Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein an active object detection system performs reliable object detection based on light pulse emissions and corresponding and time-of-flight based distance determination, while advantageously rejecting clutter. While not limiting, the method and apparatus taught herein may be particularly advantageous for safety-critical object detection applications, such as where the active object detection system, e.g., a laser scanner, monitors for objects of at least a specified size within a predetermined monitoring radius or contour.

Abstract: Methods and systems to determine at multi-dimensional coordinates of an object based on propagation delay differences of multiple signals received from the object by each of a plurality of sensors. The signals may include optical signals in a human visible spectrum, which may be amplitude modulated with corresponding frequency tones. An envelope may be detected with respect to each of the sensors, and signals within each envelope may be separated. A phase difference of arrival may be determined for each of the signals, based on a difference in propagation delay times of the signal with respect to multiple sensors. The phase differences of arrival may be converted to corresponding distance differences between a corresponding transmitter and the corresponding sensors. A linear distance and a perpendicular offset distance may be determined from a combination the distance differences, a distance between the corresponding transmitters, and a distance between the corresponding sensors.

Abstract: A sensitivity modulated light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system and related methods. Implementations of sensitivity modulated LIDAR systems may include a pulsed laser and a light detection system coupled with the pulsed laser through a timing system. The light detection system may include a high-bandwidth detector coupled with the timing system, at least one imaging detector coupled with the timing system, and at least one sensitivity modulator coupled with the at least one imaging detector and with the timing system.

Abstract: For acquiring a 3-D image of a scene, the scene is illuminated with modulated light emitted by an illumination unit and imaged onto an array of lock-in pixel sensor cells, which detect the previously emitted light after it has been scattered or reflected by an object or a living being in the scene. One determines the modulation phase of the light detected at the lock-in pixel sensor cells and provides a reference modulation phase that stands in a known relationship with the modulation phase of the light at the time of the emission. Based upon the reference modulation phase and the modulation phase of the light detected at the lock-in pixel sensor cells one then calculates depth information on the scene.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring device, particularly a distance measuring device for contactlessly measuring distance, comprising a housing (12) made of at least one first material and with at least one electronic component (56), which is arranged inside an interior (48) of the housing (12), as well as with a second material that at least partially surrounds the housing (48). The invention provides that the second material also seals at least one opening (63) of the housing interior (48). The invention also relates to a method for producing a measuring device of the aforementioned type during which the second material is provided as a sealing element that seals at least one opening of the housing interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for performing triggering and for determining a triggering moment. In the solution, a unipolar electrical pulse of a detector (106, 118) is converted between the detector (106, 118) and a first amplifier (108, 120) succeeding the detector into at least one bipolar electrical oscillation. The bipolar electrical oscillation is amplified with at least one amplifier (108, 120) and triggering is performed at a zero level between the extreme values of the bipolar electrical oscillation. In addition, a triggering moment is determined, at which the amplified bipolar electrical oscillation crosses the zero level between its extreme values.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensors of the speed of movement of a vehicle over the ground. The sensor comprises illumination means for illuminating the surface and at least one optical sensor able to detect the radiation returned by the surface. The illumination means and the optical sensor have one and the same optical axis, oblique in relation to the surface. This arrangement eliminates the risks of specular reflection dazzling the sensor while avoiding disturbance of the measurement by variations in the height of the sensor relative to the ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to a three-dimensional image of ground surface and the method and system that generates the three-dimensional image. Here, a three-dimensional image is an image that has three-dimensional XYZ coordinates in a ground coordinate system for every pixel of the image and the ground surface means the bare-earth surface plus all the objects on the bare-earth surface. The scene covered and represented by such a three-dimensional image is a three-dimensional real world scene where everything visible in the three-dimensional image has three-dimensional coordinates. The three-dimensional XYZ coordinates of all the pixels of a three-dimensional image are attributed by the method and system of this invention for generating three-dimensional images with airborne oblique/vertical imagery, GPS/IMU, and LIDAR ground surface elevation or range data.

Abstract: A real time SAR processing system for processing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) return signals and a method for real time processing of SAR return signals. The real time SAR processing system for processing synthetic aperture radar return signals comprises a light source (1) for generating a coherent, plane electromagnetic wave; light modulation means (2) for modulating the incident wave according to the radar return signals and outputting a modulated wave; and optical processing means (3) for submitting the modulated wave to an optical signal processing for radar image reconstruction. The light modulation means (2) comprises a plurality of addressable pixels (30) which are controlled based on the radar return signals. Light detection means (4) for detecting the processed wave and generating a corresponding electrical radar image signal are provided.

Abstract: A method for passive background correction during spatially or angularly resolved detection of emission that is based on the simultaneous acquisition of both the passive background spectrum and the spectrum of the target of interest.

Abstract: Rapid calibration of a TOF system uses a stationary target object and electrically introduces phase shift into the TOF system to emulate target object relocation. Relatively few parameters suffice to model a parameterized mathematical representation of the transfer function between measured phase and Z distance. The phase-vs-distance model is directly evaluated during actual run-time operation of the TOF system. Preferably modeling includes two components: electrical modeling of phase-vs-distance characteristics that depend upon electrical rather than geometric characteristics of the sensing system, and elliptical modeling that phase-vs-distance characteristics that depending upon geometric rather than electrical characteristics of the sensing system.

Abstract: Method for geodetic monitoring of rails provided for conveying devices in that stationed at least in the area of one rail end is a tachymeter with spatial reference, placed on the rail to be checked is a rail measuring vehicle that travels the rail alone for measuring the rail when the rail is not loaded, and that for measuring the rail when loaded is driven at the same speed as the conveying device, the measuring points during the measurement being recorded continuously when the rail is loaded and/or unloaded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optoelectronic contactless distance or range measurement or finding according to the transit time principle, in which a distance of an object from a sensor unit is determined from a time difference between a starting signal and an echo signal, which is derived from an optical measurement pulse reflected by the object and where for determining the time difference the following steps are performed: a) by comparing the starting signal and echo signal with a digital clock a digital raw value is obtained, b) with the aid of at least two fine interpolators an initial time difference between the starting signal and the beginning of the digital raw value as well as a final time difference between the echo signal and the end of the digital raw value is determined, c) to the fine interpolators are in each case supplied analog signals corresponding to the initial time difference or final time difference, respectively, and converted into a digital initial time difference or digital f

Abstract: A laser driver (4) causes a semiconductor laser (1) to operate such that a first oscillation period of monotonically increasing the oscillation wavelength and a second oscillation period of monotonically decreasing the oscillation wavelength alternately exist. A photodiode (2) converts laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser (1) and return light from a measurement target (12) into electrical signals. A counting unit (13) counts the number of interference waveform components obtained from an output signal from the photodiode (2) in each of the first oscillation period and the second oscillation period. A computing device (9) calculates the distance to the measurement target (12) and the velocity of the measurement target (12) from a shortest Lasing wavelength and a longest Lasing wavelength in a period during which the counting unit (13) counts the number of interference waveform components and the counting result obtained by the counting unit (13).

Abstract: In order to derive a distance to a target object, in the detection of lower and upper dynamic ranges different detection methods are used simultaneously for the same light signal in an opto-electric distance measuring method having at least one emission of at least one light signal onto a target object and one detection of the light signal scattered back by the target object, wherein the upper dynamic range is recorded by means of a threshold value method and the lower dynamic range is recorded by means of signal scanning for the identification and temporal positioning of the back-scattered light signal.

Abstract: An optical-member driving apparatus for laser radar, comprising: an optical-member integrated portion including an optical member and an optical-member mounted portion having the optical member mounted thereon; first erection members supporting the optical-member integrated portion; a relay portion to which the first erection members is connected; second erection members supporting the relay portion; and a fixed portion to which the second erection members are connected.

Abstract: A transmission controller 7B is configured to transmit an R/W request signal for requesting transmission of a tag response signal to a RFID tag 1 twice. At this time, a frequency controller 7A controls a PLL section 5A to transmit the R/W request signal via different carrier frequencies. A phase information acquirer 8A detects a phase change amount of the tag response signal that is transmitted via different carrier frequencies. A distance calculator 8B calculates the distance between the reader/writer 2 and the RFID tag 1 on the basis of the phase change amount.

Abstract: A distance measurement method includes measuring a plurality of integrated signals at a plurality of modulation phase offsets; estimating at least one integrated signal for at least one of the plurality of modulation phase offsets, respectively, to adjust its reception time relative to an integrated signal for another of the plurality of modulation phase offsets; and determining a distance between the target and receiver in accordance with the estimated at least one signal.

Abstract: A method comprises generating a laser signal; scanning the laser signal into a field of view; and processing the return signal.

Abstract: In an object sensing member M1, while electromagnetic waves are transmitted from transmission members 1 and 2 to a predetermined region, based upon a result of receiving electromagnetic waves reflected from an object by reception members 3 and 4, a distance detecting member 5 detects at least a distance of the object. An abnormal condition judging member M2 judges that the object sensing member M1 is under abnormal condition, if a difference between a maximum value of reception levels of the electromagnetic waves received by the reception members 3 and 4, and a minimum value of these reception levels for a predetermined time measured by a time measuring member M3 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. As a result, the abnormal condition judging member M2 can surely judge the abnormal condition even, if the vehicle is driven on a desert road where objects to be sensed are occasionally present.

Abstract: A phase-sensing and scanning time-of-flight LADAR method and device are disclosed that take advantage of an atmospheric absorption bands within the solar IR spectrum. In the phase-sensing LADAR embodiment, an object is illuminated with electromagnetic energy such as a laser beam having a wavelength substantially equal to a predetermined atmospheric absorption band such as 1.39 microns. The transmitted laser beam is modulated at a predetermined frequency and has a first phase. The phase of the reflected and returned laser beam is altered proportional to the distance of the object and has a second phase. The first phase of the transmitted signal and the second phase of the received signal are compared and used to determine the distance of the object from the device. The system may comprise a modified laser that is tuned to operate in an atmospheric absorption band.

Abstract: Erroneous measurement in distance measurement using a TOF technique is prevented. Intensity-modulated light being modulated with a constant cycle is emitted toward a subject. Reflected modulated light from the subject is received by a light receiving unit, and four types of (first to fourth) detection signals with different phases are obtained. Then, whether a difference between a first sum of the first and third detection signals and a second sum of the second and fourth detection signals is smaller than a set value is determined. If it is the case, a phase difference between the modulated light and the reflected modulated light is detected using the four detection signals. Then, a distance to the subject is calculated using the phase difference. In contrast, for any block in which the difference is not less than the set value, the phase difference is not detected and the distance is not calculated.

Abstract: A laser measuring device maintains high responsivity irrespective of changes in surrounding environment, provides more correct measurement and long distance measurement due to reduced noise, and ensures the safety and reliability of a product. A first light emitter emits first wavelength light having a first wavelength. A second light emitter emits second wavelength light having a second wavelength, the second light emitter being arranged perpendicular to the first light emitter. An optical mirror allows one of the first wavelength light and the second wavelength light to pass but reflecting the other one. A first band pass filter for allows the first wavelength light to pass. A second band pass filter allows the second wavelength light to pass. A light receiver receives incident light, which arrives through one of the first and second band pass filters. A controller activates at least one of the first and second light emitters.

Abstract: A first ranging apparatus includes a synchronizing signal generator for generating a synchronizing signal at a constant interval, a light-emitting unit for emitting an intensity-modulated light in response to the synchronizing signal input thereto, a light-detecting unit for detecting a reflected light from an object irradiated with the modulated light, in response to the synchronizing signal input thereto, a calculating unit for calculating the distance up to the object based on the phase difference between the modulated light and the reflected light, and a synchronizing signal control unit for changing an arrival time of the synchronizing signal from the synchronizing signal generator at the light-detecting unit, depending on the number of times that the synchronizing signal is generated. The light-detecting unit samples the amount of the reflected light in exposure periods established at a constant cycle length with reference to a time at which the synchronizing signal is input thereto.

Abstract: A device for determining a distance from an object may include a light emitter for emitting an emission light beam, a light receiver for receiving a reception light beam, and an evaluation unit for determining the distance on the basis of a propagation time of the emission and reception light beams. The reception light beam may arise as a result of reflection of the emission light beam at the object. The light receiver may have a reception optical unit comprising a first lens element and a pinhole diaphragm. A light-impermeable element may shade a central region of the reception optical unit in such a way that the reception light beam is incident in the form of a light ring on the pinhole diaphragm. A second lens element, which is substantially hat-shaped in cross section, is arranged between the first lens element and the pinhole diaphragm.

Abstract: According to the invention, the sensitivity of a method for electronic measurement may be improved, carried out by the principle of heterodyne reception with the steps of broadcast of pulsed electromagnetic radiation (ES) with at least one pulse repetition frequency, reception of back-scattered radiation (RS), whereby the back-scattered radiation (RS) is converted into a received signal, mixing of the received signals, determination of at least one time parameter from the at least one output signal, whereby on mixing the received signals at least two pulsed mixed signals are mixed to give at least two output signals and the at least two mixed signals are phase-shifted relative to each other.

Abstract: A scan sensor emits detection beams for detecting objects in a scanning area within a scanning plane. The position of the scanning plane is changed by pivoting the sensor device in a scanning area, to produce multiple detection planes. Detection points of objects in the surroundings of the sensor device are detected by the detection beams in the detection planes. Lines are extracted from the detection points of a respective detection plan. Measuring points are determined at the intersection points of the lines with one or more predetermined measuring planes. The measuring points in a respective measuring plane are classified into blocks and lines are extracted on a block basis from the measuring points of the blocks generated, as a result of which structures of objects in the measuring planes are determined.

Abstract: A sight-line end estimation device includes a sight-line direction detection portion that detects a sight-line direction of a driver of a vehicle, a target object detection portion that detects the positions of target objects existing around the vehicle, a relative position acquisition portion that acquires relative positional information between the driver and the target object detection portion, and a sight-line end estimation portion that estimates the driver's sight-line end by detecting a target object whose position detected by the target object detection portion lies substantially in the driver's sight-line direction detected by the sight-line direction detection portion, factoring in the relative positional information acquired by the relative position acquisition portion.

Abstract: A method for measuring time of flight of radiation comprises emitting modulated radiation in response to a first modulation signal, projecting the modulated radiation onto a scene, receiving radiation, the received radiation comprising a first portion being the modulated radiation reflected by the scene and a second portion being background radiation, converting the received radiation into a signal on a conversion node, the signal on the conversion node having a first and a second signal component, the first signal component being indicative of the background radiation and the second signal component being dependent on the reflected modulated radiation, and determining the time of flight of the radiation based on the second signal component. A corresponding device is also provided.

Abstract: A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a symmetrical multi-path method for determining the spatial distance between two transmitter-receivers. Both transmitter-receivers set off at least one signal round in each case. A signal round comprises the steps: a) transmitting at least one request data frame of a first transmitter-receiver to a second transmitter-receiver at a request transmitting time (TTA1, TTB2), b) receiving the request data frame at the second transmitter-receiver at a request receiving time (TRB1, TRA2), c) transmitting a reply data frame from the second transmitter-receiver to the first transmitter-receiver at a reply transmitting time (TTB1, TTA2), which has a respective reply time interval (TreplyB1, TreplyA2) from the request receiving time (TRB1, TRA2) and detecting the reply time interval, d) receiving the reply data frame at the first transmitter-receiver setting off the signal round and detecting an allocated reply receiving time (TRA1, TRB2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical-electronic distance measuring method according to the phase measurement principle by emitting of optical measuring radiation, which is modulated according to the burst modulation principle, having a burst period duration made of an active burst time and a dead time, receiving at least a part of the measuring radiation (23), which is reflected on the measured object, wherein transforming into an input measuring signal (ES) is performed, and determining a distance to the measured object by analyzing a measuring signal (MS, gMS) generated from the input measuring signal (ES).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically measuring distance, in particular a hand-held device, comprising an transmitter unit (12) which is provided with a light source (17, 18) for transmitting optical measuring radiation (13, 20, 22) to a target object (15), and a capturing unit (14) which is arranged at a distance on the optical axis (38) of the transmitter unit (14). Said capturing unit (14) comprises at least one optical detector (54) comprising a detection surface (66) for capturing optical radiation (16, 49, 50) reflected by the target object (15). According to the invention, the detection surface (66) of the detector (54) comprises an optical near range element (68), whose optically active surface (72, 74) is elongated in the direction (61) of the radiation shift for receding target object separations (48) and expands or has at least one essentially constant extension.

Abstract: The optoelectronic distance measuring device of the present invention comprises a signal generator for generating a high frequency signal, an emitter for emitting an optical beam signal towards an object to be measured, a photoelectric receiving and transforming device for receiving the reflected measuring optical and for generating a corresponding high frequency reflected measuring signal. The present invention further comprises a phase detector for performing a frequency mixing of signals and a signal processing device connected with the phase detector for determining the measured distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical measuring device, in particular a hand-held device (10) for contactless distance measurement, comprising an optical transmission path (28), which has a first optical axis (72) and which has at least one optical transmitter (20) for emitting a measurement signal, and also comprising a reception path (29) having a second optical axis (74), which is spaced apart from the first optical axis (72), with at least one reception optic (32) for focusing a measurement signal in the direction of a receiver (26), and also comprising an optical near range element (60) for parallax compensation. It is proposed that the near range element (60) be embodied rotationally symmetrically with respect to the second optical axis (74).

Abstract: A LADAR system for coherently imaging a target within a volume has a modulated laser transmitter at a frequency and a receiver. The receiver has a plurality of lenses, each with its own detector. Each detector is supplied by a centrally located local oscillator tuned to the frequency. The paths from the local oscillator to each detector, as well as the delay within each lens/detector combination are measured during a calibration. A calibrating reflector reflects a test signal during the calibration at many frequencies, temperatures and accelerations. Measurements of paths and delays obtained during the calibration are stored, and used to phase compensate subsequent target reflections for coherent processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for light propagation time measurement, wherein a light signal is transmitted from at least one transmitter into a light path via a retroreflective object to a receiver for detecting the alteration of the first signal, presence, and/or distance of the object, the received signal being determined from the path and compared with a second signal produced without the light path to achieve a comparison value, which regulates amplitude values of the transmitted signal and/or of the second signal, a clock change signal corresponding to the light propagation time between received signal and second signal is detected cyclically, a difference value being determined by comparing change signals between received signal and second signal , the difference value being altered by means of a phase shifter , delay of the phase shifter that occurred given a minimal difference value determining the light propagation time.

Abstract: In order to derive distance information according to the phase measuring principle, a periodic signal with at least two, in particular modulated, wavelengths ?i are transmitted to two or more objects, their reflections are received again and the associated phases ?i are determined and decomposed into their individual object phases ?ij which are assigned to the J objects. In order to resolve phase ambiguities, an ambiguity interval in which at least one object is located is divided into cells (5) with a defined width, with each cell (5) being assigned a counter reading and a distance. The counter reading is incremented for the cells (5) which are assigned to a possible object distance, with the incrementation being carried out for a periodicity sequential variable and for all the phases. An absolute phase or a true object distance Dj from the at least two objects is determined from the distribution of the counter readings.

Abstract: A method and system for at least three dimensional imaging comprising a processor for processing information; at least one photon light source generating a beam of light; a modulator for modulating the light of the at least one photon light source; a plurality of first receivers operative to detect the influence of a subject on the beam; the plurality of first receivers being operatively connected to the processor and operating to transmit nonspatial information to the processor; the plurality of first receivers being spaced at known, different distances from the subject, whereby comparison of each of the outputs of the plurality of first receivers provides three dimensional information concerning the subject; the processor operating to correlate the outputs of the plurality of first receivers with spatial information derived from the modulated light at correlating intervals of time to create a three dimensional image of the subject.

Abstract: A lidar and digital camera system collect data and generate a three-dimensional image. A lidar generates a laser beam to form a lidar shot and to receive a reflected laser beam to provide range data. A digital camera includes an array of pixels to receive optical radiation and provide electro-optical data. An optical bench passes the laser beam, reflected laser beam, and optical radiation and is positioned to align each pixel to known positions within the lidar shot. Pixels are matched to form a lidar point-cloud which is used to generate an image.

Abstract: A distance measurement method for use in a laser range finding device to measure a distance between the laser range finding device and a target is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. A laser signal is sent to the target in a first time point. A reflected laser signal reflected by the target is then received. A digital signal having a plurality of signal values ranging from 0 to N is obtained by sampling the reflected laser signal with a sampling signal, wherein N is an integer larger than two. A maximum signal value among the signal values is obtained. The distance is calculated according to the first time point and a second time point where the maximum signal value is generated.

Abstract: A first ranging apparatus includes a light emitter for emitting a modulated light which is intensity-modulated, a light detector for detecting a reflected light from an object that is irradiated with the modulated light, a distance calculator for calculating the distance up to the object based on the phase difference between the modulated light and the reflected light, and a gate controller. The gate controller outputs gate pulses to control a light emission controller to intermittently emit the modulated light to the object and also control an electrooptical shutter or an electronic shutter of an image capturing device to intermittently detect the reflected light from the object based on the intermittent emission of the modulated light.

Abstract: A recording device for distance images becomes multi-target-enabled by means of the arrival of light pulses reflected at object regions at different distances being temporally resolved. This is done using extrema of the gradient of a correlation function between the received light pulses and a time window during which sensor elements of a camera are activated.

Abstract: Time-of-flight (TOF) phase-derived data is dealiased by operating the TOF system using at least two close-together modulation frequencies f1 and f2 that are close to the TOF system maximum modulation frequency fm. On one hand, phase data acquired by the TOF is associated with a desirably long aliasing interval range ZAIR normally associated with a rather low modulation frequency. On the other hand, phase data acquired by the TOF system is also associated with the high precision certainty as to Z value normally associated with high modulation frequency. Preferably the TOF system operates always close to fm such that TOF operating efficiency is high, and system signal/noise ratio is not substantially degraded using the present invention.

Abstract: A time difference measuring device can accurately measure a time difference between two pulse signals generated with a predetermined time difference by measuring the two pulse signals by one measurement. The time difference measuring device measures a time difference between a start signal (M1) and a stop signal (M2). The device has a reference signal generation unit (41) for generating two reference signals (S1, S2) having a ?/2 phase difference. According to corresponding amplitude values (A11, A12) and (A21, A22) of the reference signals (S1, S2) at each generation timing of the start signal (M1) and the stop signal (M2), a phase difference detection unit (42) calculates a phase difference ?? (=?stop??start) between the generation timings of the pulse signals (M1, M2). According to the detected phase difference ?? and the cycle (Ts) of the reference signals (S1; S2), a time difference calculation unit (44) calculates the generation time difference ?t between the pulse signals (m1, M2).

Abstract: Embodiments of a distance measurement system are provided, in which a light signal generator comprises a first emission unit outputting a light beam to a target according to a first frequency-modulation signal, and a light-mixing unit generating a light mixing signal according to a second frequency-modulated signal and a reflection light beam reflected from the target. An electrical mixing unit generates an electrical mixing signal according to the first and second frequency-modulation signals, and a processing unit performs a phase difference estimation to obtain an evaluated value between the target and the distance measurement system according to the light mixing signal and the electrical mixing signal, and obtains a corresponding distance compensation value to compensate for the distance evaluated value according to an amplitude of the reflection light beam.

Abstract: An optoelectronic distance measuring device includes a frequency modulator generating a high-frequency modulation signal, an emitter emitting a high-frequency modulated measuring beam to an object to be measured, an avalanche photodiode receiving a reflected measuring beam from the object and generating a corresponding high-frequency reflected measuring signal, and a signal generating device generating a high-frequency mixer signal connected with the avalanche photodiode. The high-frequency mixer signal is applied to the avalanche photodiode and mixed with the high-frequency reflected measuring signal to provide a low-frequency measuring signal which contains phase information for calculating a distance to be measured. In this manner, measuring error due to phase drift is eliminated without the need for an extra internal reference optical path and an mechanical switching device so that the structure of the device is simplified significantly and manufacturing costs are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of virtual tactile sensing, specifically to the field of virtual extension of the senses of the fingertips. Specifically, the present invention is the tactile transfer of environment information to the fingertips of the operator in the form of a line. The present invention senses information regarding distance, thermal values and optical spectrum values and conveys this information to the operator by means of mechanical movements and/or thermal changes of the actuators. These actuators are the equivalent of placing the operator's fingertips on the object. The device as a whole acts as an extension of the hand that senses information by placing virtual fingertips on an object and conveys that information to the operator's fingertips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measurement of a line (S), in particular, an optical distance measurement method, whereby an input means (24,42) of a distance measuring device (20,22) is operated, which triggers a measuring sequence of distance measurements, during which individual measurements (10-16) of distances from the distance measuring device (20,22) triggered by the distance measuring device (20,22) are carried out perpendicular to the line (s) for measurement. According to the invention, at least one maximum value (10,16) and at least one minimum value of the distances are determined from the measuring sequence and the length of the line (s) determined from the at least one maximum value (10,16) and the at least one minimum value (13). The invention further relates to a distance measuring device (20,22), in particular, a hand-held measuring device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: An optical homodyne detection scheme for FM chirped lidar is described. The system performs de-chirping within a photodetector, and it does not require high-speed photo-detection or RF mixing. Embodiments are also described for dealing with phase noise.