Abstract: A device for measuring the duration of a time interval between an interval start signal (D) and an interval end signal (F). The device includes a digital circuit having first and second clocks (C1, C2) for counting the number of clock pulses between the interval start signal (D) and the interval end signal (F), an analog circuit for measuring the time separating the interval start signal (D) from a clock pulse following the interval start signal, and also for measuring the time separating the interval end signal (F) and a clock pulse following the interval end signal, and a processing circuit for determining the duration of the time interval based upon data supplied the digital circuit and data supplied by the analog circuit (previously converted into digital data). Particular utility for the present invention is found in the area of robotics.

Abstract: A navigation system for an autonomous vehicle (1). It has a lateral row of detectors (2). The ground has discontinuous buried magnetic markers (3) setting up a localized field which in turn produces an induced current which varies in the detectors (2) in dependence on their position. The markers, formed by magnets (151-155) of selected polarity and number, form magnetic signatures which contain items of information for the vehicle. The on-board vehicle computer (1) can deduce its lateral position and the controls to be carried out to accomplish its mission.

Abstract: The invention relates to time of flight telemetry and has application to detection and imaging systems. Determination takes place of a response time of an optoelectronic measuring chain or cascade (20, 34, 36) able to measure an outward and return time (flight time) of a first light pulse emitted in the direction of an object whose distance is to be determined. This response time, determined by means of a second light pulse emitted and then detected by the measuring chain or cascade, is subtracted from the previously determined outward and return time in order to obtain a corrected time used for calculating the sought distance.