Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transfer system and a power transfer method for efficiently transferring power between vehicles that travel in a group. The power transfer system according to the present invention is a power transfer system in a vehicle that can travel on power, the system including: an information obtaining unit that obtains possible driving distance information indicating a possible driving distance of each of vehicles that travel to a same destination; and a power transfer controller that controls, based on the possible driving distance information obtained by the information obtaining unit, transfer of power between a power-surplus vehicle with extra power and a power-shortage vehicle lacking in power so that the vehicles can reach a same charging station, the power-surplus vehicle and the power-shortage vehicle being included in the vehicles.

Abstract: An example waypoint navigator method includes identifying a local waypoint using image recognition on an image of the local waypoint displayed on a mobile device. The example method also includes overlaying on the image of the local waypoint, a visual direction to the remote waypoint based on identifying the local waypoint, the visual direction based on context. The example method also includes updating the visual direction based on changes in the context.

Abstract: A configuration includes: a search unit to access to a map database storing map information to search for a destination corresponding to an input linguistic expression, using a plurality of search criteria provided with orders of priority; and a destination setting unit to set a first destination corresponding to the input linguistic expression, in accordance with the orders of priority.

Abstract: A set of images that each include a comparable date, time, and location of image capture, and a directional bearing of image capture are correlated. The directional bearing of image capture specifies a direction of image capture relative to the respective location of image capture of each image. By analysis of image content within the correlated images, a determination is made that the correlated images include different directional representations of a single event, and that the single event is distinct from static fixed-location points of interest. Using the directional bearing of image capture of each correlated image, a location of an intersection region that results from intersecting directional bearings of image capture of the correlated images is identified as a dynamic attraction.

Abstract: A user points a handheld communication device to capture and display a real-time video stream. The handheld communication device detects geographic position, camera direction, and tilt of the image capture device. The user sends a search request to a server for nearby points of interest. The handheld communication device receives search results based on the search request, geographic position, camera direction, and tilt of the handheld communication device. The handheld communication device visually augments the captured video stream with data related to each point of interest. The user then selects a point of interest to visit. The handheld communication device visually augments the captured video stream with a directional map to a selected point of interest in response to the user input.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an intersection guidance method, a navigation server, a navigation terminal, and a navigation system including the same using point-of-interest (POI) information specialized for a user in order to provide enhanced intersection turn guidance. In one form, the method includes: tracing a route to a destination designated by a user and performing route guidance along the route; when an intersection on the route is detected, determining a representative point-of-interest (POI) from among one or more POIs corresponding to the intersection on the basis of profile information of the user; and performing turn guidance at the intersection using the representative POI.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an interface, and at least one processor configured to present, via the interface, a message including a charge-vehicle recommendation for at least one charge station within the drive range, in response to (i) a selected destination for the vehicle lacking a charge facility for the battery and being within a drive range of the vehicle and (ii) a charge station being within the drive range.

Abstract: A positioning and orientation data analysis system for air vehicles includes an image sensor module, a positioning and orientation module, and a processor module. The image sensor module captures a map image of a region and has an internal direction parameter. The positioning and orientation module generates a positioning and orientation external direction parameter from external satellite positioning information and navigation coordinate information that it tracks. The processor module, which is electrically coupled to the image sensor module and the positioning and orientation module, generates an image external direction parameter by using aerial triangulation of the map image; and then, by comparing this parameter with the positioning and orientation external direction parameter, generates a boresight angle parameter and a lever arm parameter.

Abstract: There are provided a method for detecting an abnormality of a resolver, an angle detection device, a motor, and a transportation device, by which the abnormality can be detected promptly without the necessity of any complicated operations. There is provided a circuit configured to switch between a sine wave and a direct current voltage to be supplied, as an excitation signal of a resolver (2). Then, immediately after the power is turned on, the direct current voltage is applied to the resolver (2), and the output voltages of the phases of the resolver (2) are measured when the direct current voltage is applied. In this situation, the output voltages of the phases are compared with each other. When none of them matches each other, it is determined that an abnormality (short-circuit abnormality, short-circuiting) occurs at the resolver (2).

Abstract: A magnetic angular sensing system has a magnet magnetized radially and a magnetic angular sensor for sensing the angular position of the magnet. The magnetic angular sensor is mounted in parallel to the axis of the magnet and is non-coplanar with the magnet. The magnetic angular sensor senses an angular position of the magnet based on a detected axial magnetic field component and a tangential magnetic field component of the magnetic field vector where the sensor mounted. This invention provides a flexible sensing system.

Abstract: A resolver for a rotation position detection device comprises a rotor portion having a resin gear having a hole formed at a center portion thereof through which a stationary shaft passes, and a rotor core connected to the resin gear; and a stator portion having the stationary shaft, an excitation wiring and a detection wiring, a back core, and a resin housing, wherein the excitation wiring and the detection wiring are arranged around the stationary shaft at a constant distance from the stationary shaft in a diameter direction, the back core is adjacent to or in contact with the stationary shaft, and the resin gear has a shape whose central portion projects in the shaft direction so as to be in contact with the back core.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus measures the position(s) of an electrically conductive measurement object which can be moved over a measurement section, along which coils are positioned. A measuring coil is provided between every two excitation coils, through each of which excitation coils an alternating excitation current flows, which current is predefined to be in phase opposition from excitation coil to excitation coil. The alternating magnetic fields produced by the alternating excitation currents induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive measurement object when the measurement object moves past the excitation coils. The measuring coils provide an AC measurement voltage which is induced by the eddy currents flowing in the measurement object when the measurement object moves past the at least one measuring coil. The position of the measurement object is determined on the basis of the at least one AC measurement voltage.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a rotator detection sensor for a rotator having run-out is provided. The method for controlling a rotator detection sensor for a rotator having run-out includes recognizing, by a pattern recognition unit, a pattern having peaks based on a magnetic flux density of the rotator measured for a preset time interval, recognizing, by the pattern recognition unit, the number of protrusions of the rotator based on the pattern having the peaks of the magnetic flux density, and setting, by a switching level setting unit, switching levels for the magnetic flux density based on the number of the protrusions. The magnetic flux density has a plurality of peaks that correspond to the number of protrusions of the rotator. The switching levels for the magnetic flux density are each set at a point that corresponds to a preset percentage at each of the peaks.

Abstract: A process for the acquisition of data of a counting device measuring pulses delivered by a sensor can include reading a first datum value of the counting device. The first datum value corresponds to the pulse emitted by the sensor. The process can also include storing in memory the first datum value as a source value. The process can also include measuring a time-interval between said reading and an incremental change of the first datum value of the counting device to a second datum value. The process can also include obtaining a first adjustment value Vx in response to the measured time interval.

Abstract: A human machine interface includes a capacitive sensor disposed on an interior side of a face plate. A control device is rotatably coupled to the face plate and is disposed on an exterior side of the face plate. The control device includes at least one electrically conductive element. The control device rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the face plate such that the at least one electrically conductive element follows the rotation of the control device. The capacitive sensor senses a rotational position of the at least one electrically conductive element.

Abstract: A photoelectric encoder of the present invention includes: a scale which includes a grid scale; a light emitting portion which irradiates light toward the scale; a light receiving portion which detects an image of the grid scale of the scale; and a telecentric optical unit which is provided between the scale and the light receiving portion and forms the image of the grid scale on the light receiving portion, wherein the telecentric optical unit includes a first optical element which is disposed near the scale, a second optical element which is disposed near the light receiving portion in relation to the first optical element and is disposed so that a gap is formed between the second optical element and the first optical element, and an aperture which is provided in at least one of a face near the second optical element in the first optical element and a face near the first optical element in the second optical element.

Abstract: There is provided an absolute position detection type photoelectric encoder which improves robustness to dirt while maintaining high resolution. A two-level code pattern according to a pseudo random code sequence is provided on a scale along a length measurement direction. Each code of the two-level code pattern indicates a code “1” or a code “0”, and includes two bits. Each of the two bits is L or H. The code “1” is represented by an A pattern which is a combination of L and H, and the code “0” is represented by a B pattern which is a combination of L and L or a C pattern which is a combination of H and H. When the codes “0” are continued, the B pattern and the C pattern are alternately used.

Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for distributed fibre optic sensing that reduce or compensate for the effects of laser phase noise. The method involves repeatedly interrogating an optical fibre (101), where each interrogation involves launching at least one interrogating pulse into the optical fibre; detecting optical radiation which is backscattered from within the fibre, and forming a measurement signal from a plurality of sensing portions of the fibre. The method involves forming a laser noise template based on the measurement signals within a frequency band of interest from a first set of said sensing portions; and applying a correction to the measurement signals from said plurality of sensing portions based on said laser noise template.

Abstract: A sensor fusion method of calculating an orientation of an object by combining readings from different types of orientation sensors to estimate the orientation of an object. An analytical solution is provided which is computationally efficient and can be implemented in fixed or floating point architecture. The method comprises receiving an input orientation; receiving a reading from a first orientation sensor; receiving a reading from a second orientation sensor; where said first and second orientation sensors are of different types; and determining an updated orientation by calculating a rotation based on the orientation sensor readings and applying the calculated rotation to the input orientation.

Abstract: Improved instrument encasing systems may solve a variety of problems associated with existing systems. In one aspect, an improved instrument encasing system may include a suspension bracket and back plate that enable tool-less mounting and/or disassembly and/or security in mobile installations. Optionally, the system suspension bracket also may provide a template for easy alignment and selection of a mounting position and/or installation thereto. In some embodiments, the back plate may be temporarily reduced in diameter to enable quick and easy access to instruments mounted on an inner housing, or for access to the dial face for personalization. In another aspect, an inner housing of the instrument encasing system may provide one or more spring blades that receive instrument mounting sub-assemblies that provide for easy mounting and replacement of instruments.

Abstract: Improved instrument encasing systems may solve a variety of problems associated with existing systems. In one aspect, an improved instrument encasing system may include a suspension bracket and back plate that enable tool-less mounting and/or disassembly and/or security in mobile installations. Optionally, the system suspension bracket also may provide a template for easy alignment and selection of a mounting position and/or installation thereto. In some embodiments, the back plate may be temporarily reduced in diameter to enable quick and easy access to instruments mounted on an inner housing, or for access to the dial face for personalization. In another aspect, an inner housing of the instrument encasing system may provide one or more spring blades that receive instrument mounting sub-assemblies that provide for easy mounting and replacement of instruments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device comprising:—a casing (10) comprising a side wall and a bottom (18) so as to define a cavity (12);—a resin (14) filling the cavity in such a way as to submerge the electronic component, leaving said sensitive element protruding.—an electronic component (32) comprising a sensor (34) provided with a sensitive element (36);—the electronic component resting on at least one pad (30) protruding from said side wall or from said bottom, so as to prevent air bubbles from forming in the resin, the pad being separated from the side wall (16) by a distance d greater than 1 mm or in contact with the side wall (16).

Abstract: An insertion probe adapter for fluid sample extraction from a pipeline for mounting of an overlying housing element is illustrated and described. The invention permits disengagement of an insertion probe from the body of the probe adapter without disassembling the body from the pipeline and without disassembling the overlying housing element from the body.

Abstract: A gas, whose flow rate is adjusted by a flow rate controller as a measurement target, is supplied into a processing vessel in a state that a third valve of the gas supply system provided at an upstream side of the processing vessel is opened. While the gas is continuously supplied, the third valve is closed after a pressure measurement value of a pressure gauge within a flow rate controller for pressure measurement is stabilized. After the third valve is closed, an output flow rate of the flow rate controller as the measurement target is calculated from a previously known volume of the gas supply system in which the gas supplied through the flow rate controller as the measurement target is collected and a rise rate of the pressure measurement value of the pressure gauge within the flow rate controller for pressure measurement with respect to time.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relates to a sensor block for measuring fluid flow or pressure in a tube. The sensor block comprises a sensor and a housing. The housing has a resilient clamp part which is shaped such that it can be plugged onto a tube along the radial direction and is part of the tube in the plugged state. The invention also relates to a tube, which is produced by means of MID technology. The tube comprises conductor paths and a sensor, which is firmly connected to the tube. The tube further comprises two elongated grooves for releasable attachment of a sensor block. The embodiments of the present invention further relates to a production method, in which both a sensor block and a tube are manufactured with an identical mask set, injection molding tool or control program component.

Abstract: A pitot tube assembly for a centrifugal pump includes an extension arm having a tubular body with opposing ends, at least one pickup tube secured to one of the opposing ends of the extension arm, a terminal portion positioned at the other end of the extension arm and a tapered fitting provided toward the end of the extension arm opposite to the end of the extension arm to which the pickup tube is secured, where the tapered fitting provides a frustum surface for registration with a frustoconically-shaped bore of a portion of the pump to provide axial, radial and torsional stability to the pitot tube assembly during pump operation.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid flow sensor and methods for measuring fluid flow are disclosed herein. An exemplary capacitive fluid flow sensor includes an airfoil having a flexible surface, and a capacitive sensor disposed within the airfoil. A capacitance of the capacitive sensor modulates as the flexible surface deflects in response to fluid flow. The fluid flow sensor may be secured within a cooled equipment enclosure, where the flexible surface of the airfoil deflects in response to fluid flow, such as airflow, within the cooled equipment enclosure.

Abstract: A system includes a control system and a field device. The control system is configured to communicate data with the field device. The field device includes an ultrasonic meter configured to measure a flow profile of a fluid flow through a pipe using a plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Each of the ultrasonic transducers is configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse that is reflected and received by each of the other ultrasonic transducers. The field device also includes a network interface configured to output the flow profile to the control system.

Abstract: A flow meter system is disclosed that includes a first flow sensor and first and second fluid flow conduits extending from the first flow sensor. The second fluid flow conduit may be disposed inside the first fluid flow conduit thereby forming a fluid annulus between the first and second fluid flow conduits. The first fluid flow conduit may be metal to resist a fluid pressure differential and the second fluid flow conduit may be non-metal to balance a fluid pressure across the second fluid flow conduit and attenuate noise therein. The fluid annulus may be configured to receive a fluid to balance the fluid pressure across the second fluid flow conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain.

Abstract: transducer apparatus comprises a transducer housing, a tube, a temperature sensor as well as a temperature sensor. The tube is arranged within a cavity of the transducer housing, in such a manner that an intermediate space is formed between a wall of the transducer housing facing the cavity inner surface and an outer surface of a wall of the tube facing the cavity. Furthermore, the tube is adapted to guide a fluid in its lumen, in such a manner that an inner surface of the wall of the tube facing the lumen is contacted by fluid guided in the lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of an encoder device and a fluid meter incorporating the encoder device, wherein the fluid meter can embody a gas meter that monitors supply of gas to a consumer. The encoder device is configured to generate a signal with information that quantifies the supply of gas, for example, by associating the movement of a moveable element with a volume of fluid that flows through the gas meter. In one example, the gas meter can include a metrological part with a housing that forms an interior space that wholly encloses the encoder device therein. This embodiment can also be configured with an input/output member that conducts the signal from inside of the interior space to outside of the housing.

Abstract: The cross-sectional area of a reduced passage increases at a constant ratio from a maximum reduction part where a cross-sectional area of the reduced passage becomes the smallest toward a downstream side. The cross-sectional area of the reduced passage is equal to the cross-sectional area of a bypass passage at a downstream end of a cross-sectional area increasing region intersecting with a wall surface of the bypass passage. (Cross-sectional area increase ratio)=(B?A)/X is satisfied. A [mm2] is the cross-sectional area of the reduced passage at an upstream end of the increasing region. B [mm2] is the cross-sectional area of the reduced passage at the downstream end of the increasing region. X [mm] is a distance from the upstream end to the downstream end of the increasing region along an air flow direction through the reduced passage. The ratio is 1.5 [mm2/mm] or smaller.

Abstract: A system for metering gas includes a housing configured to allow a flow of the gas between an input port and an output port. Further, the system includes a flow manager disposed in the housing and configured to modify at least one physical characteristic of the flow of the gas in the housing. Furthermore, the system includes a flow sensor disposed in the housing and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to flow characteristics of the gas in the housing. Moreover, the system also includes a processor configured to determine at least one flow parameter of the gas based on an amplitude characteristic of the electrical signal, a temporal characteristic of the electrical signal, or both the amplitude characteristic and the temporal characteristic of the electrical signal. A method for metering the gas is also presented.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to characterizing effective vehicle frontal area. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, one or more operating parameters of the vehicle are obtained. Such parameters may be obtained during one or more qualifying periods of time, such as those periods in which an operating parameter or parameters such as speed and/or acceleration are within a range of values. A value that provides an estimate of the vehicle frontal area is then generated based on the one or more operating parameters.

Abstract: A cassette module (19, 29, 319, 419, 59, 69) for a differential flowmeter is disclosed, wherein the cassette module (19, 29, 319, 419, 59, 69) forms a first fluid-carrying channel (16, 216, 316, 611, 615) and the second fluid-carrying channel (17, 217, 317, 610, 616) during operation of the differential flowmeter. The cassette module is specific in the regard that a geometric deformation of the channels due to a temperature difference between the channels (16, 216, 316, 611, 615, 17, 217, 317, 610, 616) is minimized or prevented. In addition a differential flowmeter containing the cassette module (19, 29, 319, 419, 59, 69) disclosed here is also described.

Abstract: According to one or more aspects, systems and techniques for hydrogen fueling with integrity checks are provided herein. Communicated parameters measured by on-board sensors of a vehicle may be cross-referenced against calculated parameters measured by sensors of a fueling station. For example, communicated parameters relating to a compressed hydrogen storage system (CHSS) tank of a vehicle to be fueled may be received at different time intervals. Calculated parameters may be calculated based on a mass of hydrogen fuel dispensed by a hydrogen fueling station from a reference point to one of the time intervals and densities of the CHSS tank of the vehicle at respective time intervals. An error may be calculated between the communicated parameters and the calculated parameters. A fueling mode, such as a conservative fueling mode or a non-conservative fueling mode, may be determined based on the calculated error.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement and a measuring device having a sensor device, a processing device, a storage device, an interface and a control device that allows for a simplified testing of the functionality of the measuring device is achieved in that the control device retrieves externally provided data via the interface and performs a test of the measuring device. The test thereby involves the control device determining a reference value from the externally provided data, comparing the reference value to a measured value generated by the processing device and generating a comparison result based thereupon. Alternatively, the test involves the control device using the externally provided data for the generation of new calculation data to be stored in the storage device and storing the new calculation data in the storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transceiver configured to generate a signal and receive a plurality of reflected signals for measurement of a level of a process fluid in a tank. The apparatus also includes a waveguide comprising a probe and a buoyant part. The probe is configured to guide the signal from the transceiver and the plurality of reflected signals to the transceiver. The buoyant part is configured to move with the level of the process fluid at an end of the probe and produce a secondary signal representing the level of the process fluid when a level signal of the process fluid is within an end signal representing the end of the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radar level gauge comprising a signal generator for generating electromagnetic waves and an antenna for emitting the electromagnetic waves in a container and for receiving electromagnetic waves reflected by the container. The radar level gauge also comprises a safety device for verifying the functional capability or for improving the measuring quality of the radar level gauge, said safety device having a reflector and an adjustment device and/or a reduction device and being suitably designed to adjust the reflector and/or the reduction device at least between a first position, in which the reflector reflects the electromatnetic waves and a second position, in which the reflector reflects the electromagnetic waves in a reduced manner. The safety device also has at least one additional sensor for detecting a measured variable in the container.

Abstract: A method for measuring a permittivity (?) of a material (30) includes following steps. A sensing rod (14) of a material level sensor (10) inserts into a tank (20). The material level sensor (10) proceeds with a material level measurement of the material (30) to obtain a first feature value. The material level sensor (10) is vertically moved with a vertical distance (Hair). The material level sensor (10) proceeds with the material level measurement to obtain a second feature value, and subtracts the first feature value by the second feature value to obtain a feature value variation, and calculates the feature value variation to obtain the permittivity (?) of the material (30).

Abstract: A chemical liquid tank has a container to store chemical liquid, a sensor to measure a height of a liquid surface by irradiating the chemical liquid stored in the container with an ultrasonic wave and measuring time until a reflected wave reflected from the liquid surface of the chemical liquid is received, and a gas jetting port to spray a gas toward a part of the liquid surface comprising an irradiation position of the ultrasonic wave in the container.

Abstract: A fluid detection apparatus to detect quantity of a fluid having flowability and stored in a casing includes an oscillator disposed outside the casing to output a frequency of an oscillation signal corresponding to a magnetic flux passing through a space near the oscillator, a vibrator made of material effecting the magnetic flux and disposed inside the casing, a vibration trigger disposed inside the casing to vibrate the vibrator, and circuitry to acquire frequency-related information related to the frequency of the oscillation signal output from the oscillator, detect the vibration of the vibrator based on a change of the frequency-related information, determine whether the vibration of the vibrator converges during a convergence-checking time period defined after the vibrator is vibrated by the vibration trigger, and detect the quantity of the fluid in the casing based on a convergence determination result of the vibration of the vibrator.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor that provides digital signal processing for transforming a magnetic field into a continuous linear output signal that corresponds to the level of liquid within a vessel that is being monitored. The invention uses 3D field sensors for decompensating unwanted interference caused by electric drives or the earth's magnetic field or other magnetic fields caused wires or magnets. The sensor can also be combined with 3D accelerometer to optimize compensation of unwanted interference. The accelerometer always provides the center of the earth so that an angle of deflection of the liquid versus the horizontal can be determined and correct any faulty measured value of the liquid level. The invention is highly robust yet is low cost to manufacture.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a level of a liquid in a container is disclosed. The measuring device comprises a sensor line and a float. The sensor line has a plurality of magnetic-field sensors, at least one of the plurality of magnetic-field sensors uses a magnetoresistive effect or is a Hall effect sensor or a magnetoresistor or an extraordinary magnetoresistive sensor. The float is movable along and relative to the sensor line between a first measuring location and a second measuring location. The float has a magnet generating a magnetic field extending substantially parallel to the sensor line at both the first measuring location and the second measuring location.

Abstract: A portable test apparatus for a reflection measuring device includes a first and a second calibration standard of different lengths, a device connector adapted to receive the reflection measuring device for inspection and a selector arrangement adapted to selectably connect the device connector to one of the first or second two calibration standards for providing a calibration pulse in the selected calibration standard is provided.

Abstract: A medication dispensing device may include a plurality of trays, each tray optionally including a load cell configured to measure a mass/weight of a medication contained in the respective tray. Each tray is placeable in a medication accessible position and a medication inaccessible position. The medication dispensing device includes a user interface configured to provide instructions and/or other information with regard to access for each medication. A processor provides instructions to selectively place each tray in the medication accessible position, and to determine, based on any change in the mass of the medication placed in the medication accessible position, whether the appropriate amount of the medication is removed from the tray.

Abstract: A housing for a laboratory device, having floor, ceiling, rear, side, and front walls, which together form an operating chamber, wherein the front wall is movable upward and downward between a lowered closed position and a raised open position in a linear and simultaneously pivoting manner and, in the open position of the front wall, the operating chamber is open on the front side of the housing. The top wall section having top and bottom wall sections connected about a first pivot axis and transitions in an arc shape to a plate-shaped connection section extending at an angle to the top wall section, or is connected thereto in an angularly rigid manner, and a connection section is hinged in a pivoting manner to the ceiling on the edge thereof distant from the top wall section parallel to the first pivot axis, at a distance from the front wall.

Abstract: Provided is a leveling mechanism for a weighing device that facilitates horizontal leveling of the weighing device. The leveling mechanism (2) includes a foot piece (10) having a foot portion (11) that in contact with an installation surface and a foot piece shaft (12) that extends upward from the foot portion and has a male screw (14) on its outer periphery, a rotatable body (20) having on its inner periphery a female screw, a housing (30) for accommodating the rotatable body engaged with the foot piece, a fixing portion (S2, 36) for fixing the housing to a device case (3), and a housing space (6) covering the housing, provided in the device case. The leveling mechanism converts a rotational motion of the rotatable body to a vertical motion of the foot piece.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for using light to locate objects or features in a field of view comprises a light source; a controllable lens having two states and being controllable between them, for example a multifocal lens having two or more foci for focusing light from the light source; and a sensor able to sense light reflected from an object, to determine information of the object. The use of two or more foci adds dynamic range to optical sensing to allow for reliable detection over a wide range of distances.