Abstract: The present invention relates to a method 100 for object detection (140), recognition, classification and tracking using a distributed networked architecture comprising one or more sensor units (20) wherein the image acquisition and the initial feature extraction are performed and a gateway processor (30) for further data processing. The present invention also relates to a vision system (10) for object detection (140) wherein the method may be implemented, to the devices of the vision system (10), and to the algorithms implemented in the vision system (10) for executing the method acts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method 100 for object detection (140), recognition, classification and tracking using a distributed networked architecture comprising one or more sensor units (20) wherein the image acquisition and the initial feature extraction are performed and a gateway processor (30) for further data processing. The present invention also relates to a vision system (10) for object detection (140) wherein the method may be implemented, to the devices of the vision system (10), and to the algorithms implemented in the vision system (10) for executing the method acts.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a method for object detection, recognition, classification and tracking using a distributed networked architecture. In some embodiments, the distributed network architecture may include one or more sensor units wherein the image acquisition and the initial feature extraction are performed and a gateway processor for further data processing. Some aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a vision system for object detection, and to algorithms implemented in the vision system for executing the method acts for object detection, recognition, classification and/or tracking.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a method for object detection, recognition, classification and tracking using a distributed networked architecture. In some embodiments, the distributed network architecture may include one or more sensor units wherein the image acquisition and the initial feature extraction are performed and a gateway processor for further data processing. Some aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a vision system for object detection, and to algorithms implemented in the vision system for executing the method acts for object detection, recognition, classification and/or tracking.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed device is based on a transmission grating spectrometer having at least two diffractive optical elements. The WDM device provides flexible use and may be widely applied in WDM systems. The device is useful for multiplexing and demultiplexing, channel monitoring, for adding and dropping channels, and for controlling the power in individual channels within a multiple channel signal. The device provides for dynamic control of individual channels, and may be advantageous in use as a gain flattening filter.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed device is based on a transmission grating spectrometer having at least two diffractive optical elements. The WDM device provides flexible use and may be widely applied in WDM systems. The device is useful for multiplexing and demultiplexing, channel monitoring, and for adding and dropping channels. The device provides programmability in use as an add/drop multiplexer.

Abstract: In a method of making a replication tool, replication parts for both two dimensional optical elements, such as are fabricated using micro-forming techniques, and three dimensional optical elements, that are typically formed using cutting techniques are present on the replication tool. A method of manufacturing a replication tool for a planar optical sheet includes mounting at least one optical element part on a base to form a master part and forming a conductive metal layer over the master part. The method also comprises electrochemically depositing over the conductive metal layer to form an electrochemically deposited layer, separating the electrochemically deposited layer from the master part. The invention also relates to the replication tool itself and optical circuits formed using the replication tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring spectral information of light from at least one object includes at least one light detector and at least one transparent body. The transparent body has a front side that has an entrance aperture and at least one reflecting surface. The transparent body also has a back side that includes at least one reflecting surface and an exit surface. The detector is positioned near the exit surface. At least one of the front reflecting surface and the back reflecting surface includes a diffractive optical element arranged to receive diverging light from the aperture. A focusing element focuses diffracted light to the exit surface. The apparatus may comprise multiple channels and may also include a device for measuring a distance to the object.

Abstract: New grating structures include a bonded transmission grating structure. The grating structure is encapsulated by two pieces that are bonded together. In addition, a new method of making grating structures includes forming wells with an aspect ratio (depth:width) of at least 3:1, 7:1 or greater. Such grating structures can be used to form gratings with high diffraction efficiencies for both TE and TM polarizations of light.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed device is based on a transmission grating spectrometer having at least two diffractive optical elements. The WDM device provides flexible use and may be widely applied in WDM systems. The device is useful for multiplexing and demultiplexing, channel monitoring, for adding and dropping channels, and for controlling the power in individual channels within a multiple channel signal. The device provides for dynamic control of individual channels, and may be advantageous in use as a gain flattening filter.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed device is based on a transmission grating spectrometer having at least two diffractive optical elements. The WDM device provides flexible use and may be widely applied in WDM systems. The device is useful for multiplexing and demultiplexing, channel monitoring, and for adding and dropping channels. The device provides programmability in use as an add/drop multiplexer.

Abstract: In a method of making a replication tool, replication parts for both two dimensional optical elements, such as are fabricated using micro-forming techniques, and three dimensional optical elements, that are typically formed using cutting techniques are present on the replication tool. A method of manufacturing a replication tool for a planar optical sheet includes mounting at least one optical element part on a base to form a master part and forming a conductive metal layer over the master part. The method also comprises electrochemically depositing over the conductive metal layer to form an electrochemically deposited layer, separating the electrochemically deposited layer from the master part. The invention also relates to the replication tool itself and optical circuits formed using the replication tool.

Abstract: New grating structures include a bonded transmission grating structure. The grating structure is encapsulated by two pieces that are bonded together. In addition, a new method of making grating structures includes forming wells with an aspect ratio (depth:width) of at least 3:1, 7:1 or greater. Such grating structures can be used to form gratings with high diffraction efficiencies for both TE and TM polarizations of light.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors spectral information of an optical transmission system. The apparatus comprises a monolithic spectrometer and at least one transmission signal detector for producing output signals of separated transmission signal components and optical noise.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting material comprising at least one retroreflective optical system (200, 300, 400) consisting of an entrance transmission optical element (201, 301) for receiving and focusing incident electromagnetic radiation from an irradiation source, and a reflective optical element (205, 405) for reflecting the incident electromagnetic radiation back toward the irradiation source; said reflective optical element being positioned in or near the effective focal point of the transmission optical element and the space between the optical elements optionally being constituted by a spacing material (202); wherein at least one of the optical elements (205, 301, 405) is a diffractive optical element, the reflective optical element (205, 405) for substantially all angles of incidence sends at least a part of the incident electromagnetic radiation back along the direction of the incoming chief ray (204), and the reflective optical element does not exclusively consist of a specular mirror type reflective op