John W McLean

Title: John W McLean: Innovator in Lidar Technology

Introduction: John W McLean, based in Tucson, AZ, is a distinguished inventor known for his significant contributions to lidar technology. With a total of four patents to his name, McLean has made strides in detecting submerged objects, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in marine applications.

Latest Patents: Among his latest innovations, McLean's pivotal patent on lidar with streak-tube imaging focuses on hazard detection in marine environments. The system and method are designed for the detection of submerged or partially submerged objects relative to a water surface. One remarkable aspect of this invention involves emitting lidar fan-beam pulses and analyzing the return-pulse portions to determine water-surface orientations, ultimately deriving images of submerged objects corrected for refractive distortion. Additionally, McLean's technology simulates images of submerged objects as perceived through waves, utilizing a sophisticated algorithm for three-dimensional image correction. The invention also includes the emission of nearly horizontal pulses that illuminate small exposed objects from distances of tens of kilometers and employs a streak-tube subsystem to capture reflected portions. Provisions for detecting airborne objects further highlight the versatility of his work.

Career Highlights: McLean has had a fruitful career at notable companies, including Arete Associates and Areté Associates. His work in these organizations has allowed him to deepen his expertise and refine his innovative approaches to lidar technology, further establishing him as a leader in his field.

Collaborations: Throughout his career, McLean has collaborated with skilled professionals such as Stephen C Lubard and J Kent Bowker. These partnerships have enabled the exchange of ideas and advancements that contribute positively to the maturation of technology he developed.

Conclusion: John W McLean stands out as a key innovator in the realm of lidar technology, particularly in the context of marine applications. With a keen focus on refining object detection methods, he has established a strong foundation through his patents and collaborations, ensuring that his innovations will continue to influence advancements in this important area of technology.