The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 20, 2008
Filed:
Apr. 13, 2005
Jeri M. Briscoe, Arab, AL (US);
Eric L. Corder, Huntsville, AL (US);
Richard T. Howard, Huntsville, AL (US);
David J. Broderick, Tolland, CT (US);
Jeri M. Briscoe, Arab, AL (US);
Eric L. Corder, Huntsville, AL (US);
Richard T. Howard, Huntsville, AL (US);
David J. Broderick, Tolland, CT (US);
Abstract
A video sensor device is provided which incorporates a rangefinder function. The device includes a single video camera and a fixed laser spaced a predetermined distance from the camera for, when activated, producing a laser beam. A diffractive optic element divides the beam so that multiple light spots are produced on a target object. A processor calculates the range to the object based on the known spacing and angles determined from the light spots on the video images produced by the camera.