Patent ID: 6888476
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling operations in a video guidance sensor system wherein images of laser output signals transmitted by the system and returned from a target are captured and processed by the system to produce data used in tracking of the target, said target including a predetermined pattern of light reflectors so that a captured image of the target includes a pattern of light spots corresponding to the pattern of light reflectors, said method providing for performance of each of the following modes of operation in response to a corresponding mode command: (i) a reset mode wherein program integrity checks are performed and an output produced; (ii) a diagnostic mode wherein diagnostic operations are carried out and a known output is obtained from captured images of a previously synthesized image; (iii) a standby mode wherein status data is output at a fixed rate; (iv) an acquisition mode wherein range information is included in a corresponding acquisition mode command and an attempt is made, based on captured images of returned laser signals, to find a target pattern within a range window centered around an estimated range; (v) a tracking mode wherein images of a target are captured and data relevant to that target is output; and (vi) a spot mode wherein captured images of returned laser signals are processed to produce data for all spots found in the image, and the method providing for automatic transition to the standby mode from said reset mode after said integrity checks are performed and from said diagnostic mode to said reset mode after said diagnostic operations are carried out, and said method permitting acceptance of acquisition, spot, reset and diagnostic commands only when the system is in the standby mode, and said method further providing for automatic transition from said acquisition mode to the tracking mode when an acceptable target is found.