs the sequence of light pulses into the spatial region (28) and, as a reference signal (20), to the at least one reference signal detector (11, 12). The detector arrangement (13, 14) detects a plurality of light signals (23, 24) which are reflected and/or scattered by the object (25) in the spatial region (28) into a plurality of different directions by reflection and/or scattering of the sequence of light pulses.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Carl Zeiss AGInventors: Cristina Alvarez Diez, Frank Hoeller, Bernd Spruck, Marc Tremont
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Patent number: 8797512Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Patent number: 8773646Abstract: Fiber optic scanner and method for transmitting and receiving optical signals and range imaging camera including fiber optic scanner. The fiber optic scanner includes a light guide array including individual light guides arranged such that a first end has first ends of the individual light guides arranged in an image plane of collimating optics and a second end has second ends of the individual light guides arranged in a circular manner. A central light guide includes a first end arranged at a center of the circularly arranged second ends of the individual light guides and a motor driven reflector arranged to guide light emerging from the circularly arranged ends of the individual light guides into the central light guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Eads Deutschland GmbHInventor: Ulrich Schwanke
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Patent number: 8773643Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Pegatron CorporationInventor: Kuo-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 8687173Abstract: A system and method for determining a measured distance between a measuring device (20A) and an object (21), the system including a first laser source (13) for producing a first light beam (13A) having a first waveform (32) and a first frequency; a second laser source (11) for producing a second light beam (1 IA) having a second frequency, said second light beam (HA) having a second waveform (36), wherein said first frequency is chirped up at the first rate as said second frequency is chirped down at the first rate, and said second frequency is chirped up at the second rate as said first frequency is chirped down at the first rate; an optical element (15) for combining said first light beam (13A) with said second light beam (HA) into a combined light beam path (17), said optical element (15) splitting a returning portion of said combined light beam path (17) into a third light beam (24); and a single detector (23) for receiving said third light beam (24) including two different beat frequencies that are propoType: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Nikon Metrology N.V.Inventors: Mina Rezk, Anthony Slotwinski
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Patent number: 8687174Abstract: A unit pixel included in a photo-detection device, the unit pixel including a floating diffusion region in a semiconductor substrate, a ring-shaped collection gate over the semiconductor substrate, a ring-shaped drain gate over the semiconductor substrate, and a drain region in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the collection gate and the drain gate are respectively arranged between the floating diffusion region and the drain region.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eric R. Fossum, Yoon-Dong Park
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Patent number: 8654315Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ascertaining a gap between a stationary member and a rotating member are disclosed. At least a reference beam and a signal beam, which have different focal lengths or which diverge/converge at different rates, are fixed to the stationary member and proximate to each other. The beams are projected across a gap between the stationary member and the rotating member toward the rotating member. The reference and signal beams are reflected by the translating member when it intersects the reference and signal beam, and the reflected reference and signal pulses are obtained. One or more features of the reflected reference pulse and the reflected signal pulse, such as a rise time of the pulses, a fall time of the pulses, a width of the pulses and a delay between the reflected reference pulse and the reflected signal pulse, among other factors, are obtained. The width of the gap is obtained using at least one of these factors.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Prime Photonics, LCInventor: Daniel Kominsky
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Patent number: 8319951Abstract: A local positioning system including a sighting device for indicating an aim point on a target object, the target object having a local coordinate system, an articulation mechanism connected to the sighting device to effect movement of the sighting device about at least two independent axes, and a controller in communication with the articulation mechanism, the controller being configured to control a velocity of the sighting device about each of the independent axes to obtain desired movement of the aim point on the target object in the local coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: James J. Troy
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Patent number: 8279415Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a distance are disclosed. A measuring device includes a timer, a counter, an optical emitter, an optical receiver, and a distance computing element. In one embodiment, the timer provides a sequence of signals and the counter counts pulses in a loop. The loop includes an electrical path and an optical path. While an optical emitter such as a laser can emit outgoing beams, an optical receiver such as a photodiode receives return beams from the reflective surface. The reflective surface reflects the return beam in accordance with the outgoing beam. The distance computing element measures a distance in response to the outgoing and return beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Inventors: Robert Welland, Bryan M. Willman
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Patent number: 8279416Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) having a light transmitter (12) for the transmitting of laser pulses (18) into a monitored region (24) by means of a laser light source (14) and having a driver circuit (16, 30) for the laser light source (14) is described which is designed to set the light transmitter (12) into a working state in which the laser light source (14) transmits a laser pulse (18) or into a preparatory state. The driver circuit (16, 30) is further designed to set the light transmitter (12) into the preparatory state in each case prior to the transmission of a laser pulse (18).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Sick AGInventors: Gernot Reiner, Gottfried Hug
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Patent number: 8194233Abstract: Haze-type phase shift error due to stray light reflections in a phase-type TOF system is reduced by providing a windowed opaque coating on the sensor array surface, the windows permitting optical energy to reach light sensitive regions of the pixels, and by reducing optical path stray reflection. Further haze-type error reduction is obtained by acquiring values for a plurality (but not necessarily all) of pixel sensors in the TOF system pixel sensor array. Next, a correction term for the value (differential or other) acquired for each pixel in the plurality of pixel sensors is computed and stored. Modeling response may be made dependent upon pixel (row, column) location within the sensor array. During actual TOF system runtime operation, detection data for each pixel, or pixel groups (super pixels) is corrected using the stored data. Good optical system design accounts for correction, enabling a simple correction model.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Cyrus Bamji
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Patent number: 8184269Abstract: A method for inputting information by an input device with photosensitive elements uses laser light to illuminate a target and two photosensitive elements to sense the time at which beams reflected by the target and then reflected respectively by rotatable first and second mirrors, and determines an included angle between a virtual connecting line of the target and the first mirror and a virtual connecting line of the first mirror and the second mirror and an included angle between a virtual connecting line of the target and the second mirror and the virtual connecting line of the first and second mirrors depending on the time, thereby calculating a coordinate of the target and taking it as relative input information, capable of saving the time for obtaining the target's coordinate and the production cost of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Lin
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Patent number: 8179522Abstract: A distance measuring device measures a distance from a phase difference of beaten down processing signals even when fluctuations occur in a frequency of an oscillator. The distance measuring device includes a laser unit, a dividing device, a reference light receiving unit, and a measuring light receiving unit. The distance measuring device further includes an oscillator, a first mixer, a second mixer, a fourth filter, a fifth filter, a third mixer, a sixth filter, a second filter, a phase difference measuring unit, and a distance measuring unit. The phase difference measuring unit measures a phase difference of the two beat signals extracted by the sixth filter and the second filter. The distance measuring unit measures a distance based on the phase difference measured by the phase difference measuring unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Isao Minegishi, Masahiro Ohishi, Naoto Miki, Yuichi Yoshimura
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Patent number: 8139203Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for multi-dimensional scanning of a scene. In particular, this invention provides scanning devices and methods employing controllable light beam scanning devices capable of sending a light beam onto a scene, and of receiving corresponding light returned from the scene, and controllers capable of operating the scanning device at selected beam orientations, and of gaining distance information from the scanning device at the beam orientations. The controller can dynamically define beam orientations using the distance information gained from preceding beam orientations.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Trimble ABInventors: Grégory Lepere, Pascal Souffez
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Patent number: 8134692Abstract: A light emitting element and a light receiving element is placed in such a manner that the light axis of a light emitting element constructing a light emitting circuit and the light axis of a light receiving element constructing a light receiving circuit cross each other. The light pathway length R1, R2 of both the light waves are determined in such a manner that the object light, the light waves via the object pathway, are delayed by ?/2 in phase from the reflected light, i.e. relative to light waves via the reflected light pathway. A synchronous detector selects signals having the same phase as the object light from receive signals provided from the light receiving circuit. Accordingly, the fog detector can detect the object light without being influenced of the reflected light, which allows a determination processing device to accurately determine the density of fog.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 8130367Abstract: By using 3-D focal plane arrays, the present invention tracks or locates small moving objects, or generates a 3-D frame of data with minimum laser energy and a minimum of mechanically moving parts. In another embodiment the invention is used to determine the direction of a laser designating a target with a minimum of moving parts. In another embodiment the invention is used as a 3-D movie/video camera. In yet another embodiment the device is used to provide data for autonomous navigation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard W. Bailey
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Patent number: 8130368Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance to a target point in a target area comprises a laser oscillator for generating a laser beam having a first wavelength, a nonlinear crystal into which the laser beam having the first wavelength generated by the laser oscillator enters, the nonlinear crystal generating a laser beam having a second wavelength, a collimator lens at which the laser beam having the first wavelength generated by the laser oscillator and the laser beam having the second wavelength generated by the nonlinear crystal are concentrated and are transformed into parallel light flux, a laser device provided with the laser oscillator, the nonlinear crystal, and the collimator lens, an output unit for outputting the laser beam having the first wavelength and the laser beam having the second wavelength at the same time, which are emitted by the laser device, while scanning the target area, a selective reflective mirror for selectively reflecting the laser beam having the first wavelengthType: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Taizo Eno, Masayuki Momiuchi
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Patent number: 8120754Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus is provided that employs one or more additional reflectors to reflect and redirect the light beam transmission pulses from a scanning fan assembly to a given area of interest. The one or more additional reflectors provide additional resolution for detecting a detectable object. The one or more additional reflectors can be external or internal to the scanning fan assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Adrian Kaehler
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Patent number: 8107057Abstract: The invention relates to a range finding method for a target by means of a pulsed laser (4) and a device for detecting pulses backscattered by the target, which comprises a step for emitting pulses with a repetition frequency f. The detection device comprises an array of photodiodes (21) associated with integrators (22?).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: ThalesInventors: Marcel-Francis Audier, Eric Belhaire
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Patent number: 8094292Abstract: An interferometric method and system enabling light echoes-to-spectrum mapping, applicable for laser rangefinder, biomedical imaging including surface 3D mapping and tomography, vehicle position identification, and spectrum analysis. The direct mapping into spectrum allows a time-of-flight detection without using any timing pulse modulation. The sensitivity of the detection can be as high as that of the conventional low coherence interferometry, thereby an eye-safe and low-cost solution not compromising performance. In a practical implementation, high accurate range detection can be easily achievable with the level of accuracy equivalent to the laser rangefinder using a 20 ps Full-Width-at-Half-Maximum (FWHM) timing pulse. The system and method comprise applying dispersion-unbalanced interference (referred to as ‘cross-chirp interference’) and gating a phase matched spectral component.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Institut National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Yongwoo Park, Marco Peccianti, José Azana
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Patent number: 8085987Abstract: Texture of a surface, for example concrete, is evaluated by capturing images of the surface facing the surface in a direction of an orthogonal axis extending perpendicularly from the surface while sequentially projecting light onto the surface from each of four light source positions spaced circumferentially about the orthogonal axis. A specularity condition is determined to exist in one of the four images by comparing intensities of the images directly with one another. If a specularity condition exists, three images of the four images which are least affected by specularity are used to determining a surface gradient of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventors: Ahmed Shalaby, Amin El Gendy
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Patent number: 8085388Abstract: A 3D pulsed laser projection system scans an object to produce a dense 3D point cloud and projects a laser light beam onto an object as a glowing template. A high-sensitivity optical feedback system receives and detects a feedback beam of the output beam light diffusely reflected from the object. The feedback light and projected beam share the same beam path between steering mirrors and the object. A light suppression component controls stray scattered light, including ambient light, from being detected. A time-of-flight measurement subsystem provides a distance-to-object measurement for projected pulses. An acousto-optical modulator, variable gain detected signal amplification and variable photo-detector power together produce a dynamic range for detected reflected feedback signals of at least 100,000, and up to 500,000. Optical fiber cables spatially filter scattered light and isolate the photo-detectors thermally.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Laser Projection Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Kaufman, Arkady Savikovsky, Christopher C. Chagaris, Joel Stave
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Patent number: 8081300Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for laser ranging with high precision and high efficient, a method for identifying distance mode automatically during laser ranging process, and a laser ranger with high precision, high efficient and low power waste. The accuracy of ranging is increased through multi classes of receiving process; the accuracy of ranging is further increased through the selection of distance mode and the adjustment of receiving sensitivity before the measuring steps are executed; the accuracy of ranging is further increased through executing jitter judgment on obtained distance measured values to discard the distance measured values that do not satisfy the setting conditions and judge whether the number of remaining distance measured values satisfies the setting quantity requirement; and the present invention is also of simple structure, high measurement efficiency, and low power waste.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Jinhua Lanhai Photoelectricity Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tian Jin, Guojun Zheng, Chongqiu Liu, Yi Qun Fan
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Patent number: 8072613Abstract: A system and method for measuring the inner space of a container provides for the measurement of the wear of the lining of a container such as a torpedo ladle optionally while the ladle is still hot. The interior lining of the container is scanned by a scanner head from a first position in the container which is at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container. The scanner head is placed in a second position in the container at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container and from the second position the scanner head scans the portions of the interior lining of the container which were not scanned during the first position scan. By comparing the scanning measurements of the lining from the first position scan and the second position scan after the container has been loaded and unloaded with an initial reference measurement of the lining the wear of the lining can be measured.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Specialty Minerals (Michigan) Inc.Inventors: Joerg Schmitz, Rolf Lamm, Christoph Carlhoff
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Patent number: 8054451Abstract: A system that includes a laser designator configured to continuously designate a target with a pulsed laser spot. The system includes a sensor and associated processing system configured to receive a reflection of the laser spot, convert the received energy to plurality of signals, processing the signals for detecting true reflected signals and process the true reflected signals for generating target related action. The sensor and associated processor are configured to detect the true signals notwithstanding an inherent low Signal/Noise ratio of below 4 of the received signals from due to low pulse power of the laser designator and distance to target.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Uri Karazi, Benjamin Levy, Raphael E. Levy, Valery Heymann
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Patent number: RE48490Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Velodyne LIDAR USA, Inc.Inventor: David S. Hall
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Patent number: RE48491Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Velodyne LIDAR USA, Inc.Inventor: David S. Hall
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Patent number: RE48503Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Velodyne LIDAR USA, Inc.Inventor: David S. Hall
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Patent number: RE48504Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: VELODYNE LIDAR USA, INC.Inventor: David S. Hall