Abstract: Optical encoders and methods of determining rotational movement are provided. The optical encoders include an encoder disk having a patterned signal track comprising a plurality of optically detectable elements disposed on a periphery of the encoder disk, wherein each optically detectable element is associated with a bit in a binary sequence, wherein each bit has a predefined bit depth, a boundary dividing the patterned signal track into at least two sub-regions, wherein each sub-region comprises a subset of the optically detectable elements, at least one sensor arranged to detect an optical signal associated with at least one optically detectable element, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, the controller configured to determine an angular position of the encoder disk, wherein the controller determines the angular position based on a detected binary sequence, a detected sub-region, and a look-up-table.

Abstract: Examples of techniques for vehicle suspension system alignment monitoring are disclosed. In one example implementation, a method includes receiving vehicle data and environmental data including, inertial measurement unit (IMU) acceleration data and global positioning system (GPS) velocity data from a GPS associated with the vehicle, and steering wheel angle data, driver applied torque data, and electronic power steering (EPS) applied torque data associated with the steering system. The method further includes mitigating for at least one of a vehicle effect and an environmental effect based on the vehicle data and environmental data. The method further includes detecting a misalignment based at least in part on one or more of the IMU acceleration data, the GPS velocity data, acceleration data, a steering wheel angle, and a self-aligning torque. The method further includes reporting the misalignment of the vehicle based at least in part on detecting the misalignment.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for autonomous camera pod tracking of a vehicle during vehicle alignment. The method can include receiving, at a processor of an autonomous camera pod, at least one of vehicle target image data from a vehicle target camera or calibration target image data from a calibration camera, the vehicle target camera being adapted to acquire images of a target mounted to the vehicle, and the calibration camera being adapted to acquire images of a calibration target mounted to a sister autonomous camera pod. An optimal location of the autonomous camera pod can be calculated based on the received vehicle target image data or calibration target image data. The method can include transmitting, when it is determined to move the autonomous camera pod, a motor command to a motor drive of the autonomous camera pod, thereby causing the autonomous camera pod to move to the optimal location.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for autonomous camera pod tracking of a vehicle during vehicle alignment. The method can include receiving, at a processor of an autonomous camera pod, at least one of vehicle target image data from a vehicle target camera or calibration target image data from a calibration camera, the vehicle target camera being adapted to acquire images of a target mounted to the vehicle, and the calibration camera being adapted to acquire images of a calibration target mounted to a sister autonomous camera pod. An optimal location of the autonomous camera pod can be calculated based on the received vehicle target image data or calibration target image data. The method can include transmitting, when it is determined to move the autonomous camera pod, a motor command to a motor drive of the autonomous camera pod, thereby causing the autonomous camera pod to move to the optimal location.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, position-sensitive sensor-based system for positioning an object having six degrees of freedom in space, used for positioning of a silicon table and mask table of a lithography machine. The system comprises mainly a semiconductor laser 1, an optical fiber collimator 2, optical fibers 3, 7, 10, and 13, an optical fiber splitter 4, filter plates 6, 9, and 12, three PSD sensors 5, 8, and 11, and a signal processing system. Laser emitted by the semiconductor laser 1 is irradiated onto the optical fiber collimator 2, then transmitted respectively via three paths, and received by the PSD sensors 5, 8, and 11 after having background light filtered out by the filter plates 6, 9, and 12, while the positions of laser spots on the three PSD sensors 5, 8, and 11 are processed by the signal processing system to acquire the position and orientation.

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 invention is generally related to the estimation of position and orientation of an object with respect to a local or a global coordinate system using reflected light sources. A typical application of the method and apparatus includes estimation and tracking of the position of a mobile autonomous robot. Other applications include estimation and tracking of an object for position-aware, ubiquitous devices. Additional applications include tracking of the positions of people or pets in an indoor environment. The methods and apparatus comprise one or more optical emitters, one or more optical sensors, signal processing circuitry, and signal processing methods to determine the position and orientation of at least one of the optical sensors based at least in part on the detection of the signal of one or more emitted light sources reflected from a surface.

Abstract: An optical system for testing IR or UV sensors, comprises input optics, output optics having a reticule disposed on the associated optical axis, a radiation source which emits radiation in the visual spectral region and in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral regions, and a beam splitter for simultaneously visualizing an object scene illuminated by the radiation source with the reticule through the output optics into the eye of an observer. The input optics comprise a lens, the imaging properties of which in the visual spectral region are equal to the imaging properties in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral region, and the beam splitter is a dichroic beam splitter.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning mirror device with a microsystem scanning mirror which is mounted rotatably about at least one axis, and a detection module which has a light source which emits a light beam, and a position detector, wherein the detection module directs the light beam onto the scanning mirror from behind, with the result that the light beam is reflected, at the back of the scanning mirror, to the position detector which measures the position of the reflected light beam, from which the rotation angle of the scanning mirror about the at least one axis can be deduced.

Abstract: A pair of laser distance sensors are arranged to impinge a respective laser beam on a respective one of a pair of surfaces on a reference target installed on a car door to determine the extent of misalignment of a door latch and striker by determining the extent of any vertical door movement induced by such misalignment. The use of oppositely inclined surfaces eliminates the effect of small mispositioning of the reference target surfaces and the laser distance sensors. A side by side arrangement of the laser distance sensors can also be used to determine the door closing speed.

Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire measurements associated with the relative spatial positions of tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly, and dimensions of the vehicle wheel assembly to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.

Abstract: An angle detection device includes a rotator including a shaft supported by and inside a case in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane of the case, a center of gravity positioned differently from the shaft, and a diagonal line formed on a surface along a circumferential direction around a rotation axis of the rotator, the line intersecting with a width direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction if the surface is spread into a plane along the circumferential direction; and a sensor including a group of imaging elements arrayed in a line parallel to the shaft direction. The sensor is fixed to and inside the case opposite to the surface. The group intersects with the diagonal line if the surface is viewed from the sensor toward the shaft, and a position of the intersection changes according to rotation of the case around the axis when viewed from the shaft.

Abstract: A pattern projection light source is disclosed in which a light source (2a); a plurality of mask regions (5) in each of which a light-transmitting portion that transmits light from the light source therethrough is formed in a predetermined pattern; and a plurality of lenses (7) that each form an image of the predetermined pattern of the light-transmitting portion at a predetermined distance are arranged in this order. Since the pattern projection light source includes a plurality of projection optical systems each including a mask region and a lens, a compact and thin pattern projection light source can be realized. Moreover, provision of a plurality of lenses makes it possible to increase the imaging range of a pattern image. Furthermore, an image of the pattern of the light-transmitting portion can be formed clearly on the object.

Abstract: A solar tracking device including a solar panel, an orientation control device, and an inclination sensing device is provided. The solar panel is suitable for converting solar energy into electric energy. The orientation control device controls an orientation of the solar panel according to the position and time of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is disposed on the solar panel for detecting an inclination direction of the solar panel. The inclination sensing device is suitable for outputting a feedback signal to the orientation control device to adjust the orientation of the solar panel. The solar tracking device has a simple tracking mechanism because of a simple feedback mechanism of the inclination sensing device.

Abstract: A geometric error measuring device includes a measuring module and at least one (quadrant) photodiode. The measuring module has an emitting deice, which may emit at least one light ray; the photodiode may receive the incident ray. Also, the trajectory of the incident ray is parallel with the direction of measurement. If there is no geometric error, the position of the incident light ray will coincide with the position of the measured light ray. If there is a geometric error, the position of the measured light ray will not coincide with the position of the incident light ray. After the data are processed and calculated, geometric errors in straightness, squareness and rotational angles (pitch, yaw and roll) may be obtained. These geometric errors may then be corrected in the setup of a machine.

Abstract: A weighing scale, e.g. a top-pan scale, having a scale pan (01, 02) supported on a force transducer, and a corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) measuring the tilting of the scale pan (01, 02) relative to the force transducer. The corner load sensor includes a light beam source (03, 04, 06) emitting a first light beam and a second light beam. The first light beam and the second light beam are directed toward a reflecting surface on an underside of an arrangement that includes the scale pan (01, 02). The first light beam and the second light beam are respectively inclined relative to the reflecting surface of the untilted scale pan (01). The corner load sensor (03, 04, 06, 08, 09) of the scale also includes a first optical sensor (08) measuring the first light beam reflected by the reflecting surface. If no corner load exists, a predetermined proportion (12) of the reflected first light beam is directed to the first optical sensor (08).

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member. The sensor may include a first and second disk, each having an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. One disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member, the other disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. A signal processing system may determine both angular positions based on sampling a consolidation of the first and the second annular patterns at locations that are not at a transition in the consolidated pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the spatial position of a sensor, in which a rough position information initially is determined by rough detection of the position of the sensor, and then the more accurate position of the sensor is obtained by measuring at least three reflectors mounted on the sensor with a laser tracker, wherein the search region of the laser of the laser tracker is limited for the reflectors with reference to the rough position information.

Abstract: A tilt sensor capable of detecting more diverse orientations is to be provided. The tilt sensor includes a light emitting element and a plurality of photodetectors, a rolling element, and a hollow portion that accommodates the rolling element so as to allow the rolling element to roll in all of x-, y-, and z-direction, and to locate the rolling element, according to a direction of the gravity, at one of detecting positions including a complete blocking position that inhibits light from the light emitting element from reaching any of the photodetectors, a plurality of partial blocking positions that inhibits the light from the light emitting element from reaching at least one but not all of the photodetectors, and a nonblocking position that permits the light from the light emitting element to reach all of the photodetectors, and two of the detecting positions are each located on a respective end portion of the hollow portion in the x-, y-, and z-direction.

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member up to a maximum displacement angle. The sensor may include a first and a second disk, each of which have an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. The first disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member; and the second disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. A lighting system may direct light toward the first and the second disks with an orientation that causes an annular illumination pattern to be cast upon an optical sensing array which corresponds to a composite of a portion of the first and the second annular patterns and which spans an angle that is less than or equal to the maximum displacement angle. An optical sensing array may provide signals indicative of the annular illumination pattern.

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member. The sensor may include a first and a second disk, each of which have an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. The first disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member; and the second disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. The first and the second disks may each have an integral annular race configured to support ball bearings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment angle measuring device and an attachment angle measuring method which realize accurate measurement of attachment angle between an axle carrier and an absorber. An attachment angle measuring device measures an attachment angle ? between an axle carrier and an absorber as in the following. A slit light is projected to a first reflection position on an outer peripheral surface of an absorber rod and a reflected light from the first reflection position is received. A slit light is projected to a second reflection position on the outer peripheral surface of the absorber rod different from the first reflection position and a reflected light from the second reflection position is received. A first optical path distance between a projection start position of the slit light and the first reflection position is calculated based on the reflected light.

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member. The sensor may include a first and second disk, each having an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. One disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member, the other disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. A signal processing system may determine both angular positions based on sampling a consolidation of the first and the second annular patterns at locations that are not at a transition in the consolidated pattern.

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member. The sensor may include a first and a second disk, each of which have an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. The first disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member; and the second disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. The first and the second disks may each have an integral annular race configured to support ball bearings.

Abstract: A sensor may simultaneously sense the angular position of a first rotatable member relative to a frame of reference and the angular position of a second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member up to a maximum displacement angle. The sensor may include a first and a second disk, each of which have an annular pattern which alternates between two different levels of optical transparency. The first disk may be coupled to the first rotatable member; and the second disk may be coupled to the second rotatable member. A lighting system may direct light toward the first and the second disks with an orientation that causes an annular illumination pattern to be cast upon an optical sensing array which corresponds to a composite of a portion of the first and the second annular patterns and which spans an angle that is less than or equal to the maximum displacement angle. An optical sensing array may provide signals indicative of the annular illumination pattern.

Abstract: It is the object of a method for measuring the vessel diameter of optically accessible blood vessels to measure vessel diameters of optically accessible blood vessels in a simple manner based on digital images and with high accuracy even when the vessel diameter is on an order of magnitude at which the determination of the diameter by image point counting is associated with an unacceptably high error. According to the invention, the vessel diameter is determined photometrically from the logarithmized ratio of the intensities of the reflection of the vessel-free environment of the blood vessel and of the reflection of the blood vessel, which intensities are determined in a first monochromatic image.

Abstract: A measurement system with a minimum of 2 sensors that identifies precise locations of remote objects. The sensors measure the elevation and azimuth angles to the target using the electro-magnetic radiation that is either intentionally or incidentally reflected off of the object. Given the known distance between the sensors, the system are able to calculate the exact X-Y-Z coordinates of the object using a modified type of triangulation. In the case of moving targets, this data is used to determine target origin and destination. In the case of stationary targets, the data is used to determine exact location of target and for navigation to or around the stationary target.

Abstract: A Lasar Stream format is provided which is a logical structure that encapsulates Ladar sensor data generated by a Ladar sensor. The data is packaged into message structures for transmission over a transport medium. The messages form a data stream and when the messages arrive at a destination the messages are processed and made available for use by signal processors such as automatic target recognition system.

Abstract: A laser device includes a virtual source configured to aim laser energy that originates from a true source. The virtual source has a vertical rotational axis during vertical motion of the virtual source and the vertical axis passes through an exit point from which the laser energy emanates independent of virtual source position. The emanating laser energy is collinear with an orientation line. The laser device includes a virtual source manipulation mechanism that positions the virtual source. The manipulation mechanism has a center of lateral pivot approximately coincident with a lateral index and a center of vertical pivot approximately coincident with a vertical index. The vertical index and lateral index intersect at an index origin. The virtual source and manipulation mechanism auto align the orientation line through the index origin during virtual source motion.

Abstract: A laser straight ruler having a main body and a beam scanner installed on the main body. A laser beam is scanned to form a beam spot on an object. A position sensing device receives a laser beam reflected by the object and senses a position of the beam spot. A signal processing unit drives the beam scanner and processes a signal of the position sensing device. A display displays a change in a distance between the main body and the object and data including a measured distance value from the signal processing unit. An input portion inputs data including adjustment of a scanning width of the beam spot and sets start and end positions of the measured distance. A straight distance of the object is measured or the beam spot having a scanning width corresponding to a measured distance or a predetermined distance is projected to the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing position measurement information. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multiple-pitch grating is disclosed which is adapted to receive one or more laser beams and provide an output laser beam encoded with position information of the grating.

Abstract: A laser device includes a target position, an optical component separated a distance J from the target position, and a laser energy source separated a distance H from the optical component, distance H being greater than distance J. A laser source manipulation mechanism exhibits a mechanical resolution of positioning the laser source. The mechanical resolution is less than a spatial resolution of laser energy at the target position as directed through the optical component. A vertical and a lateral index that intersect at an origin can be defined for the optical component. The manipulation mechanism can auto align laser aim through the origin during laser source motion. The laser source manipulation mechanism can include a mechanical index. The mechanical index can include a pivot point for laser source lateral motion and a reference point for laser source vertical motion.

Abstract: An airborne search and rescue scanner is provided to locate a missing person wearing a reflector for reflecting laser energy emitted from a scanner in a high speed aircraft. The scanner and reflector combination enable scanning of a large search area in a relatively short time period. The system is designed to prevent false readings, as for example, sun glint reflected by the reflector, or false alarms resulting from reflections from the terrain being searched and not the reflector worn by the missing person. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the active laser scanning system is replaced by a passive infrared scanner by replacing the laser scanner with an infrared detector. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for the missing person to wear a reflector.

Abstract: A light of measurement emitted from a semiconductor laser (1) is incident to a beam splitter formed by a prism (4). The light of measurement transmits into an incident surface (3) having a positive power so as to be emitted to a reflecting surface (5c) of measurement. A light reflected there is returned by a beam splitting surface (4a) so as to be reflected by a concave reflecting surface (6). The reflected light is returned so as to be condensed and focused on a light receiving surface (8) of sensor in a light measuring device (7). A position of a spot of light which is received is measured so as to measure the deflection angle of a rotating mirror (5). By doing this, it is possible to form a compact device even if the length of the optical path is long. As a result, it is possible to broaden the deflection angle measuring range.

Abstract: A laser device includes a target position, an optical component separated a distance J from the target position, and a laser energy source separated a distance H from the optical component, distance H being greater than distance J. A laser source manipulation mechanism exhibits a mechanical resolution of positioning the laser source. The mechanical resolution is less than a spatial resolution of laser energy at the target position as directed through the optical component. A vertical and a lateral index that intersect at an origin can be defined for the optical component. The manipulation mechanism can auto align laser aim through the origin during laser source motion. The laser source manipulation mechanism can include a mechanical index. The mechanical index can include a pivot point for laser source lateral motion and a reference point for laser source vertical motion.

Abstract: A survey point indicating instrument, for recognizing a line of sight visually, includes a collimating lens, two light sources being positioned so that optical axes of the two light sources intersect each other on an optical axis of the collimating lens at a focal point of the collimating lens; a driving circuit for controlling light emissions of the two light sources independently from each other; and a light shield plate having a slit, and positioned between the focal point and the two light sources so that light rays emitted from each of the two light sources to travel in an area between the optical axes are allowed to pass through the slit while other light rays emitted from each of the two light sources are cut off by the light shield plate to prevent the other light rays from traveling outside the area between the optical axes.

Abstract: On a circuit-board intended for constant-wire-length (CWL) bonding, one or more special “test” pairs of bonding pads are provided along with, in each case, a series of markings adjacent the pads. In use, the board is populated with CWL bonds (this includes the normal circuit-related RF bond-pads as well as the test bond-pads) and the test bonds are distorted so that the bond-wires in question lie aligned against the markings. The alignment position relative to the markings indicates whether the bond-wires for the whole board are of correct or incorrect length. Measurement may be either absolute, in which case the markings are associated with a scale indication, or relative, in which case one of the markings will usually be visibly distinguished from the rest in some way. Depending on the length determination, the bond-forming device (e.g.

Abstract: To calibrate a front-to-backside alignment system a transparent calibration substrate with reference markers on opposite sides is used. A plane plate is inserted to displace the focal position of the alignment system from the top to bottom surface of the calibration substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical apparatus that provides for relatively aligning a first object with respect to a second reference object. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a generally rectangular substrate member with a reflective surface. At least one indicia is disposed in the reflective surface. The indicia can be one of the edges or can be lines that are ruled or etched in the reflective surface. In use, one of the edges can be positioned against some feature of the object to be aligned, often an edge of this object. The optical apparatus is then adjusted and/or the user moves his head so that a relevant portion of a second object is visualized. The optical apparatus and the first object are moved together until the image of the reference object is aligned appropriately with the edge. In another embodiment, the optical apparatus has a plurality of lines ruled, etched or positioned on the reflective surface. These lines can also be used to relatively align with the second object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels. A pair of cameras or other image sensing devices on each side of the vehicle are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle. The surface on which the wheels are disposed may be an automotive lift or a stationary runway. One camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding front wheel and the other camera on each side is directed at the target on the corresponding rear wheel. When used with a rack, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed vertically. When used with a stationary runway, the major axis of the field of view of each camera is disposed horizontally.

Abstract: A device for measuring a rotation angle of a rotary element has first, second and third photo-electric sensors, and a rotary disk having first and second circular arrays of openings, each radial edge of the first array of openings being adapted to be detectable by the first photo-electric sensor so as to generate a first electric signal alternating between “on” and “off” each time when the rotary disk rotates each five times of a unit angle, each radial edge of the second array of openings being adapted to be detectable by the second and third photo-electric sensors so as to generate second and third electric signals, respectively, the second and third signals each alternating between either “on” and “off” or “off” and “on” each time when the rotary disk rotates alternately two times and three times of the unit angle, the “on” and “off” alternations of the first, second and third signals being shifted from one anot

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: The invention is of a vehicle interlock system which utilizes non-invasive, optically based methods for detecting and measuring levels of certain target chemical substances in the blood or tissues of a user in preventing operation of the vehicle by persons exhibiting higher (or lower) than prescribed levels of such chemicals. The system of the present invention is not limited to simply measuring blood alcohol levels as are presently available breathalizer-based interlock systems, but lends itself to use in detecting unacceptable systemic levels of virtually any chemical for which the system if programmed to measure. In addition, the present system includes components for positively identifying, and during the course of vehicle operation, re-identifying the intended user and alcohol or drug user testee.

Abstract: Measuring system for the measuring of wheel angles comprising cameras (21) pivotable on rear wheel (22) fastenings and looking both on front wheel marker arrangements (24) and a marker device (25) arranged perpendicular relative the length direction of the vehicle. The camera registers the angles of the wheel it is mounted on by viewing the marker device and the angles of the front wheel by subtracting the angles of the wheel with the camera from those obtained for the marker arrangement on the front wheel. The marker arrangement is diametrically symmetric and allows together with pivotability of the camera a rotating of the wheels over a half revolution so that possible mounting errors can be detected and correlated for.

Abstract: An optical wheel alignment apparatus intended for race cars and other high performance road vehicles which provides an extremely accurate, low-cost, light-weight, portable and non-electrical method for toe and camber alignments even in space limited and hostile environments such as race car pit areas. Further, the apparatus is simple to operate, requires less that five-minutes set-up time and provides repeatable accuracy up to two minutes of a degree toe and 1/8" camber without the aid of computer control.

Abstract: The printwheel setting apparatus is used in a postage meter for setting the posting date printwheels. Each settable member of the apparatus includes digital encoding marks thereon. A charge coupled device is arranged to detect the encoding marks of one or more settable members simultaneously. A lens is disposed between the settable member and the charge coupled device to focus the image of the encoding marks onto the surface of the charge coupled device. Thus, the settings of a number of settable members such as thumbwheels may be determined simultaneously. A shutter may be closed across the charge coupled device to protect it from damage, dust contamination.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is arranged to include facing table members, each having first and second pivotally mounted table plates relative to each table member to accommodate orientation of the tables with leveling and compass structure mounted to each table to enhance alignment. A sighting structure is arranged to include a light emitting housing to provide for alignment between the tables, as well as a range finder structure arranged to indicate spacing between the tables.

Abstract: The system comprises a plurality of passive target patterns (30, 31, 32, 33) situated on a surface (24) of an object to be located, and an approach sensor (19) including: a source (20) for emitting light towards said patterns; a receiver (22) for receiving light reflected from said object (21); and a processor member (23) connected to said source (20) and said receiver (22). Each passive pattern comprises a series of optically-readable elongate symbols disposed relative to one another in such a manner as to constitute a code, with the approach sensor serving to scan said object optically. The invention is applicable to docking and stowage maneuvers between two space vehicles.

Abstract: A method, and a device for practicing the method, for marking the configuration of a vehicle-mounted mirror which has initially been set to a desired perspective, thus enabling a single, unaided person within reach of a misaligned mirror to quickly and reliably readjust it to reproduce the previously marked perspective even though that desired perspective cannot be viewed from the adjuster's position.

Abstract: An optical alignment device for binocular displays is provided which comprises a pair of objective lenses and adjacent lens apertures for receiving the images transmitted along the two optical axes of the binocular display and optical folding means in the form of folding mirrors, right-angle prisms, or the like, disposed along each said optical axis for optically folding said images along a single optical axis, whereby the said images may be focused as a single composite image on an imaging plane.