Abstract: A vision system that forms a map of a scene proximate a platform, e.g., a vehicle, that determines the actual ground plane form the map, and that corrects the map for differences between the actual ground plane and an assumed ground plane. The vision system may remove the actual ground plane from the map to prevent false positives. The vision system can further identify and classify objects and, if appropriate, take evasive action.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to measurement systems. More particularly, the invention relates to means and methods of using laser technology to measure distances between balls used in playing bocce. The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of laser light, laser mounting methods, laser supporting methods, laser rotation methods and laser pivot points.

Abstract: A geographic data collecting system, comprising a distance measuring unit for projecting a distance measuring light and for measuring a distance to an object to be measured, a camera for taking an image in measuring direction, a display unit for displaying the pickup image, a touch panel provided to correspond to a screen position of the display unit, a tilt sensor for detecting a tilting of the measuring direction, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a distance to the object to be measured by giving consideration on the tilting in the measuring direction and a point-to-point distance as specified on the image by specifying two or more points of the object to be measured on a displayed image via the touch panel.

Abstract: In a method for determining the distance of an object flying through the atmosphere and emitting radiation energy, the spectral intensity distribution of the radiation emitted by the object in a predefined wavelength range is detected. An intensity distribution spectrum of the object is measured in the region of an absorption structure of the atmosphere, and a point having an extremal gradient on a flank of an intensity rise or fall, caused by the atmospheric absorption structure, in the measured intensity distribution spectrum is determined. The path length traveled by the radiation through the atmosphere, and therefore also the distance between the detector and the object, are determined by comparison with known transmission data for the atmosphere.

Abstract: There are provided a method of evaluating an area located behind a structure and a system thereof. The system includes: at least one source of electro-magnetic radiation adapted to illuminate a structure portion and to illuminate a area portion via openings formed between elements of the structure while a relative movement is introduced between the structure and the system; multiple detectors adapted to detect electro-magnetic radiation returned from the structure portion and from the area portion; a computing unit adapted to: (i) generate, in response to the detected electro-magnetic radiation, a simplified representation the area portion; and (ii) evaluate the area portion in response to a relationship between the simplified representation of the area portion and a reference simplified representation of the area portion.

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 system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: A device for surveying an enclosed structure (10) includes a platform (24) configured to longitudinally traverse the structure (10), at least one first distance) sensor (48) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a lateral distance between a point on the platform (24) and a wall of the structure (10), at least one second distance sensor (50) connected to the platform (24) and configured to measure a longitudinal distance between a point on the platform (24) and a first end of the structure (10), and a transport machine (22) configured to move the platform (24) substantially longitudinally within the structure (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) projecting a reference line, having an electro-optical distance measurement unit that guides an optical reference beam (RS) along a defined reference path (RP), wherein at least one part of the reference path (RP) may be detected upon passing through by the human eye and/or detectors as a reference line. In conjunction with passing through the reference path (RP), a distance measurement occurs to at least one point (Pi) on the reference path (RP), particularly to a plurality of points (Pi), by transmitting a measurement beam that is parallel or coaxial to the reference beam (RS) or using the reference beam (RS) as a measurement beam.

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: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system using an IGPS includes a rescale bar having linear scales thereon, a linear encoder for measuring an absolute length within which the linear encoder moves on the rescale bar, a plurality of optical transmitters that radiates pan beams, and a vector bar having one end attached to the linear encoder, and having a receiver to detect the pan beams radiated from the optical transmitters, the vector bar acquiring coordinates of two points where the vector bar moves by using the receiver, and measuring a relative length from the coordinates. A ratio between the absolute length and the relative length is applied in rescaling an actual distance between two positions to be measured.

Abstract: A robot control system for controlling a position and an attitude of a robot head is provided with an operating head held by an operator and a sensor for detecting a position and an attitude of the operating head. An attitude recognition portion of the control means recognizes an initial attitude of the operating head when a control switch provided at the operating head is turned on, and acquires a displacement vector from the initial attitude by a change in the attitude of the operating head. An attitude conversion portion converts the displacement vector from the initial attitude to a displacement vector from the reference attitude corresponding to a predetermined reference attitude, and the control means makes the attitude of the robot head follow the displacement vector from the reference attitude. In whatever attitude the operator holds the operating head, the position and the attitude of the robot head can follow the change in the position and the attitude of the operating head.

Abstract: A distance detecting arrangement employs at least two sensors having different ranges and resolutions of operation. Embodiments disclosed contemplate at least four modes of operation. In a first mode, only one sensor is employed. In a second mode, a longer range and lower resolution sensor is employed until a threshold value of distance is reached, at which point a shorter range and higher resolution sensor is employed. In a third mode, both the longer range and shorter range sensors are employed simultaneously. In a fourth mode, a low resolution profile is used to rescan the object with the high resolution sensor to provide a high resolution profile measurement. Embodiments facilitate the method disclosed by including a beam redirecting apparatus and preferably include a servo position system that can move the sensors and the object relative to each other.

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 distance measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention may include: a light source irradiating reference light to measure a distance; a lower reflective mirror reflecting the reference light to irradiate the reference light onto a peripheral obstacle, and reflecting reflected light, rebounded from an obstacle, so that the reflected light moves in an opposite direction along the same optical path as the reference light; a sensor lens arranged above the lower reflective mirror, converting the reference light into parallel light beams and focusing the reflected light; an upper reflective mirror arranged above the sensor lens and switching an optical path of the reflected light; and an optical sensor receiving the reflected light having the optical path thereof switched by the upper reflective mirror, wherein the upper reflective mirror reflects back the reflected light, focused after passing through the sensor lens, in an opposite direction to a moving direction thereof so that a focus of the ref

Abstract: A hands-free wireless wearable GPS enabled video camera and audio-video communications headset, mobile phone and personal media player, capable of real-time two-way and multi-feed wireless voice, data and audio-video streaming, telecommunications, and teleconferencing, coordinated applications, and shared functionality between one or more wirelessly networked headsets or other paired or networked wired or wireless devices and optimized device and data management over multiple wired and wireless network connections. The headset can operate in concert with one or more wired or wireless devices as a paired accessory, as an autonomous hands-free wide area, metro or local area and personal area wireless audio-video communications and multimedia device and/or as a wearable docking station, hot spot and wireless router supporting direct connect multi-device ad-hoc virtual private networking (VPN).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor system for detecting an impending collision of a vehicle is provided. The sensor system comprises a radar arrangement providing a radar output based on a plurality of radar measurements. A vision arrangement provides a side-looking image to an occupant of the vehicle and a vision output based on a plurality of vision measurements. The vision measurements include presence of the object within a vision range and a vision closing velocity of the object with respect to the vehicle. In communication with the radar and vision arrangements is an electronic control module that is configured to produce an actuation signal for a safety device based upon evaluation of the radar and vision outputs.

Abstract: A fiber interface configuration for a chromatic point sensor optical pen is provided wherein a detector aperture element provides an aperture that is smaller than the light-transmitting core diameter of an optical fiber that is connected to the optical pen. The detector aperture element is fixed relative to the chromatically dispersive optics of the optical pen, the optical fiber abuts the aperture element, and the optical fiber core is aligned to the aperture. The aperture element and the end of the fiber may be inclined relative to the axis of the fiber, to deflect spurious reflections away from the optical signal path. The configuration provides high measuring resolution without using a tapered optical fiber, and provides interchangeability of the optical fiber connected to the optical pen.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.

Abstract: A system for measuring a hole of a surface may include at least one light emitting member for emitting varied intensity flashes of light towards the hole of the surface. The system may further include a projector for projecting light beams onto the surface. The system may additionally include at least one camera for taking at least one picture of the hole of the surface each time the at least one light emitting member emits a flash of light towards the hole of the surface, and each time the projector projects light beams onto the surface. The system may also include a computer for determining measurements of the hole of the surface utilizing the at least one picture of the hole and Photogrammetry.

Abstract: An image capture device captures a plurality of sequential images of a vehicle in motion. At substantially the same time a collocated rangefinder determines the distance between the vehicle and the image capture device. Each of the plurality of images may be segmented based on the rangefinder point of reference. The portion of each image representing the vehicle is extracted based on its motion with respect to a stationary background. Knowing the size of the vehicle with respect to the image and the distance that the vehicle is from the image capture device, the image data is converted to real world dimensions. Using these real world dimensions a vehicle classification is determined.

Abstract: An outside monitoring device of a mobile robot for measuring a direction of a target object using a tag, which is provided on a target object and replies a receipt signal to the mobile robot in compliance with a light signal from the mobile robot, the outside monitoring device including a plurality of light emitters each irradiating the light signal to an assigned detectable region among detectable regions established around the mobile robot are provided on the mobile robot, wherein light emitters are arranged around a reference axis orthogonal to a ground plane of the mobile robot to allow the detection of the tag within detectable regions.

Abstract: An on-the-fly method for measuring the length, along an axis (z?z) of an anode (20) used in the production of aluminium by molten salt electrolysis in which: i) said anode is suspended from a gripping member (13a) which is fitted with a displacement sensor measuring the vertical position of the point of attachment (O); ii) said gripping member is moved vertically so that the lower surface (21a) of the anode passes through a plane (P) formed by n beams (f1, . . . , fi, . . . , fn) and, each time one of said beams i (i=1 to n) is disturbed by the lower surface of the anode passing through it, the vertical position hi of said point of attachment (O) is measured; iii) the angle of inclination zz? of the anode stem is measured and the distance between the point of attachment and the lower surface (21a) of the anode block (21) is deduced based on values measured hi (i=1 to n), and the inclination value of the anode stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mounting and alignment of an electro-optical apparatus, in which an optic (42) is oriented in three axes (X;Y;Z) relative to a further component (26, 46), in particular a method for alignment of a receiving optic (42) relative to an optical receiver (46). The invention proposes that the optic (42) is first aligned in a first (X) and a second direction (Y) and the optic (42) is subsequently fixed to an optical carrier (40) in the third direction (Z) by means of a welding process. The invention furthermore relates to a measuring device, in particular a distance measuring device (10), aligned according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A device for recording a geometry of an environment of a device in a detection field with the aid of laser scanning may include a laser beam controlled by an oscillating micromechanical mirror. The detection field is specifiable in the vertical and horizontal directions by adapting an amplitude of oscillation of the micromechanical mirror. Driver-assistance systems are used for tasks both in the near field, such as a parking function, and in the distant field of the vehicle, such as a distance control or the detection of obstacles on the roadway. If the amplitude of the oscillation of the micro-mirror is then reduced in the horizontal direction and/or vertical direction, the spatial resolution for the reduced detection range is improved. Moreover, the higher intensity of the laser radiation impinging on the smaller detection region improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signal.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to determine the actual position and/or actual orientation of a measuring appliance (4b). To this end, at least two reference points (2b?) lying in a spatial segment (5?) scanned by a laser beam are detected and measured in terms of the distance thereinbetween and the inclination angle thereof. The actual position of the measuring appliance (4b) can be deduced from the known positions of said reference points (2b?) arranged in a detectable manner and the associated distances and inclination angle thereof. The detection, monitoring and measuring of the reference points is carried out by the measuring appliance (4b) in an automated manner, the measuring appliance (4b) and specifically embodied elements associated with the reference points (2b?) forming a local positioning and/or orientation measuring system.

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: A fire control system that includes an array of photodiode elements. For each element of the photodiode array, there is a specific optical path in the atmosphere leading from the laser to a target and back from the target to the element. Accordingly, each element of the detector array can be regarded as if illuminated by a distinct light source. For short time periods (in the range of tens to hundreds of milliseconds) the shape or spatial distribution of the refractive-index irregularities does not significantly change, and the irregularities drift with the atmospheric wind. By measuring the signal fluctuations by any element of the photodiode array, it is possible to compute the crosswind velocity. By comparing signal fluctuations patterns of two or more elements it is possible to define the wind direction and to determine the turbulence strength value.

Abstract: A lens form includes a length of optical fiber terminated on at least one end thereof; a negative optical element optically aligned with the terminated end of the optical fiber; and a positive optical element optically aligned with the negative optical element.

Abstract: A bow sight automatically corrects and compensates for various dynamically changing aiming, shooting, and/or environmental conditions. The bow sight can perform situation-specific aim evaluations and corrections to correct or compensate for situation-specific shooting and environmental factors, at a given time and on a per-shot basis. The bow sight includes integrated sensor-type devices, such as a range finder, an inclinometer, and an anemometer, which detects values of situation-specific shooting and environmental factors and communicates such detected values with a processor or other control device. The processor uses the situational specific data, as well as bow and arrow performance data, and data from shot calibrations, to calculate precise vertical and horizontal aim compensations required to accurately hit the desired target point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for localization and mapping an environment using a measurement device are provided. One system includes a vehicle, first and second measurement devices configured to generate range/azimuth data for reference landmarks in the environment, a processor, and memory. The memory includes a map module storing data representing a map of the environment including known coordinates for the plurality of reference landmarks. One method includes generating a map of the environment based on known coordinates for each of the plurality of reference landmarks, receiving range and azimuth data for each of a plurality of candidate reference landmarks from a measurement device, and identifying each of the plurality of reference landmarks in the plurality of candidate reference landmark. The method further includes associating the plurality of candidate reference landmarks with the plurality of reference landmarks in the map and localizing a mobile platform based on the associating step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying 3-D coordinates of a target region on a tire includes: taking a digital image of a tire; finding an edge of a tire bead using pixel brightness values from the tire image; calculating tire bead circle center and radius using a plurality of image pixels on the tire bead edge; and performing a pixel brightness search around the bead circumference using the bead circle's center and radius to identify the target area X, Y coordinates. The Z-coordinate and slope of the target area are determined from multiple point distance calculations across the region.

Abstract: In a method for aligning three-dimensional shape data obtained by performing a three-dimensional measurement of an object, photogrammetry of the object with a target mark is performed to obtain a three-dimensional position and a normal vector of the target mark by a calculation, and the three-dimensional measurement of the object is performed to obtain a three-dimensional position and a normal vector of the target mark. Then, determined is a correspondence between the three-dimensional position of the target mark obtained by the photogrammetry and the three-dimensional position of the target mark obtained by the three-dimensional measurement, by using the three-dimensional position and the normal vector of the target mark obtained by the photogrammetry and those of the target mark obtained by the three-dimensional measurement, and three-dimensional shape data obtained by the three-dimensional measurement is aligned based on the correspondence between the three-dimensional-positions of the target marks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning system optimized for lidar that includes a nodding mirror, a rotary electromagnetic drive, a rotary optical encoder, and control circuitry. The rotary electromagnetic drive includes a yoke incorporating a permanent magnet, and an arm having a coil at one end of the arm. The coil is enclosed within the yoke, and an opposite end of the arm is coupled to the nodding mirror, such that movement of the coil within the yoke in response to a current causes the nodding mirror to rotate. The rotary optical encoder produces an output signal in response to rotation of the nodding mirror, which serves as feedback to the control circuitry. The control circuitry adjusts the current provided to the rotary electromagnetic drive in response to the output signal, such that the nodding mirror rotates in a reference scan pattern.

Abstract: The determination of an apparent distance between an object and a surface is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises illuminating the object with a spatially inhomogeneous irradiance from the surface, an intensity variation in the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance in a plane parallel to the surface responsive to a distance between the plane and the surface. Next, an image of the object is acquired while the object is illuminated by the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance, and the apparent distance of the object from the surface is determined based on a brightness contrast in the image of the object due to the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance.

Abstract: When the geometric distance L from the body of an interferometer to a target 110 is accurately measured from distance measurement values D1, D2 which are obtained by a lightwave interferometric measurement using laser beams of plural wavelengths ?1, ?2, while correcting the refractive index of air, the wavelengths of the laser beams are measured by using an optical comb generated from an optical comb generator 104. In this case, the oscillation wavelength of a variable wavelength laser 101 is measured by using the optical comb, and a feedback control is performed, whereby laser beams of plural predetermined wavelengths are obtained, or a variable wavelength laser is caused to oscillate at plural arbitrary wavelengths to obtain plural distance measurement values. The wavelengths (frequencies) of laser beams when the respective distance measurement values are obtained are measured by the optical comb, and used in calculation of the geometric distance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve mobile robot guidance and control by providing a position designation system for an unmanned vehicle, such as a mobile ground robot. This system allows an operator to select locations of interest on earth for the robot by pointing at the locations through an optical device that is able to discern global or local coordinates of the locations of interest. These waypoints may be spooled directly to the robot or through other mission planning elements that will make decisions about what to do with these locations of interest.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system using an IGPS includes a rescale bar having linear scales thereon, a linear encoder for measuring an absolute length within which the linear encoder moves on the rescale bar, a plurality of optical transmitters that radiates pan beams, and a vector bar having one end attached to the linear encoder, and having a receiver to detect the pan beams radiated from the optical transmitters, the vector bar acquiring coordinates of two points where the vector bar moves by using the receiver, and measuring a relative length from the coordinates. A ratio between the absolute length and the relative length is applied in rescaling an actual distance between two positions to be measured.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting road-side edges in a road segment using a light-based sensing system. Input range data is captured using the light-based sensing system. An elevation-based road segment is generated based on the captured input range data. The elevation-based road segment is processed by filtering techniques to identify the road segment candidate region and by pattern recognition techniques to determine whether the candidate region is a road segment. The input range data is also projected onto the ground plane for further validation. The line representation of the projected points are identified. The line representation of the candidate regions is compared to a simple road/road-edge model in the top-down view to determine whether the candidate region is a road segment with its edges. The proposed method provides fast processing speeds and reliable detection performance for both road and road-side edges simultaneously in the captured range data.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-waveband sensor system and method for seeking targets are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the multi-waveband sensor system includes a secondary reflector positioned within a gathering path of a primary reflector to reflect the wavebands gathered by the primary reflector back through an aperture in the primary reflector. The multi-waveband sensor system may also include a laser waveband dichroic beam splitter positioned within a focal path of the secondary reflector to pass infrared (IR) wavebands and to reflect laser wavebands. A LADAR subsystem may transmit laser wavebands for reflection by the laser waveband dichroic beam splitter through the aperture to the secondary reflector for reflection to an off-axis region on the primary reflector for direction toward a target.

Abstract: A method for producing a 3D image includes providing a pixel-by-pixel map over a preselected aperture of relative phases for coherent light scattered by or transmitted through a desired scene. The method includes positioning micro-mirrors of a reconfigurable mirror array to produce reflected light whose wave front has the pixel-by-pixel map over the preselected aperture in response to the array being illuminated with a coherent light beam. The method includes illuminating the reconfigurable mirror array with the coherent light beam to enable producing a 3D image of the desired scene.

Abstract: A high dynamic range sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensing sets that are organized into a sensing array. Each of the sensing sets includes a set of sensing elements for sensing physical phenomena. Each set of sensing elements has a locally selectable integration time. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter operatively connected to the set of sensing elements acquires and converts an analog signal from each of the sensing elements into a digital signal. A processor operatively connected to the A/D converter and to the set of sensing elements manages the selectable integration time for the set of sensing elements and analyzes the digital signals from each of the sensing elements in the set of sensing elements. The digital signals from each of the sensing elements are measured by the processor and an integration scaling factor for the set of sensing elements is computed and controlled by the processor to adjust the integration time.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring spatial mapping information of surface data points defining a region unable to receive effective GPS signals, such as the interior of a building, includes an IMU for dynamically determining geographical positions relative to at least one fixed reference point, a LIDAR or camera for determining range of the IMU to each surface data point, and a processor to determine position data for each surface data point relative to the at least one reference point. A digital camera obtains characteristic image data, including color data, of the surface data points, and the processor correlates the position data and image data for the surface data points to create an image of the region.

Abstract: A range finder includes housing, circuitry, a lens, a display, and a plurality of threaded apertures. The housing has a front end, a rear end, and a bottom portion extending between the front end and the rear end. The range finder circuitry is located within the housing. The lens is located at the front end of the housing. The display is located at the rear end of the housing. The plurality of threaded apertures are located in the bottom portion of the housing.

Abstract: A three dimensional spatial imaging system (10) for generating a three dimensional model of a scanned space includes: a laser rangefinder (42) that obtains spatial data by measuring distances to a plurality of target points within the scanned space; a rotating mirror (46) placed in a path of a laser beam (43) emitted from the laser rangefinder (42), the mirror (46) deflecting the laser beam (43) to varying degrees as the mirror (46) is rotated; a digital camera (52) that obtains image data from photographs of the scanned space; a rotating head (30) on which the laser rangefinder (42), mirror (46) and camera (52) are all mounted, the head (30) rotating up to 360 degrees about a central axis of rotation (64) that is substantially normal to a plane in which the head (30) is rotated; and, a data processor that maps color information from the image data obtained by the camera (52) to the corresponding target points of the spatial data obtained by the laser rangefinder (42).

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance D2 between two points includes following steps. A first surface of a portable electronic device is parallel to a line defined by the two points. A distance D2 between the first surface and the line is obtained. A visible light beam B1 is rotated from an initial direction substantially perpendicular with the first surface and the line to direct at the point E1. A first angle defined by the visible light beam B1 striking the point E1 and the initial direction is computed. A visible light beam B2 is rotated from an initial direction to strike the point E2. A second angle defined by the visible light beam B2 striking the point E2and the initial direction is computed. A distance D1 is computed based on the distance D2, the first angle and the second angle. The distance D1 is outputted.

Abstract: An imaging or echolocation system has a source of coherent waves, such as acoustic and electromagnetic waves, that are transmitted towards any target or targets of interest. Any waves reflected or echoed by the target or targets are received by a receiver further having many sensor elements spaced across a surface. A reference signal of the same frequency of the waves as received from received waves. A least one phase amplifier receives signals from at least one sensor element, and amplifies phase differences between the reference signal and the received waves. In imaging systems, signals from the phase amplifier(s) enter image construction apparatus and are used for constructing an image; in echolocation systems, signals from the phase amplifiers are used to distinguish between and identify targets. In various embodiments, phase amplifiers may be implemented in analog or digital form.

Abstract: The surface of a part is measured using a combination of laser tracking and Photogrammetry processes. Cameras used in the Photogrammetry process are mounted on a carriage for movement to positions along a predetermined path where images of the part surface are recorded and then converted to surface measurements. Laser tracking is used to both measure the part surface and track the position of the cameras. The measurements made by Photogrammetry and laser tracking processes are combined with the camera position to produce highly accurate part surface measurements.

Abstract: An image is processed by a sensed-feature-based classifier to generate a list of objects assigned to classes. The most prominent objects (those objects whose classification is most likely reliable) are selected for range estimation and interpolation. Based on the range estimation and interpolation, the sensed features are converted to physical features for each object. Next, that subset of objects is then run through a physical-feature-based classifier that re-classifies the objects. Next, the objects and their range estimates are re-run through the processes of range estimation and interpolation, sensed-feature-to-physical-feature conversion, and physical-feature-based classification iteratively to continuously increase the reliability of the classification as well as the range estimation. The iterations are halted when the reliability reaches a predetermined confidence threshold.