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US5208641A
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Laser cavity helmet mounted sight
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1992-03-03
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Granted: 1993-05-04
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Expires: 2012-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A laser illuminated helmet mounted sight that determines helmet or sight position from an externally mounted light source. The electronics, including light sources and detectors, are on the helmet. Also, no electrical cables or mechanical linkage is connected to the helmet. The helmet only has passive reflectors for reflecting light beams from a laser source. The return times and directions of the returning light beams processed by off-helmet electronics, result in a position indication of the helmet.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans W. Mocker
- 👤 John E. Overland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S17/00; G01S17/87; G01S17/875; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/0093
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An object position and orientation determining system comprising: light source; modulating means connected to the light source for modulating the frequency of a light beam emitted from the light source; spatial modulating means for spatially modulating the light beam; a plurality of reflectors positioned on an object in predetermined positions; a detector for detecting an associated beat frequency in a mixture of the light beam and reflected light from each of the reflectors, wherein the beat frequency is proportional to the distance to its associated reflector; and processing means connected to the detector and the spatial modulating means for determining the position and orientation of the object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An object position and orientation determining system comprising: light source; modulating means connected to the light source for modulating the frequency of a light beam emitted from the light source; spatial modulating means for spatially modulating the light beam; a plurality of reflectors positioned on an object in predetermined positions; a detector for detecting an associated beat frequency in a mixture of the light beam and reflected light from each of the reflectors, wherein the beat frequency is proportional to the distance to its associated reflector; and processing means connected to the detector and the spatial modulating means for determining the position and orientation of the object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the light source is a laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the spatial modulating means in an opaque solid body with an opening that passes through the body and the opening rotates in space relative to said light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The spatial modulating means of claim 3 wherein the opaque solid body is a disk.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the spatial modulating means is a translucent rotating cylinder comprised of at least three wedge prisms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the object is a helmet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the detector detects a Doppler shift frequency in the mixture of the light beam and the light reflected from the reflectors, wherein the Dopler shift frequency is proportional to the relative velocity of each of the reflectors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the processor determines the relative velocity of the object.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The object position and orientation determining system of claim 1 wherein the modulating means comprises a modulator connected to a power source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
96 words
An object position and orientation determining system comprising: N light sources; modulating means connected to the N light sources for modulating the frequency of a light beam emitted from the N light sources; N reflectors positioned on an object in predetermined positions; N detectors for detecting an associated beat frequency in a mixture of the light beam and reflected light from each of the N reflectors, wherein the beat frequency is proportional to the distance to its associated reflector; and processing means connected to the N detectors for determining the position and orientation of the object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
96 words
An object position and orientation determining system comprising: N light sources; modulating means connected to the N light sources for modulating the frequency of a light beam emitted from the N light sources; N reflectors positioned on an object in predetermined positions; N detectors for detecting an associated beat frequency in a mixture of the light beam and reflected light from each of the N reflectors, wherein the beat frequency is proportional to the distance to its associated reflector; and processing means connected to the N detectors for determining the position and orientation of the object.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the N light sources are lasers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the object is a helmet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the detectors detect the Doppler shift frequency in the mixture of the light beam and the light reflected from the reflectors, wherein the Doppler shift frequency is relative to velocity of each of the reflectors.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the processor determines the relative velocity of the object.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The object position and orientation determining system of claim 10 wherein the modulating means comprises a modulator connected to a power source.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-03 | 1996-11-02 | 1997-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-03 | 2000-11-02 | 2001-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-03 | 2004-11-02 | 2005-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |