Vehicle distance sensor using a segmented IR laser beam

The determination of relative distances and relative speeds between vehicles is a prerequisite for the implementation of features like collision avoidance or automatic guidance in vehicle control systems. An experimental optoelectronic system for this purpose that is based on a multisegment infrared laser emitter and receiver system using no moving parts is described. The multisegment distance measurement system for vehicle applications is a development tool both to optimize the sensor and to develop the signal processing for a multi or single-sensor system. First results are presented and future applications are described. The single and multiple-beam systems are able to measure distances from about 5 m up to 150 m with a dynamic accuracy of 0.1 up to 0.8 m. The measurement cycle time depends on the distance and amounts between 10 and 100 ms. The system has a double active safety system to obtain maximum distance performance at maximum eye safety