Method and apparatus for monitoring a target
First Claim
1. A method for monitoring at least one target (3, 207), comprising the steps of providing a signal indicative of an image received by an image sensor (5, 201), and processing the image signal to determine an amplitude of the image signal and to identify any part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than a predetermined threshold (VTR), and to identify location coordinates of the part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than the predetermined threshold, characterised in that a pulsed source (1, 13, 203, 205) of electromagnetic radiation is directed towards a target (3, 207) for reflection to the image sensor (5, 201).
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A target (3, 207) is monitored using an image sensor (5, 201) for producing a signal indicative of an image received by the sensor, and processing the image signal. The image signal is processed using a comparator (105) for determining the amplitude of the image signal and for identifying any part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than a predetermined threshold (VTR). Location coordinates of the part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than the predetermined threshold are then determined.
11 Citations
38 Claims
- 1. A method for monitoring at least one target (3, 207), comprising the steps of providing a signal indicative of an image received by an image sensor (5, 201), and processing the image signal to determine an amplitude of the image signal and to identify any part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than a predetermined threshold (VTR), and to identify location coordinates of the part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than the predetermined threshold, characterised in that a pulsed source (1, 13, 203, 205) of electromagnetic radiation is directed towards a target (3, 207) for reflection to the image sensor (5, 201).
- 20. An apparatus for monitoring at least one target (3, 207), comprising an image sensor (5, 201) for producing a signal indicative of an image received by the sensor, and means (7) for processing the image signal, the processing means including comparator means (105) for determining an amplitude of the image signal and for identifying any part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than a predetermined threshold (VTR), and including means (113, 119) for identifying location coordinates of the part or parts of the signal having an amplitude greater than the predetermined threshold, characterised in that a pulsed source (1, 13, 203, 205) of electromagnetic radiation is provided, the source being directed towards a target (3, 207) for reflection to the image sensor (5, 201).
Specification