Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for interacting with a plurality of autonomous vehicles. In one implementation, a navigation system for a vehicle may include a memory including a predetermined road model representative of at least one road segment and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to selectively receive, from the plurality of autonomous vehicles, road environment information based on navigation by the plurality of autonomous vehicles through their respective road environments, determine whether one or more updates to the predetermined road model are required based on the road environment information, and update the predetermined road model to include the one or more updates.

Abstract: A route search apparatus comprises a road information storage part configured to store road information including link information comprised of single link information and composite link information; and a route searcher configured to search a recommended route between two different points using the link information. The single link information includes information regarding an approach link that is a link approaching to a node at one end of a target link, an exit link that is a link exiting from a node at the other end of the target link, and a cost of the target link for entering from the approach link and exiting to the exit link. The composite link information includes information regarding an approach link that is a link approaching to a node at one end of a target link array, an exit link that is a link exiting from a node at the other end of the target link array, and a cost of the target link array for entering from the approach link and exiting to the exit link.

Abstract: A system comprising: an event server including a plurality of event agents for handling events occurring in a geographic space; a selector operable to select an event agent among the plurality of event agents for handling an event candidate based on a type of a source information; and a mobile object server including a mobile object agent assigned to a moving object in the geographic space, wherein the mobile object server is operable to execute the mobile object agent to collect information of an event from the selected event agent and provide the moving object with information that assists the moving object with traveling in the geographic space.

Abstract: A system comprising: an event server including a plurality of event agents for handling events occurring in a geographic space; a selector operable to select an event agent among the plurality of event agents for handling an event candidate based on a type of a source information; and a mobile object server including a mobile object agent assigned to a moving object in the geographic space, wherein the mobile object server is operable to execute the mobile object agent to collect information of an event from the selected event agent and provide the moving object with information that assists the moving object with traveling in the geographic space.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein methods of operating a computing device, such as a server, to associate a hazard with a zone of a digital map. The method comprises the computing device: receiving data representative of a location of a hazard matched to a location on a digital map accessible to said computing device; and determining if the repository comprises data representative of a zone corresponding to a region of a digital map containing the location of the hazard, to which the hazard should be associated. If the repository does not comprise data representative of such a zone, the method further comprises generating data representative of a zone corresponding to a region of a digital map containing the location of the hazard, and storing the generated data representative of said zone in the data repository. There is also disclosed herein computing devices and software for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: To provide remote services, including dynamic, interactive assistance to electric vehicle (EV) users, a central server is arranged for electronic communications with EVs (15) and with client devices (11). The server also communicates with at least one EV charging station network, which in turn communicate with individual charging stations (30). Remote services may include trip planning, locating charging stations, checking availability and suitability of charging stations, making reservations at charging stations, and updating plans en route. The server collects data from the EV and analyzes the data to determine various statistics. The system advises a user on readiness of the EV to complete a proposed trip before recharging the EV batteries. Client devices may include smart phones, computers, or a head unit in the EV. Application software programs are executable on the client devices to provide user interfaces for accessing the remote services and for communicating with the central server.

Abstract: A system for autonomously navigating a vehicle along a road segment may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive from at least one sensor information relating to one or more aspects of the road segment. The processor may also be programmed to determine a local feature of the road segment based on the received information. Further the processor may be programmed to compare the local feature to a predetermined signature feature for the road segment. The processor may be programmed to determine a current location of the vehicle along a predetermined road model trajectory associated with the road segment based on the comparison of the received information and the predetermined signature feature. The processor may also be programmed to determine an autonomous steering action for the vehicle based on a direction of the predetermined road model trajectory at the determined location.

Abstract: A vehicle information providing device has a history information accumulation unit configured to sequentially acquire at least one of driving location information, power consumption information and charging facility information from an in-vehicle device of a vehicle having at least an electric motor as a traveling drive source and accumulate the at least one information as driving history information, an input unit configured to input at least a departure point and a destination point, a planned route acquisition unit configured to acquire a planned route from the departure point to the destination point, and a map memory configured to store a control map in which a route of section and a characteristic value are associated with each other on a basis of the driving history information accumulated in the history information accumulation unit.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes an image capture unit that is configured to acquire image information by imaging a forward view of the vehicle and an imaging device controller that is configured to determine whether a traffic sign that indicates speed limit information of a road is recognized abnormally based on the acquired image information. A navigation controller is configured to display either speed limit information stored in an imaging device database or speed limit information of the road stored in a map database in response to determining that the traffic sign is recognized abnormally.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for displaying on a device incident reports regarding transit lines and stations. Through a map application executing on the device, the method of some embodiments receives an incident report regarding a transit line or station of interest. The method displays the incident report in an incident reporting display area that is accessible on the device without the opening of the map application. The incident report in some embodiments includes a set of zero or more incidents associated with the transit line or station. In some embodiments, a reported incident can be an incident about the overall transit line, a portion of the transit line, or one or more stations along the transit line. A station is a location along a transit line at which a transit vehicle that travels the transit line stops. In some embodiments, the transit vehicle passengers can typically get on or off the transit vehicle at a transit station.

Abstract: A live dynamic map that provides for increased convenience for a user at a venue is disclosed. The live dynamic map may be branded for a venue, shows points of interest and paths between locations, includes a messaging capability, and allows users to be social with one another as well as venue management. Live branded mapping may allow for similar engagement on a region-by-region, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, or even brand-by-brand basis. By engaging on a hyper-local level, the present mapping platform can better target user and payload delivering and improve upon business to consumer brand engagement.

Abstract: A system for identifying a landmark for use in autonomous vehicle navigation is provided. The system includes at least one processor programmed to receive at least one identifier associated with the landmark; associate the landmark with a corresponding road segment; update an autonomous vehicle road navigation model relative to the corresponding road segment to include the at least one identifier associated with the landmark; and distribute the updated autonomous vehicle road navigation model to a plurality of autonomous vehicles. The at least one identifier is determined based on acquisition, from a camera associated with a host vehicle, of at least one image representative of an environment of the host vehicle; analysis of the at least one image to identify the landmark in the environment of the host vehicle; and analysis of the at least one image to determine the at least one identifier associated with the landmark.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining a location of a landmark for use in navigation of an autonomous vehicle. The system includes a processor programmed to receive a measured position of the landmark. The processor is also programmed to determine a refined position of the landmark based on the measured position of the landmark and at least one previously acquired position for the landmark. The measured position and the previously acquired position are determined based on acquisition of an environmental image associated with the host vehicle, analysis of the environmental image to identify the landmark, reception of global positioning system (GPS) data representing a location of the host vehicle, analysis of the environmental image to determine a relative position of the identified landmark with respect to the host vehicle, and determination of a globally localized position of the landmark based on the GPS data and the relative position.

Abstract: To provide a vehicular travel state monitoring device has functions of displaying images ahead of a traveling vehicle and data measured of a traveling state of the vehicle, such as accelerations acting on the vehicle, as images on the same screen and storing the displayed images as moving image data, a mobile terminal device has a vehicular travel state measuring means (13) built therein which includes a GPS (131), a three-axis acceleration sensor (132) and a three-axis angular velocity sensor (133). The mobile terminal device is further provided with a synthetic image generating means (16) which generates a synthetic image of a plurality of data synthesized at predetermined time intervals, out of measurement data measured by the vehicular travel state measuring means (13), imaging data captured by an imaging means (12), and Web information data acquired by a Web information acquiring unit (11a).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and dynamic systems and methods for building a hybrid road network and grid based spatial temporal index to handle big trajectory data. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to satisfy the issue of low indexing and compression rate of big trajectory data, and to improve the efficiency of index queries, while also providing a mechanism to account for missing road links in a map.

Abstract: A navigation system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one processor programmed to receive, from one or more sensors, outputs indicative of a motion of the vehicle. The at least one processor is also programmed to determine an actual trajectory of the vehicle based on the outputs from the one or more sensors; receive, from a camera, at least one environmental image associated with the vehicle; and analyze the at least one environmental image to determine information associated with at least one navigational constraint. The at least one processor is further programmed to determine a target trajectory, including the actual trajectory of the vehicle and one or more modifications to the actual trajectory based on the determined information associated with the at least one navigational constraint; and transmit the target trajectory from the vehicle to a server.

Abstract: A device for providing electric-moving-body information is provided with a calculation unit for calculating, upon receiving a departure point and state of charge (SOC) of an electric vehicle, a plurality of reachable points capable of being reached if an electric vehicle departs from a destination after reaching the destination from the departure point and a display data generation unit for generating display data for displaying a reachable range display screen that makes it possible to visually recognize the plurality of reachable points. Information that is more useful for determining actions that can be taken after arriving at a destination is provided to an electric-moving-body user.

Abstract: In one example an inertial measurement unit comprises an autocalibration module to compute a covariance matrix from data received from a plurality of sensors, an adaptive weight control module to determine state-based feedback parameters for the gyroscope sensor, accelerometer sensor, and magnetometer sensor, and a sensor characteristic adjustment module to determine a modified covariance matrix based on an input from the adaptive weight control module. Other examples may be described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for monitoring the accuracy of the azimuthal orientation of a handheld optoelectronic measuring device to be determined (110) by means of an electronic magnetic compass, including an automatic ascertainment (120) of an estimated accuracy value by the measuring device based on measured data of the magnetic compass, characterized by a safety check (200), within the scope of which a probability that the estimated accuracy value meets a previously determined (140) accuracy criterion is automatically ascertained (220) by the measuring device, and the ascertained probability is provided (230) to a user as a return value. The invention also relates to a handheld optoelectronic measuring device including an electronic magnetic compass for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Examples include systems and methods for decomposition of error components between angular, forward, and sideways errors in estimated positions of a computing device. One method includes determining an estimation of a current position of the computing device based on a previous position of the computing device, an estimated speed over an elapsed time, and a direction of travel of the computing device, determining a forward, sideways, and orientation change error component of the estimation of the current position of the computing device, determining a weight to apply to the forward, sideways, and orientation change error components based on average observed movement of the computing device, and using the weighted forward, sideways, and orientation change error components as constraints for determination of an updated estimation of the current position of the computing device.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer includes first and second fixed outer plates, each having fixed electrodes positioned on inner surfaces, and a center plate assembly positioned between the fixed outer plates. The center plate assembly includes a top center plate and bottom center plate. The top and bottom center plates each have an inner section, an outer frame positioned outward of a perimeter of the inner section, a set of springs connecting the outer frame to the inner section, and a center electrode positioned on an outer surface of the inner section. The set of springs has thickness less than each of the inner section and the outer frame. The center electrodes of the top and bottom center plates are connected to become electrically one electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pliable capacitive structures such as dielectric elastomers and similar smart materials which can be used for sensing externally applied strains which can be inferred by the determining the capacitance of the structure/material. There is provided an apparatus comprising a pliable capacitive structure for use in detecting shape or strain changes, the pliable capacitive structure having a dielectric material positioned between two electrodes; means for applying a steady-state voltage across the two electrodes; and means for determining changes in capacitance of the pliable capacitive structure using said steady state voltage.

Abstract: An encoding sequence is configured to detect the position and direction of motion of an actuator. The actuator includes at least two members where one of the members moves with respect to the other. Two sets of binary indicators are either affixed to or integrally assembled along one of the members. Each pair of indicators defines a position of the actuator and each binary indicator is configured to identify one of two states, such as a magnetic pole or a graphical mark where each state corresponds to a logical zero or a logical one. The indicators are arranged on the actuator such that at least one of the indicators transitions between one of the two states at each position along the actuator. At least one sensor is provided to detect the state of the binary indicators as the two members of the actuator move with respect to each other.

Abstract: An encoding sequence is configured to detect the position and direction of motion of an actuator. The actuator includes at least two members where one of the members moves with respect to the other. Two sets of binary indicators are either affixed to or integrally assembled along one of the members. Each pair of indicators defines a position of the actuator and each binary indicator is configured to identify one of two states, such as a magnetic pole or a graphical mark where each state corresponds to a logical zero or a logical one. The indicators are arranged on the actuator such that at least one of the indicators transitions between one of the two states at each position along the actuator. At least one sensor is provided to detect the state of the binary indicators as the two members of the actuator move with respect to each other.

Abstract: An illustrative interferometric system with high-fidelity optical phase demodulation includes a receiver having a fiberoptic coupler that produces optical interferometry signals having mutual phase separations of 120° and balanced photo-detectors that each produce an electrical difference signal based on a respective pair of said optical interferometry signals. The system further includes circuitry that converts the electrical difference signals into measurements of an interferometric phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure compensator for a housing compartment that includes a housing wall that has an opening between an interior zone that is inside of the compartment and an exterior zone that is outside of the compartment. The housing wall also includes an annulus that defines one portion of the opening. A seal engages the annulus and is seated in the opening to seal the opening, the seal including a flexible diaphragm having a normally closed slit therethrough. The seal is configured so that the diaphragm is normally compressed in a first direction that urges the slit closed when the seal is engaged with the annulus. The diaphragm is arranged so that a pressure difference between the interior zone and exterior zone urges the diaphragm to flex in a direction for opening a slit thus creates a pathway between the interior zone and the exterior zone, thereby reducing the pressure difference.

Abstract: A housing for a micromechanical sensor element, including a cavity in which the sensor element is disposable, and a damping element, the micromechanical sensor element being immobilizable in the cavity by the damping element so that the damping element and the sensor element together have a substantially common center of mass.

Abstract: A light conductor device receives light from a light source. The light conductor includes a radial conductor. The radial conductor includes a conductor body and a projection conductor. The conductor body has an annular end surface. The projection conductor has a projection surface. The conductor body is configured to receive light from the light source though the annular end surface. The conductor body is further configured to conduct the light in a radial direction to illuminate the projection surface in the radial direction and to form a light pointer on the projection surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inertial sensor attachment structure including: a floating bracket which is fixed to a vehicle body frame via a vibration absorbing member; an inertial sensor attached to a first attachment surface of the floating bracket; and an ABS unit attached to a second attachment surface of the floating bracket.

Abstract: A pointer to indicate gradations formed in a dial of a vehicle instrument cluster includes: a pointer blade to receive and emit light received from the lower portion of the dial when a blade body formed integrally with a blade arm is rotatably supported above the dial; a pointer weight disposed adjacent to a rear surface of the blade body and having a light through-hole to allow light received from the lower portion of the dial to pass through the pointer weight; a light pin part extending to the rear surface of the blade body from one end of the blade arm and inserted into the light through-hole; and a weight supporter, fit between the pointer blade and the pointer weight and below the light through-hole to receive light from the lower portion of the dial and transfer the light to the pointer blade.

Abstract: A technique facilitates evaluation of a fluid, such as a fluid produced from a well. The technique utilizes a modular and mobile system for testing flows of fluid which may comprise mixtures of constituents. A modular flow meter system comprises a plurality of modules which each have a multiphase flow meter coupled into a flow circuit. The flow circuits of the plurality of modules are selectively connectable to each other via flow connectors. Additionally, portions of the flow circuits may be selectively opened and closed to enable controlled routing of the fluid being tested through the desired multiphase flow meter or meters.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a channel, in particular of an intake air mass flow of an internal combustion engine. The sensor system includes a sensor housing, in particular a plug-in sensor, which is introduced or introducible into a flow tube in which the channel is formed, and at least one sensor chip, which is situated in the channel for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor housing includes a housing body and a cover. The channel has an inlet into the channel, which faces in a direction opposite the main flow direction of the fluid medium, and at least one outlet out of the channel. The channel is formed in the cover, and the cover is connected to the housing body with the aid of a force-locked connection.

Abstract: A mobile volume dimensioning device, i.e. a mobile dimensioner, is described that detects excessive measuring time and/or a repetitive range of measuring motion and receives a deactivation event upon detection of this inappropriate behavior so as to prevent the systematic reporting of either the highest or lowest dimensions in an effort to mitigate unfair charging practices in commerce applications involving the shipping of goods.

Abstract: A device for determining or monitoring the filling level of a filling material stored in a container in a process, comprising a signal generating unit, a coupling/decoupling unit which couples the high-frequency measurement signals to an antenna unit or decouples said high-frequency measurement signals from the antenna unit. The antenna unit has a wave guide and an antenna element which widens in the direction of the filling material. The antenna unit emits high-frequency measurement signals in the direction of the surface and receives the echo signals reflected by the surface of the filling material. A control/evaluation unit determines the filling level of the filling material in the container from the transit time of the measurement signals.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring a signal propagation speed in a liquid contained in a vessel or in a gaseous medium contained in the same vessel above the surface of the liquid are proposed. A transmitter transmits a first signal in a first direction which is at an acute or right angle to a first reflective surface, wherein the first reflective surface reflects the first signal so that it travels in a second direction is received by a first acoustic or electromagnetic receiver. The transmitter transmits a second signal in a predetermined third direction which is at an acute angle to the first direction, where the first or a second reflective surface reflects the second signal so that it travels in a predetermined and angular fourth direction with respect to the first or second reflective surface and is received by the first or a second acoustic or electromagnetic receiver.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring a speed of sound in a liquid contained in a vessel or in a gaseous medium contained in the same vessel above the surface of the liquid. The method comprises: transmitting a first acoustic signal into the vessel to travel inside a first travelling plane. Emitting a second acoustic signal into the wall of the vessel to travel inside the wall of the vessel along a perimeter of the first travelling plane until it is received and obtaining a first time of flight of the first acoustic signal and a second time of flight of the second acoustic signal and obtaining a speed of sound in the vessel wall from a data memory. Determining the speed of sound in the liquid or in the gaseous medium from the length of the travelling path of the first acoustic signal and from the first time of flight.

Abstract: An application relates to a system and a method for non-intrusive and continuous level measurement in a cylindrical vessel. The system comprises an ultrasonic transducer for generating an ultrasound wave and for emitting it into the vessel wall, and an electronic control and data processing unit (ECDP) for controlling operation of the transducer and for determining the liquid level from a time of flight of the ultrasound wave. The transducer emits the ultrasound wave as a primary Lamb wave into the vessel wall so that a part of the primary Lamb wave leaks into the liquid. The ECDP changes the ultrasonic frequency of the transducer until the transducer receives a reflection of the emitted ultrasound wave in form of a reflection of the pressure wave, determine the corresponding time of flight, and determine the liquid level from the time of flight and from parameters of the ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A system and a method for non-intrusive and continuous level measurement of a liquid enclosed by a solid wall of a vessel. The system comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for generating an ultrasound wave and for emitting it into the vessel wall, an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasound wave, and an electronic control and data processing unit (ECDU) for controlling operation of the transmitter and of the receiver and for determining the liquid level. The transmitter is able to emit the ultrasound wave as a primary Lamb wave into the vessel wall so that a part of the primary Lamb wave leaks from the vessel wall into the liquid in form of a pressure wave. The ECDU is adapted to repeatedly determine the time of flight of the pressure wave, change the ultrasonic frequency of the transmitter until the determined time of flight reaches a minimum, and determine the liquid level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact pulley liquid level sensor, comprising a float capable of floating up and down and floating on a liquid surface, a tether, at least one pulley, a permanent magnet and a magnetic field angle sensor, wherein two ends of the tether are tied to the float, and are wound on the top end pulley and the optional bottom end pulley, the permanent magnet is installed on one side of the top end pulley and rotates together with the top end pulley under the effect of a friction torque produced by the tether. The magnetic field angle sensor detects a magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet and converts a rotation angle of the magnetic field into a voltage signal, then according to a relationship between the rotation angle of the permanent magnet and a floating distance of the float, a liquid level height is calculated via the output voltage signal. A gear can also be used to calibrate the operating range and accuracy of the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A method and a device for estimating the instantaneous mass of a rotary wing aircraft, the aircraft having a power plant driving at least one main rotor and an anti-torque rotor in rotation, and also having a plurality of sensors. The method uses functional characteristics and flight characteristics of the aircraft, atmospheric characteristics, and performance curves for the aircraft to determine the measured instantaneous mass Mm of the aircraft. Furthermore, the method makes it possible to consolidate the measured instantaneous mass Mm of the aircraft by comparing it in arithmetical or statistical manner during a flight of the aircraft with a calculated instantaneous mass Mc determined from the variation in the quantity of fuel present in the aircraft.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for tracking and managing waste or recyclable materials, which may include one or more devices enabled to capture and record information about waste material at a point in a distribution chain, as well as information technology systems for collecting, processing, analyzing and otherwise managing information about a large number and variety of streams of waste material. A system includes a label reader for reading a label that was associated with a batch of material at an originating site, a device for measuring a parameter indicative of the weight of the batch of material, and a communications facility for communicating the weight of the batch of material and the label information to a system for tracking the batch of waste material.

Abstract: An occupant sensor having a switching element, which comprises a top carrier layer and a bottom carrier layer separated by a spacer. The spacer has an opening defining an active zone in which the carrier layers may be brought together in response to a force acting on at least one of them. The switching element includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged within the active area between the carrier layers such that an electrical contact is established between the first and second electrodes if the carrier layers are brought together. The occupant sensor includes a decoupling layer arranged on a top side of the switching element such that the decoupling layer covers the top carrier layer in the region of the active area. The decoupling layer and switching element are laterally displaceable with respect to each other in the region of the active area.

Abstract: In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, a system and method are provided for monitoring and compensating thermal drift of the electronic elements in the sensor of a color measurement device, such as a spectrophotometer. Such a system and method involves, obtaining with a color sensor a plurality of measurements of a black trap with and without illumination across a range of temperatures and using those values to generate a correlation function that allows for the compensation of thermal drift in sample measurements.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a first spectroscopic unit and a second spectroscopic unit. A light passing part, a reflection part, a common reflection part, a dispersive part, and a light detection part included in the first spectroscopic unit are arranged along a first reference line when viewed in a Z-axis direction. A light passing part, a reflection part, the common reflection part, a dispersive part, and a light detection part included in the second spectroscopic unit are arranged along a second reference line when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The first reference line and the second reference line intersect with one another.

Abstract: A system and method for spectroscopic mapping, with configurable spatial resolution, of an object include a fiber optic bundle having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a first array at an input end with each of the plurality of optical fibers spaced one from another and arranged in at least one linear array at an output end. A first mask defining a plurality of apertures equal to or greater in number than the plurality of optical fibers is positioned between an object to be imaged and the input end of the fiber optic bundle. An imaging spectrometer is positioned to receive light from the output end of the fiber optic bundle and to generate spectra of the object. A sensor associated with the imaging spectrometer converts the spectra to electrical output signals for processing by an associated computer.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer capable of being held and carried in a person's hand and including all of the necessary elements for reliable quantification and characterization for laboratory purposes, of a variety of objects, including an analyte in solution, and that is also optionally adaptable for analysis of an analyte in gaseous phase, and/or on or imbedded in a solid surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calibrating spectral measurements taken of one or more targets from an aerial vehicle. Multiple photo sensors may be configured to obtain spectral measurements of one or more ambient light sources. The obtained spectral measurements of the one or more ambient light sources may be used to calibrate the obtained spectral measurements of the target.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a package having a stem and a cap, an optical unit disposed on the stem, and a lead pin for securing the optical unit to the stem. The optical unit includes a dispersive part for dispersing and reflecting light entering from a light entrance part of the cap, a light detection element having a light detection part for detecting the light dispersed and reflected by the dispersive part, a support for supporting the light detection element such that a space is formed between the dispersive part and the light detection element, and a projection protruding from the support, the lead pin being secured to the projection. The optical unit is movable with respect to the stem in a contact part of the optical unit and the stem.

Abstract: Provided is a spectroscopic detector including: a light source for generating polychromatic light 11; a single diffraction grating 13; an excitation optical system for guiding the light from the light source 11 onto the diffraction grating 13, for selecting one wavelength from the light diffracted by the diffraction grating 13, and for casting the selected wavelength of light into a sample as excitation light; a detection optical system for guiding observation light emitted from the sample irradiated with the excitation light onto the diffraction grating 13 to disperse the observation light; and a photodetector 15 for detecting the observation light dispersed by the detection optical system. By using one diffraction grating 13 in both the excitation optical system and the detection optical system, the number of diffraction gratings is reduced, whereby both the cost reduction and the downsizing of the device are achieved.

Abstract: A lighting device that emits illumination light from two or more angular directions onto a sample surface to be measured, an imaging optical lens, and a monochrome two-dimensional image sensor are provided. This configuration provides a method and an apparatus that take a two-dimensional image of the sample surface to be measured at each measurement wavelength and accurately measure multi-angle and spectral information on each of all pixels in the two-dimensional image in a short time. In particular, a multi-angle spectral imaging measurement method and apparatus that have improved accuracy and usefulness are provided.