Abstract: An approach is provided for generating synthetic ground truth drive and sensor observation data. The approach, for instance, receiving, by a processor, a first input specifying ground truth data indicating one or more ground truth locations of one or more map features. The approach also involves receiving a second input specifying one or more simulation characteristics. The approach further involves generating simulated drive data based on the ground truth data and the one or more simulation characteristics. For example, the simulated drive data includes (a) one or more simulated drive paths within a region of interest encompassing the one or more ground truth locations and (b) one or more simulated sensor observations of the one or more map features. The approach further involves providing the simulated drive data as an output.

Abstract: An optical waveguide and a shutter are used to guide light from multiple illuminated pixels on a document being scanned onto a single photosensor element. Various methods are disclosed for selecting one pixel at a time for projection onto a single sensor element. Multiple scans are required to capture all the image pixels. The data from multiple scans are then combined to form a single scanned image that has a higher optical sampling rate than the native optical sampling rate of the sensor array. Superresolution image analysis techniques developed for reconstruction of one image from a set of lower resolution images may be applied to provide a diffraction-limited high-resolution image. The waveguide as described also provides an ability to reduce scanning time for lower resolution images. In a first example embodiment, a rotating rod lens with a pattern of black and white areas is used to block/unblock optical waveguide array elements.

Abstract: A scan head that comprises an elongate light source, an elongate light sensor array and a planar waveguide array The light source is disposed perpendicular to the scan direction. The light sensor array is disposed parallel to the light source. The planar waveguide array includes an input end and an output end, and is curved about an axis parallel to the light source. The input end is located to receive light from the light source reflected by the object. The output end is located adjacent the light sensor array. The waveguide array includes tapered waveguides linearly arrayed in an array direction parallel to the light source. Each of the waveguides has a width in the array direction that decreases towards the output end of the waveguide array.

Abstract: An illumination source for use in projectors and the like. The illumination source includes a light source that generates a two-dimensional emission pattern having a light intensity that varies as a function of position in the emission pattern. A collector collects the light from the light source and illuminates an exit aperture therewith. The illuminated exit aperture has a two-dimensional emission pattern with a light intensity that varies as a function of position in a manner that is more uniform as a function of position than the emission pattern of the light source. An imaging optical element images the exit aperture onto a surface. The collector is preferably a compound parabolic concentrator or a compound elliptical concentrator. In one embodiment of the invention, a partially reflecting film is placed between the exit aperture and the imaging optical element.

Abstract: A scanner includes a housing defining a front housing opening and, in some instances, a rear housing opening and a movable scanner module located within the housing. The scanner with front and rear housing openings can be mounted on, for example, a computer monitor without obstructing the user's view of the monitor screen.

Abstract: The optical scanner comprises a light source, an image sensor, a planar array of elongate optical waveguides, and input and output coupling optics for communicating light to and from the image transmission optics. The light source is adapted to direct light toward and reflect light from an object to be scanned. The planar array of elongate optical waveguides is formed in a substrate. Each of the waveguides include an input end and an output end and can be tapered along the length of the waveguide. The input optics disposed between the object and the waveguide array can include tubes, single lenses per waveguide, larger lenses per cluster of waveguides, a GRIN lens array or comparable mirror systems for directing light reflected from the object to be scanned to the input ends of the waveguides. The output optics disposed between the waveguide array and the image sensor can include lenses or mirror systems similar to that used for the input coupling optics.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a compound elliptical concentrator having an illumination source at an entry aperture and having an exit aperture directed to project light onto the surface of an object. The compound elliptical concentrator includes first and second reflective surfaces that are arcs of different ellipses. The ellipse that defines the arc of the first reflective surface has one focus that is proximate to an entry end of the second reflective surface. The ellipse that defines the arc of the second reflective surface has a focus that is proximate to the entry end of the first reflective surface. The other foci of the ellipses are at or beyond the exit aperture of the compound elliptical concentrator and are preferably symmetrically aligned with respect to the surface to be imaged. The reflective surfaces are on the opposite sides of a plane of symmetry and are configured such that multiple reflections of extreme rays from the illumination source are deterred.

Abstract: A simplified, cost effective optical apparatus for solid state photorecording of optical images with enhanced resolution. The optical apparatus of the invention includes an array of optical apertures and a plurality of portions of a phosphorescent material. Each portion is optically coupled to a respective one of the apertures. The apertures are exposed to an optical image so as to record the image in the plurality of portions of the phosphorescent material. A number of the apertures of the invention is large, preferably within a range of approximately one million to seven million apertures. For example in a preferred embodiment the number of the apertures is approximately six million apertures. Preferably, the optical apertures are microscopic optical apertures. For example, each aperture has a respective width dimension within a range of approximately ten to fifty microns. Preferably, the respective width dimension of each aperture is approximately twelve microns.

Abstract: Method for deposit of a p type dopant from a dopant layer into a predetermined region of a III-V semiconductor layer or multiple layers. The p type dopant is deposited in very high concentration in a semiconductor layer adjacent to the predetermined region. A second semiconductor layer, doped with a lower concentration of an n type dopant, is later deposited so that the high concentration p type dopant layer lies between the predetermined region and the n type dopant layer. The p type dopant is diffused into the predetermined region by thermally driven diffusion, which may be carried out at a lower temperature or for a shorter diffusion time interval than with conventional diffusion, and p type dopant diffusion may extend over greater distances.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heavy duty commercial lawn edger apparatus utilized to achieve a new and novel contoured edge cut between adjacent portions of a grass area and a concrete or curb area. The lawn edger apparatus includes a main support base assembly directed by a main handle and control assembly and having a main power assembly mounted thereon. The main power assembly is connectable through a belt and pulley drive assembly to selectively drive a main edging and cleaner assembly. The main edging and cleaner assembly includes a heavy duty blade assembly; a main brush assembly mounted adjacent the main blade assembly for surface cleansing purposes; and an adaptor cutter assembly releasably connected to the main blade assembly to achieve unique shapes in the contoured edge cut. The main blade assembly includes a thick main blade member having spaced cut out sections to achieve a novel cutting feature of this invention.