Optics: measuring and testing – Range or remote distance finding – With photodetection
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-27
2002-12-03
Buczinski, Stephen C. (Department: 3662)
Optics: measuring and testing
Range or remote distance finding
With photodetection
C356S028000, C356S028500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06490027
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to optical systems for use in distance measurement or range-finding devices. More particularly, this invention relates to single beam optical systems in range-finding and measurement devices that have improved signal-to-noise ratios.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Range-finders are commonly used to determine distances. In current applications of range-finders, the size, weight and cost of the range-finding system may typically be ignored. Conventional range-finding systems are used to determine distances for agriculture, aviation and nautical applications.
Although these systems are adequate for current uses, simultaneous reductions in all four dimensions of size, weight, complexity and cost could enhance distance measuring or range-finding systems for broader or mass market uses. Furthermore, existing dual beam systems also use costly, unwieldy methods for reducing signal-to-noise ratio of the received data signal.
These systems typically employ software applications to overcome signal degradation effects. These software applications require extending the data acquisition interval through signal averaging or other signal conditioning techniques. Such increases in the data acquisition intervals limit the usefulness of such devices.
Optical spatial filtering techniques have previously been used to improve the signal to noise ratio of holographic and microscopic systems (e.g. so-called “confocal” microscopes). However, the application of these techniques to distance measuring or range-finding systems for the purposes of reducing the overall system size, weight, complexity and cost would be desirable.
It would further be desirable to provide a means and method for reducing noise within a range-finding system at a low cost.
It would further be desirable to provide a means and method for reducing noise within a range-finding system that is compatible with optical systems that integrate other optical technologies.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3723004 (1973-03-01), Brayton
patent: 3781111 (1973-12-01), Fletcher et al.
patent: 4108551 (1978-08-01), Weber
patent: 5253033 (1993-10-01), Lipchak et al.
patent: 5612781 (1997-03-01), Ohtomo et al.
patent: 5790242 (1998-08-01), Stern et al.
patent: 5877856 (1999-03-01), Fercher
patent: 6134010 (2000-10-01), Zavislan
Rajchel Suzanne K.
Ressl Michael G.
Buczinski Stephen C.
Cardinal Law Group
LandOfFree
Reduced noise optical system and method for measuring distance does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Reduced noise optical system and method for measuring distance, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Reduced noise optical system and method for measuring distance will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2973529