Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting errors in an optical measurement system utilizing a lens which may have distortions that would vary as a function of distance, by providing an encoded indication of the distortions of the lens for use by the system operator together with distance information to input a microprocessor and modify the signal from the detectors in the system to produce an accurate output.

Abstract: An optical gauging system which includes an aperture positioned on an axis between two lenses at a distance from each equal to their respective focal lengths and, utilizing radiation from a remote object parallel to the axis, the system being operable to determine the position or size of the object regardless of its distance from the system.

Abstract: Position responsive apparatus for determining the proper characteristics of an object within its field of view utilizing a pair of crossed detector arrays, one of which operates to detect the position of an image of the object as it moves in a first direction with respect to a first of the arrays and the other of which observes the desired characteristic of the object at successive positions of the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating an aperture between the lenslets of a lenslet array, which lenslet array has been produced by a process that leaves at least partially opaque barriers between the lenslets, comprising utilizing a photoresist over the entire surface of the lenslets and the spaces therebetween and shining ultraviolet light from the back of the array so that light exposes the photoresist in the lenslet portions and not in the areas therebetween.

Abstract: An autofocus system employing a slave lens which is so shaped or configured as to produce a strip of radiation on a pair of detectors used in the autofocus system thus enabling an attractive and useful arrangement for photographic or video camera apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for suppressing high frequency components in a scene being viewed and particularly components in access of the Nyquist frequency for use in autofocus camera work so as to maximize the use of the low frequency components.

Abstract: An alignment and focusing aid to assure that a detector array receives a properly focused image from a predetermined desired area of a remote object by providing an elongated radiation source located at an optical position indicative of the location of the detector array using a partly reflective mirror in the path between the object and the array to project radiation from the source to the object so that the proper focus condition and the desired area may be adjusted by focusing and positioning the image of the radiation source on the object.

Abstract: An opto-electronic package in which the cover of the package is made so as to have the optical components including lenslets, filters and masks as part thereof so that the assembly of the package may be simplified and that problems associated with different indices of thermal expansion among the parts is reduced.

Abstract: A system for improving the operation of an autofocus circuit under high intensity light situations by controlling the "start" time of a plurality of detectors directly from a computer rather than through a clock which is limited in its ability to "start" by the phases of signals it generates.

Abstract: An indicator for use in an auto focus type camera, which produces an output signal of magnitude indicative of the amount the camera lens must move, and of a sign or characteristic indicative of the direction the camera lens must move in order to reach a desired focus position; the indicator comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes a first group of which can only respond to a signal having the first characteristic and a second group of which can only respond to a signal having the second characteristic, but each of the detectors in both groups being responsive to signals of different magnitudes, so that upon the lighting of one of the light-emitting diodes, it can be determined how far the lens must move, and in what direction to achieve the desired proper focus position.

Abstract: Apparatus for correcting the mismatch which occurs in condition responsive detector pairs in a detector array so that the outputs of the detectors in the pairs are substantially the same when they are subjected to substantially the same condition.

Abstract: A totally reflecting strip mirror is utilized in a zoom lens system having an auto focus circuit replacing the partially reflective large mirror of the prior art to provide the same amount of radiation to the auto focus system with less waste, easier adjustment, and decreasing the necessary dimensions of the zoom lens system.

Abstract: A system for producing a default signal for an auto focus system whenever the scene being viewed has too low a contrast for the system to operate correctly. The default signal is produced as a function of the out of focus condition of the system so that default occurs when the low contrast value is below a first magnitude when the lens is near a proper focus position but occurs near a magnitude less than the first magnitude when the lens is further away from the proper focus position.

Abstract: A system for determining the range to an object utilizing a plurality of radiation responsive detectors arranged in groupings wherein a first grouping of detectors receives radiation from the object in a first pattern and the second grouping of detectors receives radiation from the object in a second pattern. The patterns move with respect to one another as the distance between the object and the system changes. The range is determined from a determination of the relative position of the patterns by computing where the patterns will coincide if the focusing lens of the system is moved. The output is a signal having a characteristic indicative of the desired direction of motion of the lens and a characteristic indicative of the amount of such motion necessary to produce a proper focus condition.

Abstract: An electronic imager arrangement is provided in which the time duration for sensing radiation is established by determining the amount of radiation already sensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the direction a lens should be moved in order to provide a proper focus of a remote object on a predetermine plane. A plurality of radiation detectors are positioned to receive radiation in first and second patterns from the object and to produce signals in accordance therewith. A first plurality of radiation detectors produces signals indicative of the radiation received in the first pattern while a second plurality of radiation detectors produces signals indicative of the radiation received in the second pattern. The two patterns coincide at the proper focus but at other than the proper focus the two patterns are spaced from one another in a direction which depends upon the direction the lens should be moved to achieve proper focus. The low frequency components in the patterns are determined by taking the sums of the outputs of groups of detectors in the first and second plurality of detectors so that individual fluctuations in individual detectors are smoothed.

Abstract: A circuit for use with switches that have contacts which may bounce upon closure or opening and produce a series of alternate closure and opening signals. The circuit operates eliminate the effect of all but the first of the closures or openings and thus avoid the problem of contact bounce.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the direction a lens should be moved in order to provide a proper focus of a remote object on a predetermined plane. A plurality of radiation detectors are positioned to receive radiation in first and second patterns from the object and to produce signals in accordance therewith. A first group of radiation detectors, produces signals indicative of the radiation received on the first pattern while a second group of radiation detectors produces signals indicative of the radiation received, in the second pattern. The two patterns coincide at the proper focus but at other than the proper focus position, the two patterns are spaced from one another in a direction which depends upon the direction the lens should be moved to achieve proper focus.

Abstract: A low cost auto focus system employing a bias signal source to cause the system to focus at the infinity or hyperfocal distance when very low contrast conditions exist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the direction the taking lens of a camera should be moved in order to provide a proper focus condition. A plurality of radiant energy detectors are positioned to receive energy from a scene being viewed and a first group of such detectors produces a first output signal pattern while a second group of such detectors produces a second output signal pattern. The two patterns coincide at the desired focus position but move with respect to one another in a first or opposite direction depending upon the focus condition. The slope of one or both of the patterns at predetermined positions is multiplied by the difference in value from the outputs of the detectors to create values which are summed. The sign of the summed values is representative of the direction the taking lens must be moved to bring the patterns into coincidence at the desired focus position.