Abstract: A debris filtration apparatus that includes a support unit including first to n-th unit supports arranged in a radial shape in a circumferential direction around a support housing disposed on an upper portion of a rotor unit configured to rotate at a predetermined speed in a chamber housing; a screen unit including first to n-th unit screens disposed between the first to n-th unit supports and configured to filter out debris from cooling water; and a bypass unit configured, when a load applied to the screen unit is increased to a predetermined level by debris deposited on the screen unit, to selectively rotate each of the first to n-th unit screens relative to the support unit and allow the cooling water to flow.

Abstract: A device for changing a flow direction through a heat exchanger, comprising a valve housing and a rotatable valve member arranged inside the valve housing. The valve housing comprises first and second ends and a center axis (B) extending between them. The device comprises a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port. The first end is provided with the first port, and the second end is provided with the third and fourth ports, wherein the valve member is rotatable between a first position and a second position and, in the first position, defines a conduit between the first port and the third port and, in the second position, defines a conduit between the first port and the fourth port. The valve member is rotatable around an axis of rotation offset from the center axis (B) and extending through the center of the first port, and the first port is angularly displaced 90° around the center axis (B) in relation to the third and fourth ports.

Abstract: A firearm including a receiver, a barrel, a breech bolt assembly, and a trigger assembly. The bolt assembly has a bolt including a body portion, a lug portion, and a firing pin bore. The lug portion includes outward extending lugs, a cartridge recess, and an off-center hole. The bolt assembly also includes an extractor and an ejector pin. At least some of the lugs on the lug portion of the bolt have a tapering outer face so that a rearward face of the respective lug is taller than a forward face of the respective lug. In another aspect, at least some of the lugs on the lug portion of the bolt have tapering side faces so that a rearward face of the respective lug is wider than a forward face of the respective lug.

Abstract: Firearms where the bolt catch can be released from either side using the same or a substantially similar motion using contact features that look, feel, or operate similarly on both sides, that are located within the firearm rather than externally, that can be used more easily or reliably, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a bolt catch engagement feature, magazine release mechanism, or both, are also (e.g., similarly) ambidextrous. In many embodiments, a user action on one side of the firearm is substantially similar to, but in the opposite direction from, a user action on the other side that performs the same function. In various embodiments, a left button, pad, or feature is directly opposite and in line with a right button, pad, or feature. Bolt catches can use two levers and magazine release mechanisms can use two parallel elongated members perpendicular to the barrel and a catch actuator.

Abstract: A pistol frame disassembly bed (“PFDB”) that offers a steady platform for disassembling and reassembling pistols, in a safer and controlled manner. The PFDB is in the overall configuration of a box with a pistol bed having a bed depression for holding a pistol frame, a trigger mechanism housing aperture, and a drawer. The top surface of the PFDB incorporates the pistol bed which is a three-dimensional depression in relation to the top of the PFDB. The pistol bed is in the shape of a side of a pistol frame (receiver) to accommodate a suitable type of pistol.

Abstract: Shrouds for preventing unintentional engagement or initiation of firearm triggers during handling of the firearm are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to firearms. In some cases, the firearms include a firing pin; a first ignition chamber that is configured to house a round of ammunition and to move proximally with respect to the firing pin so that when the round is in the first chamber and the firearm is fired, a portion of the round is struck against the firing pin. In some cases, the firearms also include a follower configured to be movable proximally and distally within the firearm and to be biased against a primer or proximal end of the round such that the follower is configured to selectively hold the round within the first chamber as the first chamber moves proximally, and such that proximal movement of the follower stops when the round strikes the firing pin, so that the follower acts as a bolt face for the round. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: A firearm suppressor mounting device has a body defining a body bullet passage on a bore axis and having a first attachment facility at a first end, the first attachment facility adapted to connect to the muzzle of the firearm, the body having a second attachment facility, a device adapted to removably and rotatably connect to the second attachment facility, a retention facility connected to the body and movable between an engaged position in which the retention facility abuts the device and a disengaged position in which the retention facility is spaced apart from the device, and each of the retention facility and the device having a plurality of engagement features that are engaged to each other to prevent rotation of the device with respect to the body when the retention facility is in the engaged position. The retention facility may encircle the bore axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, methods, and machine readable media for activating a portable camera in response to the activity of a firearm, and for implementing and using a system for identifying an individual who discharged a firearm, and for recording, assessing, identifying, and transmitting information related to the firing of a firearm, and for monitoring the status of an implement at a mount, and for using a charging device for delivering electrical power to components of a firearm. A communications channel may be established between a firearm telematics sensor and a video camera, sometimes by means of intermediary devices. A communications channel may be established between a mount (e.g., holster) telematics device and local and/or remote monitoring service components, sometimes by means of intermediary devices. When the telematics sensor detects that its associated firearm is removed from its holster, or in motion, or being discharged, it may signal the camera to initiate recording.

Abstract: A cover, or dust cover, for use in a firearm, the firearm being operable for firing a cartridge having a projectile and having a receiver portion including an elongated passageway, a magnetic reciprocatable firing mechanism operable to fire the cartridge, a charging handle connected to the firing mechanism, and a barrel adapted to receive the projectile after the cartridge is fired. The dust cover is adapted for movement and to substantially cover a portion of the passageway. A magnet is connected to the dust cover and is magnetically attracted to the firing mechanism such that the dust cover is drawn towards and substantially follows the firing mechanism as the firing mechanism reciprocates with respect to the receiver upon firing the cartridge, wherein the dust cover intermittently uncovers and covers the portion of the passageway as the firing mechanism reciprocates.

Abstract: A rapid fire toy dart launch apparatus employing a feeding/anti-jamming mechanism including a simply yet unique continuous belt that penetrates a dart magazine releasing each dart from the magazine and simultaneously employing protrusion elements at the belt advancing each released dart into an energy generating mechanism for rapidly firing darts from the toy apparatus without mis-fed darts jamming up in the launcher.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser, a first limb supported by the riser and a second limb supported by the riser. A first rotatable member is supported by the first limb and arranged to rotate on a first axis and a second rotatable member is supported by the second limb and arranged to rotate on a second axis. The first rotatable member comprises a first bowstring track comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a constant radius and a center located on the first axis, the second portion having a varying radius. A bowstring comprises a first end attached to the first rotatable member and a second end attached to the second rotatable member.

Abstract: An inventive mechanism includes stationary, reciprocating, winch, and stock subassemblies. The winch subassembly is mounted on the stock subassembly; the stationary subassembly is mounted at the rear of a slotted mainframe of the stock subassembly; the reciprocating subassembly moves along the mainframe between forward brace and rearward drawn positions. The winch subassembly takes up a rope to cause rearward movement of the reciprocating subassembly and lets out the rope to permit forward movement. The reciprocating subassembly includes a body engaged with the slot, a catch, and a sear. The stationary subassembly includes a trigger and an actuator. In the drawn position and retaining a bowstring, trigger movement causes actuator movement, which causes sear movement, which permits catch movement, which releases the bowstring. In its latched position, a trigger latch obstructs forward movement of the reciprocating subassembly from the drawn position; in its unlatched position, it permits that forward movement.

Abstract: Example implementations relating to a deep concealment holster assembly are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, with unstructured clothing, such as without support of a separate waist belt, for example, without sacrificing holster's overall functionality and/or concealability.

Abstract: A battery compartment for a reflex sight is accessed via a pivoting lid that can be unlatched, opened, and closed by hand without tools and without removing the sight from its weapon. A button carried by the lid actuates a switch within the sight for changing a setting of the sight. Also disclosed is a reflex sight having mounting structures for accessories, such as an impact guard, a rain hood, or a rear iron sight for example. Positioning mechanisms for an LED or other aiming point display device of an aiming sight are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for setting a rifle scope has a manually actuable adjusting element which is mounted such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis relative to a base. A latching device is arranged between the base and the adjusting element and has latching depressions which are distributed about the rotational axis over the circumference. A first latching element lies opposite one of the latching depressions and is dependent on the rotary position of the adjusting element relative to the base. A locking device has a manually actuable locking element which can be moved from a released position into a locked position, the locking element being coupled to the first latching element via an actuating drive. The first latching element is fixed in the latching depression which lies opposite in each case in the locked position by means of the actuating drive.

Abstract: An archery peep sight cover envelops an archery peep sight to keep the archery peep sight clean of debris and prevents misalignment of the peep sight during transportation or storage for an archery bow. The archery peep sight cover includes a sight-cover body, a first string-attachment extrusion, a second string-attachment extrusion, and a string-receiving slit. The sight-cover body envelops the peep sight. The first string-attachment extrusion and the second string-attachment extrusion secure the archery peep sight cover to a bow string of the archery bow. The string-receiving slit receives the bowstring and the attached peep sight such that the peep sight is positioned within the sight-cover body and the bowstring frictionally engages the first string-attachment extrusion and the second string-attachment extrusion.

Abstract: A method for planning and launching two or more missiles, to be included in the same mission, and where this is done from one or more aircraft in such a way that the missiles arrive at same target approximately at the same time without interfering with each other on the way to the target. The planning of the mission is performed by sending a set of identical mission data to the missiles prior to launch; letting each missile be assigned a unique identity, letting each missile calculate identical trajectories and a unique offset to this, in one or more of four dimensions, where a resulting offset trajectory is unique for each missile and based on the identical mission data and unique identity, and launching the missiles included in the same mission.

Abstract: A protective device and method of design to protect against multiple blast and impact events for use in any application in which a delicate target has to be protected. The protective device for mitigating the effects of blast or impact employs a first layer having a first acoustic impedance and a second layer having a second acoustic impedance. The second acoustic impedance is different than the first acoustic impedance. The second layer is proximate to the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are chosen collectively to tune the stress waves from the blast or impact events to one or more specific tuned frequencies. A third layer of a visco-elastic material is employed having a critical damping frequency that matches one or more specific tuned frequencies to dissipate the stress waves of the blast and impact event. The third layer is proximate to the second layer.

Abstract: A target system has a splatter pack attached to a target panel. The splatter pack acts as a receptacle for a fluid that provides visual confirmation that the target has been hit as the pack bursts upon impact by a projectile. As the pack bursts, the fluid explodes out and leaves a splatter pattern on or about the target panel. The burst and residual splatter allow the marksman to see whether or not an accurate shot was delivered without having to closely examine the target. The splatter pack is removably secured to the target panel by an adhesive layer and once a pack has burst, another pack can be readily attached in its place. If only a portion of the splatter pack has been hit and not all chambers have burst, individual chambers may be inserted in place of the previously burst chambers.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning the blade retaining pin of a broadhead arrow tip employing retracting blades retained by a pin, the apparatus employing various screws adapted to completely or partially remove the pin, to press the pin back into place flush with the tip as well as to install a new pin.

Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition for firearms, as smooth and a rifled barrel. The projectile with rigid attached to the housing stabilizing fletching block, plates of fletching block have a continuation on the housing, centering the projectile in the barrel. In the offered variant, on the friction and heat of the bullet and the barrel takes about 1% of the shot energy, besides low vibration. The rest of energy escapes to destination, and that's good. Erasing minimal of the barrel. Application of the projectile in the shotgun and rifle barrels increases the service life of barrels. Use of such projectiles increases the initial speed, and with the sleeve-nozzle and a second charge, allows to increase the speed and specialization of the projectile. At the expense of the aerodynamic and gyroscopic effects, increases the lethal effect over long distances, due to the greater energy saved, improve the close grouping of shots and flat trajectory.

Abstract: A payload dispersion system for a non-lethal projectile including a resilient layer and a marker packet having a hollow body including a lower surface, at least a partial opening centrally disposed, an upper surface, a volume formed by the lower surface, the at least a partial opening and the upper surface and a payload contained within the volume. The upper surface of the marker packet includes a wall and at least one weakened portion within the wall. The lower surface of the marker packet contacts an upper surface of the resilient layer.

Abstract: Firearm ammunition, projectiles and method of making such projectiles. The projectiles include a body formed of composite material with at least one particulate material dispersed in a matrix material, a cavity in the body, and a heat source located in the cavity of the body. During flight of the projectile, the heat source increases the temperature of the matrix material such that the body at least partially disintegrates after the projectile travels a distance or period of time after being fired (propelled) from a firearm.

Abstract: A projectile includes a toughened polymer resin, a curative agent and a particulate filler. The curative agent cures the toughened polymer resin. The particulate filler is distributed throughout the resin. The particulate filler has a density greater than a density of the resin. In some embodiments, the cured toughened polymer resin can be 20 to 30 percent by weight of the total projectile composition. The projectile has an average density that is less than the density of lead. In certain embodiments, the particulate filler can be 70 to 80 percent by weight of the total projectile composition. The particulate filler can include at least one of copper, tungsten, lead, iron and steel.

Abstract: A liquid disruptor device and a method of manufacturing the same are introduced. The liquid disruptor device comprises a front casing, a liquid seal film, a rear casing, a plane wave generator and a counter-impact cover. The plane wave generator generates a plane blast wave which compresses a liquid contained in the front casing and a liner to not only focus blast energy of the liquid but also allow the liquid to form a liquid knife current for destroying explosives. Hence, the liquid disruptor device displays higher efficiency per unit weight of explosives when detonation thereof occurs at multiple points. Further, a liquid disruptor device module inclusive of at least two liquid disruptor devices combined to assume a geometric shape is introduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-way tubular connector block including a body having a primary tubular channel of a first diameter, one or more resiliently deformable plug portions having secondary tubular channels of a secondary diameter there through, and a securing mechanism for securing the plug portions to the body, wherein the body has at least two openings or ports in communication with the primary tubular channel, and wherein the secondary diameters of the secondary channels are sized and dimensioned to permit snug fitting of a shock tube therein so that, in use, a plurality of shock tubes are secured in the plug portions so that at least some open ends of the shock tubes are in communication with the primary tubular channel. The invention extends to a multi-way composite connector block having a plurality of multi-way tubular connector block portions substantially as described above.

Abstract: Logging apparatus, methods and systems are presented for logging data from electronic detonators one at a time, in which a logger is placed into an automatic logging mode and begins transmitting read request messages in repetitive fashion until a response is received from a single connected electronic detonator, whereupon the logger obtains serial ID number and potentially other data such as a delay from the electronic detonator, after which the logger automatically proceeds without further user button presses to again initiate read request messages, by which a user can sequentially connect and disconnect a number of electronic detonators one at a time for quick expeditious logging. Also presented are automatic electronic detonator programming apparatus and processes in which a logger is placed into an automatic programming mode and the user connects electronic detonators one at a time for automatic or semi-automatic programming of delay times from internal memory.

Abstract: A high spot material gauging device applies high spot detection material in multiple depths to provide a basis for correctly determining a depth of material to be removed to produce a planar surface. The device includes a block having a planar first face. Each of a plurality of channels extends into the first face of the block. Each channel has a planar bottom surface parallel to the face of the block. The bottom surface of each channel is a unique respective depth measured transversely from the face of the block such that each channel is configured for applying a unique thickness of high spot material onto a planar control surface.

Abstract: Indexing head with two rotating axes, with a first rotating axis A perpendicular to the fixing direction with regard to the mode of operation of the head, and with a second rotating axis B of the fixing direction, in turn defining an upper part of the fixed head in relation to the B axis and a lower part of the head, which moves in relation to axes A and B; and which has a principal servomotor A (40) and a position locking mechanism on the A axis arranged 10 on the part of the lower head; and a principal servomotor B (21) for rotation on the B axis with a position locking mechanism on the B axis arranged on said upper part of the head.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement is provided for determining the location and/or speed of an object configured to move along a controlled trajectory, in connection with which object is fitted a measuring device measuring at least the magnetic field acting on the object in its different locations, which measuring device comprises a device configured to measure the magnetic field, from the measuring data received from which device a magnetic footprint describing the magnetic field acting on the object in its different locations is formed, which magnetic footprint is recorded in connection with a teaching run, or with self-learning, for later use.

Abstract: A cycloidal diffraction waveplate is combined with a pixelated phase mask (PPM) sensor in a dynamic fringe-projection interferometer to obtain phase-shifted interferograms in a single snap-shot camera operation that provides the phase information required to measure test surfaces with micrometer precision. Such mode of operation enables a portable embodiment for use in environments subject to vibration. A shifting mechanism coupled to the cycloidal waveplate allows temporal out-of-phase measurements used to remove noise due to test-surface characteristics. Two or more pixels of each unit cell of the PPM are combined to create super-pixels where the sum of the phases of the pixels is a multiple of 180 degrees, so that fringes are eliminated to facilitate operator focusing. By assigning colors or cross-hatch patterns to different ranges of modulation measured at the detector, the areas of best focus within the field of view are identified quantitatively to ensure measurements under best-focus conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods of operating a fiber laser having polarization-preserving fibers can be applied as a sensor to detect a physical quantity. In various embodiments, polarization-preserving fibers can provide a laser cavity having an interferometer disposed in the laser cavity. In various embodiments, a fiber optical parametric oscillator can include an interferometer disposed in the cavity of the optical parametric oscillator. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application in some embodiments relates to methods for reducing noise and/or clutter when measuring a spectrum, particularly but not only for OCT imaging. In some embodiments a light source is synchronized with a detector. For example a narrow band light source is synchronized with a narrow band detector. For example, the light source may scan over multiple frequency bands and/or the detector may be tuned to a frequency band synergetic to the band of the light source. For example the light source and detector may be tuned to overlapping narrow bands. Optionally the detector has a sensor set for each frequency band. Optionally some sensor sets are individually resettable. For example each set may have a reset circuit. For example, a sensor set for a band not currently being measured is deactivated.

Abstract: Calibrating a scanning interferometry imaging system includes: configuring the scanning interferometry imaging system for operation with an interference objective using light having a narrowband wavelength spectrum; using the scanning interferometry imaging system to direct measurement light and reference light along different paths and to overlap the measurement and reference light on a detector, the measurement and reference light having the narrowband wavelength spectrum; scanning an optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light at the detector while acquiring intensity data using the detector, the detector acquiring the intensity data at a frame rate and the scanning being performed at a scan speed; determining information about the scan speed based on the acquired intensity data, geometric information about the scanning interferometry imaging system, and the narrowband wavelength spectrum; and calibrating the scanning interferometry imaging system based on the infor

Abstract: An agile optical imaging system for optical coherence tomography imaging using a tunable source comprising a wavelength tunable VCL laser is disclosed. The tunable source has long coherence length and is capable of high sweep repetition rate, as well as changing the sweep trajectory, sweep speed, sweep repetition rate, sweep linearity, and emission wavelength range on the fly to support multiple modes of OCT imaging. The imaging system also offers new enhanced dynamic range imaging capability for accommodating bright reflections. Multiscale imaging capability allows measurement over orders of magnitude dimensional scales. The imaging system and methods for generating the waveforms to drive the tunable laser in flexible and agile modes of operation are also described.

Abstract: A system to digitally scan an object in three dimensions is disclosed. The system includes a server system, a memory system, a website and a scanner that scans an object and transfers any number of scanner data to the memory system, the scanner data resides on the digitally scan an object in three dimensions non-transitory storage media and includes any number of object dimensions such as length, width and height of the object, a three-dimensional object file and any number of raw video or any number of images of the object. The system includes a corresponding method for digitally scanning an object in three dimensions and a non-transitory computer storage media having instructions stored thereon which, when executed, execute the method for digitally scanning an object in three dimensions.

Abstract: A system includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, and a mirror. The second beam splitter can produce two lines of light, which are received by at least one sensor. The two lines of light have different focal heights on the wafer. A distance between the second beam splitter and the mirror can be configured to change a focal height on the wafer. A height of an illuminated region on a surface of the wafer relative to a normal surface of the wafer can be determined using the two lines of light.

Abstract: Portable device for contactless measurement of a size, such as the diameter, of small and medium sized objects, such as wires, bars or tubes, even in movement, which comprises a light beam generator (1), two light beam deflector elements (2, 4) located opposite each other, a measuring region (3), an enlarging lens (5), a light beam splitting device (6). The light beam is split into two parts to form two separate images of the object (14) to be measured, being perceived by two linear image sensors (7.1, 7.2) and processed by two electronic circuits (8.1 and 8.2) and by an electronic processing component (9).

Abstract: A depth value of an object is measured. The object is illuminated with a luminaire comprising at least three or more pixel-layers including a first pixel-layer, a second pixel-layer and a third pixel-layer, each pixel-layer including a rectangular array of pixels. One or more images are captured of the object illuminated by the pixel-layers of the luminaire. The depth value of a point on the surface of the object is determined based on the one or more captured images. The spaced-apart pixel-layers of the luminaire are grouped into at least a front group and a back group, and the front group is separated from the back group by a distance that is relatively large as compared to a distance by which the spaced-apart pixel-layers within any one group are separated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting a feature point to recognize an obstacle using a laser scanner are provided. The apparatus includes a laser scanner that is installed at a front of a traveling vehicle and is configured to obtain laser scanner data having a plurality of layers in real time. In addition, a controller is configured to separate the laser scanner data obtained by the laser scanner into a plurality of layers to extract measurement data present in each layer and determine feature points of the measurement data to classify a type of obstacle based on a plurality of stored feature points.

Abstract: A device or apparatus is provided for carrying out measurements of shape on a first surface of a wafer relative to structures present beneath the first surface including (i) profilometry apparatus arranged in order to carry out measurements of shape on the first surface of the wafer according to at least one measurement field; (ii) imaging apparatus facing the profilometry apparatus and arranged in order to acquire a reference image of the structures on or through a second surface of the wafer opposite to the first surface according to at least one imaging field; the profilometry apparatus and said imaging apparatus being arranged so that the measurement and imaging fields are referenced in position within a common frame of reference. A method is also provided to be implemented in this device or this apparatus.

Abstract: A system for measuring the profile or the refractive index of a transparent object by fringe projection techniques is provided and has an image generating device, an image capture device, and an image processor. The image generating device produces a reference image with a long depth of focus. This reference image is emitted into an inspected transparent object, and is distorted by the refractive index and the profile of the transparent object. The image capture device receives the distorted image. The image processor analyzes the difference between the distorted image and the reference image, so as to identify the profile or the refractive index of the inspected transparent object.

Abstract: A correction device for an optical measuring apparatus obtains correction data for each scanning position of a light beam from an optical measuring apparatus that includes a light beam scanner which scans with a light beam a measuring region where a measured object is placed, and a light receiver which receives a transmitted light beam from the measuring region. The correction device includes a translucent scale having scale marks arranged at a predetermined pitch, and a support to mount the scale in the measuring region so that an arrangement direction of the scale marks is a scanning direction of the light beam.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include assessing surface cleanliness. In some embodiments, the system may include a dispensing device. The dispensing device may dispense, during use, a liquid on a surface forming a drop. In some embodiments, the system may include a stage. The stage may support, during use, a digital imaging device above the drop positioned on the surface. In some embodiments, the system may include a light emitter. The light emitter may emit, during use, a beam of light substantially parallel to the surface at the drop. In some embodiments, the system may include an adjustable support coupled to the stage. The adjustable support may adjust, during use, an angle of the stage relative to the surface. In some embodiments, the system is configured to determine a contact angle of the drop relative to the surface.

Abstract: A specimen measuring device includes: a light source device that irradiates a specimen surface of a specimen with illumination light from multiple illumination units at a plurality of illumination angles; a spectral camera device that is arranged above the specimen surface, spectrally separates reflected light from the specimen surface, and acquires 2D spectral information through a single image capturing operation; and a calculating unit that calculates deflection angle spectral information of the specimen surface used to measure a measurement value of a certain evaluation item of the specimen using a change in an optical geometrical condition of an illumination direction and an image capturing direction between pixels in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction of the spectral information.

Abstract: A chromatic point sensor (CPS) system is provided, which compensates for potential errors due to input spectral profile intensity inconsistencies that arise when driving a CPS illumination source using different power levels. The CPS system includes an optical pen comprising a confocal optical path including a chromatically dispersive element and configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances proximate to a workpiece surface to be measured, an illumination source, and CPS electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dual mode depth measurement are provided. The apparatus is used for measuring a depth information of a specular surface in a depth from defocus (DFD) mode or measuring a depth information of a textured surface in a depth from focus (DFF) mode. The apparatus includes a light source, a controller, a processor, a lighting optical system, an imaging optical system, a beam splitter and a camera. The controller is for switching between the depth from defocus mode and the depth from focus mode. The lighting optical system is used to focus a light from the light source on an object surface in the depth from defocus mode, and the lighting optical system is used to illuminate the object surface with a uniform irradiance in the depth from focus mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a surveying system comprising a total station installed at a known point and having a tracking function, at least one movable measuring device having a prism for retro-reflecting a distance measuring light and a tracking light projected from the total station and capable of moving and of performing three-dimensional measurement on an object to be measured and an arithmetic control part, wherein the movable measuring device has an auxiliary measuring unit capable of measuring a distance and an angle of the object to be measured and an attitude detector capable of detecting a measuring direction, a tilting and a tilting direction of the movable measuring device, wherein the movable measuring device performs three-dimensional measurement on the object to be measured with reference to direction of the total station based on the measurement result of the auxiliary measuring unit and on the detection result of the attitude detector at an arbitrary measurement position as being sighted from th

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for determining the position data of a geodesic surveying instrument by comparing of a reference data set extracted from data of an image of the surroundings of the surveying instrument position with position-referenced data sets which consists of data of a corresponding type, and determining the position data using the position reference of the selected position-referenced data set that has a comparatively important level of match with the reference data set.