Schwartz Electro-optics, Inc.

Keith L Fowler

Richard J Wangler

Robert E McConnell, Ii

Robert L Gustavson

A sensor using laser range imaging technology is adapted for determining a three-dimensional profile of a vehicle passing the sensor for use in Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A continuously pulsed laser beam scanned across a detection area determines the presence of a vehicle. Range, angle and time date for a vehicle passing the sensor are collected and stored for use in determining its three-dimensional profile. Forward and backward beams are directed for scanning across the detection area. Pulsed energy is sent into the two divergent beams, which are received as reflective energy in a receiver. The receiver accepts reflections from the beams and provides inputs for purposes of determining time of flight, and for measuring the time interval between interceptions of the two divergent beams for a given vehicle. An encoder tracks the position of the mirror for providing angle data with associated range measurements.

Intelligent vehicle highway system sensor and method

An Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS) sensor provides accurate information on real-time traffic conditions that can be used for incident detection, motorist advisories, and traffic management via signals, ramp meters, and the like. A diode-laser-based Vehicle Detector And Classifier (VDAC) measures the presence, speed, and three-dimensional profiles of vehicles passing beneath it within its multi-lane field-of-view coverage. The sensor uses pulsed laser range imaging technology adapted for determining the three-dimensional profile of the vehicle. The VDAC employs a rotating polygon mirror to scan a pulsed laser rangefinder across three lanes of a highway in order to measure the presence, speed, and height profiles of vehicles in all three lanes simultaneously. A receiver accepts reflections from beams transmitted from the sensor and provides inputs for determining time of flight, and a time interval between interceptions of the two divergent beams for the vehicle. An encoder tracks the position of the mirror for providing angle data with associated range measurements. The VDAC high signal-to-noise ratio and good spatial resolution result in highly accurate traffic-parameter measurements.

Intelligent vehicle highway system multi-lane sensor and method

A sensor using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for determining a three-dimensional profile of a vehicle passing the sensor for use in Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A continuously pulsed laser beam scanned across a detection area determines the presence of a vehicle. Range, angle and time date for a vehicle passing the sensor are collected and stored for use in determining its three-dimensional profile. Forward and backward beams are directed for scanning across the detection area. Pulsed energy is sent into the two divergent beams, which are received as reflective energy in a receiver. The receiver accepts reflections from the beams and provides inputs for purposes of determining time of flight, and for measuring the time interval between interceptions of the two divergent beams for a given vehicle. An encoder tracks the position of the mirror for providing angle data with associated range measurements.

An object sensor and method using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for determining the velocity and three dimensional profile of a vehicle passing the sensor for classifying the type of vehicle for use in Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. A pair of scanned laser beams are provided by splitting a continuously pulsed laser beam from a transmitter and an optical receiver determines the presence of a vehicle in a predetermined zone such as a highway weigh station or toll booth. Range, angle and time data are collected and stored for use in determining the speed of the vehicle passing the sensor and its three dimensional profile. Forward and backward scanned beams are provided using alternate embodiments of a rotating mirror and using two transmitters/receivers in another embodiment. The pulsed energy is sent into the two divergent beams, which are received as reflective energy in a receiver. The receiver accepts reflections from the beams and provides inputs for purposes of determining time of flight, and for measuring the time interval between interceptions of the two divergent beams for a given vehicle. An encoder tracks the position of the mirror for providing angle data with associated range measurements. The vehicle speed is calculated for range data collected when the vehicle passes through the forward and backward scanned beams. Three dimensional profiles are compared with preselected vehicle profiles for classifying the vehicle.

A helicopter hazardous ground object warning system has a horizontally rotating beam from a laser rangefinder which detects and measures the distance to ground objects which may present a hazard to a helicopter during hover, takeoff and landing. The rotating laser beam from the rangefinder is positioned on the fuselage of a helicopter to create a quasi-horizontal (planar) scan pattern parallel to the earth's surface. The maximum and minimum ranges which can be measured by the rangefinder to objects and to ground personnel are preset. The minimum range can be used for blanking range measurements as a function of angle from helicopter parts, such as landing skids or wheel structures. A pilot warning system for hazardous objects may include an audible or visual alarm which may include a screen positioning all objects relative to the helicopter rotors and an external audible personnel warning system alerting ground personnel in the hazardous zone.

Helicopter obstacle warning system

An object sensor and method using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for controlling an agricultural spraying system. A single laser sensor employs a continuously scanned pulsed laser transmitter and optical receiver to determine the presence or absence of foliage in predetermined spray zones to selectively control spraying only in those spray zones where foliage has been sensed. Range and distance data are also collected and stored in a microprocessor for use in determining the appropriate zones requiring spraying.

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Orlando, FL, United States of America

Keith L Fowler