Multi-beam laser rangefinder
First Claim
1. A multi-beam rangefinder system for estimating a range-derived value of an airborne platform relative to the ground, the ground being approximated by a planar model, the system comprising:
- (a) a transmitter arrangement configured for producing a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation directed in at least three non-coplanar directions;
(b) a sensor arrangement for sensing said pulses of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the ground; and
(c) a processor arrangement configured for processing of independent measurements of time of flight of said pulses in each of said three non-coplanar directions in order to estimate the range derived value of the airborne platform relative to the ground.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-beam rangefinder system for estimating a range-derived value of an airborne platform relative to the ground. A planar model approximates the ground. The system includes a transmitter arrangement to produce a number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation directed in three or more non-coplanar directions and a sensor arrangement for sensing the pulses of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the ground. The systems also includes a processor arrangement for processing independent measurement of time of flight of the pulses in each of the three or more non-coplanar directions, in order to estimate the range derived value of the airborne platform relative to the ground.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A multi-beam rangefinder system for estimating a range-derived value of an airborne platform relative to the ground, the ground being approximated by a planar model, the system comprising:
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(a) a transmitter arrangement configured for producing a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation directed in at least three non-coplanar directions;
(b) a sensor arrangement for sensing said pulses of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the ground; and
(c) a processor arrangement configured for processing of independent measurements of time of flight of said pulses in each of said three non-coplanar directions in order to estimate the range derived value of the airborne platform relative to the ground. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for estimating a range-derived value of an airborne platform relative to the ground, the ground being approximated by a planar model, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) producing a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation directed in three non-coplanar directions;
(b) receiving said pulses of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the ground; and
(c) processing independent measurements of time of flight of said pulses in each of said three non-coplanar directions in order to estimate the range derived value of the airborne platform relative to the ground. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification