MODULAR LADAR SENSOR

摘要

A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.

主权项

1. A wheeled vehicle having an electronic enclosure attached thereto, and a ladar sensor module with a field of view and having a first electrical connector and contained within a housing, and said housing having a retention feature, and the electronic enclosure further having a mechanical mount adapted to receive the retention feature of said housing, and the electronic enclosure also having a second electrical connector adapted to mate with said first electrical connector, and said ladar sensor module further comprising:
a laser transmitter with modulated laser light output and a diffusing optic for illuminating a scene in the field of view of the ladar sensor module; a zero range reference circuit having a zero range reference output adapted to signal the initiation of the modulated laser light output; a clock driver circuit having a clock output, and having a temperature stabilized frequency reference; a two dimensional array of light sensitive detectors positioned at a focal plane of a light collecting and focusing system, each of said light sensitive detectors having an output producing an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of said modulated laser light output; a readout integrated circuit with a plurality of unit cell electrical each of said unit cell electrical circuits having
an input connected to one of said light sensitive detector outputs,an electrical response signal demodulator,a range measuring circuit connected to an output of said electrical response signal demodulator, and said range measuring circuit further connected to the zero range reference output, and the range measuring circuit connected to the clock output and having a range output; a detector bias circuit connected to at least one voltage distribution grid of said array of light sensitive detectors; a communications port having an input connected to the range output of each unit cell and adapted to transmit the range output of each unit cell through said first electrical connector and said second connector to the wheeled vehicle.