Abstract: A system detects an object contour with an image acquisition assembly, the object moving relative to the assembly. A line detector scans the surface line by line during a scan cycle, the line being transverse to the relative motion direction. During active periods, a light source emits light synchronized with the scan cycle, allowing the line detector to acquire a first group of at least one lit scan line. A second group of unlit scan line(s) is acquired during non-emitting idle periods. The object passes between the line detector and the light source. A processor receives and analyzes acquired scan lines. For each lit scan line group and a successive second unlit scan line group, the processor identifies a token pattern with a lit segment adjoining an unlit segment. The processor searches the first and second groups for the token pattern ending or reappearing to produce an object contour.

Abstract: Method for the monitoring of an environment, by procuring, adjourning and storing in a memory, files representing the background space. Programs for processing data obtained from the observation of objects are defined and stored in a memory, for identifying the objects and for determining whether they are dangerous. Parameters, according to which the observation of the controlled space is effected, are determined and stored. Photographic observation of the controlled space or sections thereof, is performed according to the aforesaid observation parameters. The digital data representing these photographs are processed to determine whether possible dangerous objects have been detected, and if so, these objects are classified according to the stored danger parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting the contour of an object situated on a surface includes an image acquisition assembly, wherein there is relative motion between the image acquisition assembly and the object. The image acquisition assembly includes a line detector, operable for scanning the surface line by line by virtue of the relative motion. Each line is scanned during a scan cycle, the line being transverse to the direction of the relative motion. A light source is operable for emitting light toward the line detector during active periods between idle periods, such that during each of the active periods the light is emitted for at least one cycle synchronized with the scan cycle, allowing the line detector to acquire a first group of at least one lit scan line. During each of the idle periods lasting for at least another cycle synchronized with the scan cycle, no light is emitted, allowing the line detector to acquire a second group of at least one unlit scan line.

Abstract: Method for the monitoring of an environment, by procuring, adjourning and storing in a memory, files representing the background space. Programs for processing data obtained from the observation of objects are defined and stored in a memory, for identifying the objects and for determining whether they are dangerous. Parameters, according to which the observation of the controlled space is effected, are determined and stored. Photographic observation of the controlled space or sections thereof, is performed according to the aforesaid observation parameters. The digital data representing these photographs are processed to determine whether possible dangerous objects have been detected, and if so, these objects are classified according to the stored danger parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic certification, identification and tracking of remote objects in relative motion to a reading system, utilizing a novel tag affixed to an object and novel apparatus and techniques for automatically reading the tag information, its relative velocity, angle and position. The tag reader comprises an imaging system that undertakes real time image processing of the acquired images. Matching of the optical parameters of the imaging optics at the reader and the focusing optics at the tag ensure optical reliability and readability at large ranges. Novel types of tag designs are presented.

Abstract: A system for grading and evaluating optical elements, such as lenses, filters, reticules and the like, where the tested element is scanned by at least one wedge shaped light beam, which has an angle of about 5 degrees to 35 degrees, and which intersects the surface of the optical element in the form of a narrow rectangle, and at an angle with the surface of the element. Beyond the optical element there is arranged a rotating mask which rotates synchronized with the rotating light beam, so that no direct light reaches an array of photoelements positioned beyond the mask, which array receives light pulses resulting from surface defects and internal defects of the tested optical element. The light signals reaching the said array are evaluated and thus the quality of the optical element is deduced.