Abstract: A system for providing a perspective for a virtual image includes an intraoperative imaging system (110) having a transducer (146) configured to generate an image data set for a region. A shape sensing enabled device (102) is configured to have at least a portion of the shape sensing enabled device positioned relative to the region. The shape sensing enabled device has a coordinate system registered with a coordinate system of the intraoperative imaging system. An image generation module (148) is configured to render a virtual image (152) of at least a portion of the region using the image data set wherein the virtual image includes a vantage point relative to a position on the shape sensing enabled device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lidar and a lidar control method. The lidar includes a plurality of laser transmitters configured to transmit laser light, and an oscillating mirror configured to change a direction of a light path of the transmitted laser light. The lidar control method includes transmitting, by a plurality of transmitters, laser light; and changing, by an oscillating mirror, a direction of a light path of the transmitted laser light. The plurality of laser transmitters constitute a laser transmitter array of M rows and N columns, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

Abstract: The system and method of a dual mode semi active laser seeker and imaging system using pulse detection and angle determination as applied to quad detectors to properly identify a correct designator spot. The angle performance is driven by the field of view of the imaging system. The imaging system resolution provides the required angle accuracy for guidance as cued by pulse detection apertures. The imaging system eliminates the need to designate until impact thus eliminating exposure to counter fire against the designator. The elimination of designation until impact also opens up the opportunity rapid engagement of multiple targets from a single designator.

Abstract: A tracking beacon is provided that is trackable using image sensors. The beacon includes a housing with a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion include a light diffusing structure with protrusions to help scatter the emitted light in different directions. A light source is positioned within the housing, and electrical contacts are positioned on an external surface of the lower portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging system which may make use of an electronic controller, a digital micromirror array, an aperture control system and a detector to image a desired scene. The digital micromirror array has a plurality of micromirror elements responsive to control signals generated by the electronic controller for electronically aiming the micromirror elements in a desired direction to image the desired area, and for receiving and reflecting light emanating from the desired area. The aperture control system receives light reflected from the digital micromirror array and passes a predetermined subportion of the received light therethrough. The detector is responsive to the predetermined subportion of light.

Abstract: A method for transmitting objects onto a boundary surface by a system comprising a marking device having a print field, a locator device, and a control device is provided. The method includes selecting a first object to be marked having a first starting position and first target coordinates. The dimensions of the first object are bigger than the dimensions of the print field. The method also includes determining by the locator device a current position of the marking device, and determining by the control device a current print field of the marking device based on the current position of the marking device. The method also includes comparing by the control device the first starting position of the first object to the current print field of the marking device.

Abstract: A system for tracking wearable user devices is provided herein. The system may include a tracking environment, comprising: one or more scene light sources, wherein the location of the scene light sources is known within said tracking environment; one or more scene detectors operable to detect light within the tracking environment, wherein the location and orientation of said one or more scene detectors is known within said tracking environment; one or more scene reflectors operable to reflect light originating from said one or more scene light sources, wherein the location of said one or more scene reflectors is known within said tracking environment; and, one or more wearable user devices comprising a curved reflective surface with known geometry; and, a computer processor operable to analyse light readings detected by said one or more scene detectors, and to calculate a position of the one or more wearable user devices.

Abstract: A beam directing telescope for use in a directed energy weapons system that employs active telescope component alignment and that includes a primary mirror and a secondary mirror. The secondary mirror includes a first surface having a dichroic coating that reflects and directs a high energy laser beam to the primary mirror, reflects a portion of the reference beams and passes a portion of the reference beams that are focused by a second surface of the secondary mirror. A position sensing detector (PSD) is positioned relative to the secondary mirror such that the reference beams are focused as a spot on the PSD, where the PSD senses a position of the reference beams. An actuator changes the orientation of the secondary mirror to an alignment position if the position of the focused spots on the PSD is not the position for a desired alignment of the mirrors.

Abstract: A system includes two stereo cameras mounted on a vehicle, at least one sensor arranged to detect a relative alignment of the stereo cameras, and a computer communicatively coupled to the stereo cameras and the at least one sensor. The computer is programmed to continuously apply a compensating adjustment to one of the stereo cameras based on the relative alignment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel approach for determining range to a target using the inelastic scattering of light from the target and/or inelastic scattering of light from molecules between the light emitting source and the target. This is a useful approach in that the range measurement is independent of the retroreflectivity or absorptivity of the target. Using this methodology allows optical detection and rangefinding of targets which by intention or otherwise cannot be detected using conventional LIDAR rangefinding.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method for a vision system. The vision system includes a central processor, at least two camera groups a sensor for obtaining a rotation angle signal of each of the camera groups. The camera groups each includes at least one camera and is configured to capture an image and send it to the central processor. The sensor is configured to send the obtained rotation angle signal to the central processor. Wherein during a conjugate rotation of two of the camera groups about respective optical axes thereof, the central processor is configured to perform rotation angle compensation on images based on an angle of rotation of the camera groups. The present invention solves the problem of unclear images captured by a camera that is rotating about its own optical axis in response to the rotation of a target object or scene.

Abstract: A system and method for improved detection of lasers for use in laser guidance systems. By providing background illumination via one or more radiation sources the accuracy of the laser detection system can be improved. A closed loop system detects the background current on the detector and provides additional illumination when the back ground level is below a threshold current value thus providing for a faster detector response.

Abstract: A fully-passive optical system creates a counter-propagating reference beam, which may be used to evaluate a misalignment between a receive beam, a transmit beam, and a tracking beam. The system can be mated to a motorized tip-tilt stage, and can measure power of received signals and automatically adjust the tip-tilt stage in response. Thus, the system would always maintain bore-sight with the received beam regardless of mechanical shift over time.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an analysis application is used to optimize sensor placement by minimizing information entropy or maximizing total modal energy. These objectives are achieved by implementing a two-part optimization procedure, involving generating an evaluation database that stores an information matrix, and using the evaluation in conjunction with a genetic algorithm to produce an optimized sensor location set.

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods and systems that relate to determining a moving direction of a mobile device user. The methods and systems relate to using an inertial navigation system such as an accelerometer and gyroscope to aid in the determination of the moving direction of the user. The methods and systems may receive an acceleration reading associated with the mobile device, and determine a step frequency of the user based on the acceleration reading. The methods and systems may determine a theoretical model to fit the acceleration reading, and may determine the moving direction of the user based on the theoretical model.

Abstract: A directed energy weapon includes a number of laser units, each including a fiber laser generating an output beam with a power of at least 1 kW from a fiber, an objective lens arrangement for focusing the output beam into a focused beam directed towards a target, and a fine adjustment mechanism for adjusting a direction of the focused beam. A beam deflector arrangement is deployed to deflect a portion of the focused beam from each laser unit as a deflected beam in a direction in predefined relation to a direction of the focused beam. An angle sensing unit generates an output indicative of a current direction of said deflected beam for each of said laser units. A controller actuates the fine adjustment mechanisms based on the output from the angle sensing unit to maintain a desired relative alignment between directions of the focused beams.

Abstract: A pulse repetition frequency detector, tracker, and decoder includes a two-dimensional InGaAs FPA of photodetectors configured to convert laser signals into electrical signals. A ROIC is operatively connected to the InGaAs FPA to condition electrical signals from the InGaAs FPA. A module is operatively connected to the ROIC to decode pulsed codes in the conditioned electrical signals and to provide output for tracking decoded laser spots in two-dimensional space. In another aspect, an imaging device includes an imager with an imaging FPA operatively connected to a first ROIC for imaging. A pulse repetition frequency detector, tracker, and decoder including a second ROIC as described above, is operatively connected to the first ROIC. The first and second ROICs are operatively connected to correlate the position of decoded laser spots in images from the imaging FPA.

Abstract: A system and method for cosmetic evaluation of an electronic device, using the device's own camera or cameras to take photos of the device itself using a mirror or mirrors and using the processor of the electronic device itself to analyze its own cosmetic condition.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting biological tissue that has no applied coatings or treatments to improve reflectivity comprises an optical detection system with an exposed surface for inspection by an optical detection system; and a laser for exciting an ultrasonic wave within the tissue, which wave propagates within the tissue at least near the surface.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a laser system, comprising with a phase conjugation laser receiver and transmitter (PCLRT) and at least one processing unit and configured to enable simultaneous designation of multiple platforms each to a respective target.

Abstract: A geodatic surveying device which is equipped with an automatic target point sighting functionality for determining the position of a target point. A reticle pattern that corresponds to the outer shape of the known reticle is stored, wherein a main point of the reticle pattern is predefined as indicating the target point. In order to carry out an automatic target point sighting functionality, the evaluation means are designed such that, after the function start, a camera image of the reticle is automatically recorded, the reticle pattern is aligned with the reticle in the camera image by means of image processing and, depending on a position of the main point in the camera image in the matched state of the reticle pattern, the orientation of the sighting apparatus is changed in a motorized manner such that the optical target axis OA is oriented with high precision at the target point.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for determining bore sight error. An apparatus may include an optical lens and a collimated light source configured to emit a beam of collimated light having a first wavelength, where the beam of collimated light passes through the optical lens and parallel to an optical axis of the optical lens. The apparatus may further include a position sensitive detector configured to receive the beam emitted by the collimated light source, and identify a first position of the beam relative to the position sensitive detector. The apparatus may also include a processing device configured to generate a bore sight error metric based, at least in part, on the first position identified by the position sensitive detector. The bore sight error metric characterizes a difference between an actual position of a target object and a perceived position viewed by the optical lens.

Abstract: In an automatic survey instrument that divides reflected light from a target into collimation light, range-finding light, and tracking light, a configuration of an optical absorption filter for visible light absorption to be used for SN ratio improvement is simplified, and deterioration in automatic tracking performance due to a defect inside the optical absorption filter is suppressed. Between two prisms (41, 43) defining a second reflecting surface (45) of a dichroic prism (40) through which reflected light from a target enters, an optical absorption filter (46) that absorbs a wavelength band of visible light is inserted, and the second reflecting surface (45) is formed at a border between a rear surface of the optical absorption filter (46) with respect to a light propagation direction and a surface of the prism (43) on the rear side of the optical absorption filter in the light propagation direction.

Abstract: A method for local stabilization of a radiation spot formed by a high energy laser beam includes receiving radiation reflected by the target object, where the radiation reflected by the target object passes through the same optical path as the high energy laser beam. An image processing is performed by analyzing and comparing the image of the illuminated target object or part of the illuminated target object to at least one image of the illuminated target object or part of the illuminated target object produced at a prior point in time. A correction signal is computed, with which an optical correction device is actuated. A filter correction signal is produced by a filter device, while a controller correction signal is produced by a fine tracking controller. Finally, the correction signal is formed from the filter correction signal and the controller correction signal.

Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting an incident optical signal is described. The system includes an optical package adapted to collect the incident optical signal and directed it to a detector array that is coupled thereto. The array outputs electrical signals to be analyzed by a processor. The processor is adapted to iterate algorithms using the signals to calculate an incident angle of arrival for the incident optical signal and a range of the source of the optical signal to the system based on the angle of arrival calculation. The processor is further configured to discriminate the optical signal spectrally to calculate wavelengths thereof for false alarm rejection.

Abstract: A light modifier that can be used in image capture is described. The light modifier has a planar body having a first surface and a second surface. An aperture is disposed in the planar body. The aperture extends through the first and second surfaces. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a communication platform involves a first communication platform and a second communication platform. The first communication platform is in communicative contact with the second communication platform, and the communication connection is a focusable communication connection. The direction and/or orientation of the focusing of the communication connection is determinable and, by determining the focusing of the communication connection, a position of the second communication platform is determinable.

Abstract: Distance measurement methods and apparatus use laser pulse sets having signatures which enable returned pulses to be correlated with emitted pulses. Each pulse set comprises at least one pulse and a signature selected from a set of possible signatures. Pulse sets reflected from at least one surface are detected and, for each set, the signature is recognized and a time of flight is determined. Signatures are defined by one or more of: spacing in time between pulses of a set, wavelength of the at least one pulse of the set, spacing in time between a first subset of a set and a second subset of a set, difference of wavelength between pulses of a set, and difference of wavelength between a first subset of a set and a second subset of a set. Each set can have multiple groups of pulses and pulses within a group can have different amplitudes.

Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional image pickup system including: a pair of lens apparatus; a camera apparatus for picking up subject images formed by the pair of lens apparatus; a convergence angle changing unit for changing a convergence angle of the pair of lens apparatus; a controller for controlling the convergence angle of the pair of lens apparatus in association with an operation of focus lens units of the pair of lens apparatus; and an interlock switching unit for switching between an interlocked state in which the convergence angle is interlocked with the operation of the focus lens units and a non-interlocked state in which the convergence angle is not interlocked with the operation of the focus lens units.

Abstract: An illumination assembly includes a laser for producing a laser beam of light and an optical fiber disposed adjacent the laser and extending between a beam receiving end for receiving the laser beam of light from the laser and a beam emitting end for emitting the laser beam of light therefrom. A beam splitter splits the laser beam into a target beam and a feedback beam and directs the target beam toward the targeted object. A feedback sensor receives the feedback beam and generates a feedback signal to identify a targeted image portion correlated to the targeted object. A motor is operatively connected to the vehicle with the beam emitting end fixedly secured thereto. A controller receives the feedback signal generated by the feedback sensor and generates a control signal transmittable to the motor to position the beam emitting end of the optical fiber such that the target beam continues to be directed toward the targeted object.

Abstract: A position reference sensor for a marine vessel comprises an optical assembly including a pulsed laser device for emitting laser light, a lens arrangement comprising a lenticular lens for producing a vertically fanned beam (18) of the laser light emitted by the pulsed laser device and a photodiode (32) comprising a plurality of photodetectors Rx, Ry, Rz for detecting laser light (28) that has been emitted by the pulsed laser device and reflected by a retro-reflective target (22) towards the photodiode (32). The level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector is individually detectable and the position reference sensor further comprises an actuator for varying the inclination of the optical assembly. The actuator is automatically controllable based on the level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector Rx, Ry, Rz.

Abstract: A volumetric error compensation measurement system and method are disclosed wherein a laser tracker tracks an active target as the reference point. The active target has an optical retroreflector mounted at the center of two motorized gimbals to provide full 360 degree azimuth rotation of the retroreflector. A position sensitive detector is placed behind an aperture provided at the apex of the retroreflector to detect the relative orientation between the tracker laser beam and the retroreflector by measuring a small portion of the laser beam transmitted through the aperture. The detector's output is used as the feedback for the servo motors to drive the gimbals to maintain the retroreflector facing the tracker laser beam at all times. The gimbals are designed and the position of the retroreflector controlled such that the laser tracker always tracks to a pre-defined single point in the active target, which does not move in space when the gimbals and/or the retroreflector makes pure rotations.

Abstract: An object moving towards a target with a velocity can be accurately estimated and targeted based on keeping the object within a field of diffraction, the object being disturbed by effects caused by noise.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing turbulence sensitivity in a laser spot detector. Embodiments may include using beam splitters, reflectors, and beam deviators. The reflectors may be trihedral reflectors and the beam deviators may be segmented wedge plates having predetermined physical angles and angle directions in each wedge segment designed to produce opposing blurs for each segment of the aperture. A predetermined blur introduced into each line of sight eliminates the need for de-focus, thereby mitigating effects such as centroid shift caused by turbulence or dirty/damaged sensor apertures.

Abstract: A digital SAL receiver implements a multiobject tracking method to detect EM pulses transmitted by a known source at a pulse repetition interval (PRI) and returned off of a target object to acquire multiple tracks. Intra and inter track temporal information is used to associate pulses with different tracks and to rank the tracks in order to designate a primary track for the target object.

Abstract: An object moving towards a target with a velocity can be accurately estimated and targeted based on keeping the object within a field of diffraction, the object being disturbed by effects caused by noise.

Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.

Abstract: A laser beam control system includes an output aperture through which a laser beam is directed toward a target. A laser beam return is also received through the output aperture, with the laser beam return including scatter from the laser beam. A deformable mirror is adapted to control the outgoing laser beam, and a sensor is adapted to detect the wavefront of the laser beam return. An optics controller is operationally coupled to the deformable mirror and is adapted to adjust the deformable mirror in response to the wavefront of the laser beam return.

Abstract: A portable integrated laser optical target tracker and designator (PILOTT device) in a single housing is provided having a laser designator assembly to produce a focused laser beam that is projected from the housing. A laser energy detector is located in the housing that detects reflected laser energy from any designation source (ground or airborne based), provides steering information, decodes the laser's frequency, and is used as a range finding receiver. The location of the laser energy provides automatic field alignment of the laser designator. An optical magnification scope is mounted in the housing and has an optical field of view that is parallel to and aligned with a beam path defined by the laser beam focusing optics. Any night scope can be added to the system to provide night situational awareness by being shown in the display. A visual electronic display is overlaid with the optical field of view.

Abstract: A method for optically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to control tracker operation includes providing a rule of correspondence between commands and temporal patterns, and selecting by the user a first command. Also, projecting a first light from the tracker to the retroreflector, reflecting a second light from the retroreflector, the second light being a portion of the first light, obtaining first sensed data by sensing a third light which is a portion of the second light, creating by the user, between first and second times, a first temporal pattern which includes a decrease in the third optical power followed by an increase in the third optical power, the first temporal pattern corresponding to the first command, determining the first command based on processing the first sensed data per the rule of correspondence and executing the first command with the tracker.

Abstract: An optical module is disclosed. The optical module includes: (1) a mirror part for controlling its reflection angle in an analog method; (2) an aperture for controlling an amount of light incident to the mirror part, the aperture being installed facing the mirror part; (3) a detector for detecting an optical signal from a light transmitted from the mirror part; (4) a beam emitter for emitting a beam, the beam emitter being adjacently installed to the optical signal detector; and (5) a controller for controlling the mirror part so as to locate an object, detected by the optical signal detector, at the center portion of the optical signal detector, and for controlling the beam emitter and the mirror part so as to emit a beam from the beam emitter to the object detected by the optical signal detector. The optical module can observe an object both in a wide field of view (FOV) and in detail, effectively track a rapidly moving object, and emit a beam to the object.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for determining the composition of a sample of material. In one embodiment, the method pertains to the counting of photons that were inelastically scattered by the sample, and for minimizing the effects of fluorescent or phosphorescent photons. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a sample is illuminated by a repetitive pulse of monochromatic light, and the resultant scattered photons from the samples are collected and counted during a predetermined integration period. Yet other embodiments pertain to a low-cost, computer-controlled system for repetitively counting inelastically scattered photons so as to create a Raman histogram and a Raman spectrogram of the photons.

Abstract: The technology can include a retractable rotary turret system. The system includes a base comprising two support arms. The system further includes a turret platform that is a truncated sphere having a substantially flat side and a substantially spherical side. The turret platform includes a turret support ring rotary coupled to the two support arms and a turret device isolatively coupled to the turret support ring. The turret platform is rotatable along a first dimension for deployment of the spherical side and is rotatable along the first dimension for deployment of the flat side.

Abstract: A position reference sensor for a marine vessel comprises an optical assembly including a pulsed laser device for emitting laser light, a lens arrangement comprising a lenticular lens for producing a vertically fanned beam (18) of the laser light emitted by the pulsed laser device and a photodiode (32) comprising a plurality of photodetectors Rx, Ry, Rz for detecting laser light (28) that has been emitted by the pulsed laser device and reflected by a retro-reflective target (22) towards the photodiode (32). The level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector is individually detectable and the position reference sensor further comprises an actuator for varying the inclination of the optical assembly. The actuator is automatically controllable based on the level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector Rx, Ry, Rz.

Abstract: An optical tracking system comprises an array of point source emitters that output respective optical emissions, and a plurality of angle of arrival sensors. Each sensor comprises one or more optical elements and a focal plane array (FPA), with the optical elements arranged to resolve the optical emissions into one or more linear patterns on the FPA. A processing system in communication with the sensors establishes the orientation and position of each of the optical emitters using the linear patterns. A headgear tracking system employs point source emitters on a piece of headgear, with front and rear arrays of angle of arrival sensors located in an aircraft cockpit; a processing system in communication with the sensor arrays establishes an orientation and position for each of the optical emitters on the headgear.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A beam director subsystem and method for use in a weapons system. The beam director subsystem includes a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a high energy laser (HEL) beam. The electromagnetic radiation is directed to a secondary mirror that reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a primary mirror for output of the HEL beam. The secondary mirror is generally curved and expands the electromagnetic radiation received from the source prior to outputting the HEL beam from the primary mirror. The subsystem further includes a track telescope coupled to the housing. The track telescope has a track detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation originating from the HEL and electromagnetic radiation emitted from an illuminator and reflected from an airborne target.

Abstract: In a co-boresighted SAL/IR seeker, the optical system and particularly the secondary lens and position of the SAL detector are configured to produce a well-corrected spot of laser energy at the SAL detector. A spreader is positioned between the secondary mirror/lens and the SAL detector, possibly on the secondary mirror, away from the aperture stop and not in the optical path to the IR detector. The spreader is configured to spatially homogenize the laser energy to increase the size of the spot of focused laser energy at the SAL detector to set the system transfer function to meet slope requirements. Spatial homogenization serves to reduce both boresight shift and slope non-linearities. This approach greatly simplifies the time and labor intensive calibration of the SAL detector's system transfer function.

Abstract: A laser energy detector may include at least one photodetector device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The photodetector device may have an active area effective to detect laser energy at a laser wavelength. The active area of the laser energy detector may be substantially transparent for a first wavelength band within an infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: An optical navigation device which uses optical interference to generate navigation images. The optical navigation device includes an optical element, a light source, a sensor array, a navigation engine, and a light shield. The optical element includes a finger interface surface. The light source includes a laser in optical communication with the finger interface surface to provide light to the finger interface surface. The sensor array detects light reflected from the finger interface surface in response to contact between a finger and the finger interface surface. The navigation engine is coupled to the sensor array. The navigation engine generates lateral movement information based on lateral movement of the finger relative to the sensor array. The light shield is between the optical element and the sensor array. The light shield includes an aperture linearly aligned with the sensor array.