Video guidance sensor system with laser rangefinder
A video guidance sensor system for use in automated docking of a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle includes a laser rangefinder that uses pulse or phase time of flight measurement to measure distance. The laser rangefinder includes a diode laser pulse or phase driver that produces an output signal to a timing element and simultaneously operates a laser diode. The laser diode produces an intense light beam of a predetermined wavelength which is directed to retroreflectors that are positioned on a passive target. The laser rangefinder includes an avalanche photodetector that produces a corresponding output signal when detecting light reflected from the retroreflectors. The timing element measures a time interval between the output of the laser diode and the detection of light and supplies a corresponding output signal to a computer in order to determine the range of the target vehicle relative to the chase vehicle.
Inventors:
Michael L. Book, Thomas C. Bryan, Richard T. Howard, Albert (Nick) Johnston
Patent Number:
US6658329Patent Issue Date:
January 2, 2004Lab Representatives