US Patent 8107056 Hybrid optical distance sensor

Methods and systems for a hybrid optical device for high dynamic range high resolution remote sensing of object distance, object motion displacement, object three dimensional structure, object spatial profile, and measurement of liquid levels, and different matter interface positions. The device uses a hybrid digital-analog controlled variable focal length lens system to target both specular and diffuse objects. The spatial processing methods and systems can include time-frequency processing optical distance measurement methods to enable a robust hybrid-technique sensor.