Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute electromagnetic energy from at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute a partially polarized signal onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine a polarization pattern.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical sensor includes (i) a first lens array including a plurality of first lenses, (ii) a photodetector array including a plurality of photodetectors each aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first lenses, and (iii) a plurality of signal-modifying elements each aligned with a respective one of the plurality of first lenses. The plurality of signal-modifying elements includes (a) a first signal-modifying optical element having a first spatially-dependent transmission function, and (b) a second signal-modifying optical element having a second spatially-dependent transmission function differing from the first spatially-dependent transmission function.

Abstract: A method for determining a localization parameter of an object includes generating a plurality of estimates of a first frequency-domain amplitude of a baseband signal from the object, each estimate corresponding one of a plurality of temporal segments of the baseband signal. The method also includes determining the first frequency-domain amplitude as most common value of the plurality of estimates, and determining the localization parameter therefrom. A localization system includes a memory and a microprocessor. The memory stores instructions and is configured to store a baseband signal having a temporal frequency component and a corresponding first frequency-domain amplitude. The microprocessor is adapted to execute the instructions to: (i) generate a plurality of estimates of the first frequency-domain amplitude each corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of temporal segments of the baseband signal, and (ii) determine the first frequency-domain amplitude as the most common value of the estimates.

Abstract: A measurement system and methods are disclosed. The system has intensity coding optics comprising a plurality of imaging channels with overlapping fields of view. The intensity coding optics are adapted to provide intensity coded information indicative of a position of one or more objects, wherein each of the imaging channels provides a difference in intensity verses an angular position of the one or more objects. The system also has an electromagnetic energy detector adapted to: (a) receive the intensity coded information, wherein the electromagnetic energy detector comprises a size larger than a spatial resolution of the intensity coding optics, and (b) output data from the electromagnetic energy detector; and a processing device adapted to receive the data and determine the position of the one or more objects.

Abstract: An angular localization system for determining an object's location includes a signal processor and three channels have a respective first, second, and third photodetector. The first channel images a first portion of an optical signal from which the first photodetector generates a first electrical signal. The second channel images a second portion of the optical signal onto a slow-varying optical mask having a strictly monotonic transmissivity along a dimension x. The second photodetector converts the second portion into a second electrical signal. The third channel images a third portion of the optical signal onto a fast-varying optical mask having a spatially-varying transmissivity having a same value at more than one value of x. The third photodetector converts the third portion into a third electrical signal. The signal processor is configured to determine, from each electrical signal, a respective signal amplitude, and determine the location parameter by comparing the signal amplitudes.

Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute electromagnetic energy from at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute a partially polarized signal onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine a polarization pattern.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a guidance system determines a location parameter of an object, and includes: at least one oscillating element located at the object for emitting modulated optical radiation; at least two mutually distinct signal-modifying electro-optical sensors, each of the electro-optical sensors having a detector and a demodulator for generating a demodulated electrical signal in response to detection of at least a portion of the modulated optical radiation; and a processor for determining the location parameter from the demodulated electrical signals. In another embodiment, a guidance system has aberration-corrected imaging and includes: a plurality of electro-optical sensors sharing a field of view and mutually distinctly providing a respective plurality of altered images therefrom; and an image generator module for linearly and non-linearly processing spatial frequency properties of the plurality of altered images to synthesize an aberration-corrected image for the imaging system.

Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image partially polarized data onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable, to determine a polarization pattern for a user of the system.

Abstract: A fabrication system comprises one of a substrate and work piece having at least one working surface, a tool coupled to a tool holder, at least one measurement system, and a control system. The at least one working surface comprises one or more regions. A first location of the tool, tool holder, and the one of a substrate and work piece are calibrated with reference to a coordinate system. The tool is adapted to affect creation of a device within the one or more regions. The at least one measurement system is adapted to obtain location information of at least a portion of at least one of the tool, tool holder, and one of a substrate and a work piece. The control system is adapted to receive the location information, determine a second location, and provide one or more output signals to one or more adjustment devices.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a guidance system determines a location parameter of an object, and includes: at least one oscillating element located at the object for emitting modulated optical radiation; at least two mutually distinct signal-modifying electro-optical sensors, each of the electro-optical sensors having a detector and a demodulator for generating a demodulated electrical signal in response to detection of at least a portion of the modulated optical radiation; and a processor for determining the location parameter from the demodulated electrical signals. In another embodiment, a guidance system has aberration-corrected imaging and includes: a plurality of electro-optical sensors sharing a field of view and mutually distinctly providing a respective plurality of altered images therefrom; and an image generator module for linearly and non-linearly processing spatial frequency properties of the plurality of altered images to synthesize an aberration-corrected image for the imaging system.

Abstract: A fabrication system comprises one of a substrate and work piece having at least one working surface, a tool coupled to a tool holder, at least one measurement system, and a control system. The at least one working surface comprises one or more regions. A first location of the tool, tool holder, and the one of a substrate and work piece are calibrated with reference to a coordinate system. The tool is adapted to affect creation of a device within the one or more regions. The at least one measurement system is adapted to obtain location information of at least a portion of at least one of the tool, tool holder, and one of a substrate and a work piece. The control system is adapted to receive the location information, determine a second location, and provide one or more output signals to one or more adjustment devices.