Abstract: Geolocation sensor devices, methods, and systems are described herein. One geolocation sensor device includes an optical position sensor configured to receive sunlight and determine a current angular position of the sun relative to the geolocation sensor device based, at least in part, on the received sunlight, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine a current location of the geolocation sensor device based, at least in part, on the determined current angular position of the sun and a current time of day.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a sensing device for sensing the alignment with respect to the sun of a concentration photovoltaic CPV device of the type which comprises at least one principal optical element POE and a CPV receiver, a CPV system, or module, comprising a CPV receiver and an integrated sensing device, and an optimized method for aligning a concentration photovoltaic CPV system with respect to the sun.

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

Abstract: An electro-magnetic tracking system includes a system controller having a sensor interface, a generator, and a positioning and angular orientation configuration. The generator is responsive to the system controller for generating an electro-magnetic field that includes a tracking volume of highest accuracy. The highest accuracy corresponds to an accuracy of the sensor interface and system controller to detect a sensor physically located within the tracking volume versus a lesser accuracy of the sensor interface and system controller to detect the sensor if the sensor is located outside of the tracking volume. The positioning and angular orientation configuration is coupled to the field generator for visibly optimizing (i) a positioning and/or (ii) an angular orientation of the electro-magnetic field generator such that the tracking volume lies within a centroid of a physical volume of interest, thereby enabling a detection of a sensor within the tracking volume with a highest accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light direction sensor for determining the direction of a light source. The system includes an image sensor; a spacer attached to the image sensor, and a pattern mask attached to said spacer. The pattern mask has a slit pattern that as light passes through the slit pattern it casts a diffraction pattern onto the image sensor. The method operates by receiving a beam of light onto a patterned mask, wherein the patterned mask as a plurality of a slit segments. Then, diffusing the beam of light onto an image sensor and determining the direction of the light source.

Abstract: Detection sensors utilizing linear arrays using one or more linear arrays of detectors sampled at a high rate. The invention is useful for target detection including hydrocarbon events such as guns, mortars, RPG missiles and artillery firings, lightning, and other optical events.

Abstract: A satellite surveillance countermeasure system uses an airborne platform to position a coherent radiation source above a substantial portion of the Earth's atmosphere. The coherent radiation source provides coherent radiation that is directed toward an enemy surveillance satellite, so as to reversibly deny the satellite the ability to image. By positioning the coherent radiation source at such an altitude, atmospheric attenuation and distortion are mitigated. Thus, a smaller, less powerful and less costly coherent radiation source can be utilized. The use of an airborne platform also makes the system more portable and affordable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light direction sensor for determining the direction of a light source. The system includes an image sensor; a spacer attached to the image sensor, and a pattern mask attached to said spacer. The pattern mask has a slit pattern that as light passes through the slit pattern it casts a diffraction pattern onto the image sensor. The method operates by receiving a beam of light onto a patterned mask, wherein the patterned mask as a plurality of a slit segments. Then, diffusing the beam of light onto an image sensor and determining the direction of the light source.

Abstract: Method for providing a known reference point for an airborne imaging system, the method including providing at measured earth co-ordinates a camera/mirror assembly having a camera and a mirror mounted in fixed mutual spatial relationship and capable of tilting about two mutually orthogonal axes. Using the camera to track the sun and produce at least two or more different measured times respective time tagged camera images. Using the time tagged camera images to obtain a transformation of mirror axes relative to axes of the earth at a mirror location on the earth where the mirror is mounted. During a time window when the mirror is within a line of sight of the airborne imaging system and the sun, adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the mirror so that the sun is reflected by the mirror toward the airborne imaging system thereby capturing an image of the mirror in an aerial image produced by the airborne imaging system.

Abstract: A system for detecting motion between a first body and a second body includes first and second detector-emitter pairs, disposed on the first body, and configured to transmit and receive first and second optical beams, respectively. At least a first optical rotator is disposed on the second body and configured to receive and reflect at least one of the first and second optical beams. First and second detectors of the detector-emitter pairs are configured to detect the first and second optical beams, respectively. Each of the first and second detectors is configured to detect motion between the first and second bodies in multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). The first optical rotator includes a V-notch oriented to form an apex of an isosceles triangle with respect to a base of the isosceles triangle formed by the first and second detector-emitter pairs. The V-notch is configured to receive the first optical beam and reflect the first optical beam to both the first and second detectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the current position (A, B, C, D) of a head (9) of an occupant (8) in the passenger compartment (2) of a motor vehicle (1), said head moving toward an automatic dynamic disabling zone (6) in front of an airbag module (5). To this end, the invention makes use of the idea that the best position for a measurement with regard thereto is the point in space where the ideal direction of movement (14) of the head (9) is perpendicular to an ideal line of sight (17) of the camera (160. The measurement is then preferably carried out when the geometric center (10) of the head (9) crosses this point. In a preferred embodiment, the calculation of the actual movement vector of the head (9) is taken as a basis, said head being preferably perpendicular in a current line of sight (18) of the camera (16). The invention advantageously increases the potential for protecting an occupant (8) in a motor vehicle (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to ground-based surveying on a site (2) which comprises an unstable zone (60) and at least one control point (FCP1, FCP2, FCP6, FCP7; CP1–CP3) placed outside the unstable zone, in which method at least one surveying device (TS8, TS9; ST1–ST3) is used to acquire positional data by sighting least one control point (FCP1, FCP2, FCP6, FCP7; CP1–CP3). The approach comprises: providing at least one sighting point (UP3–UP5; A–C) within the unstable zone (60; 20), using the surveying device(s) (TS8, TS9; ST1–ST3) to acquire positional data by sighting the at least one sighting point (UP3–UP5; A–C) that is located within the unstable zone (60; 20), and combining the positional data acquired from: i) the at least one control point (FCP1, FCP2, FCP6, FCP7; CP1–CP3) placed outside the unstable zone and ii) at least one sighting point (UP3–UP5; A–C) within the unstable zone (60; 20), to produce a positional reference for the surveying device(s).

Abstract: A method is described that measures the angular orientation of a rotational axis to a reference line. The reference line is defined by the position of a string. The alignment device includes a collimated light source that is projected approximately perpendicular to a rotating axis. The distance between the projected collimated light beam and the reference line is observed at two or more points. The distances between the reference line and light beam are then used to compute the non-perpendicular alignment angle of the rotational axis relative to the reference line. Other objects, advantages, and contributions are set forth in the disclosing embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying system, which comprises a survey instrument main unit for receiving and detecting a guide light projected from a collimation target, a horizontal rotating mechanism 38 for rotating the survey instrument main unit in a horizontal direction, a control unit 37 for controlling the horizontal rotating mechanism, a rough direction detecting unit 24 capable to detect the guide light from all horizontal directions, and a precise direction detecting unit 25 arranged in a direction to collimate the survey instrument main unit from a telescope and detects said guide light only in a range of a predetermined angle, wherein said control unit controls the horizontal rotating mechanism so that a direction of the survey instrument main unit is aligned to the collimation target based on a result of a detection from said rough direction detecting unit, and collimates the survey instrument main unit is collimated to the collimation target based on a result of a detection from the precis

Abstract: A device for determining the angle of incidence (&agr;) of incident radiation and particularly sunlight (S) includes an array of light sensitive elements (10, 11 and 12) and a shadow mask (15) arranged above the elements. The shadow mask (15) includes a transparent region (14) and a non-transparent region (13) with a linear boundary or edge (16) therebetween. The linear edge (16) is arranged above the center of the linear array (9) of light sensitive elements (10, 11 and 12) so as to extend at a right angle relative to the linear direction of the array. To determine the angle of incidence (&agr;), a coarse determination of the number of completely shaded light sensitive elements (10), and a fine determination of the fractional shading portion of the partially shaded light sensitive element (11) immediately adjacent to the completely shaded elements, are carried out.