System and method for ranging of targets
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsJohn E. Clement, James F. Asbrock, William O. McKeag
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for ranging or targets may include transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target. The method may also include generating a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating transmission of the pulse of electromagnetic energy. Additionally, the method may include detecting a reflection of the pulse from the target. Moreover, the method may include generating a second signal indicating detection of the reflection. The method may further include generating a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay. The method may also include sampling the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.
Claims23
A system, comprising:
- a light source configured to transmit a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target;
- a timer configured to output a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating that the light source transmitted the pulse of electromagnetic energy;
- a reflection detection module configured to detect a reflection of the pulse from the target and output a second signal indicating detection of the reflection;
- a delay device configured to receive the second signal and to output a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay;
- and
- a sample-and-hold device configured to sample the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.
A method for ranging a target, comprising:
- transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target;
- generating a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating transmission of the pulse of electromagnetic energy;
- detecting a reflection of the pulse from the target;
- generating a second signal indicating detection of the reflection;
- generating a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay;
- and
- sampling the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a propulsion system for propelling the vehicle;
- and
- a ranging system comprising:
- a light source configured to transmit a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target;
- a timer configured to output a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating that the light source transmitted the pulse of electromagnetic energy;
- a reflection detection module configured to detect a reflection of the pulse from the target and output a second signal indicating detection of the reflection;
- a delay device configured to receive the second signal and to output a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay;
- a sample-and-hold device configured to sample the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal;
- and
- a processing module configured to determine a range between the vehicle and the target based on the sampled time-varying signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.