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Apparatus and methods for obtaining multi-dimensional spatial and spectral data with LIDAR detection

  • US 8,599,367 B2
  • Filed: 08/04/2010
  • Issued: 12/03/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus, comprising:

  • a laser generator configured to generate an output laser signal toward a target area;

    at least one detector configured as an array of light sensitive elements, the array including a plurality of rows and columns of light sensitive elements;

    at least one wavelength dispersion element positioned in a return path of a returning laser signal returning from the target area, the at least one wavelength dispersion element configured to separate wavelengths of the returning laser signal onto the plurality of rows and columns of the array, wherein the columns of the plurality of columns of the array are associated with the separated wavelengths that correspond with a position along a row of the array, the position along the row of the array corresponding with a spatial position of the target area along a first axis; and

    a processor including control logic configured to calculate three-dimensional (3D) spatial data and combine the 3D spatial data with spectral data including the separated wavelengths, wherein the 3D spatial data includes;

    data associated with the first axis;

    data associated with a second axis based, at least in part, on a position in a direction of movement of the at least one detector; and

    data associated with a third axis based, at least in part, on a time conversion of a time interval between reception of the returning laser signal and generation of the output laser signal.

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