Abstract

Methods and systems for hybrid optical sensor designs for high dynamic range high resolution remote distance or level measurements. The preferred sensor design uses a hybrid digital-analog controlled variable focal length lens system to target both specular (retro-reflective) and diffuse objects. Spatial image processing via an optical imager of direct (specular) or indirect (scattered) light is deployed to enable target path length measurement. An alternate sensor design combines the preferred spatial processing sensor design with time-frequency processing optical distance measurement methods to enable a robust hybrid-technique sensor. These sensor designs allows remote sensing of object distance, object motion displacement, object three dimensional structure, object spatial profile, and measurement of liquid levels, and different matter(gas-liquid, solid-gas, liquid A-liquid B) interface positions.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 8,107,056

Application Serial Number

12/560,667

Issue Date

1-31-2012

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

CREOL

Allowance Date

9-19-2011

Filing Date

9-16-2009

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

Download Patent

Share

COinS