System and method for determining range in 3D imaging systems

A system for rendering a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising:

• a laser, wherein the laser generates an optical pulse and projects the optical pulse on an object so that it is reflected as a reflected pulse;
• a detector array, wherein the detector array includes a plurality of detectors, wherein the detectors are oriented to receive the reflected pulse;
• a timing circuit connected to the detector array, wherein the timing circuit determines when the reflected pulse reached a detector on the detector array, wherein the timing circuit includes one or more interpolators, wherein each interpolator includes one or more interpolator circuits, wherein each interpolator circuit charges a capacitor at a different rate than it discharges the capacitor;
• and
• a processor connected to the timing circuit, wherein the processor calculates transit time for the optical pulse as time between when the optical pulse was projected on the object and when a pulse reflected from the object reached detectors on the detector array in order to determine range to the object.

A device for imaging one or more three dimensional objects, including:

• a pulsed light source;
• means for transmitting light toward said objects;
• optics for collecting light during the time for light to transit from said pulsed light source, reflect from said objects, be collected and focused by said optics
• one or more detectors, wherein the detectors are oriented for receiving the collected light and converting the collected light into an electrical signal;
• timing means, connected to the one or more detectors, for determining a transit time for a pulse to leave the pulsed light source, reflect off the objects and return to one or more of the plurality of deflectors, wherein the timing means includes one or more interpolators, wherein each interpolator includes a circuit which charges at a different rate than it discharges;
• and
• calibration means, connected between the light transmitting means and the detectors, wherein the calibration means includes a resonator.