Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for obtaining object data comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a radiation pulse to an object area; (b) scanning relative to the radiation pulse radiation received from the object area across radiation-sensitive means so that radiation from the radiation pulse reflected from an object in the object area strikes a position on the radiation-sensitive means dependent upon distance to the object; and (c) determining the distance to the object based on the position on the radiation-sensitive means which receives the reflected radiation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method for obtaining object data according to Claim 1 , wherein the said step (a) and said step (b) are initiated by a common signal, said method further comprising the step of: (d) delaying the common signal prior to supplying the common signal for initiating said step (b) such that a desired distance range is scanned for an object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method for obtaining object data according to Claim 2, wherein said step (b) further comprises controlling scanning speed dependent upon the difference between a maximum distance and a minimum distance in the distance range being scanned.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method for obtaining object data according to Claim 1 , wherein the radiation pulse is a laser pulse generated by a laser and the radiation-sensitive means comprises a one-dimensional CCD array having a predetermined number of pixels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method for obtaining object data according to Claim 4, further comprising, prior to said step (c), the step of: (e) storing radiation received during said step (b) in the pixel the radiation strikes; and (f) repeating said steps (a), (b) and (e) for a predetermined number of pulses.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for obtaining object data comprising: (a) first means for transmitting a series of at least one radiation pulse to an object area based on a command signal; (b) second means for receiving returning radiation from the set of radiation pulses reflected off an object in the object area and selectively redirecting the returning radiation from each pulse dependent on the command signal and object characteristics; and (c) at least two radiation detectors arranged to receive the redirected returning radiation from said second means, each of said radiation detectors being representative of different object data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system for obtaining object data according to Claim 6, wherein object data is determined based on which of said radiation detectors receives the redirected returning radiation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system for obtaining object data according to Claim 6 , wherein the radiation pulses are laser pulses and said first means includes a laser and a laser controller connected to the laser for controlling the laser to transmit the laser pulses based upon the command signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system for obtaining object data according to Claim 8, wherein said second means includes a scanning mirror and scanning mirror control means for controlling the scanning of the scanning mirror relative to each laser pulse based on the command signal so that returning radiation from each pulse is redirected to strike at least one of said radiation detectors dependent upon distance to the object.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system for obtaining object data according to Claim 9, wherein said radiation detectors comprise pixels in one-dimensional CCD array, each of said pixels being representative of a different distance to an object in the object area.