Sensor technology for the measurement of distance and profile of natural targets, based on high speed TOF measurement

A very efficient non-contact distance measurement method is based on the flight time of a short, eye-safe laser pulse to the target and back. The principle is known as pulsed time-of-flight (TOF) distance measurement. The main advantages of TOF measurement include its non-contact, non-disturbing nature, high speed and accuracy, high spatial resolution and wide measurement range. Special reflectors are not needed on the target but can be used to increase the maximum range. 

Noptel's TOF distance measurement technology originates from the University of Oulu dating back to the 1970's. Together with the University of Oulu also several other national and international organisations are involved in the company's present active R&D partnership network. 

The R&D work during the 1990's has been focused very strongly on developing extremely compact, low power consumption, 'environment-proof' technology for demanding applications, including compact diode laser transmitters, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and hermetic sealing for encapsulating the transceiver modules. This development work has been used in many products, which require small, inexpensive and accurate measurement unit. 
 

Performance of the Technology 

The key characteristics of Noptel's TOF technology are:  

• Accuracy as good as 1 mm. 
• Max. measurement rate up to 100000 single shot measurements per second.
• Max. range (without a special reflector) from several tens of metres up to more than one kilometre, depending on the accuracy needed.
• Highly integrated technology (ASICs, hybrids and surface mounted components).
• Small size, low weight, low cost, ow power consumption.
• Suitable for harsh environments.

Business concept 

Noptel offers its partners the necessary specialised technology and R&D know-how together with competitive manufacturing, and can also work as part of the customer's own product or system design initiative.
The development of a customer specific product may include slight modifications to an existing technology or it may mean the development of a totally new product. The sharing of the work, rights, risks, costs and profits are agreed case by case with the partners.  

An example: Spectra-Physics' LR 2000 

The LR 2000 combines advanced laser technology and computing power to measure refractory lining wear in converters and ladles in the steel industry. The product has been developed jointly by Spectra-Physics Vision Tech and Noptel, the latter being responsible for the R&D and the manufacturing of the distance measurement part of the system. (Spectra-Physics Vision Tech is the worldÕs leading supplier of refractory lining control systems.) 

Potential applications: 

PROFILING 
2D/3D MEASUREMENT 
AREA PROTECTION 
PROXIMITY SENSING 
LEVEL MEASUREMENT 
SURVEYING 
VEHICLE GUIDANCE 
TRAFFIC CONTROL 
POSITIONING 
SPEED MEASUREMENT 
GROUND MODELLING 
ROBOTIC MONITORING 
LASER NAVIGATION 

  
Contact:
Mr. Matti Tervaskanto 
Noptel Oy 
Teknologiantie 2 
90570 Oulu, Finland 
Tel. +358-8-551 4351 
Fax. +358-8-556 4101 
Email: info@noptel.fi 
Web: http://www.noptel.fi/