Patent ID: 6072565
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: G01C,G02B,H01J,H04N

Abstract:
A range finder apparatus, said range finder apparatus being usable in conjunction with a source of energy providing an energy pulse projecting toward an object the range to which is to be determined so that a portion of the energy pulse reflects from the object back to the apparatus, said apparatus comprising:an image intensifier tube receiving energy reflected from the object and responsively providing an electrical output;a detection circuit receiving said electrical output and responsively providing a timer-stop signal upon detection of a phase change in a magnetic circuit, said detection circuit including an oscillator driving oscillation in the magnetic circuit, and means for detecting the phase change in said magnetic circuit;a timer device for measuring a time interval from projection of said energy pulse until provision of said timer-stop signal; anda calculator determining the range from the apparatus to the object using said time interval and the speed of said energy pulse as a measuring standard.