Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are provided for monitoring movement of an object, such as rotation of a blade or other airfoil. One exemplary tracking device includes a first emitter to emit first radiation along a first line of sight, a first detector proximate the first emitter to detect the first radiation, a second emitter to emit second radiation along a second line of sight, and a second detector proximate the second emitter to detect the second radiation.

Abstract: A method of finding a home reference distance of a 3D coordinate measurement device in which a mathematical adjustment is made to move the vertex point to the sphere center of a spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR).

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a grain structure of a turbine blade or vane using an optical technique, illuminates a surface with a beam from a light source and then manipulates the relative orientation of the surface, a light beam and detector to determine the relative orientation which provides the peak reflectance of the beam from the surface to the detector. Further surfaces of the component are similarly manipulated and illuminated and the orientation of the grain structure calculated from the determined relative peak reflectance orientations of the surface, first further surface and second further surface. Determination of the grain orientation allows the value of high angle boundaries to be determined. Also disclosed is apparatus suitable for performing the method.

Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting the ends of a manufactured part at a single inspection station having a measurement axis are provided. The system includes a fixture assembly having a rotatable first fixturing component and a rotatable second fixturing component mating with and removably connected to the first fixturing component to transmit torque from the first fixturing component to the second fixturing component. The second fixturing component has a device for holding the part in a generally horizontal orientation and permit rotation of the horizontally held part between first and second angular positions about the measurement axis. The system also includes an actuator assembly, an illumination device, a lens and detector assembly and at least one processor to process electrical signals generated by the lens and detector assembly to determine at least one geometric dimension or any visual defects at the ends of the part.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a laser tracker remotely from the laser tracker through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a rule of correspondence between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of user gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to one of the plurality of user gestures. The gesture performed by the user is detected. The gesture recognition engine determines a first command from one of the plurality of commands that correspond with the detected gesture. Then the first command is executed with the laser tracker.

Abstract: A method includes receiving location data corresponding to a physical location of a user at a computing device and receiving prey data corresponding to a relative position of an animal at the computing device from a gun scope. The method further includes determining a location of the animal relative to the computing device based on the location data and the prey data.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning an accessory's aim point to an aim point of a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aim point that can be viewed through a weapon sight is projected from a device mounted on a weapon. Further, an accessory aim point is projected on the weapon sight by an accessory device that is mounted on the weapon in front of the weapon sight. Furthermore, the accessory aim point is pre-mission aligned to the aim point of the device by electronically adjusting a position of the accessory aim point to align with the aim point of the device on the weapon sight.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention is a device for measuring the contact angle of a liquid drop on a material surface. The shadow of a drop of a test liquid is projected onto a tilted shadow surface. An image of the drop on the shadow surface is recorded with an image recording device, and the contact angle is calculated from the image and the known angle of tilt of the shadow surface. A method that is suitable for this is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A projector includes a light source, a light modulator having an image formation area to form an image, a projection system that projects the image on a display surface, an enclosure that holds at least the light modulator and the projection system, an inclination detection section that detects the inclination of the enclosure with respect to an axis along the optical axis of the projection system, and an image display control section that forms a reference line on the image formation area, the reference line having a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal line irrespective of the inclination of the enclosure, and the image display control section changes the inclination of the reference line with respect to the image formation area in accordance with the inclination of the enclosure in such a way that the reference line has the predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal line.

Abstract: A video photography system includes a video camera system and a background lighting system. The video camera system is configured to capture photographs of a subject positioned between the video camera system and a background. The background lighting system is configured to generate background lighting conditions on the background. The background lighting conditions include at least a first lighting condition and a second lighting condition.

Abstract: An optical monitoring device for an optical imaging system having a focal plane, an optical axis and an entry pupil, forming an image of a scene substantially at infinity on an image detector disposed substantially in the focal plane, comprises: a virtually point-like emission source at the periphery of the detector and substantially in the focal plane; a reflecting element with a plane surface upstream of the imaging system relative to the direction of light rays coming from the scene, and according to a position and inclination where a monitoring image of the source produced by the optical system and reflected by the reflecting element is substantially in the focal plane on a detection element connected to a monitoring image analyzer allowing potential optical defects to be identified; the reflecting element having an annular shape allowing passage of light rays coming from the scene and passing through the entry pupil.

Abstract: In embodiments of pixel opacity for augmented reality, a display lens system includes a first display panel that displays a virtual image generated to appear as part of an environment viewed through optical lenses. A second display panel displays an environment image of the environment as viewed through the optical lenses, and the environment image includes opaque pixels that form a black silhouette of the virtual image. The display lens system also includes a beam-splitter panel to transmit light of the environment image and reflect light of the virtual image to form a composite image that appears as the virtual image displayed over the opaque pixels of the environment image.

Abstract: An exterior light control system for controlling exterior lights of a controlled vehicle is provided, which includes an imager configured to image a scene external and forward of the controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images. A controller is configured to receive and analyze the image data and generate a control signal for controlling the exterior lights of the controlled vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive temperature information relating to an operational temperature of the imager, wherein when the controller determines that the operational temperature of the imager is below a temperature threshold, the control signal includes an indication that the imager is blocked.

Abstract: Brightness-by-column grayscale and spatial ?-? modulation grayscale allow grayscale patterns to be produced using a binary spatial light modulator as fast as the bright/dark switching speed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for reviewing a curved edge of a sample. A line scan detector is actuated along an actuation path defined by the edge of the sample to scan a plurality of locations along the sample edge. The scan data is assembled to generate at least one review image of at least a portion of the edge of the sample. In some embodiments a substantially normal angle of incidence is maintained between the sample edge and the scanning illumination. In some embodiments, brightfield and darkfield images may be collected utilizing a common objective with separately operable illumination sources directing illumination along a first and second illumination path to the sample edge for review.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with systems such as fluidic circulating systems (e.g., the circulatory system of a living organism). In a first aspect, an improved method of continuously measuring pressure from a compressible vessel is disclosed, wherein a substantially optimal level of compression for the vessel is achieved and maintained using dynamically applied dither perturbations (e.g., modulation) on the various axes associated with the vessel. In a second aspect, an improved apparatus and method are provided for monitoring hemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure, in a continuous and non-invasive manner while operating under a single unifying scheme. One variant of this scheme using a simulated annealing (SA) type approach to determining and maintaining an optimal operating state.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement device including a light source that sequentially emits plural beams of light which are respectively incident on an object and of which optical axes are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, a condensing optical system that condenses the plural beams of light reflected from the object or the plural beams of light transmitted through the object, a light receiving unit, a light receiving surface of which is placed on a back focal plane of the condensing optical system, and that outputs a distribution or a center position of an intensity of light received in the light receiving surface, and a measurement unit that measures at least one of an angle and an angle distribution of a surface of the object, based on an output value output from the light receiving unit for each light applied to the object from the light source.

Abstract: A device for measuring and optionally correcting the angular offset of two shafts which are connected to one another by way of two universal joints and a third shaft calls for the measurement heads of an optoelectronic alignment device to be adjustably arranged on the shafts by means of at least one pivot joint on one of the clamping devices, with an adjustment capacity. A pertinent method contains matching of the orientation of the measurement heads of the optoelectronic alignment device on the shafts in at least two measurement positions by adjusting the pivot joint.

Abstract: A method includes receiving location data corresponding to a physical location of a user at a computing device and receiving prey data corresponding to a relative position of an animal at the computing device from a gun scope. The method further includes determining a location of the animal relative to the computing device based on the location data and the prey data.

Abstract: A laser-leveling device having a at least one radiation module and mounting module, where laser radiation sources and the prisms for developing planes from the laser beams are combined in the radiation module. The radiation module with housing contains a device for horizontal fine adjustment, an additional power supply with control, and an additional self-leveling support plate for receiving the laser radiation sources and prisms for developing the planes from the laser beams The mounting module with housing contains a self-leveling support plate, power supply with control, and a mount for securing to a tripod. The housing of the at least one radiation module and the housing of the mounting module are embodied such that the radiation module can be coupled to the mounting module, and it is possible to connect at least one additional radiation module.

Abstract: A navigation system for a robotic mower includes a boundary wire defining a boundary of a specified area; a boundary sensor assembly, and a vehicle control unit with a navigation arbitration logic configured to arbitrate a selection between at least a straight propagation mode and an arc propagation mode. The navigation arbitration module is configured to select the arc propagation mode when the sensor assembly indicates that the mower approaches the boundary of the specified area and has a distance from the boundary that is equal to or smaller than a specified turn distance. The boundary sensor assembly generates a sensor signal representative of a measured yaw angle of the mower relative to the boundary wire, and the navigation arbitration logic is configured to generate output information representative of a desired yaw angle dependent on an assumed actual yaw angle.

Abstract: Of two pairs of biaxial goniometers and a uniaxial straight-ahead stage, one pair of biaxial goniometers and the uniaxial straight-ahead stage are subjected to fully-closed feedback control (follow-up control) under which output from a QPD is directly input into an axis drive motor, and the remaining pair of biaxial goniometers are subjected to semi-closed feedback control (constant-value control), encoder outputs on all the axes and QPD output are acquired simultaneously, measurement point coordinates and normal vectors derived from the encoder outputs are corrected with the QPD output, thereby eliminating influence of steady-state deviation in a goniometer control system.

Abstract: An axis deviation detecting device includes: a first axis deviation detecting unit which detects a value of a translational deviation along a horizontal axis of a projector device and a value of a rotational deviation about a vertical axis of the projector device, using (i) a horizontal component of a first positional difference between the first target point and the first projection point on a first projection screen and (ii) a horizontal component of a second positional difference between the second target point and the second projection point on a second projection screen; and a second axis deviation detecting unit which detects a value of a translational deviation along the vertical axis and a value of a rotational deviation about the horizontal axis, using (i) a vertical component of the first positional difference and (ii) a vertical component of the second positional difference.

Abstract: A light section sensor for providing an output of a digital output coordinate has an illuminating device for projecting a light line onto a measured object and an electronic camera for detecting the projected light line on the measured object. A processing device determines at least one measured coordinate in a measured coordinate system on the basis of the light line detected. A coordinate transformation device transforms the measured coordinates from the measured coordinate system into the output coordinates in an output coordinate system by a coordinate transformation. A slope angle determination device determines the slope angle of the light section sensor in relation to a flat surface of the measured object.

Abstract: Various gun sights and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gun sight includes a light source adapted to project light, a user-viewable interface, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first surface adapted to pass the light to provide a reticle at the user-viewable interface. The optical element also includes a second surface adapted to refract the light to provide a light guide at a peripheral area of the user-viewable interface to aid a user to substantially align the user's eye with the reticle. Various mechanisms for aligning gun sights, attaching gun sights, related methods, and other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Automated autocollimation provides alignment of a telescope of a surveying instrument. The telescope defines an optical axis perpendicular to a reflective surface of an autocollimation target, such as a coated plane mirror. Alignment is performed by a method that includes aligning the telescope with the autocollimation target and illuminating a reticle in the telescope. The telescope is focused on infinite. The autocollimation target and the illuminated reticle reflected by the reflective surface, or the illuminated reticle, are acquired using an image acquisition device in the telescope or a second telescope. The reticle center in the image is determined. The horizontal and vertical distances of the reticle center are determined from the optical axis of the telescope in the image. The horizontal and vertical distances of the reticle center are converted into horizontal and vertical aberration angles of the current alignment of the telescope from the autocollimation alignment of the telescope.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining a position and an orientation of an object relative to a defined reference frame is disclosed. A plurality of targets are disposed at known locations relative to the defined reference frame. A head assembly is disposed on the object, where the head assembly includes a plurality of cameras. The head assembly determines the position and the orientation of the object from location data associated with the plurality of targets and image data from the plurality of cameras.

Abstract: A laser alignment apparatus includes a central compartment, a plurality of laser modules, a power supply cord, and a ceiling attachment system. Each of the plurality of laser modules is connected around the central compartment through a rod end bearing of the plurality of laser modules, where a bearing ring of the rod end bearing allows users to pivot, rotate, and tilt a laser device of each of the plurality of laser modules. The power supply cord provides the necessary power to the laser device of each of the plurality of laser modules from an external power source. The ceiling attachment system secures the central compartment with the connected plurality of laser modules to an existing ceiling. The laser device of each of the plurality of laser modules can be activated for alignment purpose within a screen printing machine or any other machines that required precise alignments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for capturing the rotary position (D) of at least one rotary device (4) provided for receiving a container (3) by means of at least one sensor unit (5), wherein the rotary device (4) is provided for driving the container (3) about a rotary axis (DA), and the at least one sensor unit (5) is advantageously designed for non-contact capturing of the rotary position (D) of the rotary device (4) relative to the rotary axis (DA).

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a grain structure of a turbine blade or vane using an optical technique, illuminates a surface with a beam from a light source and then manipulates the relative orientation of the surface, a light beam and detector to determine the relative orientation which provides the peak reflectance of the beam from the surface to the detector. Further surfaces of the component are similarly manipulated and illuminated and the orientation of the grain structure calculated from the determined relative peak reflectance orientations of the surface, first further surface and second further surface. Determination of the grain orientation allows the value of high angle boundaries to be determined. Also disclosed is apparatus suitable for performing the method.

Abstract: A reference system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a light-emitting device having a first light emitter, a second light emitter, and a housing. The housing includes a base operably connected to the first and second light emitters. The first light emitter is configured to emit a planar light region having a vertical orientation. The second light emitter is configured to emit an indicator light beam. A slope of the indicator light beam is adjustable to change a position of the indicator light beam within a vertical adjustment field. The system further includes a controller configured to cause the first and second light emitters to rotate in concert relative to the base about a vertical axis so as to rotationally reposition the planar light region and the indicator light beam in response to a detected misalignment of the planar light region.

Abstract: A method and a system of detecting a tilt angle of an object surface and a method and a system of compensating the same are provided. The detecting method includes the following steps. Light beams are projected by a light source device to the object surface. An image of the object surface is captured so as to obtain light spots on the object surface. A focus program is executed by adjusting a vertical distance between the light source device and the object surface, so as to gather the light spots in a focal point on the object surface. The vertical distance is adjusted, and a correction angle between the light beams and the object surface is calculated according to the light spots.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a sensor cluster located at an inside of a windshield of a motor vehicle and arranged such that the pitch thereof is adjustable. The sensor cluster may include a narrow beam sensor and an imaging sensor, both of which are directed forward of the motor vehicle. An angle gamma (?) between center directions of the narrow beam sensor and the imaging sensor has been pre-calibrated and stored in at least one memory unit. The method may include calibrating at least one of the narrow beam sensor and the imaging sensor with respect to a geometrical travel axis of the vehicle, recording a measure epsilon (?) corresponding to an angle between the center direction of the imaging sensor and a reference provided by a fixed vehicle structural part, and storing the recorded measure epsilon (?) in the at least one memory unit.

Abstract: A maskless exposure apparatus which precisely and rapidly measures positions of spot beams of a plurality of optical systems by calculating positions of respective BMSs using a plurality of FMs engraved on an FBA on a movable table. The centers of the respective BMSs are aligned with the centers of random FMs of the plurality of FMs. Thereafter, positions of spot beams irradiated from the plurality of optical systems are quickly and precisely measured using the positions of the respective BMSs and the positions of the FMs measured by the BMSs, thereby more quickly generating mask data to execute maskless exposures.

Abstract: A method for measuring and optionally correcting the angular offset of two shafts which are connected to one another by way of two universal joints and a third shaft calls for the measurement heads of an optoelectronic alignment device to be adjustably arranged on the shafts by means of at least one pivot joint on one of the clamping devices, with an adjustment capacity involves matching of the orientation of the measurement heads of the optoelectronic alignment device on the shafts in at least two measurement positions by adjusting the pivot joint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) photonic switch includes a first plurality of collimators and a first mirror array optically coupled to the first plurality of collimators. The first mirror array includes a first plurality of first MEMS mirrors integrated on a first substrate and a first plurality of first photodiodes integrated on the first substrate, where the photodiodes are disposed in interstitial spaces between the MEMS mirrors.

Abstract: An orientation tracking system including a first tracking system subject to drift. A second tracking system is configured to provide an output for calibrating the first tracking system to reduce the drift of the first tracking system. The second tracking system includes at least one inclinometer, each inclinometer including a light source adjacent one side of the inclinometer, a light sensor adjacent an opposing side of the inclinometer, and a light obscuring material within the inclinometer for obscuring the light between the light source and light sensor to indicate an orientation of the inclinometer.

Abstract: A tester for measuring a pitch static attitude of a head stack assembly including a laser transmitter configured to transmit laser beams, and a laser receiver configured to receive the laser beams from the laser transmitter, wherein the laser transmitter and the laser receiver are configured to receive a head stack assembly between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver. The tester also includes a laser guide located between the laser transmitter and the laser receiver, and configured to block the laser beams from entering a gap in the head stack assembly and reaching the laser receiver.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for estimating the position of a radiation source in three-dimensional space, together with sensors for use in such systems are described. In some embodiments, the systems include a plurality of radiation sensors. The three-dimensional position of the radiation source is estimated relative to each sensor using an aperture that casts shadows on a radiation detector as a function of the incident angle of the incoming radiation. In some embodiments, the ratio of a reference radiation intensity to a measured radiation intensity is used to estimate direction of the radiation source relative to the sensor. When the angular position of the radiation source is estimated relative to two sensors, the position of the radiation source in three dimensions can be triangulated based on the known relative positions of the two sensors.

Abstract: An optical detector may include an epitaxial layer having a continuous surface provided on a surface of a substrate. Two or more electrodes may be arranged at different positions in the epitaxial layer so that the electron-hole pairs generated in the epitaxial layer from incident light passing through the aperture and reaching the epitaxial layer have a varying probability of being collected by each of the electrodes as the angle of the incident light changes. The electrodes may be arranged at different depths in the epitaxial layer. The epitaxial layer may be continuous and have a continuous aperture-facing surface between each of the electrodes associated with a particular aperture to ensure that more light passing through the aperture is absorbable in the epitaxial layer and subsequently detectable by the electrodes. This may result in improved light detection capabilities.

Abstract: An angular detection arrangement for a head mountable display (HMD) comprising a light source or reflective marking and an optical detector, one of the light source or reflective marking and the optical detector being disposed at the HMD and the other being disposed at a fixed point, the light source or reflective marking comprising a directional light source or reflective marking and a substantially non-directional light source or reflective marking such that the separation between the directional and non-directional light sources or reflective markings as detected at the optical detector is dependent upon the relative orientation of the HMD and the fixed point.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement device including a light source that sequentially emits plural beams of light which are respectively incident on an object and of which optical axes are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, a condensing optical system that condenses the plural beams of light reflected from the object or the plural beams of light transmitted through the object, a light receiving unit, a light receiving surface of which is placed on a back focal plane of the condensing optical system, and that outputs a distribution or a center position of an intensity of light received in the light receiving surface, and a measurement unit that measures at least one of an angle and an angle distribution of a surface of the object, based on an output value output from the light receiving unit for each light applied to the object from the light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the angular orientation and detection of containers being processed in labeling machines are provided. An apparatus is provided comprising a rotating turntable, a plurality of motor-driven pans each having a controller, an optical sensor and an illuminating device. Also discussed are methods for the detection and angular orientation of containers in labeling machines with such an apparatus.

Abstract: A horizontal adjustment-engagement member (33) of an object detection device (D) drives the horizontal rotation component (32) to adjust a horizontal angle of a detection unit (11, 12), and a vertical adjustment-engagement member (37) drives the vertical rotation component (36) to adjust a vertical angle of a detection unit. Both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37) are positioned adjacent to each other at fixed positions such that portions thereof are exposed on a front surface of the device (D), are removably engaged with an external automatic angle adjustment unit (70) from front surfaces, and are automatically adjusted by a driving force of the automatic angle adjustment unit (70) based on a signal level of a detection signal outputted by level output section (7).

Abstract: A reference system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a light-emitting device having a first light emitter, a second light emitter, and a housing. The housing includes a base operably connected to the first and second light emitters. The first light emitter is configured to emit a planar light region having a vertical orientation. The second light emitter is configured to emit an indicator light beam. A slope of the indicator light beam is adjustable to change a position of the indicator light beam within a vertical adjustment field. The system further includes a controller configured to cause the first and second light emitters to rotate in concert relative to the base about a vertical axis so as to rotationally reposition the planar light region and the indicator light beam in response to a detected misalignment of the planar light region.

Abstract: A beam deflection device including an aluminum disc containing a plurality of lasers, each laser projecting a laser beam substantially along one of the ‘X’, ‘Y’, and ‘Z’ axes of a structural beam to which the device is attached. Wiring is attached to each of the plurality of lasers to provide power and transmit data. Passageways are provided in the solid disc to route the wiring to the exterior. A suction cup on a surface of the device allows it to be attached to the beam by pressing the device against a flat surface area of the beam.

Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.

Abstract: An assembly includes a hoist or a winch, a cable, and a fleet angle sensor. The fleet angle sensor includes a frame disposed around an opening. A first photodetector with multiple light-receiving zones is mounted on the frame. A first light source is mounted on the frame opposite the first photodetector. The first light source directs a first light beam across the opening to the multiple light-receiving zones of the first photodetector. The cable extends through the opening and into the first light beam, and the multiple light-receiving zones produce signals that vary based upon a fleet angle of the cable extending through the opening.

Abstract: A test apparatus is configured for testing a notebook including a liquid crystal display section and a body section. The positioning structure includes an optical testing module, an adjustable OTM mount, a fine-tuning module, a clamping module and a adjustable LCD mount. The optical testing module tests the liquid crystal display section, and is mounted to the adjustable OTM mount for moving the optical testing module. The optical testing module is attached to the fine-tuning module. The clamping module is for clamping the notebook. The adjustable LCD mount is mounted to the clamping module, and rotates the notebook relative to the optical testing module.

Abstract: A rotation angle detecting apparatus comprises a bearing holder, a rotation shaft rotatably supported by said bearing holder, a shaft portion space formed in said rotation shaft, a bearing holder space formed in said bearing holder, a first condenser lens in said shaft portion space and having an optical axis that coincides with a center line of said rotation shaft, a second condenser lens in said bearing holder space and on an extension of a center line of said rotation shaft, an angle detection pattern at a focal position of one of said first and said second condenser lens, and an image sensor at a focal position of the other of said condenser lens, wherein said image sensor detects a projection image of said angle detection pattern projected onto said image sensor, and a displacement of said projection image involved by the rotation of said rotation shaft is detected.