Abstract: In a data visualization system, a method of creating a visual representation of data points from metric data and determining the positioning of data groups associated with the metric data in the visual representation, the method including the steps of: a data retrieval module retrieving the metric data from a data storage module in communication with the data visualization system, a data grouping module arranging the metric data into a plurality of data groups, a statistical distance determination module determining a minimal statistical distance between data groups positioned next to each other in the visual representation using a hierarchical force based algorithm, and a data visualization module visually arranging the data groups in a hierarchical manner based on the determined statistical distance to create the visual representation.

Abstract: In a data visualization system, a method of creating a visual representation of data, the method including the steps of providing instructions to an end user on a display device to assist the end user in: constructing multiple graphical representations of data retrieved from a data storage module in communication with the data visualization system, where each graphical representation is one of a predefined type and includes multiple layers of elements that contribute to the end user's understanding of the data; arranging multiple graphical representations of different types within the visual representation in a manner that enables the end user to understand and focus on the data being represented; and a display module displaying the visual representation on the display device; the method further including the steps of a determination module determining one or more data elements within the graphical representations that are based on variable data, the display module displaying the determined data element on th

Abstract: In a graphical analysis computing system, a method of arranging data sets for graphical analysis, wherein at least two of the data sets have different periodicities, the method comprising the steps of: a data retrieval module retrieving data from a data storage module in communication with the graphical analysis computing system; a periodicity determination module determining a plurality of periodicities within the retrieved data to identify a plurality of data sets based on the determined periodicities; and an alignment module aligning a first identified data set of a first periodicity relative to a second identified data set of a second periodicity, wherein the second periodicity is different to the first periodicity.

Abstract: In a data visualization system, a method of creating a visual representation of data points from metric data, wherein the method includes the steps of: a data retrieval module retrieving the metric data from a data storage module in communication with the data visualization system, a determination module determining the data points based on the retrieved metric data, and a display module arranging the data points for displaying on a display device according to a predetermined visual representation, arranging the data points into a plurality of meta groups in a hierarchical manner, and arranging the meta groups into a plurality of layers, where each layer represents the data points at different levels of granularity, and a statistical distance determination module determining a statistical distance between items in the meta groups, and the display module arranging the items within the meta groups based on the determined statistical distance.

Abstract: In a data visualization system, a method of arranging, in n dimensions, data points representing n or more variables, the method including the steps of: a data point ranking module ranking a set of data points with respect to a first axis of a visual representation using a first variable; and based on a second variable, a data point distribution module distributing the set of data points along the first axis while retaining information relating to the ranking of data points determined in step i).

Abstract: A laser radar device adapted to ensure that the output from the laser is eye-safe. A means for applying spatial dither to the output of the laser source, such as a moveable optical arrangement. This causes the point of focus of the transmitted beam to traverse a target area by small amounts, reducing the overall radiation exposure at any particular point of focus, but having negligible impact on wind speed measurement for example. Alternative arrangements for ensuring eye-safety include periodically reducing the laser power density, gating the output or altering the focussing of the transmitted beam.

Abstract: A method of creating a graphical representation of data in the form of a heatmap, the method including the steps of: positioning data points on a heatmap for graphical representation, calculating conical data distribution values around a data point based on a data value associated with that data point and rendering the heatmap based on the calculated data distribution values.

Abstract: In a data visualization system, a method of graphically representing discrete data as a continuous surface in image space, the method comprising the steps of: a data retrieval module retrieving discrete data from a data storage device in communication with the data visualization system; an interpolation module calculating a first set of values for a weighted interpolation function based on the retrieved discrete data; a smoothing module calculating a second set of values for one or more weighted approximation functions based on the retrieved discrete data; and a surface combining module combining the first and second set of calculated values over the image space to graphically represent a continuous surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pattern recognition correlator and method for correlating input data with one or more reference data sets. The input data, which may be for instance digital amplitude modulated optical data, is used to modulate an optical signal to form a phase modulated optical signal. This temporal phase modulated optical signal is then converted into a parallel optical phase signal, preferably through use of an optical delay, and modulated by an optical phase modulator. When there is a correlation between the input data and the reference data the emerging wavefront is plane and can be strongly coupled to a detector. In the absence of correlation the emergent wavefront is not plane and so is not coupled as strongly to the detector. The detector output can therefore be used as an indication of correlation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement control system which can be used to control moving platforms such as vehicles or robotic arms. It especially applies to a driving aid for vehicles and to a parking aid capable of self-parking a vehicle. A three-dimensional camera (12) is located on the platform, say a car (102) and arranged to view (114) the environment around the platform. A processor (7) uses the three-dimensional information to create a model of the environment which is used to generate a movement control signal. Preferably the platform moves relative to the environment and acquires a plurality of images of the environment from different positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the departure of a shape of an object (3; 11; 16; 18; 22; 26) from a specified shape is described. The apparatus comprises radiation means for directing an incident beam of radiation (4) onto the object, and inspecting means (5) for inspecting the final beam after transmission by or reflection from said object. The apparatus is arranged so that the final beam will have a substantially planar wavefront when said object has said specified shape, and said inspecting means (5) is arranged to determine any departure of the wavefront of the final beam from planarity. In one embodiment, the inspecting means comprises beamsplitting means, for example a diffraction grating (6) or hologram, and detector means such as a CCD camera (8). The beamsplitting means is then arranged to split the final beam into two or more beams and to direct said two or more beams to laterally displaced locations on the detector means.

Abstract: Optical apparatus for simultaneously focussing first and second coaxially spaced object planes in respective separate first and second areas of a common image plane 13 (such as the sensor of a CCD camera) comprises non-diffractive beamsplitter means for receiving light from said object planes along a common path 2 for transmission to said first and second image areas along respective first and second optical paths 3, 4, and reflective or transmissive focussing means 8 arranged to bring said first and second object planes into focus in said first and second areas. The object planes may be differentiated by having different length paths 3,4 (different physical lengths and/or using a differential optical delay), and/or by having different focussing powers in the two paths. In an add-on for a camera, differently curved mirrors of long focal length modify the main camera lens. Polarising optics may be used to separate the two images. The apparatus may be used for 3-D imaging or wavefront analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a proximity sensor. An illumination means (2) projects an array of spots (40) towards a scene. Detector (8) looks towards the scene through a mask (6). The mask (6) is arranged such that light from a target at a certain range, for instance far object (14) is not transmitted to the detector. Light reflected from a close object (16) however passes through the mask (6) and is incident on the detector (8). A rise in the intensity of incident light at the detector (8) is determined by threshold detector (10) and used to operate an alarm (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to an illumination means for illuminating a scene with a two dimensional pattern of intensity, such as an array of distinct spots or array of lines. A light source (4) such as an LED is arranged to illuminate the input face of a light guide (6), either directly or through a mask. The light guide comprises a solid or hollow tube, generally of a constant, regular cross section which is arranged to create multiple images of the light source. Projection optics (8) is arranged to project the array towards the scene with a larger depth of field than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A bistatic laser radar (lidar) device is described that comprises a transmit channel (60) for forming a focused transmit beam, and a receive channel (62) for forming a focused receive beam. The device is arranged such that the focus of the transmit beam and the focus of the receive beam fall on a common axis when focused to a distance within the operable distance range of the device. The device may be used for vibrometry, wind speed measurements and the like. Implementation of such a device using optical fibre based components is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ranging apparatus capable of ranging simultaneously to a three dimensional scene. An illumination means (22) illuminates a scene with a two dimensional array of spots (12). A detector (6) is located near to the illumination means (22) and arranged to look toward the scene. A processor (7) responds to the output from the detector (6) and, from the location of a spot in the image of the scene, determines the range to that spot. A variety of techniques are used to resolve ambiguity in determining which projected spot is being considered.

Abstract: A device is provided for optical measurement of an object, in particular for path and/or vibration measurements, using a laser interferometer, wherein a measuring beam is input into the beam path of a microscope. The device has a mechanism for shifting the measuring beam in an approximately parallel manner. The input of the measuring beam is accomplished via a camera connection of the microscope. The shifting device causes a shift of the impact point of the measuring beam on the measurement object, and the measuring beam reflected back or scattered from the measurement object is decoupled via the camera connection from the beam path of the microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, chamfering and unloading a ceramic or ceramic/polymer substrate for electronic components. An automatic part loader moves substrates in a row as a unit, using a frangible pin to push the parts. The part loader separates the first of the substrates from the rest, and a load pedestal pushes the first substrate up into a loading/unloading nest. The load pedestal is mounted on rods so that the substrate may move laterally to center itself in the nest. The nest then rotates to load the substrate onto a movable process pedestal. The chamfering apparatus includes a pair of spaced, rotatable cutting spindles for chamfering edges and corners on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading, chamfering and unloading a ceramic or ceramic/polymer substrate for electronic components. An automatic part loader moves substrates in a row as a unit, using a frangible pin to push the parts. The part loader separates the first of the substrates from the rest, and a load pedestal pushes the first substrate up into a loading/unloading nest. The load pedestal is mounted on rods so that the substrate may move laterally to center itself in the nest. The nest then rotates to load the substrate onto a movable process pedestal. The chamfering apparatus includes a pair of spaced, rotatable cutting spindles for chamfering edges and corners on the substrate.