Abstract: An optical absolute rotary encoder can have a simple and small structure, for determining the absolute values of rotational positions with high accuracy. The encoder can include an optical scale having an absolute pattern representing a code corresponding to a single absolute value using a transmitting area and/or an intercepting area. A light emitting unit can be arranged at one side with respect to the optical scale, and configured to project light on the optical scale. A light receiving unit can be arranged at the same side as the light emitting unit, can configured to receive light passing through the transmitting area of the optical scale. A light guide unit can be provided and configured to guide the light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The optical scale and the light emitting unit can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and the light receiving unit can be disposed on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A range image generating apparatus capable of preventing or reducing generation of range images with interference, which contain e.g., pixels with erroneous distance values is provided. The range image generating apparatus includes: a light source radiating a light; an image pickup element; a range image generating unit; a frequency changing unit that changes a modulation frequency for each frame rate or charge storage time; and a control unit that controls the light source and the image pickup element in synchronization with the modulation frequency changed by the frequency changing unit.

Abstract: A range image generating apparatus capable of preventing or reducing generation of range images with interference which contain e.g., pixels with erroneous distance values is provided. The range image generating apparatus includes: a light source radiating a light; an image pickup element; a range image generating unit; a frequency changing unit that changes a modulation frequency for each frame rate or charge storage time; and a control unit that controls the light source and the image pickup element in synchronization with the modulation frequency changed by the frequency changing unit.

Abstract: An optical absolute rotary encoder can have a simple and small structure, for determining the absolute values of rotational positions with high accuracy. The encoder can include an optical scale having an absolute pattern representing a code corresponding to a single absolute value using a transmitting area and/or an intercepting area. A light emitting unit can be arranged at one side with respect to the optical scale, and configured to project light on the optical scale. A light receiving unit can be arranged at the same side as the light emitting unit, can configured to receive light passing through the transmitting area of the optical scale. A light guide unit can be provided and configured to guide the light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The optical scale and the light emitting unit can rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and the light receiving unit can be disposed on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A multi-input optical switch can include a base plate that carries at least one photo sensor and multiple LEDs which are arranged at positions separated by approximately the same angular interval. A first mask can be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape and can include multiple through holes. A second mask can be formed as an approximately flat light blocking plate, and can include a translucent area. A translucent light guiding body can include an approximately flat plate portion, a protruded portion which extends downward from a center portion of the plate portion, a rod portion which extends upward from the center portion of the plate portion, a first total reflection surface and a second total reflection surface. A third mask can be provided with a tubular cup shape that diverges downward, and has an opening at a bottom end, a step portion at an intermediate position thereof, and at least one through hole on an upper cylindrical wall above the step portion.

Abstract: A multi-input optical switch can include a base plate that carries at least one photo sensor and multiple LEDs which are arranged at positions separated by approximately the same angular interval. A first mask can be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape and can include multiple through holes. A second mask can be formed as an approximately flat light blocking plate, and can include a translucent area. A translucent light guiding body can include an approximately flat plate portion, a protruded portion which extends downward from a center portion of the plate portion, a rod portion which extends upward from the center portion of the plate portion, a first total reflection surface and a second total reflection surface. A third mask can be provided with a tubular cup shape that diverges downward, and has an opening at a bottom end, a step portion at an intermediate position thereof, and at least one through hole on an upper cylindrical wall above the step portion.

Abstract: A high-frequency circuit board free from variations in transmission impedance and having the desired characteristics is produced. A surface of a resin substrate is activated to form a roughened surface, and a thin-wall pattern of an electrically conductive metal is formed directly on the roughened surface of the resin substrate.

Abstract: A high-frequency circuit board free from variations in transmission impedance and having the desired characteristics is produced. A surface of a resin substrate is activated to form a roughened surface, and a thin-wall pattern of an electrically conductive metal is formed directly on the roughened surface of the resin substrate.