Alternate optical range finder geometries

Abstract

This paper introduces two unusual optical range finders and compares them to each other and to stereo and optical flow based range finding. The axially displaced sensor uses to optical flow sensitive cameras at different distances to the scene. The paraxial array sensor uses an array of light sensitive elements that can be optically or mechanically rotated to provide a range measurement. Both sensors are demonstrated in applications that are appropriate to their attributes. The displaced sensor is demonstrated as an altitude sensor for an aircraft, the paraxial sensor is demonstrated as a point range finder.