US 12,377,877 B2
Device and method for scanning measurement of the distance to an object
Vladimir Davydenko, Bad Herrenalb (DE)
Assigned to Scantinel Photonics GmbH, Ulm (DE)
Filed by Scantinel Photonics GmbH, Ulm (DE)
Filed on Apr. 13, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/229,661.
Claims priority of application No. 10 2020 110 142.2 (DE), filed on Apr. 14, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0316756 A1, Oct. 14, 2021
Int. Cl. G06V 20/58 (2022.01); B60W 60/00 (2020.01)
CPC B60W 60/0015 (2020.02) [G06V 20/58 (2022.01); B60W 2420/40 (2013.01); B60W 2420/408 (2024.01); B60W 2554/4049 (2020.02)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for scanning measurement of a distance to an object, wherein the device comprises:
a light source configured to produce optical signals, each having a varying frequency,
an optical distribution matrix comprising optical switches and/or optical splitters and configured to distribute the optical signals simultaneously or successively onto optical output waveguides,
an optical deflector configured to deflect the optical signals when exiting from the optical output waveguides so that they are emitted in different directions, exiting from the device to the object,
a plurality of detectors, each configured to detect an interference of (i) an optical signal produced by the light source and received without reflection from the object and (ii) an optical signal produced by the light source and received after reflection from the object,
input waveguides, which are distinct from the output waveguides, wherein the input waveguides are configured to guide the optical signals reflected from the object to the detectors while bypassing the optical distribution matrix, and
a microprocessor, which is configured to determine a distance to the object from the interference detected by the detectors.