Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating between background and foreground in images or films of scenery recorded by an electronic camera. The invention relates in addition to a method for replacing the background in recorded images or films of scenery whilst maintaining the foreground.

Abstract: An onboard cloud detection system comprising: a camera (1000) configured to acquire images of the Earth at predetermined acquisition intervals; and a data processing unit (2000) comprising: a cloud detection unit (2210) configured to use artificial intelligence, AI, algorithms to detect clouds; a packet utilization standard, PUS, application layer (2230) configured to issue telemetry and/or telecommands corresponding to a predetermined parameter of the output of the cloud detection unit (2210); and an interface configured to distribute the telemetry and/or telecommands to an external hardware and/or an external software terminal (3000, 4000).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser module lifting apparatus with a protecting function. The apparatus comprises a slide block for being fixedly connected with a laser module. The slide block is provided with a sliding groove, and the sliding groove is provided with a lifting slide rail in a liftable manner. A locking block is arranged between the lifting slide rail and an inner side wall of the sliding groove, and a side of the locking block away from the lifting slide rail is provided with a locking screw. By arranging the locking block at a locking end of the locking screw, a conventional way of jacking the lifting slide rail directly by using the locking screw is converted into a way of jacking the lifting slide rail by the locking block.

Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a distance measuring module configured to perform a distance measurement of an objects to be measured, an optical axis deflector which is provided on a distance measuring optical axis and enables to two-dimensionally deflect the distance measuring optical axis, an arithmetic control module configured to control a deflecting action of the optical axis deflector and a distance measuring action of the distance measuring module, and a display module configured to display calculation results by the arithmetic control module, and wherein the arithmetic control module is configured to scan at least one plane of the objects to be measured in a predetermined scan pattern in at least one cycle by the optical axis deflector, to calculate parameters of the plane based on a measurement result of point cloud data acquired along a locus of a scan, and to display the calculated parameters on the display module.

Abstract: A surveying system can include a surveying instrument, a control system, a tilt measuring system, a levelling unit, a camera system, and a second distance meter, wherein the control system is configured for obtaining an image position of a captured image, adjusting a tilt status until a first tilt status is obtained, the second distance meter aiming onto the location on the ground in the first tilt status, determining the first tilt status, effecting the second distance meter to measure a distance to the location on the ground, effecting a first angle encoder to measure a rotatory position of a support unit, effecting the levelling unit to adjust the tilt status, and calibrating a preconfigured centre point based on the distance to the location on the ground, a deviation between the first tilt status and the second tilt status, and/or the rotatory position of the support unit.

Abstract: A coherent lidar system includes a light source to output a continuous wave, and a modulator to modulate a frequency of the continuous wave and provide a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal. The system also includes an aperture lens to obtain a receive beam resulting from a reflection of an output signal obtained from the FMCW signal, and an optical amplifier in a path of the receive beam to output an amplified receive beam. A method of fabricating the system includes arranging a light source to output a continuous wave, and disposing elements to modulate the continuous wave and provide the FMCW signal. The method also includes arranging an aperture to obtain a receive beam resulting from a reflection of an output signal obtained from the FMCW signal, and disposing an optical amplifier in a path of the receive beam to output an amplified receive beam.

Abstract: A robot includes a robot control unit configured to control an operation of a robot, wherein the robot control unit is configured to set a coordinate system of the robot installed on a reference flat surface using measurement results of at least position coordinates in a vertical direction of three or more measurement points on the reference flat surface on which the robot is installed and measurement results of position coordinates of a plurality of reference reflection portions provided on a base portion of the robot.

Abstract: A laser pointing apparatus and a method of calibration therefor utilizing a precision machined, highly reflective alignment cube to precisely calibrate the laser pointing system is provided. The calibration method can allow the calculation of the position of a transmitted beam after it leaves an azimuth mirror to high degree of accuracy over large distances.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser measurement system and method for measuring a six-degree-of-freedom geometric error of a rotating shaft.

Abstract: A scanning type laser induced spectrum surface range analysis and detection system includes a laser emitting head connected to an external laser inducing light source, which generates lasers emitted through the laser emitting head, so as to generate laser induced plasma. A focusing optical device converges induction excited laser beams emitted by the laser emitting head onto a surface of a tested sample. Then, a reflector collects wide spectral range induced plasma scattered light signals of the tested sample and converges the signals into a light collecting device. The light collecting device converges induced plasma scattered light into an optical fiber and transmits the induced plasma scattered light to an external spectrograph; and the external spectrograph divides a spectrum formed by the plasma to obtain spectral strength data of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A light source emits light having a thin shape in a cross section viewed in the beam direction of the light. A light receiver includes a plurality of avalanche photodiodes each having a light receiving face that receives reflected light. The light receiving faces are disposed in an array at a predetermined interval along a longitudinal direction of the thin shape and the light receiver has a surface including the light receiving faces. An optical system guides the reflected light to the light receiver so that a focus point for a direction in which the light receiving faces are arrayed is set before the surface and a focus point for a perpendicular direction is set on the surface, the perpendicular direction being perpendicular to both the direction in which the light receiving faces are arrayed and the beam direction of the reflected light.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a plurality of reflectors of a robot, a measurement apparatus having a laser head which emits a laser beam toward the reflectors and which receives a reflected light from the reflectors, a head driving device which changes orientation of the laser head, and a robot control apparatus which controls the robot based on the calibration operation program and which sequentially places the distal end portion of the robot at a plurality of measurement positions for conducting calibration. The robot control apparatus conducts a head drive control process of receiving controller coordinate data of any one of the plurality of reflectors, which is used at the time of sequentially placing the distal end portion of the robot at plurality of measurement positions, and sending a control signal for changing the orientation of the laser head to the head driving device by using the received controller coordinate data.

Abstract: A system for focusing an orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexed beam comprising OAM signal processing circuitry for generating an OAM multiplexed signal. The OAM multiplexed signal includes a plurality of data streams each having a unique orbital angular momentum applied thereto and multiplexed together within the OAM multiplexed signal. Each unique orbital angular momentum has a beam helicity value greater than l=2. An antenna array control circuit controls transmission of the multiplexed OAM signal from each of a plurality of antennas in an antenna array toward a focus point located below the ground as a transmission beam to cause the transmitted OAM multiplexed signals to converge at the focus point below the ground at substantially a same time to overcome a divergence of the transmitted plurality of OAM multiplexed signals caused by the beam helicity value of greater than l=2 for each of the unique orbital angular momentum.

Abstract: A system for compensating for an angle difference between outgoing and incoming beams of a scanner in a long range LiDAR surface scan, the angle difference being dependent of the flight travel time of the beam and of a movement of a deflection unit of the scanner. The scanner consists of a transmitter unit emitting laser pulses, a movable deflection unit directing the laser pulses towards a target surface according to a given scan pattern, a receiver unit, comprising of receiving optics and a photo-sensitive time-of-flight sensor, and a control unit. The receiver unit comprises an active device for compensating for the angle difference between outgoing and incoming laser pulses and the control unit actuates the active device of the receiver unit and calculates a predicted angle difference between outgoing and incoming laser pulses based on a prediction of the time difference between the outgoing and incoming laser pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a kinematic nest that supports an element having a spherical surface, a rotation mechanism that rotates the element, and processor that activates the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A driver assistance system (106) of a vehicle (100) includes a laser scanner (101) with a phase-controlled laser (102), a sensor unit (104) and an evaluation unit (103). The phase-controlled laser is configured to produce a controllable laser beam by beam forming and to direct the laser beam into an environment outside of the vehicle. The sensor unit (104) is configured to detect a retroreflection caused by the laser beam. The evaluation unit (103) produces driver assistance data by evaluating the detected retroreflection.

Abstract: [Object] To make it possible to more favorably estimate the position of a flight vehicle. [Solution] Provided is a device including: an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a position estimation system selected from among a plurality of position estimation systems for estimating a position of a flight vehicle; and a position estimation unit that estimates the position of the flight vehicle from first information generated by using an inertial sensor of the flight vehicle and second information generated through the position estimation system based on a parameter for the position estimation system.

Abstract: A vehicle measurement station utilizing one or more displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of an inspection region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data along associated measurement axes. At least a portion of the displacement measurement data is associated with the outermost wheel assemblies on an axle of a moving vehicle passing through the inspection region, and utilized to determine one or more vehicle characteristics, such as an axle total toe condition.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a stationary machine frame, a tool head, which is able to be positioned relative to the machine frame along three mutually orthogonal translation axes, and a motor-driven tool. The machine tool includes a swivel unit, which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis relative to the machine frame and includes a workpiece positioning device, via which a workpiece can be rotated about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicularly to the swivel axis. The swivel unit is assigned a measuring frame, which is able to be rotated with the swivel unit and is arranged to be thermally and/or mechanically decoupled from the swivel unit and includes components of a first and second position measuring system. Additional components of the first position measuring system are disposed on the tool head, and further components of the second position measuring system are situated on the workpiece positioning device.

Abstract: A system includes a laser tracker, a camera bar, an accessory, and an electrical system, the camera bar including a mounting structure, two cameras, and three non-collinear reflector points, the accessory including a plurality of light markers, the electrical system including a processor that causes the tracker to measure 3D coordinates of the three reflector points, to measure the light markers with the cameras, and to determine a position and orientation of the assembly in a tracker coordinate system.

Abstract: System and method of generating a received signal strength indication, the method including: selecting a high power level of a transmitter to be received above a receiver threshold at a predetermined distance from the transmitter; selecting a low power level of the transmitter to be received below the receiver threshold at the predetermined distance; transmitting a marker signal at high power; and adjacent in time to the marker signal, transmitting a power-varying signal, wherein a power of the power-varying signal varies monotonically between the high power level and the low power level.

Abstract: A holding is presented. The holding device includes a male connector comprising a first male extension and a second male extension that extend out of opposite surfaces of a male central disk, an electromagnetic guiding device continuously passing through a central hole that continuously passes through the first male extension, the male central disk and the second male extension, a reflector that is in a direct physical contact with a first end of the electromagnetic guiding device that ends at a top surface of the first male extension, and a holder that covers the first male extension to hold the reflector, and maintain the physical contact between the first end of the electromagnetic guiding device and the reflector.

Abstract: A countermeasure system for protecting a target against a threat comprising a sensing system including a first sensor(s) for detecting a threat within a wide-angle sector and producing a first directional signal indicative of a first angular zone of the threat location, and a second sensor(s) for detecting the threat within a narrow-angle sector narrower than the wide angle sector and for producing a second directional signal indicative of a relatively narrower second angular zone of the threat location; an illumination source for emitting a beam for neutralizing a threat; a controller for receiving signals from the sensors and for outputting tracking signals; a drive arrangement for moving the second sensor responsive to the first tracking signal to orient the second sensor to face towards the first zone, and beam directing means for directing the beam from the illumination source towards the second zone based on the second tracking signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for targeting a directed energy system are provided. A particular system includes a first laser and a second laser. The system also includes a scanning system coupled to the first laser and the second laser. The scanning system is adapted to movably direct the second laser in a pattern around a pointing location of the first laser.

Abstract: This document discusses apparatus and methods for aligning and centering an articulated laser projection system. In an example, a laser projection system can include an alignment stabilization system configured to align an optical path to a reference and a centration stabilization system configured to center the optical path within an aperture. The alignment stabilization system can have an alignment stabilization processing path configured to receive alignment information from an alignment sensor, and the centration stabilization system can have a centration stabilization processing path configured to receive centration information from a centration sensor.

Abstract: A measuring system includes a laser tracker (10), a target point marked by a reflector (12), a surveying apparatus (13), and an arithmetic and control unit (14). The laser tracker emits a measuring beam (M) which is reflected by the reflector, a process that is used for determining the distance between the laser tracker (10) and the reflector (12). The surveying apparatus has a known position and orientation relative to the measuring beam (M) while preferably being embodied as a survey camera. The inventive measuring system is designed so as to track the reflector (12) via the measuring beam (M). In a normal tracking mode (A), a measured value for controlling the orientation of the measuring beam (M) is derived from the detection of the measuring beam reflected by the reflector (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser based system for protecting a platform against an armament equipped with an optical homing head element, that includes a command and control assembly equipped with an interface to a detection and acquisition system that detects and locates a threatening armament and receives from it a warning about the detection of said threatening armament combined with data relating to it; and a laser source operable by the command and control assembly in order to produce the required energy for jamming the optical head of the threatening armament; and wherein the system is characterized by that it includes in addition a sectarian array of a plurality of end units that are connected unto the laser source for selectively routing laser energy from the source to an end unit that was selected by the command and control assembly as the end unit that is best suited under prevailing conditions for pointing at the threatening armament and attacking it by emitting a laser beam in its directio

Abstract: A method and system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3 dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for locating a portable device in an enclosure having a location defining a virtual wall are provided. The system includes first and second infrared (IR) transmitters directed to opposite sides of the virtual wall. Each of the transmitters is configured to selectively transmit an interfering IR signal (IIS) and a data signal including a corresponding transmitter location ID.

Abstract: An optical locating and tracking system may have two or more optical scanners, one or more optical detectors responsive to radiation from one or more optical sources, and a controller coupled to the detector(s) and the scanner(s). Each scanner has a reflector mounted to a two-dimensional actuator that tilts the reflector about first and second axes. The controller determines whether a given reflector of a given scanner is aligned to provide an optical path between the optical source(s) and the detector(s) from one or more detection signals from the one or more optical detectors. The optical path originates, terminates or is deflected at the object. The controller also determines the object's position in three dimensions from control signals to the two-dimensional actuators of the scanners obtained the reflectors are aligned to provide the optical path. The control signals determine a tilt of each reflector about its first and second axes.

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 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, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: A sensor and method of determining the orientation of an object, such as the alignment characteristics of a tire and wheel assembly mounted on a vehicle, includes projecting a plurality of light planes from a first light projector onto a tire and wheel assembly to form a plurality of generally parallel illumination lines on a tire of the tire and wheel assembly, receiving a reflected image of at least some of the illumination lines with a photo electric device reflected from the tire at an angle relative to a projecting angle of the first light projector, and determining a plane defined by spatial coordinates from a selected point located on each illumination line imaged by the photo electric device, with the plane representing the orientation of the tire and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a laser-based spherical coordinate measurement system is dynamically calibrated. A mechanical oscillator, such as, but not limited to, a Foucault pendulum is used to generate periodic motions which can be fitted to Fourier series models. The residuals between the experimental measurements and the model can provide information which can be used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration information is used to augment the ASME B89.4.19-2006 standard to improve sensitivity to cyclic errors and include the servo systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser based system for protecting a platform against an armament equipped with an optical homing head element, that includes a command and control assembly equipped with an interface to a detection and acquisition system that detects and locates a threatening armament and receives from it a warning about the detection of said threatening armament combined with data relating to it; and a laser source operable by the command and control assembly in order to produce the required energy for jamming the optical head of the threatening armament; and wherein the system is characterized by that it includes in addition a sectarian array of a plurality of end units that are connected unto the laser source for selectively routing laser energy from the source to an end unit that was selected by the command and control assembly as the end unit that is best suited under prevailing conditions for pointing at the threatening armament and attacking it by emitting a laser beam in its directio

Abstract: An optical tracking device, includes an azimuth sub-assembly providing a 360-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the azimuth position within this range of motion; and an elevation sub-assembly coupled to the azimuth sub-assembly and providing at least a ?30-degree to +100-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the elevation position. A cross-elevation sub-assembly is coupled to the elevation sub-assembly and provides at least a ±14-degree optical range of motion and a transducer sensing the cross-elevation position. An elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates an elevation rate signal; and a cross-elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates a cross-elevation rate signal. A controller receives the azimuth, elevation, and cross-elevation position signals, and the elevation and cross-elevation rate signals and sends command signals to the sub-assemblies to initiate movement to allow inertially stabilized tracking of an object.

Abstract: An optical tracking device, includes an azimuth sub-assembly providing a 360-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the azimuth position within this range of motion; and an elevation sub-assembly coupled to the azimuth sub-assembly and providing at least a ?30-degree to +100-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the elevation position. A cross-elevation sub-assembly is coupled to the elevation sub-assembly and provides at least a ±14-degree optical range of motion and a transducer sensing the cross-elevation position. An elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates an elevation rate signal; and a cross-elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates a cross-elevation rate signal. A controller receives the azimuth, elevation, and cross-elevation position signals, and the elevation and cross-elevation rate signals and sends command signals to the sub-assemblies to initiate movement to allow inertially stabilized tracking of an object.

Abstract: A plurality of pupil relays are configured to optically overlay a generally corresponding plurality of control points, so as to facilitate alignment of a laser beam with respect to a plurality of optical components, such as a system entrance pupil, a deformable mirror, a steering mirror, and a system exit pupil.

Abstract: An optical tracking device, includes an azimuth sub-assembly providing a 360-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the azimuth position within this range of motion; and an elevation sub-assembly coupled to the azimuth sub-assembly and providing at least a ?30-degree to +100-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the elevation position. A cross-elevation sub-assembly is coupled to the elevation sub-assembly and provides at least a ±14-degree optical range of motion and a transducer sensing the cross-elevation position. An elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates an elevation rate signal; and a cross-elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates a cross-elevation rate signal. A controller receives the azimuth, elevation, and cross-elevation position signals, and the elevation and cross-elevation rate signals and sends command signals to the sub-assemblies to initiate movement to allow inertially stabilized tracking of an object.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a coordinate measuring device, a three-dimensional coordinate measuring system and a method of measuring three-dimensional coordinates are described. The device includes a light source mounted substantially within the center of a spherical member having a spherical surface configured such that the distance from the light source to the outer contact surface of the sphere is substantially equal to the radius of the sphere regardless of sphere orientation. The three-dimensional coordinate measuring system further includes a coordinate-measuring device, the coordinate-measuring device configured to track the movement of the light source and to measure either azithmuth angles and zenith angles, or to spherically encode tracking information related to relevant positions of the light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for aiming along an optical axis and visually indicating a reading area, comprising at least an illuminating assembling acting on a portion of the reading area along an optical emission path. The illuminating assembly comprises a light beam emitting source, a diaphragm having a preset shape, such diaphragm being effective to select a portion of the light beam generated by said emitting source, and a converging lens placed, on the optical emission path, downstream of the diaphragm and adapted to collimate the shaped light beam coming from the diaphragm and project it onto a portion of the reading area. The device of this invention is at once economical and accurate (i.e. capable of producing sharp images), thereby providing the user with a clear cut indication of the reading area being aimed regardless of the distance of the latter from the device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an illumination portion (11), a light receiving portion (12), disposed in the surveying machine body (8), having an image sensor (27) for receiving a reflection light image (MO) of the measurement light, arithmetic means (38) for calculating a position in an area of the image sensor (27) for the reflection light image (MO) from a reflector (2), and a rotation mechanism for rotating the surveying machine body (8) so as to position the reflector (2) on a light receiving optical axis of the light receiving portion (12) based on the position obtained by the arithmetic means (38), and the light receiving portion (12) is provided with a light receiving sensor (47) having a smaller area than the area of the image sensor (27) on the light receiving optical axis in a conjugated position with the image area (27), and the arithmetic means (38) distinguishes the reflector 2 based on an output of the light receiving sensor (47).

Abstract: A system for tracking a projectile utilizing a laser beam modulated by an acousto-optic cell. Transponders distributed on hemispheres around the rear of the projectile detect the scanned beam and actively transmit a narrow optical beam back to a ground-based receiver in response to a detection of the scanned beam. IFF information can be modulated onto beam actively transmitted from the transponder. The system provides active two-way communications with comparatively simple components.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an illumination portion (11), a light receiving portion (12), disposed in the surveying machine body (8), having an image sensor (27) for receiving a reflection light image (M0) of the measurement light, arithmetic means (38) for calculating a position in an area of the image sensor (27) for the reflection light image (M0) from a reflector (2), and a rotation mechanism for rotating the surveying machine body (8) so as to position the reflector (2) on a light receiving optical axis of the light receiving portion (12) based on the position obtained by the arithmetic means (38), and the light receiving portion (12) is provided with a light receiving sensor (47) having a smaller area than the area of the image sensor (27) on the light receiving optical axis in a conjugated position with the image area (27), and the arithmetic means (38) distinguishes the reflector 2 based on an output of the light receiving sensor (47).

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser reference level setting device, by which it is possible to adjust irradiating positions of a laser beam in vertical and horizontal directions with a simple arrangement and without additional manpower and to measure a tilt angle. The device comprises a laser sighting device and a target, the target having a reflection surface for indicating a given position on the target, and the laser sighting device comprising a laser oscillating device having an emitting means rotatably supported and for emitting a laser beam and a light receiving means for receiving a reflection laser beam, a driving unit for rotating at least the laser beam emitting means of the laser oscillating device, and a control unit for controlling the driving unit to direct the laser beam to a given position on the target according to the light receiving condition of the reflected laser beam reflected from the reflection surface of the target.

Abstract: Described is a testing system which has a target point light source (12), a tracking light source (18) and therebetween a projection wall (24). Associated with the target point light source (12) is a two-axis deflection device (28) which is connected together with a target point computer (14). Associated with the tracking light source (18) is a two-axis scanner device (30) which is connected together with a tracking computer (20). Provided between the tracking light source (18) and the two-axis scanner device (30) is a beam splitter (32) with which a sensor device (42) is associated.