Abstract: A transportation safety apparatus and method for the detection of obstacles which lie off the line-of-sight or beyond the field of view of a moving vehicle entails shooting a laser beam through the air from a moving vehicle, capturing the beam and passing it to a fiberoptic relay which transmits a laser pulse to a distant site, and receiving a reflection thereof if the site is clear of obstacles. The pulses are received within about 10-20 microseconds per kilometer of relay length from the time of launching, permitting monitoring of the probe-site in real-time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the presence of a human who may be observing an artifact which is within his or her line of sight or field of view. The system includes a laser with a lens at the output thereof and which is triggered rapidly in order to produce a pulsed beam having divergent rays of visible or invisible infrared light which irradiates an area to be examined for the presence of an observer. The light reflected from individuals and objects in the area is reflected into a pair of vision devices or pair of vision device assemblies the outputs of which are fed into a computer. The computer has software programs which utilize vision device output data relating to the intensity and location of the light pixels in the image thereof to detect the presence and orientation of the eyes of an individual in the area based on the light pixel intensity and location data.

Abstract: A distance measuring system for an automotive vehicle is provided. The distance measuring system outputs laser pulse signals at given angular intervals over an object detectable zone, and receives a signal produced by reflection of one of the outputted signals from a reflective object to determine the distance to the object. The distance measuring system also includes an object type determining function of determining a type of the object present in the object detectable zone. When there are a plurality of signals produced by dispersion of a single shot of the laser pulse signals, and when distances derived by signals reflected from most of the object detectable zone show given shorter distance values, the object present in the object detectable zone is identified as a particle such as snow or fog floating in the air.

Abstract: A level of received light detected by a light-receiving means (R) is given to both an indication controller (11) and a transmitter (13). The indication controller (11) obtains a flashing frequency corresponding to the given received light level, and flashes an LED (12) at the frequency obtained. The received light level transmitted from a transmitter (13) is demodulated and decoded in a receiver (4) and then given to an indication controller (3). The indication controller (3) obtains a flashing frequency corresponding to the given received light level, and flashes an LED (2) at the frequency obtained. Thus, the operator can recognize the received light level readily and reliably.

Abstract: A cross-walk warning light system for warning drivers that a pedestrian has entered a cross-walk by shining a light, preferably a laser, having a beam parallel to the cross-walk. The cross-walk warning light system detects a pedestrian entering the cross-walk and activates a light that is aimed across the intersection, thus the driver sees this beam of light, which is projected across the intersection and is warned of the presence of a pedestrian in the cross-walk. The cross-walk warning light system is timed so as to deactivate the light after a predetermined interval of time. In the preferred embodiment, a first and an adjacent laser are spaced apart a distance substantially the width of the crosswalk, provide parallel beams of light on each side of the cross-walk. Also in the preferred embodiment, a second laser, disposed at the opposite end of the crosswalk, provides a second beam of light, aimed substantially co-linearly with the first.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence and passage of vehicle, pedestrian, or other intrusion and/or traffic within one or more monitored areas. The system detects intrusions of nontransparent objects which interrupt energy projections, records and stores data on certain characteristics of the intrusion(s), and transmits such data to a base station through a communication link. System estimates approximate size, speed and directional characteristics of intruding object(s) with an "expert system". Selected environmental data may be detected and transmitted along with intrusion data. Provision for photographing intruding objects is included. The base station provides user interfaces, processes intrusion data, reports activity, summarizes traffic data, prints reports and stores such data for future retrival. The intrusion detection system is based on energy projection, and does not require a physical presence such as air hoses, switches or inductive devices across the immediate span being monitored.

Abstract: An electrooptical line module for transmitting in Level-1 Synchronous Digital Hierarchy with a synchronizing unit that includes a single line module on a single printed circuit and components capable of performing transmission, reception, recovery and clock and alarm synchronization functions. The line module includes a subunit capable of converting an input electrical signal received by the module into an optical signal to be transmitted via fiber optics.

Abstract: A plurality of monitors are distributed throughout a surveillance area chosen in the wild habitat of animals by a sportsman. Each monitor transmits at least one infrared signal to the surveillance area. An animal intersected the beam reflects incident radiation on a detector situated in the same housing as the transmitter. When the signal is detected, an RF transmitter is energized for detection at a remote site by an RF receiver. The RF receiver includes a clock for establishing the date and time of the transmitted signal. In the preferred embodiment, each monitor is provided with three (3) infrared transmitters, each with an associated receiver. The transmitters are driven by encoded signals that uniquely identify each transmitter of the monitor as well as the transmitters of all other monitors that may be in use thereby to enable detected directional movement in the surveillance area. The receiver includes a decoder for establishing the identity of the received RF signal.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for working machines (16) has a light curtain (11) at the entry side (14) of the working space (13). A rotational scanner (12) is also provided which scans at least the dangerous zone of the working space in a horizontal plane in order to also protect body parts of operators which enter into the working space (13).

Abstract: Buildings, vehicles, and persons are protected by means of a laser monitoring device consisting of a laser transmitter and receiver and an associated evaluation unit. A platform with a variably adjustable rotational speed is located in an elevated unobstructed location above the property to be protected, on which platform the area-monitoring laser device is mounted. Also a position and turn gyroscope is connected with the platform to accommodate mobile operations.

Abstract: A device for signalling remotely the state of a device able to assume a plurality of discrete states comprises a circuit for producing inside a screened enclosure a direct current voltage free of interference. The screened enclosure contains a first circuit for producing from the direct current voltage electrical pulses whose duration is proportional to the value of an inductance which can assume distinct values according to the various states of the device. A second circuit converts the electrical pulses into optical pulses and an optical fiber transmits the pulses out of the enclosure to a processor.

Abstract: A long or triple jump foul detector system is disclosed which very accurately detects a foul by an athlete when a portion of an athlete's shoe crosses over a foul line when beginning the jump. A laser beam is emitted parallel to and directly above the foul line. A laser beam detector detects interruption of the laser beam by the athlete's shoe and a foul detector provides a foul indication. An audible foul indication is delayed so as not to interfere with the athlete's jump. Also, the system may provide additional detection of an athlete's foot crossing a training line positioned in front of the foul line. Furthermore, the system distinguishes between a relatively quick interruption of the beam caused by the athlete's shoe when jumping, and a relatively slow interruption of the beam which may result such as by a judge placing his or her hand in the beam when measuring a jump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aiding a landing aircraft. Three differently-colored beams of laser light are produced and transmitted, one of the beams of laser light being transmitted in a plane containing the direction from which the aircraft is approaching. Another of the beams of light is transmitted on one side of the plane, and the third of the beams of light is transmit on the other side of the plane. The pilot of the aircraft can determine whether the aircraft is on the plane or to the one side or the other by the color of the light the pilot receives. If desired, at least one of the colored laser beams that is transmitted toward one side of the plane can be broken into a plurality of adjacent fan-shaped beams, the light in at least one of the fan-shaped beams being interrupted intermittently.

Abstract: A tire pressure and temperature monitoring system for measuring tire inflation pressure and anomalous temperature of rotating tires in a moving vehicle by means of optoelectronic devices located in the stationary structure of the vehicle and an elastic diaphragm that rotates with the wheel and tire. The combined use of optoelectronic components and elastic diaphragms, provides a marked improvement in performance, reliability and cost over previously disclosed magnetic or radio frequency pressure measurement systems. The optoelectronic detector elements are also used to identify those tires whose side wall temperature is significantly higher than the side wall temperature of the other tires. In addition, the system can also be used as a measurement of individual wheel rotational speed and related wheel motion.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved passive infrared detection system for use in controlling electrical wiring devices and systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. Interior or exterior lighting, by way of example only, and the power or current feeding same, is controlled such that the presence of a body entering a predetermined zone, such as a room, will be detected in an improved manner and will trigger a series of events resulting in the switching of the lights on or off, as desired. The detecting portion of the combination comprising the present invention is capable of receiving presence signals 360 degrees about a reference line, thereby greatly increasing the ability of the system of this invention to detect body presence within any interior area, for example. This qualifies the present system to function as an improved security system.

Abstract: Optical receiving system (20) and method are provided for receiving optical signals used to determine vehicle velocity. The receiver system (20) comprises an optical receiver unit (22) mounted on a vehicle (30) to detect an optical signal incident thereupon. The optical receiver unit (22) includes a radio frequency transmitter (44) for generating and transmitting a radio frequency signal when the optical receiver unit (22) detects an optical signal incident thereupon. The detector system further comprises an indicator unit (24) which includes a radio receiver (46) for receiving the radio frequency generated by the radio frequency transmitter (44) and for providing an indication of the reception thereof. In one embodiment, the indicator unit is a convention radar detection device. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical receiver units (22') are provided for positioning at differing locations upon a vehicle (30'). In another embodiment, a linear array (122) of optical receivers is provided.

Abstract: A target detecting and range determining system for an automobile detects a distance between two vehicles travelling in front of and behind each other and includes a range detector using a range determining signal directed toward and reflected by a target vehicle. The system also includes a controller for controlling the range detector so that it receives a proper reflection of the range determining signal when a primary vehicle changes its travelling direction relative to the target vehicle.

Abstract: A photodetector receives an optical signal and converts it an electrical signal. A pulse stretcher converts the electrical signal into a first signal which is characterized by having an increased pulse width relative to the electrical signal. A noise averager converts the electrical signal into a second signal which is representative of the average noise component of the electrical signal. A threshold reference is generated as a linear function of the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal. A first comparator compares the magnitude of the first signal and the threshold reference signal and generates a first logic output which is true if the magnitude of the first signal is greater than the magnitude of the threshold reference signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing intrusion into a predefined perimeter comprises means for producing a coherent pulsed light, which is injected into an optical sensing fiber having a first predetermined length and positioned along the predefined perimeter. A backscattered light in response to receiving the coherent light pulses is produced and coupled into an optical receiving fiber. The backscattered light is detected by a photodetector and a signal indicative of the backscattered light is produced. An intrusion is detectable from the produced signal as indicated by a change in the backscattered light. To increase the sensitivity of the apparatus, a reference fiber and an interferometer may also be employed.

Abstract: In order to sense the presence of sound in a remote underwater location, a neutrally buoyant reflector (20) is deployed underwater, and a laser (12) disposed at a remote location aims coherent light at the reflector (20). A detector (24) senses the coherent light reflected from the reflector (20) and compares it in phase with coherent light split from the outgoing beam. The system then provides an indication of the presence of sound by, for instance, amplifying the result of the phase detection to a speaker (26).

Abstract: A flexible laser shield for use during procedures in which lasers are utilized, which has an insulating layer positioned under a metallic layer and covered by an exterior opaque layer to inhibit the reflecting of ambient room light during use. A second metallic layer, also optionally covered by a flexible, opaque material may be added to provide additional protection and make the shield reversible. The exterior opaque, metallic and insulating layer are attached together at their adjacent surfaces or at their peripheries. The laser shield may also utilize visual, audible, vaporous and/or electrical warning or alarm systems, and may embody the use of a variety of insulating materials to protect personnel and equipment from damage caused by laser radiation.

Abstract: A microbend-sensitive optical fiber is embedded in a thin pliable padding and laid under an area to be protected. An amplitude-modulated optical light beam is launched into one end of the fiber. The light beam is recovered from the other end of the optical fiber. The angular phase shift between the launched light beam and the recovered light beam is continuously measured and sampled at desired sample intervals. A change in the measured phase shift between any two sequential sample intervals is indicative of the presence of an intruding entity. The magnitude of the phase shift is a function of the mass of the entity. The pattern of repetitive phase shift differences as a function of time provides an estimate of the dynamic characteristics of the intruding entity.

Abstract: A laser security for securing a confined space including means for generating laser ray, means for converting the laser beam into divergent laser plane along a vertical plane, reflection means properly arranged so as to sequentially reflect the laser plane into a formation confining a space, termination means for sensing the reflected laser rays of the laser plane. Whenever any of the laser vertical securing planes is shielded or interrupted by an intruder, said intruder will be detected by the sensor means and further sound warning signals after a identification process.

Abstract: Laser-warning method and a laser-warning arrangement, which laser-warning arrangement is intended to warn of laser light from a laser beam source which is used for guiding projectiles, missiles and the like, for example laser light from a pulsed laser beam which is directed towards a target area. The time for the laser beam to reach the laser-warning arrangement, the so-called impact time, is calculated from a first amplitude value, measured at a first point in time, of the scattered light from the laser beam and a second amplitude value, measured at a second point in time, of the scattered light from the laser beam, and the measured time difference between the said first and second points in time on the basis that the amplitude raised to a constant is proportional to the distance to the laser beam according to the equation D=K.multidot.A.sup.n, where K and n are constants, D is the perpendicular distance to the laser beam and A is a measured amplitude value.

Abstract: A scanning intrusion detection device is capable of monitoring a large volume of either interior or exterior space from a single relatively inexpensive unit. This intrusion detection device comprises a radiation emitter arranged to scan a beam of infrared radiation about a field of view and means for receiving the radiation of the beam reflected from the field of view. The receiver is arranged to generate a signal indicative of the distance from the device at which the beam has been reflected for each of a plurality of azimuthal sectors of the field of view during a selected time period. A ram is also provided for storing a plurality of reference signals which are indicative of the distance of reflection of the beam from each azimuthal sector of the field of view during a reference time period. The signals from a selected time period are compared with the reference signals and an output signal is generated if one of the signals is different from the respective reference signal.

Abstract: A fire discriminating apparatus for determining whether there is the outbreak of fire in an area under surveillance in accordance with the temperature difference between a temperature detection value of the area and a reference temperature.

Abstract: An intrusion detection device which comprises a radiation emitter arranged to project a beam of infrared radiation toward a field of view and means for receiving the radiation of the beam reflected from the field of view. The receiving means is arranged to generated a signal indicative of the distance from the device at which the beam has between reflected by the field of view during a selected time period. Means is also provided for storing a reference signal which is indicative of the distance of reflection of the beam from the field of view during a reference time period. Further means is provided for comparing a signal from a selected time period with the reference signal and for generating an output signal if the signal differs from the reference signal in a preselected manner.

Abstract: A laser thermal testing method and system for use in testing a fire alarm system which has a plurality of heat-sensors which are remotely distributed throughout a protected area. The laser thermal testing system includes a first laser and a second laser. The first laser generates an aiming beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The laser thermal testing system also includes a movable reflector which reflects the aiming beam. The movable reflector is optically coupled to the first laser. The movable reflector is first moved in order to align the aiming beam in an aligned position so that the aiming beam is reflected onto one of the heat-sensors. The movable reflector is then fixedly secured in the aligned position. The second laser generates a heating beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A device for detecting and communicating the occurrence of malfunctions occurring in an optical unit of a laser printer or the like wherein the number of terminals needed for communicating multiple malfunction-indicating signals is reduced to one. Various malfunctions are indicated by signals of respective different frequencies. The pulse width of the single signal thus composed is detected to determine in an external processor the type of malfunction.

Abstract: A reflection light barrier has a light transmitter/receiver (14) having two adjacent front lenses (18, 19) for the transmitted and received light respectively. A triple reflector (13') is arranged at the end of the light barrier path and consists of a plurality of individual triples. In accordance with the invention the length of the boundary line (12) between the pupils is curved so that on arranging the triple reflector (13, 13') in the near range of the light transmitter/receiver the quantity of light which enters into the receiver pupil (16) as a result of the triple displacement (V) corresponds essentially to the quantity of light received when the triple reflector (13) is arranged in the far region.

Abstract: Structures, for example pipe-lines and chemical process equipment, are provided with linear microphones sensitive to vibration associated with the structure. By monitoring the modulation of carrier signals in the microphone actual or incipient faults in the structure are detected.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a circuit for protecting eyesight from the screen of a TV set. A infrared transmitter is provided on a side of the front of the TV set so that pulse signals therefrom are received on a receiving-amplifying portion for remote control already installed in the TV set after reflecting upon a viewer within a predetermined distance from the TV screen. A monostable multivibrator has an input for receiving pulse output signals from the remote control receiving-amplifying portion in response to reflected pulse signals applied thereto and also has an output. A delay circuit portion has an input operatively connected to output of the monostable circuit portion and also has an output, producing the level signals on the ouput thereof when higher level signals are applied on its input over a predetermined time and otherwise producing lower level signals.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus has a plurality of light emitters which are sequentially actuated for projecting sequential light beams. A first structure is provided for receiving beams not reflected off any external body. A second structure is provided for receiving any part of the light beams reflected from an object in the area. A reference phase signal corresponding to the projected light beams is generated. A detection phase signal corresponding to the received reflected beam is also generated. The light emitters corresponding to the reflected light beams are continuously activated. The detection area is restricted by inhibition of output from an alarm phase difference discriminating circuit to a circuit when a difference between the reference and detection phases is not within a predetermined range. Consequently, the detection area can be restricted to a desired range, and the alarm circuit can be retained non-operative unless the object remains continuously in the area.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for a photoelectric transmitter or receiver having an emitter or detector at the focal point of a focusing lens or mirror includes a plane mirror located between the emitter or detector and the focusing device. The mirror is provided with an aperture behind which the emitter or detector is located. A center line indicating sight is provided between the focusing device and the emitter or detector. By observing the plane mirror from an appropriate angle the transmitter or receiver can be aligned with its counterpart transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: In a laser working apparatus comprising a large power laser oscillator, laser light beam conducting means, and a hand-piece with which the output laser light beam from said conducting means is emanated on desired objectives. The hand-piece comprises a convergence lens for focusing the output light to the desired object and a light detecting means disposed in a casing of the hand-piece, so as to detect the outskirt portion of the converged light beam, which is not utilized for the working, thereby the output laser light is continuously checked for its existence or for its intensity, to assure a reliable operation. By such a detection means, many troubles or defects of the light conducting means are continuously watched.

Abstract: A flexible tying member for a theftproof device which is adapted to give warning in response to a change in a photo signal transmitted in an optical fiber extending through the flexible tying member. The flexible tying member has a coaxial structure comprising a central layer including one of the optical fiber and at least one electric wire, an intermediate layer including the other of these two members, and an outer wall layer including a reinforcing member.

Abstract: An intruder detection system wherein light pulses are fed from a light source to a detector via a transmitting optical fibre, an optical terminator and a receiving optical fibre, both fibres being either stepped index fibres or poor quality graded index fibres. The fibres are disposed in intimate contact throughout their length within a cable, and compression of the cable at any region of its length sufficient to cause microbending permits light pulses to breakthrough from one fibre to the other. The time interval between arrival at the detector of a light pulse received from the source after passage through the total length of the transmitting fibre and the receiving fibre, and arrival of a breakthrough pulse received after passage through the fibres only so far as the region of microbending and back again, is indicative of the location of the compresion. The cable may be laid around the perimeter of a site to be guarded so that compression will occur when an intruder crosses the cable.

Abstract: Burglar-proof barrier providing protection against intrusions, comprising means for the transmission of signals modulated and coded by pulses in a predetermined code, means for the reception of the modulated and coded signals transmitted and means for recognizing the predetermined code in the signals received, said recognition means supplying at an output a characteristic signal whenever the code is recognized, an alarm circuit whose input is connected to the output of the code recognition means and which supplies an alarm signal when the characteristic signal is absent, the code recognition means being constituted by a system of detecting pulses by coincidences and the modulated coded signals forming repeat pulse trains, wherein the system for the detection of pulses by coincidences comprises means for delaying, as from the first pulse in each train, all the pulses preceding the final pulse in the train in such a way as to bring them into coincidence with the latter, and a logic gate circuit for controlling

Abstract: A laser transmitter emits a beam which scans about a scanning axis to effect a curtain of light which defines a boundary of a working space. Photosensors mounted on the outboard portion of a crane or other construction equipment generate warning signals to the construction equipment operator and other nearby personnel whenever these photosensors move into the light curtain. Additional curtain sensing equipment positioned to intercept the rotating laser beam with each cycle of rotation develops an alarm signal which activates an alarm horn and/or alarm light whenever the laser transmitter fails to provide the light curtain.

Abstract: To provide security against unauthorised crossing of a boundary, at least one fibre-optic wave-guide extends along the boundary. Light is directed into one end of the guide and the light leaving the guide is detected by an optical detector. An indication is given when the optical intensity of the detected light falls below a predetermined threshold, so as to warn when the wave-guide is disturbed significantly or cut through.The manufacture of a strip or strand incorporating a fibre-optic wave-guide and for use in a security system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthesized target system utilizes emitters in the microwave or laser frequency for generating an electromagnetic energy curtain. Detectors are operatively disposed for detecting reflections within the energy curtain caused by penetrations of the curtain by one or more projectiles. A monitor is connected to the output of the detectors, and a recorder is used for storing the data output of the monitor. The event of passage of projectiles through the energy curtain, and their location upon penetration thereof, is monitored, scored, recorded and can be printed out, in hard-copy form, in real time. Physical targets and down-range human intervention therewith are eliminated.

Abstract: A monitoring method and apparatus is disclosed for monitoring surfaces and spaces as well as objects present therein. A pulse transmitter delivers, by means of a beam deflection element, in a defined sequence and in defined directions pulsed directional beams, and received beams are directionally selectively received. Distance vectors and their changes are evaluated in a computer for surface or terrain, space and object measurement and/or object recognition and/or sounding of an alarm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting a laser leak for electrically detecting a leakage of laser beam due to snapping of the laser guide which is provided for guiding the laser beam to a desired position. A wire or a conductor which is connected to a detector is provided at the circumference of an optical fiber or a coating material of the laser guide. The snapping of the wire by melting or by the variation of the resistance due to raised temperature or by short-circuit of the wire on account of a dielectric break-down of the coated material is electrically detected by the detector. Thus, leakage of the laser beam from the laser guide is strictly detected to secure the safety of an apparatus and an operator.

Abstract: An intruder alarm for protecting the perimeter of an area utilizes a multimode optic fiber as the deformable sensing element, wherein a length of multimode optic fiber is buried in the ground of an area or perimeter to be protected. As coherent light from a laser is directed through a length of optic fiber, the output light pattern therefrom is speckled. When a deformation of the fiber occurs, even a small amount, the speckle pattern changes and is detected electronically indicating that a disturbance has taken place.

Abstract: The invention is a simple but efficient position and velocity identifying system to low-flying objects especially cruising missiles. Through a system of prism-complexes, the beams lased by four lasers (preferably injection lasers) are split into systems of orthogonally intersecting beam-quadruplets in parallel lying on the horizontal plane, each of which impinges a light-sensor-quadruplet. The curved air equidensity surfaces around the wings or the shock waves generated by a low-flying object passing by deflect a beam-quadruplet, such that the sensors of a light-sensor-quadruplet switch sequentially. The transient between the switchings, converted into a count, together with the sensor-quadruplet-address generated in an associated electronic circuit, are transmitted via a common multiple to a console where the count is converted into velocity there.