Patent ID: 6665079
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for locating an electromagnetic imaging and detection system/device, comprising:a source of electromagnetic radiation for emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation of a preselected wavelength; an optical receiving means located a preselected distance from said source of electromagnetic radiation for receiving retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from said beam of electromagnetic radiation striking at least a partially reflective surface of the electromagnetic imaging and detection system/device, said retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation defining a retro-reflected zone of electromagnetic radiation; said optical receiving means also being capable of receiving reflected scene electromagnetic radiation, resulting from scene reflection of naturally occurring light from sources external to the apparatus along with scene reflection of said beam of electromagnetic radiation, in addition-to said retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation; said preselected distance of said optical receiving means from said source of electromagnetic radiation being such that said optical receiving means is at least partially within said retro-reflected zone of electromagnetic radiation; and at least one distinguishing-characteristic associated with at least one of said retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation and said reflected scene electromagnetic radiation for differentiating said retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation from said reflected scene electromagnetic radiation; whereby reception of retro-reflected electromagnetic radiation by said optical receiving means indicates the location of the electromagnetic imaging and detection system/device.