초록 ▼

A method and apparatus three-dimensionally images a subject scene by first illuminating it with a laser pulse, then receiving reflected light from the scene using an optical system and a pixellated array or photodetectors operating in a linear mode. The distances to the various surfaces in the scene

A method and apparatus three-dimensionally images a subject scene by first illuminating it with a laser pulse, then receiving reflected light from the scene using an optical system and a pixellated array or photodetectors operating in a linear mode. The distances to the various surfaces in the scene are determined by determining the relative times of arrival of the reflected photons at each pixel on the photodetector array. Based on the light detected and its time of arrival at each pixel, a three dimensional image is constructed and displayed. High sensitivity photodetectors operating in a linear, non-geiger mode are preferably integrated with a high-gain, fast charge amplifier and a timing circuit at each pixel, enabling image acquisition in as few as one pulse. A multi-pulse embodiment allows more accurate "vernier" depth measurement, with a small number of pulses.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of imaging an object, comprising the steps of:emitting a first pulse of light from a light source toward the object; a predetermined interval after emitting said first pulse, emitting a second pulse of light toward the object; arranging a photodetector array of multiple photodetector pix

1. A method of imaging an object, comprising the steps of:emitting a first pulse of light from a light source toward the object; a predetermined interval after emitting said first pulse, emitting a second pulse of light toward the object; arranging a photodetector array of multiple photodetector pixels to receive reflections of said first and second pulses; detecting the first arrival at any of said multiple photodetector pixels of reflected light returned from the object; measuring, for each of multiple photodetector pixels, an elapsed time between a time of said first arrival until a later time of a second return, said second return at each pixel being the return of light from said second pulse after reflection from the object; and constructing an image of the object based upon the respective elapsed times measured for said multiple pixels; wherein said predetermined interval is shorter than the round trip travel time for light from the light source to the object and back to the photodetector array.