Extension Of The Dynamic Range Of Active Laser Range Finders

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Abstract
Active range finders based on triangulation have proven to be very useful when dense depth maps are required. A number of range finders utilize linear or bidimensional arrays of photodetectors (photodiodes or MOS-type) to provide depth information. A practical limitation of these sensors is their relatively low saturation level. Once the saturation exposure has been reached, the accuracy drops. Many applications require a 3-D sensor with a dynamic range in excess of 100 000:1. Most sensor arrays with position evaluation circuitry have a combined dynamic range of 100:1-1 000:1. Consequently, these 3-D sensors will have limited usefulness in these applications. Some practical considerations in this field are presented and the results are given which were obtained from a system, designed in-house, that controls the laser source in such a way that the saturation exposure on the sensor array is never exceeded. These preliminary results have demonstrated an increase of the dynamic range of the sensor by a minimum factor of 100. The maximum throughput rate is typically 100 000 depth measurements per second and can be as low as 300 per second.

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