Method and system for lidar using spatial information from a light source in combination with nonspatial information influenced by the subject to derive an image

A method for imaging comprising:

• generating a beam of photons, at least a portion of the beam of photons being at a first location;
• detecting light influenced by an object or objects in the first location using a plurality of first detectors;
• the plurality of first detectors being spaced at known, different distances from the object,
• determining the presence of an object based upon the outputs of the plurality of first detectors;
• correlating the outputs of the first detectors and using phase detection, producing a three dimensional image of the object.

A system for imaging comprising;

• a processor for processing information;
• at least one photon light source generating a beam of light;
• a modulator for modulating the light of the at least one photon light source;
• a plurality of first receivers operative to detect the influence of a subject on the beam;
• the plurality of first receivers being operatively connected to the processor and operating to transmit nonspatial information to the processor;
• the plurality of first receivers being spaced at known, different distances from the subject, whereby comparison of each of the outputs of the plurality of first receivers provides three dimensional information concerning the subject;
• the processor operating to correlate the outputs of the plurality of first receivers with spatial information derived from the modulated light at correlating intervals of time to create a three dimensional image of the subject.