Patent ID: 7688374
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A ladar sensor that receives light reflected from an object, said sensor comprising: a charge storage matrix having a plurality of masked pixels arranged in a plurality of columns and rows; a single photosensitive region, said single photosensitive region consisting of a plurality of photosensitive pixels in linear alignment with one another such that a single straight line can be extended through each photosensitive pixel of said plurality of photosensitive pixels, said each photosensitive pixel being connected to a corresponding row of masked pixels in said charge storage matrix, said each photosensitive pixel converting light energy received to an integrated electrical charge over an integration period; shifting means for shifting the integrated electrical charge at the end of the integration period from said each photosensitive pixel to a corresponding masked pixel of said plurality of masked pixels, said corresponding masked pixel being located in an adjacent column in said charge storage matrix; and wherein each photosensitive pixel of said plurality of photosensitive pixels is located radially outward from a radial focal point and extends for a radial distance so as to form a radial path.