Optics: measuring and testing – Range or remote distance finding – With photodetection
Reexamination Certificate
2008-04-25
2010-11-30
Alsomiri, Isam (Department: 3662)
Optics: measuring and testing
Range or remote distance finding
With photodetection
C356S005010
Reexamination Certificate
active
07843554
ABSTRACT:
A high dynamic range sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensing sets that are organized into a sensing array. Each of the sensing sets includes a set of sensing elements for sensing physical phenomena. Each set of sensing elements has a locally selectable integration time. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter operatively connected to the set of sensing elements acquires and converts an analog signal from each of the sensing elements into a digital signal. A processor operatively connected to the A/D converter and to the set of sensing elements manages the selectable integration time for the set of sensing elements and analyzes the digital signals from each of the sensing elements in the set of sensing elements. The digital signals from each of the sensing elements are measured by the processor and an integration scaling factor for the set of sensing elements is computed and controlled by the processor to adjust the integration time. The integration scaling factor for the set of sensing elements is mathematically combined with a value of the digital signal from the A/D converter to form a larger data word than what is generated by the A/D converter. The larger data word is utilized to represent a magnitude of each of the sensing elements. If a substantial number of A/D values have saturated, the integration time is decreased; and, if a substantial number of A/D values are below a predetermined threshold, the integration time is increased.
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Jensen David W.
Koenck Steven E.
Alsomiri Isam
Foley & Lardner LLP
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
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