Abstract: An optical identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system for vehicles comprises a Selective Wavelength IFF (SWIFF) system with a tunable optical beacon being located on each similarly equipped vehicle. That tunable optical beacon includes a light source and wavelength encoder which can select a number of narrow-band optical wavelengths for emission from the beacon, those selected wavelengths forming an identification code for a vehicle. The optical beacon directs the selected wavelengths along an optical path to a diffuser which can irradiate a wide field-of-view around the vehicle with those selected wavelength for detection and identification by other friendly vehicles. The light source may be one that emits a broad range of wavelengths with the encoder providing a number of narrow-band optical filters which can be selectively positioned in the optical path from the light source to the diffuser.

Abstract: A proximity detector and ambient light monitor (PALM) is provided, comprising a light source for generating an optical composite signal, a light detector for providing a detected signal, a circuit for separating the ac component from the detected signal, and a switch for providing a control signal when the ac component is outside a preset range. The PALM further comprises an ambient light detector which also receives the detected signal and provides an ambient light level signal. The ambient light detection circuit rejects the signals that relate to the proximity monitoring and provides sufficient gain to overcome daylight filtering lens currently provided on the light detectors. The ambient light monitoring circuit provides either a continuous varying voltage proportional to the ambient light, or a simple binary signal indicating that the light is above a threshold.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device which performs optical measurement achieving high signal to noise ratio by separating light to be measured from unnecessary noise components comprises a photosensitive unit comprising a photoelectric converting function, a first integrator for either integrating or not integrating a signal generated on the photosensitive unit in a first capacitor connected between an input and output thereof by a first reset signal, a second integrator for either integrating or not integrating a signal in a third capacitor by a second reset signal, a switching device and a second capacitor connected in series between an output of the first integrator and an input of the second integrator, a counter circuit comprising a counting up function and a counting down function, and a timing control circuit for prior to the measurement of the light to be measured, making the first integrator to perform integration by controlling the first reset signal, setting the second integrator in non-integration s

Abstract: A scanning detection system. The inventive system includes a detector arrangement for scanning a target surface over a predetermined angular range and providing a plurality of sampled signals in response thereto. The detector outputs are sampled and aggregated to provide a first output having a constant spatial resolution independent of the scan angle of the detector. The detector outputs are also aggregated to provide a second output having fine radiometric sensitivity. In a specific implementation, constant resolution is achieved by co-adding a variable number of adjacent detector samples where the number of adjacent samples co-added is dependent on the scan angle. Fine radiometric sensitivity is achieved by co-adding a fixed number of adjacent samples. Thus, dual capabilities of constant resolution and high sensitivity are achieved in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A system that is mounted in a camera capable of focal point detection and that performs correction of the focal point detection data in accordance with the temperature, wherein the temperature inside the photo-taking lens barrel is measured and the focal point detection data is corrected based on the temperature data for the interior of the photo-taking lens barrel. Using this construction, because the temperature of a lens element comprising the photo-taking lens can be accurately measured even where the ambient temperature of the camera has suddenly changed, for example, appropriate correction suitable for the temperature conditions may be performed. Also disclosed is a construction in which the correction of the focal point detection data is performed based on not only the temperature data but also the focal length data for the photo-taking lens.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus having color separation filters is provided which produces a signal with reduced chrominance and luminance moire and thereby improves resolution, and the spectral characteristics of the color filters for the solid-state imaging apparatus are so set that when the spectral characteristic of each color filter is multiplied by a prescribed coefficient, the sum of four or two horizontally adjacent pixels becomes approximately equal between two vertically adjacent lines. A coefficient multiplying circuit multiplies an output signal from each color filter by the prescribed coefficient, and signal processing is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an edge opening (22, 24) in a web (12) of photographic film includes a frame (84, 138, 140); an edge guide (156, 158) supported by the frame, the edge guide having a surface (160) for engaging an edge surface of a web moving past the edge guide; an aperture (334) in the surface; a guide track (325, 327) supported by the frame; an optical sensor (328) mounted on the guide track, the sensor comprising a probe (330) extended through the aperture to a point near the surface; and a mechanism (318-322) for moving the sensor along the guide track to position the probe for accurate detection of an edge opening.

Abstract: Ambiguity, in readings from an optical bubble detector used with tubing, can be reduced by shaping the tubing into the shape of a prism, so that when different contents of the tubing have differing indices of refraction, there is a clear difference in the exit angle of the light beam leaving the tube. A triangular prism shape is preferred for the compressed tubing. The optical bubble detector features an optics block formed with a V-shaped recess, and a clamp block. The optics block and clamp block cooperatively press or "sandwich" the flexible tubing into the V-shaped recess and deform it into a triangular prismatic cross-section. A generally U-shaped optical interrupter element, containing a photoemitter and a photosensor, fits into the optics block in such a manner that a light beam is directed radially into the triangular tubing section.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting containers of predetermined diameter that includes a pair of optical proximity sensors positioned adjacent to a container conveyor such that light energy from the sensors is incident sequentially on the containers as the containers pass on the conveyor adjacent to the sensors. The sensors are adjustably positionable with respect to each other such that the sensors are spaced from each other in the direction of container motion on the conveyor. An electronic circuit is coupled to the sensors for detecting passage of containers on the conveyor while ignoring dithering of the containers. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors are mounted on a common support having a scale for measuring separation between the sensors. Printed indicia in units of container diameter, preferably in both English and metric units, is affixed to the support adjacent to the scale.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing instantaneous real-time information concerning the attitude of an object. When the speed of the object to which the apparatus is attached is known, a real-time three dimensional velocity vector is determinable. The apparatus includes a plate mounted for rotation in a first axis nested within a gimbal means which is also mounted for rotation in a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being orthogonally oriented. The plate may mount a compass, gyroscope or laser. The rate of change of the angular position of the compass, gyroscope or laser is determinable. The rotation of the plate and the gimbal means are ascertained with precision by a novel sensor means. The sensor means determines the rotation by measuring the intensity of radiation (photoemission) passing through a disk with a variable width aperture circumscribed about the disk's circumference.

Abstract: A current boosted positive feedback logarithmic transresistance amplifier is provided for currency validators. The amplifier has a photo-diode capable of producing a current in response to light, connected to an operational amplifier having both a positive and a negative feedback branch. A logarithmic density amplifier having a feedback resistor and a log diode connected in shunt with the resistor as a dynamic feedback to the amplifier is connected to the positive feedback branch of the current boosting amplifier by way of the log diode. The summing action at the inputs of the current boosting amplifier result in a current at the log diode that is a direct multiple of the current in the photo-diode.

Abstract: A shaft angle transducer uses a rectangular prism to refract a light beam in proportion to the angular displacement of a shaft and then measures the refraction with a pair of light sensors. A fixed light source projects a light beam through a cylindrical lens and the prism to produce a patch of light on the fixed light sensors. An aperture shapes and sizes the light patch to nearly match the dimensions of one of the light sensors. The prism rotates with the shaft and refracts the light beam in proportion to the rotation angle. As the patch translates across the surface of the light sensors, more light impinges on one light sensor and correspondingly less light impinges on the other light sensor. The difference between the signals produced by the two light sensors produces an output signal that approximates the angular displacement of the shaft from a null position.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically monitoring a space, the apparatus including light guiding fibers for transmitting received radiation to a sensor device. The light inlets are arranged in an array while the sensors are arranged in a row which is read out in parallel fashion.

Abstract: An electronic control device for the contactless control of a unit, e.g., a plumbing unit, especially a urinal, with at least one transmitter for sending directed light signals, and with a receiving device. The receiving device receives signals reflected from a scanned object and sends them to a circuit acting on the unit. The transmitter and the receiving device form an optical triangulation arrangement, wherein reflections are received from the background and from a predetermined detection zone to mask the said background.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter device having improved residual image characteristics and composed of a transistor having a control electrode region made of a semiconductor of a first conductivity type for accumulating carriers generated by an electromagnetic wave emitted by an object to be detected, a first main electrode region made of a semiconductor of a second conductivity type, and a second main electrode region made of a semiconductor of the second conductivity type, for performing an operation to accumulate the carriers, an operation of reading signals based on the carriers, and an operation of extinguishing the carriers, wherein carriers other than those generated by the electromagnetic wave emitted by the object to be detected are generated in or injected into the control electrode region. Thus, since the amount of excess majority carriers in the control electrode region after the extinguishing operation is always kept substantially constant, improved residual image characteristics are obtained.

Abstract: A color filter system for an optical system, applicable to optical systems in color image scanners, copiers, video cameras and digital cameras. The optical system includes a photosensor army, transmissive color filters on the photosensor array and a corrective reflective filter adjacent to the photosensor array. The transmissive color filters on the photosensor array are imperfect, transmitting too much visible red as well as infrared. The adjacent reflective filter compensates by suppressing longer visible red wavelengths and infrared wavelengths. The combination provides color precision with cost and manufacturing advantages relative to attempting to provide precise transmissive filters on the photosensor array or relative to providing compensation filters elsewhere in the system.

Abstract: Optical encoder apparatus and methods are provided for converting the cyclic motion of an electro-mechanical machine, such as an electric motor, into at least one electrical signal having a predetermined waveform. The apparatus may include at least one photo-detector which is responsive to at least one pattern of incident radiant energy. An optically programmed system is optically aligned with the detector, and configured to be actuated by the cyclic motion of the machine. The system modifies at least one pattern of incident radiant energy at the detector, in a plurality of directions, in accordance with an optical function which includes graphical function. The graphical function may be a transform of a waveform function. The system includes an optical element, such as an optical encoder disc, which contains at least one optically detectable graphical pattern. The system also includes a mask containing at least one aperture which permits a pattern of radiant energy to pass to the detector.

Abstract: A solid-state focal-plane imaging system comprises an N.times.N array of high gain, low-noise unit cells, each unit cell being connected to a different one of photovoltaic detector diodes, one for each unit cell, interspersed in the array for ultralow level image detection and a plurality of digital counters coupled to the outputs of the unit cell by a multiplexer (either a separate counter for each unit cell or a row of N of counters time shared with N rows of digital counters). Each unit cell includes two self-biasing cascode amplifiers in cascade for a high charge-to-voltage conversion gain (>1 mV/e.sup.-) and an electronic switch to reset input capacitance to a reference potential in order to be able to discriminate detection of an incident photon by the photoelectron (e.sup.-) generated in the detector diode at the input of the first cascode amplifier in order to count incident photons individually in a digital counter connected to the output of the second cascode amplifier.

Abstract: An adjustable focusing apparatus in a scanning device is used in imagesetters, scanners, and platemaking devices to focus a scanning beam on an element to be scanned. Precise focusing is achieved with the adjustable focusing apparatus to produce output images free of undesirable artifacts. The scanning device produces a beam from a light source to scan the element. An optical system focuses the beam on a particular surface within the element. The adjustable focusing apparatus adjusts the focus position of the scanning beam relative to the element according to the thickness of the element.

Abstract: A laser generation unit 20 emits a laser beam. A polygon mirror 27 deflects the laser beam to irradiate an image forming surface in horizontal scans. A beam detection mirror 25 reflects the laser beam at a start of each horizontal scan. A slit body 36 has a slit 44 oriented so the laser beam passes therethrough after being reflected off the mirror. A sensor 26 is disposed so that the laser beam falls incident thereon after passing through the slit 44. Light-obstructing walls 35a and 35b of the slit body 36 are slanted an appropriate angle with regards to an optical axis of the laser beam from the beam detection mirror 25. When reflected at the surfaces of the light-obstructing walls, the laser beam will not directly return to the beam detection mirror 25 and then to the polygon mirror 27. Any ghost images will not be formed on the image forming surface.