Patent ID: 6839127
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G01C,G01S

Abstract:
1. An optical device for measuring a distance between the optical device and an object, the optical device comprising: an optical source for emitting beam of electromagnetic radiation; a first lens for focusing the beam of electromagnetic radiation into a micro-mirror-incident pattern; a micro-mirror array receiving the micro-mirror-incident pattern and outputting a controlled radiation pattern; a processor for selecting the controlled radiation pattern based on at least one input; a second lens for focusing the controlled radiation pattern toward an object for estimation of a distance of the object from the optical device; a third lens for collecting a reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the object; a sensor for receiving the reflection and providing an output signal to the processor; and a timer associated with the processor for determining an elapsed time between transmission of an electromagnetic radiation from the source and the reception of the reflection at the sensor, the elapsed time indicative of a distance between the optical device and the object.