Abstract: An improved shading correction system is disclosed where the light intensity variations of the light sources are sensed and are fed back to the shading correction system for improved shading correction. Such feedback action may be applied both during the recording of shading profile reference values when a reference target is scanned and for shading correction when the actual target is scanned.

Abstract: An integrated-optics wavelength stabilization device for broad-bandwidth optical sources requires small-optical-path-difference interferometers to detect wavelength shifts. The phase retardation between the arms of the interferometer is modulated using small applied AC voltages.

Abstract: Image reading equipment has a light source for irradiating an original image, a reader for photoelectrically reading the original image, a detector for detecting a peak output level of said reader and a controller for controlling a read operation by the thus detected peak level. The original image is scanned at a speed appropriate for the light quantity exposing the original so that a stable reading of the original is realized even when the quantity of exposing light is deficient.

Abstract: In a double-beam photometer comprising a light source providing a light beam, detector means, a sample area, optical means for guiding the light beam as a measuring light beam through the sample area onto the detector means, means for guiding the same light beam as a reference light beam onto the detector means while avoiding the sample area, and chopper means disposed in a splitting location for splitting the light beam into the measuring light beam, which are combined into one path of rays in a recombination location, after the measuring light beam has passed through the sample area, with the splitting location and the recombination location being spatially close to each other. The chopper means has a single chopper which simultaneously effects the splitting and the combination of the measuring and reference light beams.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an image of an object utilize a scannable microlaser array to provide a flying spot light source. The microlaser array is scan-energized and imaged onto the object to illuminate the object. Light scattered, reflected, or transmitted from the object is collected and detected, and can be converted to a video-level signal for display on a monitor. The microlaser array can be raster-scanned, scanned in a random access mode, or have at least two laser elements energized simultaneously, to enhance contrast, provide multiplexing, and increase dynamic range. A confocal configuration utilizes a detector array that is scan-read synchronously with the laser excitation pattern.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the geometry of a workpiece in a forging press, fed into the forging press for processing in a processing throughpass and rotated about the longitudinal axis in predetermined manner. The surface of the workpiece is scanned over the periphery, in planes perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the workpiece. The data scanned are transmitted to a prepared programmed computer, and subsequently converted in the computer, with the aid of a program based on the condition of volume constancy, in such a way that the actual geometry of the workpiece is determined. The determined actual geometry is processed in the computer in such a way that a further deformation step, with predetermined programmed forging parameters, is initiated. The apparatus has a support in the shape of a ring, arranged in the vicinity of the processing region of the workpiece and on a mounting in such a way as to rotate around the workpiece at a determined speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive internal and external inspection of produce, including the detection of pits in various stone fruits. The apparatus transmits a first plurality of beams of light (20) across inspection zone (14) and transmits a second plurality of beams of light (30) across inspection zone (14) in a direction transverse to beams of light (20), thus forming an X-Y plane. As article of produce (10) passes through inspection zone (14) along the Z-axis, a first plurality of sensors (24) and a second plurality of sensors (34) detect the variations in the intensity of the beams of light and the data is processed to produce a three-dimensional "picture" of the article of produce. Size, symmetry, external defects, and internal structure are determined as a result of processing the data collected. The apparatus and method can be used for detecting pits or surface defects, and for sorting or rejecting articles of produce based on size, symmetry, external defects or internal structure.

Abstract: A method for checking the coaxial alignment of tandem-arranged shafts involving the detection of a coaxial in-line or an offset state of the said shafts. In different angular positions of measurement two independent signals are produced related to any parallel offset and any angular offset of the shafts respectively. In the known methods the angular positions of measurement are bound by a mutual angular spacing of 90.degree.. This leads to problems if there are obstructions in these angular positions of measurement of the device used for measuring. The method in accordance with the invention makes possible alignment checking operations using freely selectable angular positions of measurement.

Abstract: A high density planar array of substrate-supported, thin film diodes constituting photoresponsive semiconductor elements is placed between a document to be read and a light source for illuminating the document. The document is illuminated by the light source via windows in the array, reflected light from the document impinging on the photoresponsive elements constituted by the diodes which are electronically interrogated to provide a signal which is indicative of image information on the document. The light source directly illuminates small portions of each diode to establish a discharge or bias current that makes the array more sensitive and responsive. The high density diodes of the array can be formed in a manner that minimizes leakage current between adjacent diodes.

Abstract: A motion transducer includes a rotatable wheel, a drive assembly that engages a movable rod in contact with the circumference of the rotatable wheel, and an encoder that measures the rotation of the rotatable wheel and that encodes information relating to the rotation of the rotatable wheel. Linear motion of the movable rod causes rotation of the rotatable wheel, the angular displacement of the rotatable wheel being proportional to the linear travel of the rod.

Abstract: A light-scattering-type smoke detector is disclosed which comprises a base portion to be secured to a ceiling, a head part forming one of the parts of a detecting portion to be detachably mounted to the base portion through setscrews passed therethrough, and a dark box forming the other of the portions of the detecting part to be detachably connected to the head part by screwing the setscrews thereto, the dark box comprising a body portion and a cover portion put one upon another. The body portion has a printed circuit board integrally secured thereto on its upper surface and the dark box is surrounded by a labyrinth around its outer periphery that is internally provided with a light projection element and a light receiving element. The smoke detector allows the dismounting of the head part from the base portion, and the dark box from the head part so that maintenance and repair of the smoke detector can be carried out quite easily.

Abstract: A device for photoelectrically sensing the color of a target object includes two more light sources having different characteristic ranges of chromaticity and at least one photosensitive element which receives light from the light sources after it has reflected off of the target object. A logic circuit serves to serially energize the light sources and receive resultant sample signals from the photosensitive elements. The logic circuit then generates a resultant signal as a function of the various sample signals and compares the resultant signal with a predetermined reference standard. If the difference therebetween exceeds a tolerance limit, the control circuit will output a reject signal.

Abstract: In a photoelectric transducer apparatus having a plurality of photoelectric transducer elements each having a capacitor electrode formed on a control electrode of a corresponding semiconductor transistor, the apparatus being adapted to sequentially select each element in units of lines, to control a potential of the control electrode of the selected photoelectric transducer element through the capacitor electrode, to store carriers in the control electrode region, and to read out a signal component corresponding to the amount of charge, the apparatus includes: optical information storing memory for storing optical information read out from the photoelectric transducer element; and dark voltage storing memory for storing a voltage corresponding to a dark voltage read out from the photoelectric transducer element, and actual optical information stored in the optical information storing memory and information corresponding to the dark voltage component stored in the dark voltage storing memory are simultaneously

Abstract: A real time distance sensor for measuring distance by calculating the position of image of reflected laser beams with an extremely high-speed, includes a detection module containing a light receiving lens, an infrared ray filter, a CCD sensor, a lens system, and a laser; and a processing module containing a comparator, a differentiator, a pulse shaping circuit, a T flip-flop, a counter, a latch circuit, a ROM for calculation of distance, and power control and a D/A converter wherein the lens system contains cylindrical form for maintaining the intensity of laser beams with the travel of the beams.

Abstract: A photocoupler apparatus comprises an output MOSFET, a series circuit of a first photoelectromotive force diode array and a diode and connected to the gate and substrate of the MOSFET, a series circuit of a second photoelectromotive force diode array and a resistor and connected between both ends of the diode, and a normally-ON drive transistor. The diode is connected in a forward bias direction to the direction of a light current generated by the first diode array. When a charge current to be supplied to the MOSFET is large, most of the light current flows through the forward-biased diode to the output MOSFET and is not influenced by the current limitation by the resistor. When the charge current decreases, the diode is reverse-biased and the gate-substrate voltage of the MOSFET is higher than a voltage generated across the first diode array.

Abstract: An infrared radiation detector having a first semiconductor layer deposited n a substrate to form a diode junction with an overlay contact, is rendered more effective to detect long wavelength radiation by deposit of a second semiconductor layer between the first layer and the overlay contact in a heterojunction arrangement. The semiconductor materials are selected so as to separate radiation absorbing and electrical functions respectively performed within the two layers and to produce an enhanced output across the diode junction between the first layer and the overlay contact.

Abstract: A contactless switch comprising a moveable body assembly including a plunger and a lens carrier received in a casing axially slidable manner between a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are also disposed along and on the axial line of the casing. Thus, the radial dimension of the switch can be reduced, and a compact design is made possible. Additionally, the actuating stroke of the moveable body assembly can be made large without increasing the dimensions of the switch. In particular, since a switch output can be produced from a signal processing circuit when the amount of the light received by the light receiving element has reached a certain predetermined level, the point of activation of the switch can be accurately defined by adjusting a reference level for the level of the light received by the light receiving element, and this adjustment can be easily carried out.

Abstract: A reflective optical rotary encoder device detects an angular speed or position of a rotatable member with a light beam applied to and reflected from a reflective optical encoder disc. The reflective optical rotary encoder disc has an annular encoder track for reflecting the light beam, the encoder track being composed of an annular pattern of angularly spaced pit units each including a plurality of radially spaced arcuate pits, and a pit-free annular focus servo track for focusing the light beam onto the encoder track, the focus servo track extending along and being disposed radially substantially centrally in the annular encoder track.

Abstract: A radiation image information reading apparatus photoelectrically reads radiation image information from a recording medium such as a stimulable phosphor sheet. Reading conditions and/or image processing conditions are established on the basis of the radiation image information which has been read from the recording medium. Whether the reading conditions and/or the image processing conditions fall outside of a predetermined range or not, is determined. If the reading conditions and/or the image processing conditions fall outside of the predetermined range, the radiation image information and data used to establish the reading conditions and/or the image processing conditions is held in storage.

Abstract: A fiber-optic interferometric chemical sensor for detecting chemical vapors in the air. The chemical sensor 10 includes a light source 12 which outputs an optical signal to a first beam splitter 14. The first beam splitter 14 splits the optical signal into first and second components and transfers the optical signal over sensor and reference optical fibers 20 and 22 respectively. The optical fibers 20 and 22 are bonded to the sensor and reference magnetostrictive substrates 24 and 26, which oscillate in response to an oscillating electromagnetic field generated by a coil 28 circumscribing the substrates 24 and 26. The sensor substrate 24 is further coated with a substance to facilitate collection thereon of molecules associated with the chemical vapor being detected. The optical outputs of the optical fibers bonded to the substrates 24 and 26 are then output to second and third beam splitters 16 and 18 respectively, and first and second beam combiners 32 and 34 respectively.