Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for unambiguously evaluating high-bandwidth, rapidly changing analog range data in real time using low-cost components that allow detection of the signal of interest using a sampling rate that is lower than the Nyquist rate required to directly evaluate the full range data bandwidth.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a non-contact, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coherent optical distance measuring system and method for determining a measured distance over a wide distance range and simultaneously with fine range resolution. The approach and apparatus presented within eliminates the need for expensive, high frequency post-detection electronics to perform the necessary signal processing to accurately determine distance.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: A distance-measuring pixel apparatus includes a photonic integrated circuit disposed on a common substrate that further includes a photonic integrated circuit substrate having disposed thereon two 3 dB directional couplers, a GRIN lens, and a partially reflecting Faraday mirror having a first side that is optomechanically coupled to a second side of the GRIN lens; and a source laser, a first photodetector, and a second photodetector. A related distance measuring method includes, using the distance-measuring pixel apparatus, generating a local oscillator (LO) beam, generating an echo, combining the LO beam and the echo beam, splitting the combined LO beam and the echo beam, and producing a modulation of the photodetector assembly photocurrent at a frequency that encodes the distance of a remote object.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a non-contact, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coherent optical distance measuring system and method for determining a measured distance over a wide distance range and simultaneously with fine range resolution. The approach and apparatus presented within eliminates the need for expensive, high frequency post-detection electronics to perform the necessary signal processing to accurately determine distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for unambiguously evaluating high-bandwidth, rapidly changing analog range data in real time using low-cost components that allow detection of the signal of interest using a sampling rate that is lower than the Nyquist rate required to directly evaluate the full range data bandwidth.

Abstract: A distance-measuring pixel apparatus includes a photonic integrated circuit disposed on a common substrate that further includes a photonic integrated circuit substrate having disposed thereon two 3 dB directional couplers, a GRIN lens, and a partially reflecting Faraday mirror having a first side that is optomechanically coupled to a second side of the GRIN lens; and a source laser, a first photodetector, and a second photodetector. A related distance measuring method includes, using the distance-measuring pixel apparatus, generating a local oscillator (LO) beam, generating an echo, combining the LO beam and the echo beam, splitting the combined LO beam and the echo beam, and producing a modulation of the photodetector assembly photocurrent at a frequency that encodes the distance of a remote object.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: High-resolution laser range finding using frequency-modulated pulse compression techniques can be accomplished using inexpensive semiconductor laser diodes. Modern applications of laser range finding often seek to maximize the distance over which they can resolve range together with the range resolution and to minimize the pulse duration in order to acquire more data in less time. The combination of these requirements results in increasing bandwidth requirements for processing the ranging data, which can exceed 10 GHz over ranges of tens of meters, depending on the range resolution and pulse duration. Here we describe a method of compressing this range data bandwidth in real time using low-cost components and simple techniques that require no increase in processing time or resources.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically tuning a charged particle beam system, such as an ion implanter. In one embodiment, a control parameter of a control component located upstream of a target component is modulated, and the beam current downstream of the target component is measured. The beam current measurements provide information that is used to evaluate tuning and, if necessary, to adjust the target component. The target component is typically a slow response component, such as a magnet. In another embodiment, evaluation of tuning is performed by modulating the target parameter and monitoring the effect of such modulation on the beam current. In a further embodiment, the spot size of the charged particle beam is evaluated by scanning the beam across the edge of an aperture and evaluating the sharpness of the beam focus. The tuning algorithms are preferably implemented in localized power supply interfaces for high speed operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: A method for prioritizing and proactively buffering messages in a messaging system (10) with limited network resources, such as intermittent or unreliable communications links, or limited storage capacity. Messages, either in whole or in separate elements such as a header and a body, are assigned a prioritization value from factors such as the service level of the sender and recipient, the probability that the recipient will access a particular receiving node, the type of message element, and the age of the message. Messages are identified with the highest prioritization value, and these messages are delivered to a receiving node until the limited resource is exhausted. This may be used to optimize the use of a limited resource in a messaging system (10), increasing the probability that important messages will be available at the messaging nodes (14) from which they are requested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proactively buffering data across intermittent network connections, to increase the probability of desired data being available at remote network nodes where the nodes do not have continuous access to the network. An association table (80) associates user accounts with messaging nodes (14). A primary messaging zone (82) is generated, indicating the messaging nodes associated with a recipient user account, at which there is a significant probability that the user may request the collection of messages. During intermittent communications sessions with members of said primary messaging zone (82), incoming messages are delivered to these messaging nodes, where the messages are proactively buffered in preparation for a user request to collect messages while a messaging node (20) cannot collect from external sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of firmware-controlled portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically tuning a charged particle beam system, such as an ion implanter. In one embodiment, a control parameter of a control component located upstream of a target component is modulated, and the beam current downstream of the target component is measured. The beam current measurements provide information that is used to evaluate tuning and, if necessary, to adjust the target component. The target component is typically a slow response component, such as a magnet. In another embodiment, evaluation of tuning is performed by modulating the target parameter and monitoring the effect of such modulation on the beam current. In a further embodiment, the spot size of the charged particle beam is evaluated by scanning the beam across the edge of an aperture and evaluating the sharpness of the beam focus. The tuning algorithms are preferably implemented in localized power supply interfaces for high speed operation.