Abstract: A handheld, folded-path, laser rangefinder architecture and technique incorporating a single circuit board for mounting of both the laser emitting and detecting elements is disclosed. The architecture disclosed provides an efficient and low cost design for a laser rangefinder, and by eliminating the conventional provision of separate circuit boards for the laser transmitting and receiving elements, reduces the overall size of the unit and its cost of manufacture by concomitantly eliminating unnecessary interconnecting cables and the like.

Abstract: An intelligent laser tracking system and method for mobile and fixed position traffic monitoring and enforcement applications. The system disclosed herein can autonomously track multiple target vehicles with a highly accurate laser based speed measurement system or, under manual control via a touch screen, select a particular target vehicle of interest. In a mobile application the police vehicle speed is determined through the OBD II CAN port and updated for accuracy though an onboard GPS subsystem. The system and method of the present invention simultaneously provides both narrow and wide images of a target vehicle for enhanced evidentiary purposes. A novel, low inertia pan/tilt mechanism provides extremely fast and accurate target vehicle tracking and can compensate for geometrical errors and the cosine effect.

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

Abstract: The invention relates, in general, to the field of magnetic sensors and accelerometers and the utilization of the same as magnetometers, magnetic compasses, range finders, navigational systems and other applications. More particularly, the invention relates to effective, simplified and highly accurate techniques for calibration of magnetic sensors and accelerometers.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables real time measurement of the spatial profile, circularity, centroid, astigmatism and M2 values of a laser beam generated by a high power laser beam. The apparatus employs the optics used in a process application, including a focus lens and cover glass. An attenuation module includes a pair of high reflecting mirror plates disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to one another at a common angle of incidence to the laser beam. A beam dump is positioned out of a path of travel of the laser beam and in receiving relation to light reflected by the first and second mirrors. A camera detects spots of light that pass through the first and second mirrors. A high power attenuator formed by a highly reflective mirror pair is positioned between the source and the attenuation module. A second embodiment includes a single mirror plate having highly reflective surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to a combination of optical elements integrated into a singular unit to perform one or more functional operations upon an electromagnetic radiation emission conveyed through said unit, and more particularly, a plurality of optical elements that are durably integrated into a modular optical package, wherein said modular optical package is adaptive to a releasable mounting mechanism and has the capability to maintain an independently controlled microenvironment. An electromagnetic radiation emission in introduced into the modular optical package through at least one ingress portal and upon modification by the internal optical elements, exits the modular optical package through at least one egress portal. A microenvironment is maintained within the enclosure of the modular optical package such that humidity, temperature, atmospheric composition, particulates, and out-gassing contaminants are controlled.

Abstract: A handheld, folded-path, laser rangefinder architecture and technique incorporating a single circuit board for mounting of both the laser emitting and detecting elements is disclosed. The architecture disclosed provides an efficient and low cost design for a laser rangefinder, and by eliminating the conventional provision of separate circuit boards for the laser transmitting and receiving elements, reduces the overall size of the unit and its cost of manufacture by concomitantly eliminating unnecessary interconnecting cables and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of a moving object in an image zone for possible use in the field of road and traffic safety related and/or gate monitoring systems includes an image sensor for imaging a field, a user interface for defining at least one detection zone within the field, a processor coupled to the user interface and the image sensor for detecting if a moving object has entered the at least one detection zone and an alarm providing a signal in response to detection of a moving object within the at least one detection zone.

Abstract: Devices capable of capturing still and motion imagery are integrated with an accurate distance and speed measuring apparatus. By measuring the changing distance of the target over that time, a target's speed can be determined. At substantially the same time as the target's speed is determined, imagery of the target is captured in both a still and moving format. Using a queuing mechanism for both distance and imagery data along with time stamps associated with each, a target's image, both in motion and still, can be integrated with its speed. In situations in which a still image is unavailable, a target's speed can be associated with a portion of a continuous stream of motion imagery to a point where a positive identification can be captured with a still image.

Abstract: Error introduced by analog to digital conversion of a set of laser pulses can be reduced by shifting the clock reference time associated with the firing of the laser pulse. A timing offset module shifts the timing reference of each laser pulse. Digital codes generated by the ADC from the received signals are realigned and summed eliminating systematic error introduced by clock driven operations of the ADC. A comparison of the total ADC output of detected laser pulses over a select number of clock intervals enables a return signal to be distinguishable over the systematic error.

Abstract: Devices capable of capturing still and motion imagery are integrated with an accurate distance and speed measuring apparatus. By measuring the changing distance of the target over that time, a target's speed can be determined. At substantially the same time as the target's speed is determined, imagery of the target is captured in both a still and moving format. Using a queuing mechanism for both distance and imagery data along with time stamps associated with each, a target's image, both in motion and still, can be integrated with its speed. In situations in which a still image is unavailable, a target's speed can be associated with a portion of a continuous stream of motion imagery to a point where a positive identification can be captured with a still image.

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

Abstract: Error introduced by analog to digital conversion of a set of laser pulses can be reduced by shifting the clock reference time associated with the firing of the laser pulse. A timing offset module shifts the timing reference of each laser pulse. Digital codes generated by the ADC from the received signals are realigned and summed eliminating systematic error introduced by clock driven operations of the ADC. A comparison of the total ADC output of detected laser pulses over a select number of clock intervals enables a return signal to be distinguishable over the systematic error.

Abstract: Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens.

Abstract: Error introduced by analog to digital conversion of a set of laser pulses can be reduced by shifting the clock reference time associated with the firing of the laser pulse. A timing offset module shifts the timing reference of each laser pulse. Digital codes generated by the ADC from the received signals are realigned and summed eliminating systematic error introduced by clock driven operations of the ADC. A comparison of the total ADC output of detected laser pulses over a select number of clock intervals enables a return signal to be distinguishable over the systematic error.

Abstract: Devices capable of capturing still and motion imagery are integrated with an accurate distance and speed measuring apparatus. By measuring the changing distance of the target over that time, a target's speed can be determined. At substantially the same time as the target's speed is determined, imagery of the target is captured in both a still and moving format. Using a queuing mechanism for both distance and imagery data along with time stamps associated with each, a target's image, both in motion and still, can be integrated with its speed. In situations in which a still image is unavailable, a target's speed can be associated with a portion of a continuous stream of motion imagery to a point where a positive identification can be captured with a still image.

Abstract: A high precision, high performance optical system and beam pathway design for laser-based distance measuring, or range-finding, devices includes an etched, or etched and filled, aiming reticle in the image plane which does not require daytime use illumination, and only minimal auxiliary illumination during nighttime operation, thereby conserving available battery power. In a preferred embodiment, a low power consuming back-lit liquid crystal display provides high contrast distance or other operational information to a user superimposed upon a black-appearing field stop thereby further providing operational power savings.

Abstract: The invention relates, in general, to the field of magnetic sensors and accelerometers and the utilization of the same as magnetometers, magnetic compasses, range finders, navigational systems and other applications. More particularly, the invention relates to effective, simplified and highly accurate techniques for calibration of magnetic sensors and accelerometers.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens of the prior art is split into two Fresnel lenses to allow easier control of the horizontal and vertical viewing angles. In a second embodiment, the Fresnel lens is entirely eliminated. Instead, the diffuser contains elliptical microstructures so that the diffusing cones in orthogonal directions are different, eliminating the need for a Fresnel lens to perform this function. To compensate for the absence of the light collimation provided by the Fresnel lens, a diffuser with spatially varying diffusing angles is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses the edge emitting characteristics of the LED bare chip to form a backlight with uniform illumination. This allows a reduced separation between the diffuser plate and the LED array. In one embodiment, the LED chip(s) is mounted over a prism structure, which redirects the side emitted light outwards.