Abstract: A visibility range measuring apparatus for detecting visibility range in a passive fashion without suffering erroneous operation even in the case of such a situation that a plurality of visibility range measuring apparatuses exist within a coverage thereof. The apparatus includes a camera mounted on a motor vehicle for taking a picture of parts of a lane-dividing mark lines extending forwardly in front of a motor vehicle and a visibility-range determining control unit for determining the visibility range through comparison of luminances at a plurality of locations of the lane-dividing mark line, which locations differ from one another with respect to the location of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for image capture and estimation of range information is provided which uses photographic film as the image capture mechanism. A plurality of identical images are captured on film yielding an image bundle wherein each image in the image bundle is captured with a different phase offset. Fiducial marks are placed on the photographic film between adjacent images in the image bundle. The image bundle is developed and the developed images are scanned. The images of the image bundle are then registered by aligning the fiducial marks. The distance from the image capture device to object(s) in the images of the image bundle can then be estimated using the different phase offsets for each image. The range at a pixel location is estimated by selecting the intensity of the pixel at that location of each image and performing a best fit of a sine wave of one period through the points.

Abstract: Using marks of known dimensions and size, and spacing, a zoom lens may be calibrated in either or both the X and Y spatial directions. A system comprising an image capture device, positioning means, position encoder means, operator interface, and processing unit permits this method to be advantageously applied to a wide variety of web inspection/control functions, including but not limited to initial web registration, multiple color ink registration, lateral web positioning, repeat length calculations, image capture synchronization, thermal/mechanical differential compensation, and accurate registration of objects within an image to other objects within an image or to a mechanical reference on a machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microlaser cavity (10) having:a solid active medium (2) emitting at least in a wavelength range between 1.5 and 1.6 .mu.m, anda saturable absorber (4) of formula CaF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or MgF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or SrF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or BaF.sub.2 :Co.sup.2+ or La.sub.0.9 Mg.sub.0.5-x Co.sub.x Al.sub.11.433 O.sub.19 or YAlO.sub.3 :Co.sup.2+ (or YAl.sub.5-2x Co.sub.x Si.sub.x O.sub.3) or Y.sub.3 Al.sub.5-x-y Ga.sub.x Sc.sub.y O.sub.12 :Co.sup.2+ (or .sub.-3 Al.sub.5-x-y2z Ga.sub.x Sc.sub.y Co.sub.z Si.sub.z O.sub.12) or Y.sub.3-x Lu.sub.x Al.sub.5 O.sub.12 Co.sup.2+ (or Y.sub.3-x Lu.sub.x Al.sub.5-2y Co.sub.y Si.sub.y O.sub.3) or Sr.sub.1-x Mg.sub.x La.sub.y Al.sub.12-y O.sub.12 :Co.sup.2+ (or Sr.sub.1-x Mg.sub.x-y Co.sub.y La.sub.z Al.sub.12-z O.sub.12, with o<y<x).

Abstract: A range finder for a cap for determining the distance to a golf flag. The range finder has a cap coupling portion having a thin shell portion adapted to conform with the cap and a pair of "u" shaped portions for hooking around an edge of the cap. A base is carried by the cap coupling portion. A first support is pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot point. A lens is carried by the first support. A second support is pivotally mounted to the base at a second pivot point. An index for viewing through the lens is pivotally carried by the second support. The range finder has a linkage bar pivotally mounted at a third pivot point to the first support and pivotally mounted at a four pivot point to the second support. Moving the lens from a retracted position to a flipped down, in use position moves the index in unison.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surveying apparatus adapted to be worn on the head of user. The surveying apparatus contains components for optical sighting, distance measurement, bearing determination, position fixation, and signal processing. The distance measuring device is preferably a laser distance measuring device.

Abstract: A device to measure the relative location in three dimensional space of anatomical structures by injecting a beam of light into an optical imaging device and projecting the beams of light onto the object being imaged. By virtue of the change in the image of the light beam, as a function of changes in the position and/or direction of the injected beam, and knowing the optical transfer function of the imaging device, the position of the anatomical structure can easily be calculated.

Abstract: A device for determining the distance between vehicles according to this invention is used with a vehicle for determining the distance to a vehicle ahead of the device-equipped vehicle moving on a traffic lane defined by lines drawn on a road. The device comprises a pair of light receivers each having at least one light sensor array, a line detector for detecting images at points at which the quantity of light takes maximum values on the light sensor array of at least one of the light receivers as the lines and providing an output signal representing the positions of the lines, a measuring range detector responsive to the output signal of the line detector for detecting a range of the traffic lane on which the device-equipped vehicle is moving; and a distance detector for determining the distance to the vehicle ahead on the basis of positions where an image of the vehicle ahead is formed on the light sensor array within the range of the traffic lane detected by the measuring range detector.

Abstract: A light-projecting unit projects distance measurement light onto an object to be photographed. A light quantity detecting unit splits, from steady light, the reflected signal light quantity of the distance measurement light from the object on the basis of the light received by a sensor, and detects the reflected signal light quanity. A sensor array constituted by a pair of sensor arrays monitors the luminance distribution of light which steadily irradiates the object. Normally, a CPU calculates the distance to the object on the basis of the luminance distribution output from the sensor array. When the object has a low luminance or contrast, the CPU calculates the distance to the object on the basis of the reflected signal light quantity received by the sensor.

Abstract: The focal length of an objective lens system is substantially equal at two wavelengths: one within the visible spectrum and one within an eyesafe IR spectrum centered about 1.54 .mu.m; the lens is essentially achromatic throughout the entire visible spectrum (0.45 .mu.m -0.70 .mu.m) and is well-corrected for other monochromatic aberrations (spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, and distortion). By having an objective lens that is common to both optical paths (visual and laser) and has the property of having essentially the same focal length and essentially the same angular deviation for the two optical paths upon lens decentration, then a practical mechanism can be included in the opto-mechanical design of a laser rangefinder to adjust the x and y decentration of the objective lens to accomplish a corresponding x and y adjustment of the system boresight.

Abstract: A range finder for a cap for determining the distance to a golf flag. The range finder has a cap coupling portion having a thin shell portion adapted to conform with the cap and a pair of "u" shaped portions for hooking around an edge of the cap. A base is carried by the cap coupling portion. A first support is pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot point. A lens is carried by the first support. A second support is pivotally mounted to the base at a second pivot point. An index for viewing through the lens is pivotally carried by the second support. The range finder has a linkage bar pivotally mounted at a third pivot point to the first support and pivotally mounted at a fourth pivot point to the second support. Moving the lens from a retracted position to a flipped down, in use position moves the index in unison.

Abstract: A surveying instrument including an operating portion having a number of keys including specific keys which are assigned specific functions, an indicator which produces an indication corresponding to the specific keys, an indication mode switching device which changes the indication from a first indication mode to a second indication mode when one specific key is actuated once, and a controller which performs the specific function only when the associated key is actuated in accordance with a predetermined operation pattern during the indication of the function at the second indication mode.

Abstract: A reflector is constituted by a right pseudo-dihedral, a ridge (C) of which is in the form of a portion of a helix so as to provide a calibrator or a beacon.

Abstract: A system for the remote identification of objects under varying light conditions. Objects are illuminated with a non-coherent light source for viewing by an observer. A low power laser diode and lens system which sends a laser beam out on an inclined plane determines the distance to and size of objects under observation. A significant change of position of objects under observation causes an alarm to be activated.

Abstract: A system for increasing the depth of field and decreasing the wavelength sensitivity and the effects of misfocus-producing aberrations of the lens of an incoherent optical system incorporates a special purpose optical mask into the incoherent system. The optical mask has been designed to cause the optical transfer function to remain essentially constant within some range from the in-focus position. Signal processing of the resulting intermediate image undoes the optical transfer modifying effects of the mask, resulting in an in-focus image over an increased depth of field. Generally the mask is placed at a principal plane or the image of a principal plane of the optical system. Preferably, the mask modifies only phase and not amplitude of light. The mask may be used to increase the useful range of passive ranging systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately surveying and determining the physical location of objects in a scene are disclosed which use image data captured by one or more cameras and three points from the scene which may either be measured after the images are captured or may be included in the calibrated target placed in the scene at the time of image capture. Objects are located with respect to a three dimensional coordinate system defined with reference to the three points. The methods and apparatus permit rapid set up and capture of precise location data using simple apparatus and simple image processing. The precise location and orientation of the camera utilized to capture each scene is determined from image data, from the three point locations and from optical parameters of the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for determining a coarse direction in an orientation system of a an autonomous device (10), for instance a dust cleaning robot together with a system of active beacons or transponders. A transmitter (20) for transmitting sensing signals is displaced in relation to the rotational center (25) of the the device (10). When the device is rotated around a vertical rotational axis in the rotational center, a minimum in the distance to the respective transponder or beacon is obtained when the transmitter of the device is positioned immediate to a point lying on a straight line between the rotational center of the device and a respective transponder, whereby an immediate coarse determination of the direction to each transponder is directly obtained.

Abstract: A passive optical speed and distance measuring system includes a pair of camera lenses positioned along a common baseline a predetermined distance apart and controlled by an operator to capture images of a target at different times. The camera lenses are focused on light sensitive pixel arrays which capture target images at offset positions in the line scans of the pixel arrays. A video signal processor with a computer determines the location of the offset positions and calculates the range to the target by solving the trigonometry of the triangle formed by the two camera lenses and the target. Once the range to the target is known at two different times the speed of the target is calculated.

Abstract: A range finding device for automatic focussing can be accurately assembled and has a good external appearance. The range finding device includes an optical lens block having coupling members projecting from the lenses, which further include a protrusion and side walls formed on both sides of the protrusion which are taller than the protrusion. The length of the protrusion is shorter than width of the side walls. The protrusion is partly constricted by a recess portion to form a constriction portion. The range finding device further includes an optical waveguide case having a pair of windows formed on an upper surface and a pair of coupling members formed on both sides of the windows, which further includes a fitting surface that fits to a bottom surface of the coupling member, a pair of protrusions standing on both ends of the fitting surface between which the side walls of the coupling member are inserted, and a liquid pool formed as a shallow groove on the fitting surface.

Abstract: A number of items present in a substantially linear queue are counted by examining two images of a scene including the queue that are taken from vantage points offset relative to each other. Depth information for portions of the scene is obtained by correlating equal sized patches in the images at a predetermined number of offsets, since closer objects will require more of an offset to align one image relative to the other than objects further away from video cameras creating the two images. A match score is determined at each offset. The best offset and the number of offsets to achieve it are stored for each patch. A plot is then created for offsets versus the number of patches at each offset having the best match. Peaks in the plot indicate the number of objects in the queue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining distance data from an object to a lens by obtaining an image of the object by an image input unit for forming an image of the object through the lens on an image receiving plane. Two observed images Is and Is' with different blurs from the image input unit are obtained by making a position of the lens and/or a position of the image receiving plane with regard to the object different by a minute distance .DELTA.z. A filtering process is then performed by applying a filter to the two input observed images Is and Is', thereby providing two output images Fs and Fs'. The distance a up to the object is calculated by using the two output images Fs and Fs' obtained by the filtering process based on the relation between the two output images Fs and Fs' and radius s of the blur and the distance a from the lens to the object.

Abstract: In a ranging sensor system for a vehicle for calculating a physical data between a subject vehicle and an object on the basis of the time between the transmission of a signal toward the object and the reception of a signal reflected from the object, a first obtained detection data is set as an offset value in an offset value setting circuit. The offset value is subtracted from the detection data in a subtractor, and an output from the subtractor is filtered in a filter circuit. The offset value is added to an output from the filter circuit in an adder to provide a physical data after the filtering. Thus, it is possible to eliminate an error included in detection data, while insuring a responsiveness and a stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laser assisted telescopic targeting system, apparatus and method of range finding and aiming a projectile firing weapon. The invention includes a laser light generating source capable of producing a spot of laser light on a target. The invention also includes a shooting scope to view the target. The shooting scope preferably has indicia or a shutter for measuring the approximate size of the laser dot projected on the target. Based upon the size of the spot and the growth rate of the laser targeting source the user can determine, with a substantial degree of accuracy, the relative distance from the target. The method includes steps associated with using the inventive apparatus and system and aiming a projectile firing weapon depending upon the information obtained.

Abstract: Circular reference features such as drilled holes are located in an area of a part such as a cylinder head, the surface of which is laser scanned to obtain scan data. The scan data provides height values of the part. Differences in height values are used to determine the points on scan lines which are boundary points of the circular holes. A first algorithm is used to estimate the contour and radius of each hole. A second algorithm provides a correction factor for the radius of each hole. The circular reference features are used for registering the part relative to a reference datum. Methods are provided that allow the accurate determination of the location of such reference features to within 0.01 mm. (0.0004 in.) from the scan data. The method may be utilized to create modified scan data to machine the part. The method may be utilized iteratively from different views of the part to obtain data which represents the part.

Abstract: Optical ranging (e.g. for hitching purposes) utilises at least one first reference indicium comprised by a subject (e.g. a vehicle); at least one reflector; at least one second reference indicium, for being comprised by an object behind the subject; and optionally at least one third reference indicium; such that during suitable relative motion towards each other of the subject and object, the first and second reference indicia and optionally the third reference indicium are observed suitably to come into coincidence whereby a predetermined distance of separation (e.g. a hitching distance will exist between the subject and object.

Abstract: An improved method and system (30) for recognizing targets (16) at long-ranges permits target recognition at or near the ranges at which the targets are initially detected. The method includes the steps of detecting (32) the target (16) relative to a sensor platform (12), and, in response to the detection, determining a set of range parameters (40) from the sensor platform (12) to the target (16). After transferring the set of range parameters to a gated television sensor (44) that serves as an imaging device, the method next involves illuminating the target area associated with the range parameters with a laser pulse (42) to generate reflected energy (48) from the target (16). The reflected energy (48) is then highly magnified and imaged (46) using the gated television sensor (44). The image (46) may be sent to an automatic target recognizor system (70) or displayed for operator recognition (72).

Abstract: A probe system for probing a device under test (DUT) includes a DUT support chuck for holding the DUT. A plurality of flexible probe needles are positioned along a "Z" axis that extends orthogonally from the surface of the DUT. Each probe needle is movable with respect to the DUT support chuck. A motor provides for relative movement, at least along the Z axis, between the probe needles and the DUT support chuck. A variable focus imaging system is positioned along the Z axis and provides image signals to a control processor. The control processor causes the variable focus imaging system to image the surface of the DUT and at least one probe needle. The control processor is responsive to a determined distance between focal planes containing the DUT surface and probe needle to cause the motor to move the probe needle and the DUT surface into physical engagement.

Abstract: A firmness measuring device for non-destructive testing of objects with rough surfaces (such as fruit) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to generate an impulsive jet of a fluid (such as air) aimed at the surface of the object under test; a laser to generate a beam of coherent light aimed at the area on the surface of the object under test impacted by the fluid jet; a detector to sense the light reflected off of the surface of the object from the laser beam; an analyzer to determine the amount of deformation of the surface caused by the fluid jet based on the input to the detector; and a controller to coordinate the release of the impulsive jet with the analyzer.

Abstract: A position measuring/plotting apparatus and a position indicator are used in plotting a plan view representing a situation, for example, the site of a traffic accident. The position measuring/plotting apparatus generally includes a position detector to detect spatial coordinates of targets, a processor to detect plane coordinates of the targets based on the spatial coordinates, and a plan view plotter to plot a plan view based on the data regarding those plane coordinates. The position indicator comprises a plurality of targets fixedly mounted on a supporting rod having an end serving to indicate a position of a scene component. Each target includes a reflector adapted to reflect a light beam projected thereon and light emitters used to project light beams by which the target is detected by the position detector.

Abstract: A spacecraft attitude sensor which determines roll/pitch angles of a spacecraft, is disclosed. Two light ray detectors are provided in a manner to be canted by a predetermined angle with each other. Each of the two light ray detectors defines a "field of view" light beam channel. A scan mirror is arranged to reciprocally rotate, about a pitch axis of the spacecraft, between two predetermined angles. The scan mirror is positioned in front of the two light ray detectors so as to swing the field of view light beam channel. A prism is provided in front of the scan mirror and deviates the field of view light beam channel so as to allow the scan mirror to scan the Earth across limbs thereof. The provision of the prism is able to increase the application of the sensor.

Abstract: Reference or analytic features such as intake and exhaust valves and valve guides are located in an area of a workpiece or part such as a cylinder head, the surface of which is laser scanned to obtain laser scan data. The scan data provides a fine grid of height (Z) values of the part. The part is scanned along lines with constant x or constant y. The method uses a graphical interface and least squares techniques to determine a reference plane for the desired analytic feature. Image processing techniques are then used to extract the desired feature and its boundary. Finally, techniques are used to calculate the precise dimensions of the analytic feature.

Abstract: A prismatic viewing plate is situated across the focal axis between an object and an imaging device such as a camera capable of acquiring only a two dimensional image of the object. A characteristic of the prismatic plate is that it presents dual images of the object to the imaging device. Characteristic of the separation between the dual images is that it is dependent upon the distance of the object from the prismatic plate. These characteristics are employed to determine a range to the object by measuring the separation between the dual images, visually or by use of one of the many available machine vision techniques. A third dimension of a surface profile also can be obtained by scanning a spot of light over the object while separately viewing the spot through the prismatic plate and measuring the separation between dual images of the light spot at various points of the scan.

Abstract: A laser diode distance measurement device includes a laser diode 10 which emits light 20 to a lens 22 which provides focussed light 24 incident on a target 26. The light 24 is reflected from the target 26 back to the laser diode 10 which causes the laser diode 10 to emit a light 28 which exhibits intensity pulses (due to coherent interference) related to the distance L to the target 26. A photodetector 30 provides a feedback signal indicative of the intensity of the light 28 to a distance measurement circuit 18. The laser diode 10 is driven by an up-ramp signal that reduces electronic processing and at a frequency that reduces speckle noise. The distance measurement circuit 18 blanks-out a portion of the feedback signal during discontinuities of the laser diode drive signal to minimize associated noise from distorting the distance measurement.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system particularly suited for automotive applications includes an electro-optical rangefinder scanner, retroreflectors on target vehicles, and a processing unit. The rangefinder supplies data on the range and angle of target vehicles to the processor, which monitors each target vehicle's position, speed and acceleration and constantly determines and updates target range, angle, velocity, acceleration and predicted separation distances. A warning signal or evasive manuever instructions are issued if the predicted separation at the time of intercept is below a minimum acceptable value.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus which can accurately measure the distance to an object and keep track of the object. In the apparatus, a pair of image-pickup optical systems pick up an object. A window including the object is set in an image picked up by one of the image-pickup optical systems. The distance to the object is measured by calculating correlation between the image in the window and an image picked up by the other image pickup optical system. Tracking an object is also possible by taking a correlation of images in the window formed in a time sequence. Adequate exposure is determined from an image signal in the window so that the image pickup optical systems are controlled to set the adequate exposure to the image in the window. Contrast of an image in the window becomes distinct, thus enabling accurate distance calculations and tracking of an object.

Abstract: A process for estimating the distance between a stationary object and a vehicle by providing the processing of images from the speed of enlargement of an image of an object seen from a vehicle. Images of the object are analyzed by an image speed sensor mounted on a vehicle and these images are centered relative to the speed vector of the vehicle. The luminance values of the pixels of the images successively analyzed by the sensor and the luminance value of pixels of a series of predicted images are integrated in a plurality of image memories corresponding respectively to a plurality of predetermined values for the distance. The luminance value of each pixel of a predicted image is determined as a function of the integrated luminance value for a pixel being considered, as a function of the speed of the vehicle, as a function of the position of the pixel in the predicted image and as a function of the distance value corresponding to the particular memory being considered.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for determining the distance of a surface patch of an object from a camera system and also for focusing a surface patch of such object as well as obtaining an improved focus image of the surface patch. The present invention also includes a method of determining a set of unknown parameters of a linear shift-invariant system. The camera system of the present invention has an aperture through which light enters, an image detector, an image forming optical system having first and second principal planes and a focal length, the second principal plane arranged closer to the image detector than the first principal plane, a light filter, a camera controller, and an image processor operatively connected to the image detector and to the camera controller.

Abstract: Optical radiation is propagated through an attenuating medium to a target om which it is reflected and picked up by an echo receiver system to provide ranging and imaging data during one mode of operation. The optical radiation is transformed into acoustical pulse energy alternatively radiated to and reflected from the target in another mode of operation. The operational mode is selected so as to optimize the data extracted from the echo receiver system under different conditions affecting receiver reception.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved segmentation and object recognition which describes objects and background appropriately based on calculations of desired local surface geometries such as local surface orientation, local surface curvature, surface extent and occluding boundaries, from sensed relative range images. Relative range data is used rather than converting such data to absolute range and then performing the desired geometric calculations.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking the location of a person in conditions of darkness, including a base configured for mounting in association with the person; and apparatus, mounted onto the base, for displaying an image which when viewed at up to a first predetermined distance has a first appearance, and which when viewed from a distance between the first predetermined distance and a second predetermined distance, has a second appearance different to the first appearance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently cutting food items, such as potatoes, into helical strips. The food items are provided seriatim to the cutting assembly from a conveyor system fed by a trough shaker or other singulator device. Food items on the conveyor are aligned longitudinally and are then impaled on small spikes protruding from the conveyor so that they maintain the longitudinal orientation during their travel to a feed roller portion of the system. The feed rollers firmly grip the food items by their peripheries and advance them into the rotary cutting assembly. This assembly includes a helically shaped cutting member defining at a leading edge thereof a slicing blade and supporting on its front surface a plurality of perpendicularly extending scoring blades. The helically shaped cutting member is mounted at its periphery by being threadedly received in a helical thread cut in an annular holder.

Abstract: A range dispersion sensor operative to detect objects of a preselected height "h" operates on quarterwave interference principles. Electromagnetic energy is modulated at a first frequency f.sub.1 such that objects of the preselected height h disposed upon a background create a quarter-wave length reflector. A beam of electromagnetic energy reflected from an object of height h and its proximate background interferes destructively to create a null signal. Effects of non-uniform reflectivity are normalized by modulating the beam at a second frequency f.sub.2 selected to not create constructive or destructive interference effects with objects of the preselected height. The ratio of the two signals is taken thereby normalizing the effects of non-uniform reflectivity, and the resultant ratio is indicative of the height of the objects.

Abstract: A mobile range finder for use on a first vehicle detects a relative distance to a second vehicle at a position in a monitoring direction in front of the first vehicle. A vanishing point is determined by extracting, for example, the continuous or intermittently continuous white lines dividing traffic lanes on the road on the basis of spatial changes in the features of the scene ahead of the first vehicle, and the angle of elevation of the optical axis of an optical picture information generating device such as a TV camera is obtained on the basis of the determined vanishing point to thereby detect the distance to a designated position in which the second vehicle will appear. Accodingly, it is possible to effect accurate detection of a distance independently of the conditions of the first vehicle, such as pitching.

Abstract: A laser ray projector and remote measuring device comprising at least two of these projectors, wherein the measuring device comprises two laser ray projectors servo-controlled in position. Each of them comprises a spindle rotating through 180.degree. in one direction and in another from a certain point and a head secured to this spindle and rotating through 90.degree. in one direction and in the other from an origin. This head carries a prism which receives in each projector a laser ray issuing from a single source whereby rotation of the spindle and of the head enables each ray to scan all the points of a hemisphere. A computer makes it possible to convert the angular coordinates into cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: The detection system for obstruction to vehicle according to the invention comprises a plurality of light emitting elements disposed in the rear of a car, a modulation for emitting modulation lights from the light emitting elements, light receiving elements for receiving the reflected light that the modulation light comes in contact with an external obstruction to reflection, a detection circuit for detecting output signals of the light receiving elements, thus detecting the obstruction from an output of the detection circuit, and a rearward obstruction can be detected securely particularly when the car moves backward, a new light source for obstruction detecting is not particularly required, and thus no area must be prepared for installation.

Abstract: A measuring device measures the width of trees and other vertically disposed objects at a distance from these objects. An aiming instrument cites various points along the object and measures a distance to the object as well as provides a signal proportional to a plumb line angle sensor, a signal proportional to a horizontal angle device, and a distance measuring signal. A computer coupled to the aiming instrument will compute the diameter of the trees or other vertically disposed objects from the distance signal, angle sensor signal and horizontal angle device.

Abstract: Boundary setting device for binocular visioned observers, including a low powered light source having a predetermined configuration for defining the boundary of a zone of a scene. A sighting tube defines a viewing axis for the light source, including an optical void around said light source means. When the low powered light source means is viewed through one eye of said observer and a scene containing a section to be encompassed within said boundary is viewed by the other eye of said observer, an optically fused image is presented to the observer with said light source means having a predetermined configuration bounding said section to be encompassed in said scene.

Abstract: A surveying instrument and procedure are provided for the precise determination of elevation differences in the course of a surveying traverse. The instrument comprises an optical wedge 13 situated on the horizontal longitudinal line of sight axis 27 of the primary optical system between the objective lens 11 and a target under observation. The wedge is arranged for rotation about this axis and with such rotation angularly displaces the diverted line of sight 28 from the horizontal to the plane of the target. The degree of rotation required of the wedge to acquire the target 33 is measured by electro-optical angle encoder means 10, and the distance to the target by EDM means 24, 26. The difference in elevation is calculated trigonometrically by computer means utilizing as data the wedge diversion angle, the sine function of its rotation, the computed angular displacement of the line of sight, and the distance to the target.

Abstract: Several properties are assigned to the regions of an image having light and shade and obtained by photographing a surface of an object. Several properties are also assigned to the regions of the picture, which are extracted on the basis of the first proper-assigning operation, and the boundary lines therebetween. The angles of inclination of these regions and the condition of the unevenness of the regions of the surface which are on these boundary lines are estimated by utilizing the relation between the above-mentioned properties and the direction of a light source. Thus, the relative elevation of the surface of the object is determined. The above-mentioned properties are determined with respect to images of the same object from different directions, and the properties thus determined of these images are compared to determine the corresponding points, which are utilized to determine the quantitative elevation of the surface.

Abstract: A laser radar system in which a laser beam is used to illuminate a target region of interest. The density of the laser radiation at the target plane is low enough that the reflected energy from diffusing portions of the target is not detectable by the laser radar receiver. Target reflections from retroreflective portions of the target such as glint signal reflections are also not initially detectable by the radar however these reflections are of such greater signal strength that the radar system is arranged to respond to the glint signals after they are enhanced by optical processing which includes re-illumination of the target glint area by a phase conjugated and parametrically amplified enhancement of the original reflected glint signal. Plural uses and alternate arrangements of the invention are included.