Abstract: The invention relates to a laser system (100) comprising a laser receiver (10) and a laser emitter (20) and to a method using this system (100). The laser receiver is designed for locating a laser beam (22) relative to the laser receiver (10) by its laser light photo sensor (1). The laser receiver (10) has an acceleration sensor (4) providing a signal indicating a movement of the laser receiver together with a movement direction and an acceleration of this movement and a circuitry (3) connected to said photo sensor (1) and to the acceleration sensor (4) designed to compute and correlate the signals of photo sensor (1) and acceleration sensor (4) and to weight the information derived from the acceleration sensor (4). Laser receiver and laser emitter of the laser system are both provided with communication means, so that by communicating the weighted information the laser plane can be adjusted and/or re-adjusted in response to a movement of the leaser receiver.

Abstract: A technique includes using an emitter of an optical detector to emit a first optical signal and a receiver to acquire measurement of a second optical signal generated due to interaction of the first optical signal with a target. The technique includes scaling the acquired measurement based on a measure of optical crosstalk communication between the emitter and the receiver.

Abstract: Using a hand-held range finding device to range an object in a field of view is difficult due to user-induced jitter. In particular, user-induced jitter introduces uncertainty as to which object in a field of view is actually ranged. Current approaches attempt to mitigate user-induced jitter by requiring a user to mount the hand-held range finding device onto a stabilizing device (e.g., a tripod). However, such approaches require the user to carry additional equipment. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable the user to visually confirm which object in a field of view is actually ranged during a range finding event by generating a composite image that includes a visual representation of a laser pulse emitted by the range finding device reflecting off an object in the field of view. Advantageously, disclosed embodiments provide true hand-held range finding capabilities without requiring the use of stabilization assistance techniques.

Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.

Abstract: A fast spatial light modulator based on a linear MEMS ribbon array enables a depth capture system to operate in structured light and time-of-flight modes. Time-of-flight depth information may be used to phase unwrap structured light depth information. Combined structured light and time-of-flight systems offer precise depth resolution over a wide range of distances.

Abstract: A triangulation light sensor includes at least one light transmitter for transmitting a light signal into a detection zone, a light receiver having a plurality of receiver elements for receiving light from the detection zone reflected diffusely and/or specularly, and a reception optics arranged between the detection zone and the light receiver in the beam path, with the position of a light spot produced on the light receiver in a triangulation direction by the reflected light resulting in dependence on the distance of the object. The reception optics includes at least one multisegmented lens element having a plurality of lens segments with mutually spaced apart optical axes in the triangulation direction and at least one freeform lens element or one diffractive-optical element having a multisegmented lens element having a plurality of lens segments with optical axes spaced apart from one another in the triangulation direction.

Abstract: A method for determining an illumination range of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes a step of detecting at least one road-marking feature, which is illuminated by the at least one headlight, a step of ascertaining a distance between the vehicle and the at least one illuminated road-marking feature, and a step of determining the illumination range of the at least one headlight, using the ascertained distance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using spectrally separated light pulses to collect more LIDAR information are presented. In one example, a laser pulse may be directed to a point on an object and a corresponding return light signal may be received. The return light signal may be wavelength separated into a plurality of spectral pulse components. Each of the spectral pulse components may be propagated down a separate fiber optic delay line each having a different length to provide a plurality of time-separated spectral pulse components. The time-separated spectral pulse components may be combined to provide a recombined spectral pulse signal. The recombined spectral pulse signal can be provided to an intensity-related measuring/detection circuitry to generate corresponding object location information and object spectral information regarding the point on the object.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an estimation unit which estimates, from color distribution information of an image obtained by capturing an object, a depth of water at which the captured object is positioned, and a white balance control unit which performs white balance control along an axis different from a black body radiation axis in accordance with the depth of water estimated by the estimation unit.

Abstract: Coordinate measurement device configured to send a first beam of light to a target includes first and second light sources configured to emit first and second lights having differing first and second wavelengths; fiber-optic coupler that includes three ports, a first port configured to accept a first portion of the first light, a second port configured to accept a second portion of the second light, a third port configured to transmit a third light which includes a portion of the first and second portions; first and second angle measuring devices configured to measure first and second angles of rotation; distance meter configured to measure a first distance from the device to the target based at least in part on a third portion of the second beam received by an optical detector; and a processor configured to provide 3D coordinates of the target.

Abstract: In the method for geo-referencing of optical remote sensing images of an area of the earth's surface, the geo-referencing is corrected based on an SAR image which is geo-referenced.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to condensing sensor data for transmission and processing. For example, laser scan data including location, elevation, and intensity information may be collected along a roadway. This data may be sectioned into quanta representing some period of time during which the laser sweeps through a portion of its field of view. The data may also be filtered spatially to remove data outside of a threshold quality area. The data within the threshold quality area for a particular quantum may be projected onto a two-dimensional grid of cells. For each cell of the two-dimensional grid, a computer evaluates the cells to determine a set of characteristics for the cell. The sets of characteristics for all of the cells of the two-dimensional grid for the particular quantum are then sent to a central computing system for further processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining, from a first periodic signal, a second signal of same period, including the steps of: generating a third signal exhibiting detectable events; and synchronizing the second signal for each event.

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 laser distance measuring device comprising a transmitter channel (1), a receiver channel (2) and a dimensionally stable multilayer base printed circuit board (3), with the transmitter channel (1) and the receiver channel (2) being mounted and symmetrically disposed one on each side of the base printed circuit board (3), with the base printed circuit board (3) serving as a mechanical foundation, as an optical and electrical shield, as a carrier of electrical and optical connections and, optionally, as a heat conductor.

Abstract: A LiDAR sensor can include a laser, a directional sensor, a window, an electromagnetic pulse receiving sensor, and a processor. The laser can be configured to emit a narrow electromagnetic pulse. Further, the directional sensor can be configured to measure the direction of the narrow electromagnetic pulse emitted by the laser. The narrow emitted electromagnetic pulse can pass through the window. The pulse can then be reflected by at least the window and an object external from the LiDAR sensor, creating at least two reflected pulses. The electromagnetic pulse receiving sensor can be configured to measure the two reflected pulses resulting from the narrow pulse emitted by the laser. The processor can be configured to receive information from the sensors, indicating a position of the object relative to the LiDAR sensor. Further, the processor can be configured to measure the intensity of the pulse being reflected by the window.

Abstract: A LIDAR device may transmit light pulses originating from one or more light sources and may receive reflected light pulses that are then detected by one or more detectors. The LIDAR device may include a lens that both (i) collimates the light from the one or more light sources to provide collimated light for transmission into an environment of the LIDAR device and (ii) focuses the reflected light onto the one or more detectors. The lens may define a curved focal surface in a transmit path of the light from the one or more light sources and a curved focal surface in a receive path of the one or more detectors. The one or more light sources may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the transmit path. The one or more detectors may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the receive path.

Abstract: Disclosed are a laser radar system and a method for acquiring an image of a target, and the laser radar system includes: a beam source to emit the laser beam; a beam deflector disposed between the beam source and the target, and configured to deflect the laser beam emitted from the beam source in a scanning direction of the target as time elapses; and an optical detector configured to detect the laser beam reflected from the target, which is provided a plurality of beam spots having a diameter DRBS; and a receiving optical system disposed between the target and the optical detector and configured to converge the laser beam reflected from the target, and the optical detector includes a detecting area having a diameter DDA that satisfies an equation of ?{square root over (/2)}×PRBS+2×DRBS?DDA?2×Dlens and an equation of (4/?)×?×F_number<DRBS<Dlens.

Abstract: Method for determining wheel alignment of a vehicle, which vehicle comprises at least one wheel axle (12, 13, 14) having an axle end with at least one wheel member (2a-b, 3a-b, 4a-b) at a respective longitudinal side of the vehicle. The method comprises steps for determining the out of square of the wheel axle in relation to the longitudinal geometric centerline of the vehicle. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A distance measuring method for a point on an object is performed by emitting measurement radiation. When an optical measurement axis of the measurement radiation is aligned with the point to be measured, an optical measurement point region is defined by the beam cross section of the radiation on the object. The beam cross section may be, for example, a maximum of eight times the standard deviation of a Gaussian steel profile of the measurement radiation. The distance to the point on the object is determined by receiving measurement radiation reflected from the object. The method includes altering, at least once, a measurement direction as emission direction of the measurement radiation with respective emission and reception of the measurement radiation. Altering the measurement direction is carried out such that respective area centroids defined by the beam cross section on the object lie within the measurement point region.

Abstract: A multifunctional detector for emitting and receiving optical signals in order to determine the presence, location, and range movement of a player within a field of regard is disclosed. The detector generally includes a laser module operable for emitting an optical signal; an optional fiber optical delay line; a microcontroller/processor; a faceted scanning mirror pattern having multiple facets with each facet being tilted downward to allow for unique depressions for reflecting and scattering optical signals emitted by the laser module; a spinner/motor for driving and rotating the faceted mirror pattern; an optional combiner for separating emitted optical signals from the laser module or combining reflected optical signals from an reflective source; and a transceiver with an integrated APD receiver for receiving reflected optical signals combined from the combiner and transmitting reflected optical signal data to a central controller or other players. A method of using the detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical beam scanner includes a light source, an optical scanner configured to scan a light beam irradiated from the light source, and an input optical system configured to direct the light beam irradiated from the light source to the optical scanner, wherein the optical scanner includes a rotating mirror configured to rotate around a rotational axis and reflect the light beam irradiated from the light source; the rotating mirror is rotated around the rotational axis so that the light beam is irradiated on differing positions of a mirror surface of the rotating mirror; and the mirror surface of the rotating mirror has a mirror surface inclining angle with respect to a direction parallel to the rotational axis that is arranged to gradually increase from a first side to a second side of the rotating mirror in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A distance-detecting sensor may include a housing, a focusing lens, and a circuit board. Infrared light may be transmitted by a transmitter and received by a receiver. The housing may include a main body having two apertures. A transmitting lens and a receiving lens may each be positioned within one of the apertures. The circuit board may be positioned above the transmitter and the receiver and below the transmitting lens and the receiving lens. The transmitter may be an infrared light emitting diode and the receiver may be a distance-detecting sensing module. A shielding case may be provided around the transmitter and the receiver to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.

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: wherein 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: An active imaging system includes a laser transmitter configured to emit light in a plurality of beamlets. A sensor is configured to receive light from the beamlets. A processor is communicably coupled to the sensor and configured to compute images of objects illuminated by the beamlets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of correcting an image are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver to receive a depth value and a luminous intensity, the depth value and the luminous intensity being measured by at least one depth sensor, and a correction unit to read a correction depth value of a plurality of correction depth values mapped to different depth values and different luminous intensities from a first storage unit and to correct the measured depth value using the read correction depth value, the correction depth value being mapped to the measured depth value and the measured luminous intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle, comprising an upper 2D laser radar 1, a lower 2D laser radar 2, and a processing unit 10, the processing unit 10 comprising a distance data receiving part 11, an inclination calculating part 12, a ground and obstacle determining part 13, and a transmitting part. Also disclosed is a method for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle by using the apparatus for distinguishing between ground and an obstacle for autonomous mobile vehicle of claim 1, in which the detected object is determined as an obstacle when the actual inclination (g) of the detected object is larger than the reference inclination, and as ground when the actual inclination (g) of the detected object is smaller than the reference inclination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adaptively controlling the illumination of a scene are provided. In particular, a scene is illuminated, and light reflected from the scene is detected. Information regarding levels of light intensity received by different pixels of a multiple pixel detector, corresponding to different areas within a scene, and/or information regarding a range to an area within a scene, is received. That information is then used as a feedback signal to control levels of illumination within the scene. More particularly, different areas of the scene can be provided with different levels of illumination in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing presence of an object is provided, the apparatus and method are mounted on or implemented a vehicle. In the apparatus and method, by scanning a beam-shaped electromagnetic wave, data showing reflection intensities of reflected waves and distances between the vehicle and objects outside the vehicle are obtained. Based on the detected data, characteristics presented by frequency distributions of the distances and intensity frequency distributions of the refection intensities obtained in multiple rows in a field of view in the height direction of the vehicle. The characteristics depend on an angle of the electromagnetic wave to a road on which the vehicle travels. It is determined that the characteristics are obtained from the road when the characteristics meet predetermined requirements.

Abstract: An optical signal transmission structure of a laser distance measuring device, comprising: a laser pipe, suspended right above a center of a rotation disk, to emit laser beam downward; a light projector module, provided with at least two reflection plates, to reflect laser beam of said laser pipe onto a target; a lens, disposed on said rotation disk, to receive laser beam reflected from said target; and a circuit board, disposed on a lower side of said rotation disk, so laser beam received by said lens is transmitted onto a light sensor element on said circuit board, to produce at least a photoelectric signal, so that circuits on said circuit board determine distance to said target based on said photoelectric signal.

Abstract: A light barrier comprising a semiconductor component (1) and to a method for detecting objects with a carrier (2), a semiconductor chip (4) which detects an electromagnetic radiation, a semiconductor chip (4) which emits an electromagnetic radiation, and a direction-selective element (5, 8), which delimits an angle range of the radiation which can be received by the detecting semiconductor chip (4) and/or of the radiation to be emitted by the emitting semiconductor chip (3), wherein a main radiation axis (V) of the radiation which can be received is tilted relative to a main radiation axis (U) of the radiation to be emitted.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus includes a detector and an adjusting device. A second mark formed on a substrate includes a grating pattern having grating pitches in first and second directions which are respectively parallel to first and second axes which are parallel to a pattern surface of a mold and orthogonal to each other. A first mark formed on the mold includes a grating pattern having a grating pitch in the first direction. The first and second marks have different grating pitches in the first direction. The detector includes an image sensor, and an optical system which forms a moire fringe on an image sensing surface of the image sensor. The adjusting device adjusts, in a plane including the second axis and a third axis that is perpendicular to the first and second axes, an angle between the optical axis of the detector and the third axis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus, in particular a handheld measuring apparatus, for measuring a target object in a multidimensional manner, wherein the distance to individual object points of the target object is sequentially measured, in particular using a phase-measuring system, which apparatus has at least: a transmitting device for emitting optical measuring radiation towards the target object; a receiving device having a detection area for detecting optical measuring radiation returning from the target object; a scanning system for deflecting the optical measuring radiation, and an evaluation device for determining measured distance values. The detection area of the receiving device has a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel has at least one SPAD, and wherein each of the plurality of pixels is connected to the evaluation device. The disclosure also relates to a measuring device having such a measuring apparatus.

Abstract: Imaging range finding device and method are disclosed. The range finding device can include an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with an imaging lens. During the range finding method, the emitters in the array can emit light that is directed by the lens toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can detect light received from the object through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The lens, the array, or both can be movable to adjust the light emitted by the device. Characteristics of the emitted light and/or the received light can be used to find the object's range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for distance measurement using laser pulses in which at least one of an attenuation function and an offset of the attenuation function relative to the send pulse is variable to accommodate differing measurement needs. In some embodiments, at least one of an attenuation function and an offset of the attenuation function is fixed relative to the send pulse for some number of measurement cycles and information derived from the result is used to modify either or both of the attenuation function and offset of the attenuation function relative to the send pulse for subsequent measurement.

Abstract: A distance measuring method includes: emitting a pulse of measuring light towards an object; receiving a pulse measuring light from the object and generating a pulse signal corresponding to the pulse of measuring light received from the object; delaying a first portion of the generated pulse signal for a predetermined time; generating an intensity signal indicative of an intensity of the generated pulse signal, while delaying the first portion of the generated pulse signal; amplifying the delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal using a gain dependent on the generated intensity signal; and determining a value representing a distance based on the amplified delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal.

Abstract: A system for optical navigation includes a light source and an imaging system. The light source illuminates a navigation surface. The navigation surface reflects light from the light source. The imaging system is located approximately within a path of the reflected light. The imaging system includes a lens, a mask, and an image sensor. The lens receives reflected light from the navigation surface. The lens focuses a specular portion of the reflected light to a focus region. The mask is located at approximately the focus region. The mask filters out substantially all of the specular portion of the reflected light and passes at least some of a scatter portion of the reflected light outside of the focus region. The image sensor generates a navigation signal based on the scattered portion of the light that passes outside the focus region and is incident on the image sensor.

Abstract: Satellite data is used to determine water depth by accounting for the changing turbidity of the water over time and without requiring calibration using SONAR measurements. Radiance values at multiple wavelengths sensed at both a first time and a second time are stored in a database. Modeled reflectance values are calculated for a defined surface area on the water based on an assumed depth, assumed water constituents and assumed bottom cover. A plurality of differences between the modeled reflectance values and the reflectances sensed at the two times are calculated. A bathymetry application module minimizes the sum of the differences between the modeled and sensed subsurface reflectances by varying the assumed depth, bottom cover and water constituents. The differences are weighted based on wavelength before being summed. The depth that results in the minimized sum of the differences is the estimated depth, which is displayed on a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A LIDAR device and method for determining the range of a target surface using a threshold detector circuit that differentiates the laser return signal to define a differentiated signal. The signal level crossing point or threshold is representative of the peak amplitude of the return signal. The device and method compare the signal level crossing point to a predetermined threshold level to determine the range of the target surface in a LIDAR system.

Abstract: A distance measuring device using a multiple wave enables measurement of long distances with a high resolution and with a high precision by significantly reducing the circuit scale required for demultiplexing circuitry. A distance measuring device (1) includes an illumination unit (1) that illuminates using multiple modulated light having a plurality of frequencies satisfying a relationship in which one frequency is an even multiple of another frequency, a light receiving unit (20) that accumulates the charge of reflected light of the multiple modulated light into a plurality of accumulation units while switching an accumulation unit into which the charge is accumulated at a predetermined timing, and a distance calculation unit (30) that calculates a distance based on the charge.

Abstract: A distance measuring method includes: emitting a pulse of measuring light towards an object; receiving a pulse measuring light from the object and generating a pulse signal corresponding to the pulse of measuring light received from the object; delaying a first portion of the generated pulse signal for a predetermined time; generating an intensity signal indicative of an intensity of the generated pulse signal, while delaying the first portion of the generated pulse signal; amplifying the delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal using a gain dependent on the generated intensity signal; and determining a value representing a distance based on the amplified delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal.

Abstract: An exemplary multifunction light transceiver device includes a plurality of light sources. At least one luminescent member is configured to emit visible light responsive to radiation incident on the luminescent member. A controller selectively controls the light sources to achieve multiple functions. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to irradiate the luminescent member to illuminate an area near the device. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to communicate information from the device. The controller also controls at least one of the light sources to emit light toward an object. A detector associated with the controller detects any portion of light that is reflected toward the detector. The controller uses any detected light for making a determination regarding an object from which the detected light reflected.

Abstract: Provided is a radio communication device for performing radio communication with another radio communication device includes a control unit that controls to prepare for data loss during radio communication of transmission data and a transmission unit that transmits the transmission data by radio according to the control of the control unit. One of the radio communication device and the other radio communication device estimates a distance from the other based on a field intensity of a radio signal which is judged to satisfy a certain requirement regarding noise component among received radio signals received from the other of the radio communication device and the other radio communication device. The control unit performs a control of a content according to the distance estimation result.

Abstract: A method of localizing stationary objects causing temporary shadowing of light sensitive components of a PV system is disclosed. The method includes analyzing an electrical signal of the light sensitive components with regard to an occurrence of a shadowing event caused by the stationary object, and determining from a solar altitude associated with the shadowing event a direction of the stationary object causing the shadowing event. The analysis of the electrical signal takes into account a shadow movement of the object as a function of the solar altitude. A distance of the object is determined from this analysis. The results of the method may be used to determine an energy loss associated with the stationary object and may support a decision on removal of the object to improve efficiency of the PV system.

Abstract: An object sensing device has a radiation part that radiates an exploring wave forward, a sensing part having a first sensing element and a second sensing element, wherein the first sensing element and the second sensing element sense a reflected wave of the exploring wave radiated by the radiation part; and a determination part. The determination part determines a rainfall state ahead based on an intensity of the reflected wave sensed by the first sensing element. The determination part determines existence or non-existence of an object positioned forward based on an intensity of the reflected wave sensed by the second sensing element. A visual-field restricting member is disposed in front of the first sensing element. The visual-field restricting member causes a visual field, in which the first sensing element senses the reflected wave, to differ from a visual field, in which the second sensing element senses the reflected wave.

Abstract: A laser spot tracker comprising a quadrant detector. A portion of a spot of laser light reflected from an object being illuminated (OBI) may be defocused to occupy a significant portion such as one-third of the field of view, while another portion remains focused, therefore allowing for quick calculation of the spot centroid. With such a “composite spot”, multiple target (OBI) positions may simultaneously be defined in elevation and azimuth with respect to null by analyzing the energy in each quadrant. The X and Y angle information (off null) for multiple targets (OBIs), and their codes may be displayed. For a large, defocused spot, two segmented multi-element detectors may be used, one in front of and the other behind the focal plane to reduce the effects of hot spots in a spot of laser light collected from an object being illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of correcting an image are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver to receive a depth value and a luminous intensity, the depth value and the luminous intensity being measured by at least one depth sensor, and a correction unit to read a correction depth value of a plurality of correction depth values mapped to different depth values and different luminous intensities from a first storage unit and to correct the measured depth value using the read correction depth value, the correction depth value being mapped to the measured depth value and the measured luminous intensity.

Abstract: In a method for capturing an object in an environment of a motor vehicle, the object is captured with a first capture device of the motor vehicle, and a second capture device which is different from the first capture device is activated when the object is captured by the first capture device. A distance between the motor vehicle and the object is determined with the second capture device.

Abstract: A method for determining an illumination range of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes a step of detecting at least one road-marking feature, which is illuminated by the at least one headlight, a step of ascertaining a distance between the vehicle and the at least one illuminated road-marking feature, and a step of determining the illumination range of the at least one headlight, using the ascertained distance.