Abstract: A method for registering a first imaging detector to a surface projects a sequence of k images toward the surface, wherein k?4, wherein each of the k images has a pattern of lines that extend in a direction that is orthogonal to a movement direction. The pattern encodes an ordered sequence of labels, each label having k binary elements, such that, in the movement direction, any portion of the pattern that is k equal increments long encodes one label of the ordered sequence. The method obtains, for at least a first pixel in the first imaging detector, along at least one line that is parallel to the movement direction, a first sequence of k signal values indicative of the k binary elements of a first label from the ordered sequence of labels and correlates the at least the first pixel in the first imaging detector to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a time delay between two output signals measured by two adjacent optical sensors, the time delay resulting from a movement of an object moving in a given direction. The method comprises the steps: carrying out a spatial filtering of the signals Ph1 and Ph2 delivered by a first and a second optical sensor; calculating a first order derivative and carrying out a temporal low-pass filtering of the signals; calculating the second order derivative of the signals; measuring the delay between the signals; and is characterized in that the step of measuring the delay is a feedback loop based on an estimated delay between the temporally filtered signals. Device and set of devices for measuring the angular velocity of a luminance transition zone and steering aid system for fixation and tracking a target comprising at least one such luminance transition zone.

Abstract: A system and method for a chromatic probe detachment sensor is provided. A detachment signal element is included in an interchangeable optics element of a probe. The detachment signal element is configured to substantially transmit a first set of wavelengths corresponding to a measuring range, and at least partially reflect a set of detachment element wavelengths. In one implementation, the detachment signal element comprises a thin film coating such as a sharp edge filter. The detection of a detachment condition can thus be achieved using the existing probe electronics without requiring the addition of other external sensors or wiring to the probe or coordinate measuring machine that utilizes the probe. The sensing of a detachment condition may be utilized to halt further movement of the probe to minimize damage in the event of a collision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for non-contacting measuring of a distance and/or a profile of a measured object (9), a light source (2) generating an illuminating light beam for illuminating the measured object (9), and a detector (11) being provided for detecting the reflected portion of the illuminating light beam at the measured object (9), characterized with regard to a potentially robust and nevertheless compact sensor construction in that a first optic (13) and a second optic are disposed in the beam path of the illuminating light beam, wherein the illuminating light beam can first be expanded in an expansion plane parallel to the diffusion direction by means of the first optic (13), and then made nearly parallel by means of the second optic. In a particularly preferable embodiment, the second optic is formed by a Fresnel lens (5). A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method distributing data in a network is provided. The method comprises measuring the path lengths between a reference clock and a plurality of remote destinations and sending a timing signal from the reference clock to the plurality of remote destinations. The method further comprises measuring the phase between the reference clock and a return signal from each of the plurality of remote destinations and adjusting the phase of the data such that each remote destination receives the data within a skew tolerance.

Abstract: A long-range optical instrument comprises at least one observation beam path and an apparatus for laser ranging comprising at least one transmission apparatus with a transmission beam path and at least one reception apparatus with a reception beam path, moreover comprising an image rendering unit. The transmission beam path of the transmission apparatus and/or the reception beam path of the reception apparatus are combined using at least one optical support element for superposition with the at least one observation beam path. The image rendering unit generates the light of an image to be superposed and likewise guides said light using the at least one optical support element for superposition with the at least one observation beam path. Moreover, for beam shaping and/or beam guidance, at least one diffractive optical coupling element is arranged at the optical support element in the transmission beam path and/or in the reception beam path.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for optically measuring a distance to a target object is described. The measuring apparatus has a transmitting device for emitting periodically modulated optical measuring radiation towards the target object, a receiving device for detecting optical measuring radiation which returns from the target object, and an evaluation device for receiving and evaluating detection signals from the receiving device. The measuring apparatus also has a calibration device for calibrating the measuring apparatus, wherein the calibration device is designed to calibrate the measuring apparatus on the basis of detection of uncorrelated radiation which does not correlate with the modulated measuring radiation emitted by the transmitting device. In this case, the uncorrelated radiation may be in the form of background radiation. Alternatively, uncorrelated measuring radiation can be emitted by the transmitting device and can be detected by the receiving device.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a position of a moving object, regardless of static objects present in the optical field of an active infrared (IR) proximity detector, is provided. Moreover, a modulated light emitting diode (LED) signal is captured and processed through I/Q demodulation. Specifically, the reflections received at an IR sensor are demodulated to generate in-phase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) signals and the derivative of I/Q signals is obtained to isolate motion. For example, an I/Q domain differentiator or a high pass filter is employed to calculate the derivative, which actively remove the effects of all forms of static interference. Further, the phase of the derivative I/Q signals is determined and is utilized to reconstruct the distance at which the motion occurred.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for reconstruction of a three-dimensional image of an object. A first image is acquired of the object lit by a luminous flux having, in a region including the object, a luminous intensity dependant on the distance, with a light source emitting the luminous flux. A second image is acquired of the object lit by a luminous flux having, in a region including the object, a constant luminous intensity. For each pixel of a three-dimensional image, a relative distance of a point of the object is determined as a function of the intensity of a pixel corresponding to the point of the object in each of the acquired images.

Abstract: A relative navigation system projects a grid into space from a grid generator and an object, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may use the projected grid to aid in the landing of the object. Methods of adjusting the projected grid including stabilizing the projected grid and orienting the grid generator relative to the earth.

Abstract: A synchronization method for at least two sensors, which enables synchronized collection of a sensor value of a slave sensor in relation to a predetermined intended value of a master sensor. Time-dependent measured values of the master sensor are used to determine open parameters of a prediction model, on the basis of which a time associated with a master sensor intended value to be predetermined is extrapolated. When this time is reached, a synchronization signal triggering the recording of a slave sensor value, in particular the recording of a measured value, is transmitted to the at least one slave sensor. Master sensor intended value and slave sensor value are provided as connected value tuple. As a result of continuous collection of measured values by the master sensor, it is possible to form updated extrapolation rules continuously. Predetermined intended values of the master sensor can have, in particular, an equidistant spacing.

Abstract: A combination of location measurement apparatuses to measure in three dimensions the location of an excavator with respect to a job site, and to further measure the location of an excavated or a topographical feature with respect to the excavator by range finding from the excavator in proximity of the feature and contemporaneously recording measurement data on a computer.

Abstract: A ranging apparatus transmits an optical input signal to an optical signal input/output unit mounted on a measurement target. The optical signal input/output unit receives the optical signal and transmits an optical output signal applied with an optical change, to the ranging apparatus. The ranging apparatus receives the optical output signal, measures a propagation distance from a light source a the light receiving unit through the optical signal input/output unit, and measures a relative position of the optical signal input/output unit based on the propagation distance. Thus, a distributed aperture radar is realized from the ranging apparatus and the optical signal input/output unit.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a distance between a reference mark and a target object is disclosed. The device includes a beam source, which is embodied as an electro-optical component and emits a laser beam along an optical axis, a detector, which is embodied as an additional electro-optical component and receives a reception beam reflected and/or scattered by the target object along an optical axis, a beam forming optics, which forms the laser beam and the reception beam along an optical axis, and a beam splitting optics, which deflects the laser beam or the reception beam. An optics carrier is provided with a first receptacle for mounting a first of the electro-optical components and a second receptacle for mounting the beam forming optics. The optics carrier is monolithic.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a position of a moving object, regardless of static objects present in the optical field of an active infrared (IR) proximity detector, is provided. Moreover, a modulated light emitting diode (LED) signal is captured and processed through I/Q demodulation. Specifically, the reflections received at an IR sensor are demodulated to generate in-phase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) signals and the derivative of I/Q signals is obtained to isolate motion. For example, an I/Q domain differentiator or a high pass filter is employed to calculate the derivative, which actively remove the effects of all forms of static interference. Further, the phase of the derivative I/Q signals is determined and is utilized to reconstruct the distance at which the motion occurred.

Abstract: A distance measurement method, includes measuring a distance to an object by means of a distance measurement circuit of a distance measurement apparatus and by scanning a light beam; designating a first mode which controls a projection angle of the light beam so that sampling positions in a given number of successive scans do not overlap, when the distance to the object is greater than or equal to a threshold value, by using the processor; and designating a second mode which controls the projection angle of the light beam so that the sampling positions overlap in each scan, when the distance to the object is less than the threshold value, by using the processor.

Abstract: A sensor system is described, using self-mixing laser sensors (10) and an analyzer circuit (30) in order to determine the velocity of a vehicle, such as a car, and the rotational velocity of a wheel (20) of the car. Deviations between the velocity of the vehicle and the rotational velocity of the wheel (20) can be used to determine sliding of the wheel (20) and, finally, the traction or, more specifically, the coefficient of driving friction between the wheel (20) and the surface the car is driving on. Furthermore, a vehicle control system is described, initiating test accelerations of a wheel (20) by means of a control circuit (50) and control means (300, 400) in order to determine the coefficient of driving friction during driving. The test accelerations initiate short periods of sliding of the wheel (20) and the sliding is detected by means of the sensor system.

Abstract: Provided is a distance detecting apparatus including a detecting unit that is inserted in an external auditory canal and includes a light emitting unit that emits light onto an eardrum and a plurality of light receiving units that each receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by a light cone of the eardrum, and a distance estimating unit configured to estimate a distance from a target inserted in the external auditory canal together with the detecting unit to the eardrum based on light intensity and distribution detected by each of the light receiving units.

Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface scanning of a patient, arranged on a patient's couch of a medical diagnostic device, with the following steps: Radiation of a light beam from a positioning light source onto the patient, detection of the light beam on the patient by an image sensor, arranged offset relative to the light beam, with the said light beam running from the positioning light source to the patient, movement of the patient relative to the positioning light source so that the light beam passes over the body of the patient, and determination of the surface of the patient from the detected light beam. A corresponding device is also claimed.

Abstract: With a device for optically scanning and measuring an environment, which is designed as a laser scanner, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, with a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected from an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and with a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, the laser scanner has a cooling device with a space between a carrying structure and a shell which serves as a housing, said space opening to the outside by means of an air inlet and otherwise being sealed with respect to the interior of the carrying structure and to the shell.

Abstract: A sensor module (1) for measuring the distance to a target and/or the velocity of the target (50), the sensor module (1) comprising at least one laser source (100), at least one detector (200) being adapted to detect modulated laser light and at least one control element the control element (400) being adapted to vary the focus point of the laser light and/or the intensity of the laser light and/or the direction of the laser light. The control of the laser light emitted by the laser source (100) either by active optical devices as variable focus lenses or controllable attenuators or passive optical elements in combination with arrays of laser sources (100) and detectors (200) enable flexible and robust sensor modules.

Abstract: A compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments incorporates a beam splitting cube in the eyepiece optical space and advantageously provides an objective image focal length substantially twice that of the physical length of the instrument optical components. Through the use of some of the same optical elements in both the image viewing pathway as well as the laser transmission pathway, a relatively long transmission focal length is provided which saves in both physical instrument space and component cost while also allowing for the use of reasonably sized photodiodes with improved power output over that of previous designs.

Abstract: A time of flight pixel includes a photodiode that accumulates charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. A first transfer transistor is couple between the photodiode and a first charge storage device to selectively transfer charge to the first charge storage device from the photodiode. A second transfer transistor coupled between the photodiode and a second charge storage device to selectively transfer charge to the second charge storage device from the photodiode. An enable transistor is coupled between the first charge storage device and a readout node coupled to the second charge storage device to selectively couple the first charge storage device to the readout node. An amplifier transistor having a gate is also coupled to a readout node.

Abstract: The present application describes a far-optical device having a basic body, at least one electrical load, and control electronics for controlling the electrical load. The control electronics being integrated in a detachable unit that is capable of being attached to and detached from the basic body of the far-optical device. When detachable unit is detached from the basic body, the control electronics can be programmed by the user via at least one operating element disposed on the detachable unit. This provides the user with the means to modify, restore, or extend the existing functions of the far-optical device. Thus, the far-optical device of the current application provides for a far-optical device with a high-level of user-friendliness.

Abstract: A method of increasing signal-to-noise ratio of a distance-measuring device includes a light-emitting component emitting a detecting light to a measured object during an emitting period for generating a reflected light, a delay period after the light-emitting component emitting the detecting light, a light-sensing component sensing the energy of the reflected light to generate a light-sensing signal, and obtaining a measured distance between the distance-measuring device and the measured object according to the energy of the detecting light and the light-sensing signal. Since the measured distance is longer than a predetermined shortest measured distance, the method can accordingly calculate a proper delay period for ensuring that the reflected light reaches the light-sensing component after the delay period. In this way, the light-sensing component does not sense the background light during the delay period, so that the signal-to-noise ratio of the light-sensing signal is improved.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying and making measurements based upon captured oblique images. The system includes a computer system executing image display and analysis software reading an oblique image having corresponding geo-location data and a data table storing ground plane data, the ground plane data comprising a plurality of facets within an area depicted within the oblique image, the facets having a plurality of elevation data that conforms to at least a portion of terrain depicted within the oblique image; wherein the computer system displays the oblique image, receives a starting point and an end point selected by the user, where one or both points may be above the terrain, and calculates a height difference between the starting and end points dependent upon the geo-location data and the elevation data of a facet of the ground plane data.

Abstract: There are provided an environment recognition device and an environment recognition method. The device obtains position information of a target portion in a detection area, including a relative distance from a subject vehicle; groups continuous target portions into a target object of which position differences in a width direction vertical to an advancing direction of the vehicle and in a depth direction parallel to the advancing direction fall within a first distance; determines that the target object is a candidate of a wall, when the target portions forming the target object forms a tilt surface tilting at a predetermined angle or more with respect to a plane vertical to the advancing direction; and determines that the continuous wall candidates of which position differences in the width and depth directions among the wall candidates fall within a second predetermined distance longer than the first predetermined distance are a wall.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which, when projecting a video onto a curved surface of an object for display, can realize an undistorted display of the video. The measuring means outputs the distance information representing the distance to the object. Based on the distance information produced by the measuring means, the curved surface contour is detected with high precision. According to at least the detected curved surface contour distortions, pixels of the display image are unevenly rearranged to correct the video information before it is output. This arrangement realizes an undistorted display of video when the video is projected onto the curved surface of the object.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an object illuminated by a pre-determined first spectrum of light and an array of fringe lines, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the object including the first spectrum of light and the fringe lines reflecting from a surface of the object, and a processor in signal communication with the imaging device to receive an input data representing the image of the object, wherein the processor: generates a first data model based on the input data; removes a DC-component from the first data model to create a second data model; and performs a two dimensional Fourier transform profilometry based on the second data model.

Abstract: A rangefinder with a head covering attachment comprising a housing, where the housing includes a front face, a back face, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top surface and a bottom surface; a laser window on the front face; a reader window next to the laser window on the front face; a lens attached to a side of the front face at a bottom edge, where the lens moves from an open position to a closed position; a hinge to fasten the lens to the housing; a receiving means positioned on the top surface; and a clip, where the clip includes a top arm and a bottom arm; wherein the clip connects to the receiving means to thereby attach the housing to a bill of the head covering to position the rangefinder directly in front of a user's face.

Abstract: A white light optical profilometer having a measurement head that is separated from the base unit by means of a fiber optic bundle. The measurement head contains a Michelson objective, whose reference path is folded so that the measurement head may be compact. The measurement head also contains a tilting mirror, which directs light from the surface of interest to the objective, and may be adjusted to allow the measurement head to scan complex surfaces. The base unit contains the other elements of the profilometer, such as an image detector and illuminator.

Abstract: A method for optically communicating, from a user to a six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) laser tracker, a command to control operation of the tracker includes providing a rule of correspondence between commands and pose patterns, each pattern including a change in a coordinate from an initial to a final pose, each pose having three translational coordinates and three orientational coordinates. Also, selecting a first command from among the commands and measuring the coordinate of a first pose of the 6DOF target with the tracker. Further, changing between first and second times, the coordinate of the pose of the target and measuring the coordinate of a second pose of the target with the tracker. Also, determining the first command based on the difference between the measured coordinates of the first and second poses according to the rule of correspondence and executing the first command by the tracker.

Abstract: A condenser lens suitable for a laser rangefinder includes a lens body wherein the lens body is formed with or has attached thereto a deviation correction area that is located on the light emitting side thereof for correcting focus deviation upon reception of light scattered by a close range object. A center of the body is located inside the deviation correction area of the lens. The deviation correction area may include one or more deviation correction zones.

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes a plurality of laser elements, a light-emitting section for emitting light in response to a laser beam, and an emission control section for controlling whether each of the plurality of laser elements emits light or not. At least a part of the plurality of laser elements is positioned in such a manner that irradiation regions of the light-emitting section are positioned at least partially differently.

Abstract: A charge generating region is arranged within a region of a polygonal pixel region excluding a corner portion thereof. A signal charge collecting region is arranged at a center portion of the pixel region on the inside of the charge generating region so as to be surrounded by the charge generating region. A photogate electrode is arranged on the charge generating region. A transfer electrode is arranged between the signal charge collecting region and the charge generating region. A semiconductor region has a portion located at the corner portion of the pixel region and the remaining portion located on the outside of the pixel region, and has a conductivity type opposite to that of the signal charge collecting region and an impurity concentration higher than that of surroundings thereof. A readout circuit is arranged in the semiconductor region.

Abstract: A person is detected by an observer device. A person detection history is recorded in a person detection history database. A position where the person is detected for the first time is estimated by a first-time detection position estimating unit, to be stored in a first-time detection position history database. The position of the door of the room in terms of local coordinates is estimated by a doorway position estimating unit. The calibration information as to the position of the observer device is calculated by a position calibration information calculating unit based on the door position in terms of local coordinates and that in terms of global coordinates.

Abstract: A spatial bulletin board system for virtually writing a memo in an actual space and displaying the memo superimposed on a picked-up image of the actual space. The system includes an input device that converts drawing movement during the creation of content in an actual space to three-dimensional coordinate information and acquires positional information which specifies a place in which the memo is written and saves the information in a spatial communication server. In the image-pickup place, the picked-up image is displayed on a spatial bulletin board display device and a browsing request is sent to the spatial communication server.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing distance-based distortion in a camera image of an object, where the distanced-based distortion is due to differences in distance from the camera to different parts of the object. In one approach, the distortion is reduced by estimating distances to different parts of the object and then generating a reprojected image of the object dependent upon the estimated distances and upon a virtual viewpoint that is more distant than the camera from the object. In a further approach, the image is warped such that points in the image match corresponding points in one or more stored templates. In a still further approach, if excessive distortion is present in the image, the camera zoom is increased and a magnified image is displayed, prompting a person to move farther from the camera thereby reducing the distortion.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a lifting mast and vertically movable load handling device located on the lifting mast. The lifting mast has a lifting height measurement system having a light emitter that emits a light beam, a receiving element, an optical alignment element, a target element, and a measurement path located between them, the length of which measurements path varies with the lifting height. The alignment element and/or the light emitter has a beam-forming optical system, in particular a beam-expanding optical system, so that at the maximum lifting height the reflecting target is inside the expanded light beam of the light emitter in all positions of the allowable maximum bending of the lifting mast.

Abstract: An improved algorithm for calculating multimode fiber system bandwidth which addresses both modal dispersion and chromatic dispersion effects is provided. The radial dependence of a laser transmitter emission spectrum is taken into account to assist in designing more effective optical transmission systems.

Abstract: Distance-measuring system with correction function includes calibrating object, transflective plate, and distance-measuring device. Distance-measuring device has a first known distance and a second known distance respectively between calibrating object and transflective plate. Transflective plate is disposed between calibrating object and distance-measuring device. Distance-measuring device includes light emitting device for emitting a detecting light with lighting-error angle, image sensor with sensing-error angle, and parameter calculating circuit. First part of detecting light passes transflective plate and is reflected by calibrating object and becomes first reflecting light emitting to first imaging location of image sensor while second part of detecting light is reflected by transflective plate and becomes second reflecting light emitting to second imaging location of image sensor.

Abstract: A simulation system for predicting a likelihood of whether a target object positioned in an environment will be detected by a detection system when illuminated by a laser source. The simulation system may be used for a laser rangefinder application and a laser designator application. The simulation system may provide a detection probability of the target object at a specified range to the detection system or a plurality of detection probabilities as a function of the range to the detection system. The simulation system may provide an indication of an overlap of the beam provided by the laser source on the target object. The simulation system may determine the effect of vibration on the detection of the target object at a specified range.

Abstract: A laser rangefinder with single shutter includes a body and a laser-radiating board. The body has a transmitting gateway and a receiving gateway. A shutter is mounted in the transmitting gateway. The body has an adjusting gateway communicating with the transmitting gateway and the receiving gateway. The laser beam is radiated to the object via the transmitting gateway and the shutter. When the object receives the laser beam, the laser beam is reflected into the receiving gateway by the object and the laser beam goes through the receiving gateway to the laser-radiating board thereafter the laser-radiating board calculates the actual distance from the laser rangefinder with single shutter to the object. Furthermore, the adjusting gateway prevents the laser beam interfering in the operating of the laser-radiating board and the laser beam is reflected by the shutter to the laser-radiating board via the adjusting gateway for calculating a reference distance.

Abstract: A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with a focused-radiation source and a processor; the image-capturing device further comprises an image sensor; (B) capturing an image of an object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (C) directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source to the object located in the (FOV) of the image-capturing device; (D) detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object located in FOV of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (E) characterizing the object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using each return signal; and (F) processing each return signal in order to determine a distance from the object located in the FOV to the image-capturing device.

Abstract: The invention extends classical time-invariant optical design to include optical amplitude modulated light, using tools from communications theory. Effects of dispersion are derived from first principles.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring an elevator hoistway, includes at least one or more laser aligners and a measuring element. The measuring element is provided with an essentially long handle for extending the measuring element into the laser beams transmitted by the laser aligners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optical distance measurement, particularly to a handheld device, comprising a transmission unit (12) with a light source (17, 18) for emitting optical measurement radiation (13, 20, 22) onto a target object (15), and comprising a receiving unit (14) arranged at a distance from the optical axis (38) of the transmission unit (12) and equipped with at least one optical detector (54) for receiving optical radiation (16, 49, 50) reflected from the target object (15). According to the invention, the detector (54) of the receiving unit (14) comprises a detection surface (66), the optical surface of which has varying optical sensitivity.

Abstract: A control and switch device for an inner light path of a meter distance meter includes: a generating device for emitting a polarized light; a liquid crystal box for deflecting the polarized light emitted from the generating device; a transparent medium positioned near the Brewster's angle formed by an emergent light emitted from the liquid crystal box; and a polarizer positioned in the direction of an emergent light emitted from the transparent medium.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods, components, and operations of multi-focal intraocular lens systems, including range finding for driving same and for discriminating between multiple objects and varying brightness conditions. The invention also pertains to intraocular photosensors and range-finding methods to be used with intra-ocular lens systems, and components, that provide multi-focal IOL capabilities in dynamic visual environments.