Patent ID: 7154591
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A laser range finding apparatus, comprising: an oscillator for producing a series of optical pulses having a controlled repetition rate; an optical subsystem for receiving said optical pulses for passing therethrough a first portion of optical energy generated by said optical pulses to a target, and redirecting a second portion of said optical energy; and a control subsystem responsive to said second portion of said optical energy for determining a repetition period between said optical pulses, and for applying a signal to said oscillator to adjust said controlled repetition rate, said first portion of said optical energy being reflected by said target back to said optical subsystem for use to control the generation of subsequent optical pulses from said oscillator in relation to a round trip time of flight of said optical pulses between said apparatus and said target, said time of flight being used to extrapolate a distance between said laser oscillator and said target.