Optics: measuring and testing – Range or remote distance finding – With photodetection
Patent
1994-09-01
1996-12-31
Gonzalez, Frank
Optics: measuring and testing
Range or remote distance finding
With photodetection
356 409, 356 509, 356 511, 356358, G01B 1102, G01C 300
Patent
active
055899285
ABSTRACT:
The invention performs coordinate measurement employing multiple-frequency intensity-modulated laser radar. A laser diode source is intensity modulated by variation of its excitation current. Its output beam is directed to a target using scanning mirrors or other opto-mechanical means, and the light returned from the target is detected. The modulation frequency is alternated between two or more values, creating a dataset of several relative phase measurements that uniquely determine the distance to the target without ambiguity. A device for carrying out such a method includes a laser whose output is modulated by a high frequency signal generator, optics for directing the output signal to the target to a detector, a signal generator which generates reference signals offset in frequency from the intensity modulation frequencies by a predetermined amount; mixers for combining the return signals with the reference signals to form a first set of intermediate frequency signals, and for combining the modulation signals with the reference signals to form a second set of intermediate frequency signals, and a computer which calculates phase differences between the output beam and the return signals for each modulation frequency from the intermediate frequencies, and determines the distance to the target from the phase differences.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3741654 (1973-06-01), Brenholdt
patent: 4093380 (1978-06-01), White
patent: 4171907 (1979-10-01), Hill et al.
patent: 4190362 (1980-02-01), Dubrunfaut
patent: 4229102 (1980-10-01), Wiklund et al.
patent: 4297030 (1981-10-01), Chaborski
patent: 4413904 (1983-11-01), Hamada et al.
patent: 4537502 (1985-08-01), Miller et al.
patent: 4715706 (1987-12-01), Wang
patent: 4744653 (1988-05-01), Sano et al.
patent: 4893923 (1990-01-01), Javan
patent: 4916324 (1990-04-01), Meier
patent: 5006721 (1991-04-01), Cameron et al.
I. Moring, R. Myllyla, E. Honkanen, I. Kaisto, J. Kostamovaara, A. Makynen, M. Manninen, New 3-D vision Sensor for Shape Measurement Applications, SPIE vol. 1194 Optics, Illuminator and Image Sensing for Machine Vision (1989), pp. 232-242.
A. Greve and W. Harth, Laser-diode Distance Meter in a KERN DKM 3A, Theodolite, Applied Optics, vol. 23. No. 17 (1984), pp. 2982-2984.
A. J. Makynen, J. T. Kostamovaara, R. A. Myllyla, Position Sensitive Detection Techniques for Manufacturing Accuracy Control, SPIE vol. 1194 Optics, Illumination, and Image Sensing for Machine Vision IV (1989), pp. 243-252.
G. L. Abbas et al., High-precision Fiber-optic Position Sensing Using Diode Laser Radar Techniques, SPIE vol. 1219 Laser-Diode Technology and Applications II (1990) pp. 468-479.
K. G. Wesolowicz & R. E. Sampson, Laser Radar Range Imaging Sensor for Commercial Applications, SPIE vol. 783 Laser Radar II (1987), pp. 152-161.
A. R. Slotwinski et al., Utilizing GaAIAs Laser Diodes as a Source for Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Coherent Laser Radars, SPIE vol. 1043 Laser Diode Technolog and Applications (1989), pp. 245-251.
Product Information Brochure, Wild Theomat.TM.T2002.
Product Information Brochure, Wild Autocat Automatic Theodolite Measurement System.
Product Information Brochure, Wild Leitz Mancat.
Product Information Brochure, Wild Theomat.TM.T3000.
Product Information Brochure, Leica Smart 310 Measuring Movements.
Babbitt W. Randall
Bell John A.
Capron Barbara A.
DeGroot Peter J.
Hagman Ronald L.
Gonzalez Frank
Merlino Amanda
Redman Mary Y.
The Boeing Company
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for measuring distance to a target does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for measuring distance to a target, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for measuring distance to a target will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1145502