Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for transmitting multiple optically-encoded stimulation signals to multiple stimulation sites, especially cell locations. The device uses a primary optical fiber to transmit specific wavelength components of an encoded light signal to output positions along the fiber where they are coupled out of the primary fiber to stimulation sites via electrodes for electrical stimulation of the sites or optical windows and/or secondary optical fibers for photo-stimulation of sites.

Abstract: An object-detecting lighting system comprises a light source emitting visible light. A source controller is connected to the light source to drive the light source into emitting the visible light in a predetermined mode. An optical detector is positioned with respect to the light source and is adapted to detect the visible light as reflected/backscattered by an object. A data/signal processor is connected to the source controller and the optical detector to receive detection data from the optical detector. The data/signal processor produces a data output associated to the object as a function of the predetermined mode and the detection data.

Abstract: The present lighting system adds detection capabilities to perceive the presence and measure the velocity of objects such as automobiles, trucks, pedestrian and other users, to lighting modules for transportation applications like traffic signal, pedestrian control, rails signal, street light, message board and speed monitoring board. For example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has the capability to be used as lighting source for illumination as a first function and also be pulsed or modulated as a source for the detection sub-system as a second function.

Abstract: The present application adds detection capabilities to perceive the presence and/or measure the velocity of obstacles such as automobiles, trucks, pedestrian and other users, to vehicle lighting modules as headlamp, tail lamps, centre high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) and interior lighting to name a few, for driver assistance applications like adaptive cruise control, blind spot and pre-crash assist. For example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has the capability to be used as lighting source for illumination as a first function and also be pulsed or modulated as a source for the detection sub-system as a second function.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: A rangefinding device and a method for determining the range of an object from a rangefinding device are provided. A train of light pulses each having an emission time and a pulse duration is generated. The pulse duration is set to twice the round-trip time to a maximum range of the device. The light pulses are reflected back toward the device by the object and detected according to three time intervals, respectively determined by a background gate, a ranging gate and a pulse energy gate. The light energy received during each interval is integrated and the integrated light value corresponding to the ranging gate is normalized using the values from the other two intervals. The range of the object is determined from the normalized ranging measurement and calibration data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object using visible light comprises providing a visible-light source having a function of illuminating an environment. The visible-light source is driven to emit visible light in a predetermined mode, with visible light in the predetermined mode being emitted such that the light source maintains said function of illuminating an environment. A reflection/backscatter of the emitted visible light is received from an object. The reflection/backscatter is filtered over a selected wavelength range as a function of a desired range of detection from the light source to obtain a light input. The presence or position of the object is identified with the desired range of detection as a function of the light input and of the predetermined mode.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring in real-time the spatial distribution of aerosol particles, such as pesticides or the like, sprayed from a vehicle over an agricultural field. An optical sensor is mounted directly on the vehicle and sends an excitation light beam through the aerosol as it is being sprayed. The resulting scattered light is received and analyzed to deduce therefrom information on the spatial distribution of the particles. This information is relayed to a processing unit, which in turn provides spraying instructions, for example a warning signal, to the operator of the system. The spraying of the aerosol can therefore be controlled in real-time to avoid contamination of sensitive areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber device that takes advantage of the fiber structure to construct mechanically stable devices with components inserted in the optical path. An optical component is inserted in a cavity transversally machined across an optical fiber. The component is secured in the cavity and functionally interrelates with light propagated in the optical fiber. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing an optical fiber device with a component insertion into an optical fiber by machining a cavity in an optical fiber, providing a solid component to be inserted in the optical fiber, positioning the component inside the cavity, and securing the component in the cavity. The component is preferably provided as a glass ribbon and the component is preferably secured in the cavity using laser fusion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for laser marking indicia in the volume of gemstones such as diamonds, the indicia being made up of a plurality of microscopic dot-shaped marks whose build-up can be initiated by exposing naturally-occurring internal defects or impurities in the volume of a gemstone to a tightly focused train of laser pulses. Authentication data is encoded in the gemstone from the relative spatial arrangement of the dot-shaped marks that form the indicium. Taking advantage of the presence of otherwise invisible defects in the gemstone allows for inscribing indicia with laser pulses carrying energies substantially lower than the threshold energy required for inscribing in the volume of a perfect gemstone material. The marking process is then much less susceptible to inflict damages to the surface of the gemstone, and the marking can be performed using a broad variety of femtosecond laser systems.

Abstract: An object-detecting lighting system comprises a light source emitting visible light. A source controller is connected to the light source to drive the light source into emitting the visible light in a predetermined mode. An optical detector is positioned with respect to the light source and is adapted to detect the visible light as reflected/backscattered by an object. A data/signal processor is connected to the source controller and the optical detector to receive detection data from the optical detector. The data/signal processor produces a data output associated to the object as a function of the predetermined mode and the detection data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber device that takes advantage of the fiber structure to construct mechanically stable devices with components inserted in the optical path. An optical component is inserted in a cavity transversally machined across an optical fiber. The component is secured in the cavity and functionally interrelates with light propagated in the optical fiber. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing an optical fiber device with a component insertion into an optical fiber by machining a cavity in an optical fiber, providing a solid component to be inserted in the optical fiber, positioning the component inside the cavity, and securing the component in the cavity. The component is preferably provided as a glass ribbon and the component is preferably secured in the cavity using laser fusion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical sensor located on a preferred azimuthal portion of the side of an optical fiber. An optical fiber having two opposite ends, a core and a cladding and at least one sensing area is disclosed. Each of the sensing areas is located between the two opposite ends and each has a longitudinal, a radial and an azimuthal portion of the fiber that has been removed and replaced by a sensing material. The sensing collected light is thus representative of a parameter to be measured, such as temperature. Placing the sensing material in a lateral side portion of the fiber increases the sensitivity of the sensor, particularly when it comes to contact temperature measurement in vivo.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring in real-time the spatial distribution of aerosol particles, such as pesticides or the like, sprayed from a vehicle over an agricultural field. An optical sensor is mounted directly on the vehicle and sends an excitation light beam through the aerosol as it is being sprayed. The resulting scattered light is received and analyzed to deduce therefrom information on the spatial distribution of the particles. This information is relayed to a processing unit, which in turn provides spraying instructions, for example a warning signal, to the operator of the system. The spraying of the aerosol can therefore be controlled in real-time to avoid contamination of sensitive areas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for laser marking indicia in the volume of gemstones such as diamonds, the indicia being made up of a plurality of microscopic dot-shaped marks whose build-up can be initiated by exposing naturally-occurring internal defects or impurities in the volume of a gemstone to a tightly focused train of laser pulses. Authentication data is encoded in the gemstone from the relative spatial arrangement of the dot-shaped marks that form the indicium. Taking advantage of the presence of otherwise invisible defects in the gemstone allows for inscribing indicia with laser pulses carrying energies substantially lower than the threshold energy required for inscribing in the volume of a perfect gemstone material. The marking process is then much less susceptible to inflict damages to the surface of the gemstone, and the marking can be performed using a broad variety of femtosecond laser systems.