Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus and method which can detect the state of an obstacle according to a signal generated when the obstacle detection apparatus collides with the obstacle and a change in the posture of the obstacle detection apparatus caused due to the collision with the obstacle. The obstacle detection apparatus includes a main body which can be moved along the surface of the ground, a movement amount determination module which determines whether the amount of movement of the main body is outside a predefined threshold range, a posture determination module which determines the changed posture of the main body with respect to the surface of the ground according to the amount of movement of the main body, and a state determination module which determines the state of an obstacle based on the results of determination of the movement amount determination module or the posture determination module.

Abstract: A portable target locator for use by a ground observer to accurately determine the location of a target and transmit location information and firing instructions to an unmanned vehicle so the unmanned vehicle can locate the target and perform an operation based on the firing instructions. The apparatus comprises optics for permitting a user to see a magnified view of the target; a location determining component for determining a location of the apparatus; rangefinder for determining a range from the apparatus to the target; an Azimuth sensor for determining an Azimuth from the apparatus to the target; a processor for determining the location of the target based on the location of the apparatus, the range to the target, and the Azimuth from the apparatus to the targets, a transmitter for transmitting the location information and the firing instructions to the unmanned vehicle, and a portable handheld housing.

Abstract: The present invention features a system to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The system senses relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape.

Abstract: A wireless substrate-like sensor is provided to facilitate alignment and calibration of semiconductor processing systems. The wireless substrate-like sensor includes an optical image acquisition system that acquires one or more images of targets placed within the semiconductor processing system. Analysis of images of the targets obtained by the wireless substrate-like sensor provides position and/or orientation information in at least three degrees of freedom. An additional target is affixed to a known location within the semiconductor processing system such that imaging the reference position with the wireless substrate-like sensor allows the measurement and compensation for pick-up errors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring resource information of a mobile communication base station antenna. The apparatus three-dimensionally measures resource information of a mobile communication base station antenna using a distance/angle measurement device, such that it can automatically measure resource information associated with azimuth angle, distance, and inclination of the antenna. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring distance and angle of a mobile communication base station antenna when an azimuth angle to magnetic north is determined, and calculating three-dimensional coordinates; b) calculating azimuth angle and inclination of the antenna based upon the three-dimensional coordinates; and c) calculating an error value of a position of the antenna based upon the calculated azimuth angle and inclination of the antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical inclinometer, in which radiation is emitted form a radiation source. After passing through a receptacle containing at least one first medium, said radiation is reproduced in a camera. Information concerning the inclination of the inclinometer can be gathered from the position of the first medium, in particular a liquid level, in relation to the inclinometer or the camera. The recording of the position of the first medium by a camera permits the evaluation of a plurality of characteristics, in particular the form, dimension and position of a boundary layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to interfacing new sensors to incumbent controls. In particular, it relates to optically interfacing a new sensor, such as a spectrometer with plasma generator, to an incumbent electro-optical sensor. Logic and resources to control activation of the incumbent electro-optical sensor may be included. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A method for monitoring slope lands and buildings on the slope lands includes installing a light transceiver on a slope land and a light emission device on a location or a building corresponding to the light transceiver. When light emitted from the light emission device is received by the light transceiver, the light transceiver does not output signals. The light transceiver does not receive the light emitted from the light emission device when the dislocation or inclination occurs to the slope land and the light transceiver outputs a signal to alert a monitor center.

Abstract: A carriage moves back and forth under a vehicle and three cameras or laser fixed along one axis pivot in a common plane, utilizing two cameras at time to locate a target fixed to a reference point on the undercarriage of the vehicle. Triangulation calculations, combined with the location of the cameras provide the location of the reference point in space in a three-dimensional coordinate system and compare that location with a stored designed location of the reference point prior to the crash, allowing the vehicle structure to be returned to its designed shape by other equipment.

Abstract: An elongate object optically determines at least one of its orientation parameters relative to a plane surface. A probe radiation beam is directed from the object at various angles ? to various locations on the plane, where the angle ? is a periodic function of time. Two angularly-selective radiation detectors oriented at fixed angles ?1 and ?2 sense scattered portions of the beam from two locations at two corresponding times. The orientation parameter is computed from a time difference ?t=t2?t1 between the two times.

Abstract: A laser levelling apparatus includes a platform, a base assembly, a body assembly, a head assembly and a laser assembly. The body assembly is rotatable about a body axis relative to the base assembly, the head assembly is rotatably supported by the body and rotatable about a head assembly axis transverse to the body axis and the laser assembly supported by the head assembly and rotatable about a laser assembly axis which is transverse the head assembly axis. The laser assembly has a laser diode and focusing elements and laser collimator the laser beam with the laser assembly. The head assembly is mounted between a first shaft end mounted at a first position of the body and a second shaft end mounted at the second position of the body opposed to the first position. A head assembly collimator is used to adjust the axis of rotation of the head assembly. A base assembly leveller is used to adjust the level of the base relative to the platform in at least two transverse directions.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the temporal response of a micromirror array to a variety of driving signals. A micromirror array is illuminated with a coherent light source so that a diffraction pattern is reflected from the micromirror array. One or more photodetectors are aligned with spots of light in the diffraction pattern that correspond to orders of the diffraction pattern. Diffraction pattern theory predicts that the intensity of these spots of light will vary as the tilt angle of the micromirrors is changed. Thus, by measuring the relative intensity of the spots of light as the micromirror array is provided with a variety of driving signals, many performance characteristics of the micromirror array can be measured. Some of these characteristics include the impulse response, the forced resonant frequency (i.e. the natural frequency), the damped resonant frequency, the quality factor of the micromirror response, the damping factor of the micromirror response, and the frequency transfer function.

Abstract: An automatic surveying system is provided that comprises a surveying device, a collinear-line calculating processor, a sighting direction control processor, and an object-point searching processor. The collinear line calculating processor obtains a collinear line for an arbitrarily designated point on a schematic image of which the positional relation to the surveying device is known. The sighting direction control processor controls the surveying device to sight along the collinear line. The object point searching processor searches for an object point where the position of the object point can be determined as a point on the collinear line. This is executed by measuring the sighting direction with the surveying device while carrying out the sighting direction control process. Further, a position obtained by the object point searching processor coincides with an object point that corresponds to the designated point.

Abstract: A control circuit computes relative horizontal and vertical inclination angles between a screen and a projector by a line-type passive range-finding device. A display driving section adjusts a projection optical system including a condensing lens on the basis of the vertical and horizontal inclination angles computed by the control circuit, thereby correcting for a keystone distortion in an image projected.

Abstract: This device for the three-dimensional recording of a scene (4) comprises a laser emitter (20), elements for scanning along two rotation axes (16, 44) in order to scan the scene using a laser beam emitted by the laser emitter (20), a photosensitive receiver (46) for receiving an image of a spot (52) created by the laser beam on the scene (4), element (38, 50) for focussing the laser beam backscattered by the scene (4) towards the photosensitive receiver (46), first measuring element for measuring the orientation of the beam leaving the scanning element and second measuring element for measuring the distance between the device and the spot by laser telemetry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device with a detector element for receiving a light beam reflecting on an object, wherein means for detecting the light beam are provided in the detector element. The invention also relates to a method for distance measurement using said receiver device. A device for determining the distance between a vehicle and an obstacle or a vehicle driving ahead is already known as per DE 197 13 826 A1, wherein a pulsed laser beam serving as send signal scans line-by-line a two-dimensional area using a self-rotating polygonal mirror, wherein said polygonal mirror has a plurality of mirror surfaces that are bent at different angles. The pulse beam reflecting on the object is focused on a detector element by optical lenses.

Abstract: A level. A projected plane is generated substantially parallel to a reference plane by a light source rotatably emitting light. A main shaft, having a rotary portion and a pair of protrusions and connecting to the light source, is perpendicular to the projected plane. A universal joint is disposed in a housing with the main shaft rotatably passing therethrough. A level sensor detects inclination of the projected plane deviated from the reference plane and outputs an adjustment signal. An adjustment mechanism has a first movable member and a second movable member crossing each other. The first movable member impels one protrusion along a first axis, and the second movable member impels one protrusion along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis according to the adjustment signal. The main shaft is rotated around the universal joint until perpendicular to the reference plane with the projected plane parallel thereto.

Abstract: An automated lane surface measuring device comprising a controller for operating a drive mechanism for propelling the measuring apparatus and one or more sensors operated by the controller to measure topographical parameters of the bowling lane surface. In one embodiment the apparatus measures bowling lane surface elevation by measuring bowling lane height with respect to the measuring apparatus in selectable increments along the surface of the bowling lane. The measuring apparatus may also measure crosswise tilt along the width of a bowling lane in selectable increments. The measuring apparatus may also measure lengthwise tilt of the length of the lane surface in selectable increments.

Abstract: In an angle detecting apparatus and projector using range finder units, range finding calculations are performed in plural directions using line type passive range finders as the range finding units. An average value of inclination angles calculated based on the range finding calculations is selected as the inclination angle. Thus, if one range finding result has an abnormal value, the adverse effects thereof are reduced and the structure is miniaturized.

Abstract: An electronically surveying apparatus of the present invention includes a storing portion for storing positional information of a surveying apparatus body and design data; an angle-measuring portion for electronically measuring an angle between a reference direction and an aimed direction; an arithmetic processing portion for obtaining a model of an expected arrangement at completion of an object which is expected to be seen from the surveying apparatus body in the aimed direction by calculation, based on the angle measured by the angle-measuring portion and the design data; and a displaying portion for displaying the model or the expected arrangement at completion of the object.

Abstract: A reflective surface for detection is provided in an object being detected. Laser light condensed by a condensing lens is emitted from a laser light source and angle detection is performed by performing angle detection of the reflected light. The reflected light is irradiated onto a beam splitter and the optical path thereof is split by an optical path splitting surface to form luminous flux spots on light receiving surfaces of two four section light receivers. Optical path lengths from the reflective surface for detection to the respective light receiving surfaces are changed enabling the angle detection sensitivity to be altered. In an angle detection apparatus, an optical signal switch system, and an information recording and reproduction system, it is possible to make multiple detections of an inclination angle of a detection object using a compact structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning apparatus capable of performing six-axis micro adjustment of an optical element in an exposure apparatus with high accuracy, and the exposure apparatus. The positioning apparatus of the present invention includes a first measurement unit for measuring a position/inclination of a moving part having an optical element while being kept from contact with the moving part, and a driving unit capable of driving the moving part in directions of six axes with respect to a fixed part while being kept from contact with the moving part, based on the result of measurement by the first measurement unit.

Abstract: Monitoring semiconductor wafer tilt, such as in conjunction with semiconductor fabrication equipment having a cooling and or a heating plate, is disclosed. A system for such monitoring includes one or more light sources and one or more light detectors. Each light source generates light that is reflected by the semiconductor wafer. Each light detector senses a detected light value of the light reflected by the semiconductor wafer. If the detected light value deviates from a normal value corresponding to no wafer tilt, then this indicates that the semiconductor wafer has tilted.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for regulating the inclination angle of a spindle motor of an optical disk drive is disclosed. The spindle motor is mounted on a driving circuit board which is mounted in a traverse module. The adjustment apparatus comprises an optic axis regulating tool for containing the traverse module and regulating the inclination angle of the spindle motor. The top surface of the optic axis regulating tool has an opening to expose the spindle motor and a guide rail of the traverse module. A standard plate is placed against on the guide rail, wherein the upper surface of the standard plate is in parallel with the guide rail. A comparable turning wheel is placed to cover the spindle motor, wherein the upper surface of the comparable turning wheel is in parallel with the rotation plane of the spindle motor and a plurality of turbine-like blades are set at the edge of the comparable turning wheel.

Abstract: A laser levelling apparatus includes a platform, a base assembly, a body assembly, a head assembly and a laser assembly. The body assembly is rotatable about a body axis relative to the base assembly, the head assembly is rotatably supported by the body and rotatable about a head assembly axis transverse to the body axis and the laser assembly supported by the head assembly and rotatable about a laser assembly axis which is transverse the head assembly axis. The laser assembly has a laser diode and focusing elements and laser collimator the laser beam with the laser assembly. The head assembly is mounted between a first shaft end mounted at a first position of the body and a second shaft end mounted at the second position of the body opposed to the first position. A head assembly collimator is used to adjust the axis of rotation of the head assembly. A base assembly leveller is used to adjust the level of the base relative to the platform in at least two transverse directions.

Abstract: A control circuit computes relative horizontal and vertical inclination angles between a screen and a projector by a line-type passive range-finding device. A display driving section adjusts a projection optical system including a condensing lens on the basis of the vertical and horizontal inclination angles computed by the control circuit, thereby correcting for a keystone distortion in an image projected.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to detect four conditions, namely upright, rightwardly inclined, leftwardly inclined and inverted conditions. A casing has a housing space formed therein, and has an inner surface symmetrical with respect to an axis. In the housing space of the casing, a detection object that rolls along the inner surface around the axis is housed. The inner surface of the casing is octagonal within a virtual plane vertical to the axis, and adjoining sides of the octagon are different in length. The detection object in the housing space of the casing is stably held when situated on one of the four shorter sides of the octagon, and the position of the detection object being held is detected by a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

Abstract: An apparatus for representing an internal structure of an object includes an energy source, an energy sensor for sensing energy from the energy source and generating image data pertaining to an object disposed proximate the energy sensor and exposed to energy from the energy source, and a processor programmed to manipulate image data obtained from the energy source as a function of an actual orientation between the radiation source and the energy sensor from which an image of the object can be generated. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Bragg grating inclinometer that includes an upper part, a lower part forming a pendulum suspended from the upper part by an articulation, at least two portions of optic fiber placed on either side of the articulation, the ends of each portion being fastened to the two parts, each portion being previously put under tension between the two parts, and at least one Bragg grating in one of the portions. Any variation in the inclination of a structure to which the upper part is fastened induces a stress on the grating, which then modifies a light propagating in the portion where it is placed. The variation in inclination is determined from the modified light. The inclinometer can be applied in particular to the surveillance of civil engineering structures.

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).

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for detecting the position of the plane XY of an object, which plane XY is to be scanned, and for its positioning in the focal plane X′Y′ of a laser scanner, preferably for a laser scanning microscope. According to the disclosure, it is provided in a method of the type described above that, after a rough orientation of the object carried out by placing on an object holder, a laser beam is directed successively in time to at least three different points P1, P2 . . . Pn located in the scan plane XY of the object and, in doing so, each of the reflections proceeding from the points P1, P2 . . .

Abstract: A laser level with a housing composed of two parts for storing the laser level in a protected manner, wherein the laser level is composed of an instrument body, bubble levels in the instrument body, a laser beam generator with lens system and a fixed leg and two vertically adjustable legs. One of the housing parts is provided with receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed at an inner side of the bottom of the housing part. The other housing part has receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed in an outer side of a cover of the housing part. At least one stand thread is provided at an inner side of the outer housing part.

Abstract: This inclinometer comprises an upper part (4), a lower part (6) forming a pendulum suspended from the upper part by an articulation (8), at least two portions of optic fibre (20, 22) placed on either side of said articulation, the ends of each portion being fastened to the two parts, each portion being previously put under tension between said parts, and at least one Bragg grating (24) in one of the portions. Any variation in the inclination of a structure to which is fastened the upper part induces a stress on the grating, which then modifies a light propagating in the portion where it is placed. The variation in inclination is determined from the modified light. The invention applies in particular to the surveillance of civil engineering structures.

Abstract: A laser leveling system includes an angle measurement device for determining the position of a laser level relative to a base. The system further includes a mechanism for determining the distance from the laser level to a target.

Abstract: An electronic level for converting a pattern on a leveling rod to be collimated by photoelectric conversion and for determining difference of elevation, wherein there is provided an irradiation device for irradiating auxiliary survey light to be projected to the leveling rod by pulsed irradiation.

Abstract: A laser level with a housing composed of two parts for storing the laser level in a protected manner, wherein the laser level is composed of an instrument body, bubble levels in the instrument body, a laser beam generator with lens system and a fixed leg and two vertically adjustable legs. One of the housing parts is provided with receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed at an inner side of the bottom of the housing part. The other housing part has receptacles for the legs, wherein the receptacles are integrally formed in an outer side of a cover of the housing part. At least one stand thread is provided at an inner side of the outer housing part.

Abstract: An apparatus including an enclosure having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a first signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the first radiation sensor; a second radiation sensor coupled to the interior surface being configured to produce a second signal dependent on the radiation sensed by the second radiation sensor; and a bus accessible from the exterior surface, the bus being coupled to the first radiation sensor and the second radiation sensor.

Abstract: An angle compensation method compensates for the angle of the light-receiving surface of a photodiode disposed in an inclination detection device. The light-receiving surface is divided into four parts by an a-axis and a b-axis disposed perpendicular to each other and receives light reflected from an object surface that is an X-Y plane. The inclination detection device seeks the inclination of the object surface from changes in the irradiation position of the light reflected onto the photodiode light-receiving surface.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to detect four conditions, namely upright, rightwardly inclined, leftwardly inclined and inverted conditions. A casing has a housing space formed therein, and has an inner surface symmetrical with respect to an axis. In the housing space of the casing, a detection object that rolls along the inner surface around the axis is housed. The inner surface of the casing is octagonal within a virtual plane vertical to the axis, and adjoining sides of the octagon are different in length. The detection object in the housing space of the casing is stably held when situated on one of the four shorter sides of the octagon, and the position of the detection object being held is detected by a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a position determining system (100) of reduced errors in measurements and determination of surfaces even if a rotary light source emitting laser beam rotates unevenly. The position determining system is comprised of a rotary light source rotating and emitting laser beams (b1, b2, b3), an encoder detecting a rotation position of the rotary light source, and a transfer means transmitting data detected by the encoder, and the system particularly comprises at least two rotary laser devices (151, 152) disposed separate from each other, a light sensor (154) having a light receiving unit that receives the laser beams emitted from the rotary laser devices, so that a position of the light sensor is determined depending upon the laser beams incident upon the light receiving unit and information transmitted by the transfer means.

Abstract: A trolley camera position detecting apparatus of the present invention is configured so that a girder camera is installed on a girder, a clinometer is installed to the girder camera, a constant value &dgr;o relating to a horizontal travel amount &dgr;g of a girder reference point is measured in advance by using the output values &dgr;cg and &dgr;kg, and on the other hand, the horizontal travel amount &dgr;g is calculated by using the output values &thgr;cg and &dgr;kg of the girder camera and clinometer, which are measured every moment, and the constant value &dgr;o, and the position of a trolley camera with the rail center being a reference is corrected by using the horizontal travel amount &dgr;g.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and apparatus for locating a capillary channel that is disposed within a lab chip. The method provides for scanning the channel with a light source, monitoring the resulting light at the edges of the lab chip, and interpreting this information whereby the light detected at the edges of the lab chip can be used as a means for characterizing the location of the side walls of the channel within the lab chip. The apparatus provides for a carriage system to which a light source and the lab chip are attached. It also provides for one or more scatter detectors directed towards the edges of the chip and connected to a computer processor for purposes of analysis.

Abstract: A multiple-axis inclinometer for measuring inclinations and changes in inclination comprises a cell which contains a liquid forming a horizon and which has a transparent base, and a device for illuminating a cross-line plate and imaging optics in the form of a piano-convex lens, which is arranged at the base of the cell or is a component part of the base, for imaging the cross-line plate on a receiver arrangement in the form of a CCD line. Two cross-line plates are provided, each having a cross-line grid formed of parallel cross-lines, wherein a light source is associated with each cross-line plate and illuminates the cross-line plate associated therewith. These two cross-line plates lie one above the other in an imaging plane which extends perpendicular to the surface of the liquid and in which the CCD line is also arranged, wherein the cross-lines of the two cross-line plates enclose an angle relative to one another whose bisector extends perpendicular to the imaging plane.

Abstract: A laser receiver is provided that is capable of providing an accurate indication of laser receiver tilt and correcting a generated elevation signal based upon the indicated laser receiver tilt. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a laser receiver is provided comprising a laser beam detection unit, an inclination detection unit, and suitable laser receiver control circuitry. The laser beam detection unit is arranged to enable production of an elevation signal indicative of an elevation of a laser beam relative to the laser receiver. The inclination detection unit comprises a reference light source, an optical fiber, and an optical detector. The optical fiber defines a light input end and a light output end and is coupled to the reference light source such that light from the reference light source enters at the light input end and exits from the light output end as an output beam of light. The optical detector is arranged to receive the output beam of light.

Abstract: An angle compensation method compensates for the angle of the light-receiving surface of a photodiode disposed in an inclination detection device. The light-receiving surface is divided into four parts by an a-axis and a b-axis disposed perpendicular to each other and receives light reflected from an object surface that is an X-Y plane. The inclination detection device seeks the inclination of the object surface from changes in the irradiation position of the light reflected onto the photodiode light-receiving surface.

Abstract: The tilt detecting device of the present invention comprises a light transmission type electric bubble tube, a light source for emitting detection light to the electric bubble tube, a photodetector element for detecting emitted light amount for detecting an amount of light emitted from the light source, and a tilt detection control unit for controlling the emitted light amount of the light source to a constant level based on photodetection signal from the photodetector element for detecting emitted light amount, and causes of error are eliminated.

Abstract: A laser survey instrument, which comprises at least a main unit for emitting a laser beam and an object reflector for reflecting the laser beam from the main unit toward the main unit, whereby said main unit comprises an emitter for emitting the laser beam, a rotating unit for rotating and scanning the laser beam, a tilting mechanism for tilting the laser beam at an arbitrary angle at least in one direction with respect to a horizontal plane, a rotating angle detector interlocked with the rotating unit and for detecting irradiating direction of the laser beam, a reflection light detector for detecting reflection light from the object reflector, and an alignment display unit for detecting a deviation of direction with respect to the object reflector and a deviation of tilt angle based on a signal from the reflection light detector and for obtaining information on the deviation of direction or the tilt angle, the laser beam emitted from the main unit is irradiated to scan, the center of the object reflector is