Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding two cameras on a single mount for stereo graphic imaging with controls for: (a) the synchronous convergence of the optical line of focus of both cameras at a single point at a desired distance; (b) the adjustment of the position of the image focal plane in one camera with respect to the image focal plane in the other camera such that the two cameras are correctly focused on the same image; (c) the adjustment of the spacing between the two cameras such as to mimic the average distance between human eyes; and (d) adjustment of the two cameras such that the two cameras, while being converged, rotate around the same image (nodal) point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the control of laser beams in real time synchronization with the control of multi-axis machines that position laser beams in two or three dimensional space, including the positioning of a laser beam with respect to the object(s) to be affected, the timing of when the laser is turned on and off, and the amount of laser light produced when the laser is on. The apparatus consists of digital electronic circuitry to control the laser and the motion of each axis in a multi-axis machine. The digital electronic circuitry synchronizes the laser operation with the multi-axis movement by means of real time digital electronic synchronization signals between the motion control circuitry and the laser control circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring in real time the rotational or linear position, direction or velocity of a rotating or linear moving body, particularly an encoded optical disk or strip attached to such rotating or linear moving body. A position measurement pattern comprising a plurality of spaced apart rows of “lands” and “pits” are included on the encoded disk or strip. A position read head with a plurality of laser beams is positioned to reflect laser light off the position measurement pattern on the disk or strip. The relative spacing of the laser beams on the position read head is adjusted to a non-integral multiple of the spacing of the rows. Output signals from the position read head are generated according to reflected laser light from the position measurement pattern which is detected by the error read head. The output signals are converted to position, direction and velocity information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring in real time the rotational or linear position, direction or velocity of a rotating or linear moving body, particularly an encoded optical disk or strip attached to such rotating or linear moving body. A position measurement pattern comprising a plurality of spaced apart rows of "lands" and "pits" are included on the encoded disk or strip. A position read head with a plurality of laser beams is positioned to reflect laser light off the position measurement pattern on the disk or strip. The relative spacing of the laser beams on the position read head is adjusted to a non-integral multiple of the spacing of the rows. Output signals from the position read head are generated according to reflected laser light from the position measurement pattern which is detected by the error read head. The output signals are converted to position, direction and velocity information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring in real time the eccentric error of a rotating body, particularly an encoded optical disk. An eccentricity measurement pattern comprising a plurality of concentric spaced apart diffraction rings are included on an encoded disk. An error read head with a plurality of laser beams is positioned to reflect laser light off the eccentricity measurement pattern on the disk. The relative radial spacing of the laser beams on the error read head is adjusted to a non-integral multiple of the radial spacing of the diffraction rings. Output signals from the error read head are generated according to reflected laser light from the eccentricity measurement pattern which is detected by the error read head. The output signals are converted to count and direction information.