2.2.

1 Classification of the methods

Table 1. Optical distance measurement methods

2.2.2 TOF method

Table 2. Some examples of commercially available laser range finders utilizing
semiconductor lasers.

2.2.3 Applications and required performance of the pulsed TOF laser

range finder
2.2.4 3D vision applications of pulsed TOF laser range finders

2.2.5 Advantages of short pulses in TOF laser range finding

 LASER DIODE
TRANSMITTER TRANSMIT-
LENS TER

TIMING DISTANCE
PRE + POST TIME-
DISCRIMI- RESULT
START AMPLIFIERS INTERVAL
NATOR
MEASURE-
TARGET MENT
TIMING
RECEIVER PRE + POST DISCRIMI-
LENS AMPLIFIERS
OPTICAL STOP NATOR
GAIN
CONTROL
AMPLITUDE
MEASURE-
MENT
 n
t
dV dt V D

n
3.4.1 General structure
3.4.2 Alternative ways for generating high speed laser pulses
3.4.3 Laser pulser electronics
 Vcc

R3

L4 C2

R1 Q1 D1
C2
Vin Avalanchetrans. C3
LASER

R4
L1 L2 L3
R2
 BVCBA BVCEO
I
RL

BVCBO
BVCEO
n
Ω