Abstract: An aid for a blind person (1), includes a distance sensor (3), which creates a distance image of an object (2). The distance information that is generated by the distance sensor (3) is transmitted to a tactile matrix (10), which is integrated into a guide stick (11). The blind person (1) obtains information about his or her environment by touching the tactile matrix (10).

Abstract: A monitoring device for spatial areas comprises a receiver, to which an anamorphotic optical system, is assigned. The monitoring device also has a transmitter which scans a field of view assigned to the receiver using radiation pulse beams. A distance image of an object in the field of view can be produced by way of a radiation transit time determination with short-term integration carried out in an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A monitoring device is provided with a detector, by means of which both intensity images and distance images can be recorded. The resolution of the distance image can be increased with the aid of the intensity image. Conversely, the intensity image can be segmented in object-oriented fashion on the basis of the distance image.

Abstract: An aid for a blind person (1), includes a distance sensor (3), which creates a distance image of an object (2). The distance information that is generated by the distance sensor (3) is transmitted to a tactile matrix (10), which is integrated into a guide stick (11). The blind person (1) obtains information about his or her environment by touching the tactile matrix (10).

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) for spatial areas (2) includes emitters (3) that emit radiation pulses that are reflected by objects located within the spatial areas (2) toward receivers (4). The receivers (4) are connected to a run time determining unit (9) with whose aid a distance image of an object within the spatial areas (2) can be generated. A selection unit (10) evaluates the distance images and generates a detection signal at an output (11) when predetermined distance values occur in the distance images.

Abstract: A monitoring device for spatial areas comprises a receiver, to which an anamorphotic optical system, is assigned. The monitoring device also has a transmitter which scans a field of view assigned to the receiver using radiation pulse beams. A distance image of an object in the field of view can be produced by way of a radiation transit time determination with short-term integration carried out in an evaluation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for recording three-dimensional distance-measuring images of an object surface by measuring light propagation time using a short-term integrated photodetector. For starting a light-induced pulse on the transmission side, a trigger signal is produced that is at the same time used on the receiving side for opening at least one integration window for receiving back-scattered light-induced pulses with a predetermined time delay. A predetermined event such as a maximum or a zero crossing is detected which, by its interval relative to the integration windows, determines a trigger delay. The trigger delay is correlated with the light propagation time and allows calculation of the object point distance d.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the biometric identification of individuals (1) involving the use of a single optical sensor. To this end, both a part of the face (4) as well as a part of the hand (5) of the individual (1) to be identified are recorded in three dimensions and evaluated.

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) for spatial areas (2) includes emitters (3) that emit radiation pulses that are reflected by objects located within the spatial areas (2) toward receivers (4). The receivers (4) are connected to a run time determining unit (9) with whose aid a distance image of an object within the spatial areas (2) can be generated. A selection unit (10) evaluates the distance images and generates a detection signal at an output (11) when predetermined distance values occur in the distance images.

Abstract: A cost-effective panoramic scanner provides for the three-dimensional detection of objects, and in particular for the detection of ear impressions. For this purpose, a pattern is projected onto an object to be detected via a projector that generates an object image via a camera, the object image containing images of markings that enable an unambiguous assignment of the position of the object with respect to the projector and the camera. Since an exact synchronization of the rotary movement of the object with the recording of the object images is not necessary by virtue of the markings, the precision of the mechanism used is relatively nonstringent.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for recording three-dimensional distance-measuring images of an object surface by measuring light propagation time using a short-term integrated photodetector. For starting a light-induced pulse (1) on the transmission side, a trigger signal is produced that is at the same time used on the receiving side for opening at least one integration window (2, 21, 22) for receiving back-scattered light-induced pulses (3) with a predetermined time delay (&Dgr;TV). A predetermined event such as a maximum or a zero crossing is detected which, by its interval relative to the integration windows, determines a trigger delay. Said trigger delay is correlated with the light propagation time and allows calculation of the object point distance d.

Abstract: A capacitive measuring sensor which detects changes in an angle of electrode surfaces arranged at an acute angle to one another. The sensor outputs capacitive changes as a sensor signal. The sensor is preferably elongated and has at its end regions two fastening elements for connection to a body to be measured, two capacitor electrodes and two fastening elements. Changes in the angle of the capacitor electrodes is effected by displacement between the fastening points on the object to be measured.

Abstract: Strand-shaped winding material is continuously supplied to a coil, whereby the position of the winding material is observed with at least one video camera, whereby the data about the wrapping obtained in this way are conducted to a computer unit that initiates a corresponding readjustment. With reference to the coil axis and as seen in radial direction, the position of the apexes of the turns is identified for at least respectively two turns of the new winding ply, and, given a deviation of these apexes from a rated value, a readjustment is implemented in the delivery of the winding material.

Abstract: In order to trigger an airbag in a differentiated way, the position of a vehicle occupant is determined in a way that is as immune to interference as possible. This is achieved by a distance measurement in which the seatbelt that is in contact with the vehicle occupant serves as an active reference position. The distance between the seatbelt and known points within the vehicle permits the position of the seatbelt and the vehicle occupant to be determined. The distance measurement is performed using magnetic field transmitter units and receiver units. The transmitter unit is preferably integrated into the belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional range images of spatial objects, wherein a short-time illumination of the object is performed, for instance using laser diodes. An image sensor is used that has a high light sensitivity, pixel resolution and can be read out randomly, this sensor also having an integration time that can be adjusted for each pixel. By evaluating the backscattered laser pulses in two integration windows with different integration times and by averaging over several laser pulses, three-dimensional range images can be picked up with a high reliability in, for example, 5 ms at the most.

Abstract: The known arrangements have at least one rotor coil (RS) arranged on the rotor and at least one stator coil (SS) arranged on the stator. The rotor coil (RS) and the stator coil (SS) respectively have at least one winding (WI) and there is a magnetic coupling between the rotor coil (RS) and the stator coil (SS). With an arrangement of this sort, it is possible for example to transmit measurement signals of a measurement pickup (MA) arranged on the rotor (RO) for the contactless measurement of torques. The additional acquisition of the respective angular position and/or of the respective angular speed (.omega.

Abstract: In addition to triangulation methods, measurement systems according to the confocal principle are employed for the three-dimensional sensing of surfaces. These measurement systems have a higher resolution but, under certain circumstances, a lower data rate. An optical proximity sensor is described which, on the basis of the confocal microscope, carries out automatic inspection of surfaces in a time which is acceptable for a fabrication process. A linear system of corresponding light sources and photo receivers is used instead of a scanning beam, which requires a high outlay for generation. The optical path length between the receiving unit and the optical imaging arrangement is varied for the resolution of height values, wherein a light intensity maximum is detected by a peak detector.

Abstract: The force or extension sensor has a measuring capacitor (Mk) whose comb-like, interlocking electrode structures (Es1, Es2) can be adjusted in parallel with one another by two attachment points (Bp1, Bp2) as a function of the force (F) or the extension (E) to be measured. The total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) is determined by a parallel circuit having individual electrode pairs. A change in the total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) which is brought about by a change in the distances (d1) between the electrodes provides information on the force (F) or the extension (.epsilon.) to be measured. A change in the distances between the electrodes as a result of temperature-related extension is at least largely avoided by virtue of the fact that the attachment points (Bp1, Bp2) lie on a junction line (V1) which runs parallel to the direction of the electrodes (E1, E2) and is oriented at an angle (.alpha.) of 40.degree. to 50.degree., preferably 45.degree.

Abstract: The force or extension sensor has a measuring capacitor (Mk) whose electrode structures (Es1, Es2), of comb-like design and interengaging, can be moved parallel to one another via two securing points (Bp1, Bp2) as a function of the force (F) to be measured or of the extension (.di-elect cons.) to be measured. The total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) is determined by parallel connection of individual electrode pairs. The variation in the total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) due to variation of the electrode separations (d1) gives information regarding the force (F) to be measured or the extension (.di-elect cons.) to be measured.

Abstract: In order to determine the position and/or to check the separation of the leads (A) of components (B), a direct shadow of the region of the leads at one side of the component is generated on the photosensitive surface of a local resolution optoelectronic transducer (W4). If in each case one shadow is generated successively from two different directions, the coplanarity of the leads (A) may also be checked. Preferably, the local resolution optoelectronic transducer (W4) and the light sources for casting the shadow are directly secured to the equipping head (BK4). By integrating the determination system into the equipping head, the lead position can be determined and the separation and coplanarity of the leads can be checked without delay.