Abstract: A device for stabilizing a firearm or practice weapon while a user practices firing includes a movement sensor, a sensitivity adjuster and a feedback device to emit an audio or visual feedback responsive to the movement when the movement sensed exceeds a threshold level determined by the sensitivity level. The audio or visual feedback may have a feedback characteristic that corresponds to a pattern of the movement.

Abstract: A dust cover for a firearm includes a panel, a hinge pin and a spring disposed around the hinge pin. The spring engages the hinge pin so that the spring is non-slidable relative to the hinge pin. The spring includes a first prong that engages the panel to bias the panel away from the ejection port. The spring includes a second prong, distal from the first prong, that is manually engageable by a user to slide the hinge pin within a panel passageway while the spring remains non-slidable relative to the hinge pin so as to remove a part of the hinge pin from a hole defined by the firearm and thereby free the dust cover for removal from the firearm. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: An ambidextrous lower receiver for an automatic rifle is an apparatus that allows a rifle bolt of an upper receiver that is mounted on the apparatus to be manipulated from either side of the automatic rifle. The apparatus includes a lower-receiver body, a bolt catch button, a bolt catch lever, a pusher finger, and a length-adjustable pin. The lower-receiver body attaches with the upper receiver of an automatic rifle and connects a magazine and a pistol grip to the automatic rifle. The lower-receiver body positions the bolt catch button and the bolt catch lever. The bolt catch button releases and locks the bolt catch lever. The bolt catch lever releases and locks the rifle bolt of a corresponding upper receiver. The bolt catch button manipulates the bolt catch lever from the opposite side of the automatic rifle with the pusher finger and the length-adjustable pin.

Abstract: An archery bow having a vertically positioned handle and an elongated center block affixed to the handle in a perpendicular configuration is provided. A pair of limbs are affixed to the center block and having a pair of cams (or pulleys) are rotatably attached to the limbs. A bowstring is formed between the first and second cams. The handle, center block, limbs, and bowstring are configured to discharge an arrow from a plane substantially perpendicular to a shooter. An arm stabilizer may also be provided to engage the forearm of the shooter and provide stabilization when the archery bow is aimed or fired.

Abstract: The crossbow includes a frame, a first limb and a second limb connected to the frame, a first cam and a second cam mounted on opposite sides of an axis of arrow travel, a string connecting the first cam and the second cam, a first cable connecting the first cam and the first limb, and a second cable connecting the second cam and the second limb. The first cam and the second cam are mounted on a holder of the first cam and a holder of the second cam. The first cam is arranged entirely between the axis of arrow travel and a loose end of the first limb. The second cam is arranged entirely between the axis of arrow travel and a loose end of the second limb. The crossbow reduces overall dimensions of an arrow throwing device while maintaining arrow speed by changing a traditional position of cams.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an archery bow comprises a riser comprising a grip location and a cavity. A first limb is supported by the riser and attached by a first limb fastener. A second limb is supported by the riser and attached by a second limb fastener. A bowstring extends between the limbs. A vibration damper is located in the cavity, the vibration damper comprising a resilient member and a weight. A first distance from the bowstring to the first limb fastener is less than a second distance from the bowstring to the vibration damper.

Abstract: A shooting device (1) of a toy gun is provided. The gun body (10) has an air cylinder (11), a chamber base (12), a barrel (13), and a magazine (14). The chamber base (12) has an air chamber (120). The barrel (13) has a bullet passage (130). The magazine (14) is disposed at a side of the barrel (13). The triggering structure (20) has a slide assembly (21), a latch (22), and a trigger linkage (23). The slide assembly (21) pushes the bullets (2); the trigger (30) pushes against the trigger linkage (23) by an external force to move the next bullet back to the magazine (14) and seal the magazine (14). Therefore, the shooting device satisfying the users' requirements is provided.

Abstract: A compact improved bug killing gun includes a compressed gas source fluidly connected to a chamber connected to a barrel. A compressed gas release mechanism is connected to the compressed gas source. A projectile storage magazine stores particulate projectiles and is located adjacent the chamber. A projectile loading mechanism moves the projectiles into the chamber from the magazine. A cocking mechanism is mechanically connected to the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, and the projectile loading mechanism. When the gun is cocked, the projectile loading mechanism loads a quantity of the particulate projectiles into the chamber. When the compressed gas release mechanism is activated the projectiles are ejected from the chamber into the barrel and expelled from the gun. The gun optionally includes a laser sighting mechanism. The battery operated laser sighting mechanism is removably attached to the barrel or permanently attached with an integral, trigger operated switch.

Abstract: A high capacity loader for sequentially loading a plurality of projectiles into a launcher. The loader has a first drive core, a second drive core and a load path to maintain the projectiles in a defined path around the first and second drive cores. The second drive core is rotationally connected to the first drive core. An indexing assembly is provided to index the drive cores. A drive assembly provides a rotational force for the drive cores. A magazine extends from the housing to connect the loader to the launcher and to load the projectiles into the launcher. The projectiles are individually indexed on the first and second drive cores and are free from force by adjacent projectiles.

Abstract: Devices and method for converting collapsible firearm stocks are provided. In one embodiment, a conversion device for converting a stock is provided, the stock comprising a locking pin, configured to slide along a receiver extension having a plurality of position holes and lock into position, the conversion device comprising: a first insert having a first plug configured to insert into a first position hole of the plurality of position holes; a second insert having a second plug configured to insert into a second position hole of the plurality of position holes; wherein inserting the first and second plugs into the first and second position holes, respectively, covers all of the plurality of position holes except for a single position hole for receiving the locking pin of the stock; and wherein the single position hole converts the stock from being collapsible to fixed on the firearm.

Abstract: A novel wearable apparatus for stabilizing a firearm is described. The “Third Arm” apparatus attaches to a tactical vest on one end, and the rail interface system of the firearm on the other end. The arm allows the user to move the firearm with minimum restrictions while providing complete counterbalancing of the firearm, removing the weight of the firearm from the user's arms, thus reducing arm fatigue and improving accuracy. The apparatus enables the use of unconventional weapons systems including high recoil firearms and skeletonized firearms. Third Arm provides a structure to distribute recoil forces and onto which recoil management systems can be placed to aid in shot consistency and reduce discomfort of recoil forces. The apparatus is adjustable for different sized users and different weight firearms.

Abstract: A holster for accommodating a handgun having an attached, offset accessory, including walls defining a cavity for receiving the handgun and the attached accessory, a retention means that is capable of retaining a handgun and accessory in the holster, wherein the retention means includes a lever that is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin, to the first side wall approximately between a finger button end and an engagement end, wherein the engagement end includes a locking portion, formed on a second side of the engagement end, wherein the lever is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and wherein the lever is biased, via a spring means, to the engaged position, such that when the lever is in the engaged position, the locking portion may extend inside the cavity and inside the inner surface of the trigger guard of a handgun that is secured into the holster.

Abstract: A firearm holster and a method of making the firearm holster is disclosed. The firearm is wholly or partially molded of ballistic material in such a way that a bullet that is discharged into the holster is retained within the holster or deflected so that it doesn't cause damage to the user of the firearm or other persons or property.

Abstract: A mounting system for a concealed carry holster for securing the holster to a storage location. The mounting system uses a belt clip of the holster to attach the holster to a bracket. The bracket has a spring action restraint that cooperates with the belt clip to retain the holster in the mounting system. The restraint is accessible from a front of the holster to allow easy removal from the bracket.

Abstract: A target spotting device incorporating target acquisition improvements using patterned dichroic coatings wherein a color is assigned to an individual Bullet Drop Compensation reticle and/or other reticle elements to improve the observer's rate of target acquisition is disclosed. These dichroic patterns coatings can also be used individually or with etch and fill, chrome, anti-reflective chrome or holographic reticle elements. Patterned dichroics coatings can be incorporated into both 1st or 2nd focal plane reticle locations.

Abstract: An upper receiver for a weapon, the upper receiver having a plurality channels each being oriented in a first direction and wherein each of the plurality of channels intersect an elongated channel extending in a second direction; a modular rail having a pair of securement features configured to be slidably received within a pair of the plurality of channels such that modular rail can slide in the pair of the plurality of channels in the first direction until the pair of features can slide within the elongated channel in the second direction.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing an apparatus for use in a wellbore. The apparatus includes an apparatus body defining a volume, a propellant disposed within the volume, wherein the propellant has a first burn rate, and at least one propellant insert disposed within the propellant, wherein the propellant insert has a second burn rate, and the second burn rate is different than the first burn rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined fireworks with launching pits and multi-channel fireproof structures comprising a body, several tubular cavities are uniformly arranged on the body with the upper ports thereof are open and the lower ports thereof are closed, inner cylinders of fireworks and propellants are arranged inside the tubular cavity, the bottom of each tubular cavity is provided with annular grooves and launching pits. The bottom surface of the body is provided with several fireproof bosses, the position of each fireproof boss corresponds to each tubular cavity in the body respectively, and recessed countersinks are arranged on the fireproof bosses, the priming holes are arranged within the recessed countersinks, one end opening of the priming hole is located on the bottom surface of the launching pit, and the other end opening of the priming hole is located in the recessed countersinks.

Abstract: An arrow nock may have at least two distinct string guides each designed to receive a bowstring to fire an arrow from a bow. When the nock is connected to and aligned with the arrow, each distinct string guide may be designed, when receiving the bowstring, to rotate the arrow about its longitudinal axis with respect to the bow into one of a limited number of alignment orientations.

Abstract: Provided is a mechanical broadhead for an arrow shaft includes a ferrule attachable to the arrow shaft and having a body with a longitudinal centerline that is substantially coaxial with the arrow shaft when attached. The ferrule body has a longitudinal slot and at least one blade is pivotally mounted to the ferrule, at least partially within the longitudinal slot. The blade is movable about a pivot between folded and deployed positions and extends generally in a forward direction from the pivot when in the folded position. The blade is pivotable from the folded position in a first direction and the pivot is positioned on the ferrule opposite the blade's first pivot direction at a point beyond the longitudinal centerline.

Abstract: Herein we describe embodiments of a biodegradable wad having a gas sealing function, as well as methods for their use. In some embodiments, the biodegradable wad comprises at least 50% by weight of a poly(butylene succinate co-adipate) polymer. In some embodiments, the biodegradable wad comprises at least two biodegradable polymers, wherein a first biodegradable polymer comprises a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer and a second biodegradable polymer comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer. Plastic debris has a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use implements that will degrade into environmentally benign compounds. Incorporating a biodegradable wad into shotgun shells provides an effective, economical solution, provided cost is acceptable and performance is not compromised. Suitable shotgun shells utilizing biodegradable shotgun wads and methods are described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lead-free partial fragmentation bullet comprising a bullet jacket, a rear core compressed therein, and a nose core compressed in the ogive region, wherein the tip core sits on the rear core. In order that the rear core does not separate from the contacting bullet jacket upon striking a target body and to thereby guarantee a sure exit wound out of the target body, a predetermined breaking point is proposed which is arranged between the rear core and the nose core. The rear core has a molded recess on the end thereof facing the nose core, the end of the nose core facing the tail core fills in said recess, and the bullet jacket has a peripheral break away edge on the outer circumference in the region of the predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: Devices and methods facilitate a precise, measured amount of adjustment to a die used for the reloading of ammunition cartridges. A lock ring assembly and notched threads generate audible or tactile user feedback, preferably in the form of “clicks” as the lock ring advances by a precise, predetermined amount axially relative to a die body. The lock ring assembly may be a unified structure, wherein the entire lock ring assembly turns as a unit. In this embodiment, one or more ball detents in the lock ring assembly interact with notched threads on a proprietary die body. Alternatively, the lock ring assembly may be a two-part assembly that can be used with existing threaded dies with continuous un-notched threads. The die body, whether notched or not, may be used in any reloading application in standard presses, including cartridge sizing, crimping, bullet seating, or case mouth belling.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of providing an Explosive Initiation Safety and Handling System (EISS) coupled to a robot, operatively coupling a charge carrier table and a manipulator to the robot; securing a charge to the charge carrier table; installing a shock tube spool on the shock tube spooling mechanism and locking with an indexing nut; inserting the shock tube that has been uncoiled from the spooling mechanism into the interrupter and replacing the cap; attaching the shock tube to the charge; making an initiator-to-interrupter connection with the shock tube; retracting the manipulator on the robot to a fully stowed position and rotating the charge carrier in front of the robot; picking up the charge with the manipulator, extending the manipulator forward and placing the charge at a threat; stowing the charge carrier; positioning the robot at a distance from the threat, allowing the shock tube to spool out; remotely activating a first firing circuit on the robot to arm the system; cutting the shock tube

Abstract: A length measuring device and a length measuring system are provided, in which the length measuring device includes a casing, a first rotating portion accommodated in the casing, and rotated with a portion of a circumference thereof being exposed out of the casing and in contact with an object to be measured, a first sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the first rotating portion, and a controller which converts the amount of rotation of the first rotating portion into length measurement. Additionally, the length measuring device may further include a second rotating portion coiled with a strip by a plurality of times, and rotated according to the strip being withdrawn or retracted through an outlet formed in the casing, and a second sensing portion which senses an amount of rotation of the second rotating portion, in which the controller may convert the amount of rotation of the second rotating portion into length measurement.

Abstract: A length-measuring device for measuring a relative position of two objects includes a hollow section member in which a tensioned scale tape extends. A mounting block is disposed at each end of the scale tape. An adjuster is configured to position a mounting block on the hollow section member in a first installed condition such that the mounting block is displaceable in the longitudinal direction. The adjuster is movably mounted on the hollow section member and capable of being brought from a first to a second position. The mounting block is in the first installed condition when the adjuster is in the first position. The mounting block is movable to a second installed condition by moving the adjuster to the second position. In the second installed condition, the mounting block is fixed in a nominal position defined by the adjuster on the hollow section member.

Abstract: A feeler gauge includes multiple feeler blades and an optical sensor. Each of the multiple feeler blades rotates about an axis between a measuring position and a non-measuring position. Each of the multiple feeler blades includes a measurement portion configured to be inserted into a gap to be measured and a proximal end having an indication of thickness of the respective feeler blade thereon. The optical sensor optically determines one or more of the multiple feeler blades that are deployed in the measuring position from the respective indications of thickness of each of the one or more feeler blades.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waterproof lever-type indicator, comprising: a housing, a probe, a dial plate and a transmission mechanism. The probe and the dial plate are positioned at both ends of the housing respectively, the transmission mechanism is positioned inside the housing to connect the mounting shaft and the pointer on the dial plate, the end portion of the housing is provided as an enclosed structure, and the probe is in fixed connection with the mounting shaft extending beyond a side wall of the housing. When this indicator is put to practical use, compared with the open design of the end portion, the enclosed structure of the end portion of the housing can reduce possibility that foreign matters enter the indicator, promote the reliability of the indicator and prolong the instrument service life, especially in the workshop environment where foreign matters are more likely to generate.

Abstract: A straightness checking method includes the steps of standing a pin at each of both edge portions of linear members of a plurality of linearly-disposed components, and also standing a cut-out pin formed to have a cut-out on a part of a side face thereof, at an intermediate portion between the both edge portions, fixing one end portion and the other end portion of a line member respectively to the pins stood at the both edge portions, bringing into contact with the intermediate portion of the line member an uncut side face part corresponding to a side face without the cut-out formed of the cut-out pin, and rotating the cut-out pin and checking whether or not the line member vibrates due to rotation of the cut-out pin.

Abstract: A measuring probe includes: a stylus having a contact part to be brought into contact with an object to be measured; a probe housing capable of supporting the stylus on an axial center; and a detection element capable of detecting a movement of the contact part. The measuring probe further includes: two supporting members disposed in an axial direction of the probe housing, the supporting member allowing for an attitude change of the stylus; and a coupling shaft for coupling the two supporting members together. The detection element is disposed in one of the two supporting members that is farthest away from a rotational center position of rotation generated in the stylus when a measuring force is applied to the contact part from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, to detect a strain amount of the one of the two supporting members.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a clamp-type measuring device includes a clamp and an interval measuring module. The clamp includes a guiding rail and two holding arm. Each of holding arms includes a guide part, a connecting part, and a clamping part. The guide part is movably furnished on the guiding rail. Both ends of the connecting part are respectively connected to the guide part and the clamping part. The interval measuring module includes a first measuring element and a second measuring element. The first measuring element and the second measuring element are furnished on the two connecting parts respectively. The first measuring element and the second measuring element are slidable through the two guide parts respectively in order to measure an interval between the two clamping parts. In addition, the disclosure is also related to a measuring method of the clamp-type measuring device.

Abstract: A length measuring device is provided, which includes a case, a first rotating part configured to rotate while a portion of a circumference thereof exposed outside the case is in contact with a measured object, a rotation interfering part configured to interfere with an inertial rotation of the first rotating part, and a control part configured to calculate a length measurement using an amount of rotation of the first rotating part.

Abstract: Provided is a technique related to a new sensor unit which is flexible in that the sensor unit can be installed in various locations such as inside of a structure with a large curvature, and which can stably measure multi-directional deformation and very efficiently and wireless measure deformation information, and thus provided is a technique of a sensor structure which can be universally utilized in various systems for measuring deformation information.

Abstract: A method of determining an angle by an encoder includes generating a first angle data based on a rotation of a bipolar magnet and a second angle data based on a rotation of the multipolar magnet; determining a first waveform signal based on the first angle data and a second waveform signal based on the second angle data; converting the first waveform signal into a third waveform signal having a cycle similar to the second waveform signal; calculating an angle result value as a function of the second angle data and a determined value about a location of a rotation cycle of the multipolar magnet based on a difference between the second waveform signal and the third waveform signal; and determining an absolute angle corresponding to the calculated angle result value based on stored angle data.

Abstract: An interference observation apparatus includes a light source which outputs incoherent light, a beam splitter, a sample holding table, an objective lens, a reference mirror, a lens, an aberration correction plate, a piezo element, a tube lens, a beam splitter, an imaging unit, a photodetector, an image acquisition unit, and a control unit. The control unit obtains an interference intensity of combined light on the basis of a detection signal output from the photodetector, and adjusts an interference optical system to increase the interference intensity.

Abstract: A device for determining a 3D structure of an object having first and second laser emitters which generate laser radiation with first and second different wavelengths, respectively. A first beam splitter splits the laser radiation of each laser emitter into reference and illuminating radiation. The illuminating radiation is adapted to impinge on the object to be measured, be reflected by the object as object radiation, and interfere with the reference radiation to form interference patterns. A detector receives the interference patterns. A selection hologram deflects object radiation which impinges on it within a predefined incidence angle range and passes object radiation which impinges on it outside of the incidence angle range undiffracted. The undiffracted radiation either passes by the determination area of the detector or impinges on the determination area at an angle outside the determination angle range.

Abstract: Real-time swept source OCT data is most often sampled using a specially cut hardware k-clock. The present invention involves mathematically resampling signals within an FPGA-based data acquisition board based on data sampled from a wide free spectral range reference interferometer. The FPGA can then multiply up the reference clock rate to achieve greater imaging depth. The Nyquist fold-over depth can thus be programmed from a standard reference to an arbitrary depth, much as PLL frequency synthesizer can produce many frequencies from a standard stable reference. The system is also capable of real-time performance.

Abstract: A system and method for surface inspection of an object using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is provided. The method includes determining a surface profile of the object, the surface profile includes one or more regions on a surface of the object; moving the object relative to the OCT scanner head; and for each of the one or more regions on the surface of the object, performing: determining a working distance where the surface of the object at the respective region is within a present depth of field; determining an angle where the respective region is at the determined working distance from an OCT scanner head; directing the OCT scanner head at the determined angle towards the respective region when the respective region is at the determined working distance along the respective angle; and performing an A-scan of the object when the respective region is within the present depth of field.

Abstract: An optical coordinate measuring system (OCMS) for manufactured components having build variations that require splices for accurate integration of the components. The OCMS includes manufacturing the components that include integral three dimensional optical reticle image arrays affixed to predetermined surfaces of the components, such that those surfaces can be optically captured in three dimensional composite measurements associated with various 3-D scanned poses. Each pose includes an orthogonal pair of grid lines, and each pose involves a single field of view. A plurality of poses can then be collated to form composite measurements that extend out-of-range of any single pose. The three dimensional optical reticle image arrays can be concave or convex, ideally formed as an integral part of each as-manufactured component. The three dimensional aspect enhances scanning clarity of each scanned pose, thus assuring greater accuracies of composite measurements that result from any plurality of collated poses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for tactile/optical measuring of geometric features and structures on a workpiece. In order to be able to precisely align the probe extension for performing precise measurements without problems, a probe is proposed comprising a probe extension (13) having a flexurally elastic design at least in segments and having a mounting segment for mounting in a receptacle (14) comprising a mounting segment (60) implemented as a rotational lock.

Abstract: A mobile dimensioning device, i.e. a mobile dimensioner, is described that uses a dynamic accuracy while still being compatible with the NIST standard. Even if the accuracy division is dynamic and not predetermined, a mobile dimensioning device of the present invention reports the actual dimensioning prior to measurement capture and can therefore be certified and used in commercial transactions.

Abstract: An interferometer measuring device is disclosed which includes a workpiece stage (10), a laser interferometer (20) and a measuring reflector (30) mounted on the workpiece stage. The measuring reflector (30) is comprised of a plurality of planar mirrors (31) that are joined together along a horizontal direction. The laser interferometer (20) includes a first interferometer (21) and a second interferometer (22).

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a dimension measurement that conforms to a conformance criteria is disclosed. The dimensioning system provides either (i) feedback to confirm that the measurement complies with the criteria or (ii) information on how the measurement geometry could be adjusted in order to provide a compliant measurement in a subsequent dimension measurement.

Abstract: A pattern height measurement device capable of high-precision measurement of the dimensions of a fine pattern, and a charged particle beam device are provided. The pattern height measurement device includes a calculation device that determines dimensions of a sample, in the height direction, based on first reflected light information obtained by dispersing light reflected from a sample. The calculation device determines second reflected light information based on a formula for the relationship between the value for the dimension in the sample surface direction of a pattern formed upon the sample, obtained by irradiation of a charged particle beam on the sample, the value for the dimension in the height direction of the sample, and reflected light information; compares a second reflected light intensity and the first reflected light information; and outputs the value for the dimension in the height direction of the sample in the second reflected light information.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an elongated part measuring apparatus including an elongated frame, an elongated transparent part supporter supported by the frame and configured to support an elongated part (such as a guide wire or mandrel), an elongated movable part straightener pivotally connected to and supported by the frame, and a movable optical measurer movably connected to and supported by the frame and configured to take multiple spaced apart outer dimensional measurements of the elongated part (whether uncoated or coated).

Abstract: A measuring device and method for a substrate warping amount includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed oppositely. The measuring device includes a light source, a measuring eyepiece and a processor. The light source is configured to emit a monochromatic light to a region to be measured of the display motherboard, and form a Newton ring interference pattern. The measuring eyepiece is configured to acquire the Newton ring interference pattern and measure a diameter and a corresponding order number of each interference fringe in the Newton ring interference pattern. The processor is connected to the measuring eyepiece and configured to obtain a thickness of an air layer at each interference fringe according to the diameter and the corresponding order number of each interference fringe and a wavelength of the monochromatic light, to obtain a warping amount of the region to be measured of the display motherboard.

Abstract: Manufacturing of a shoe is enhanced by creating 3-D models of shoe parts. For example, a laser beam may be projected onto a shoe-part surface, such that a projected laser line appears on the shoe part. An image of the projected laser line may be analyzed to determine coordinate information, which may be converted into geometric coordinate values usable to create a 3-D model of the shoe part. Once a 3-D model is known and is converted to a coordinate system recognized by shoe-manufacturing tools, certain manufacturing steps may be automated.

Abstract: A laser scanner is designed to include a GPS signal-independent navigation unit.

Abstract: Measurement system comprising a radiation source configured to generate a measurement radiation beam, a polarizer and a grating to receive the measurement radiation beam and provide a polarized measurement radiation beam patterned by the grating, optics to form an image of the grating at a target location on a substrate. The image comprises a first part having a first polarization and a second part having a second polarization, detection optics to receive radiation from the target location of the substrate and form an image of the grating image at a second grating, and a detector to receive radiation transmitted through the second grating and produce a two output signal indicative of the intensity of the transmitted radiation for the first and second parts of the grating image respectively. Topography of the substrate can be determined from the signals.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional scanner, a scanner main body calculates the position and direction of a depth sensor. The scanner main body also determines a movement candidate, which is a candidate for a position and direction to/in which the depth sensor is to be moved next. Then, the scanner main body acquires a feature within the movement candidate, which is the feature observable by the depth sensor from the movement candidate, and evaluates the stability of mapping performed from the movement candidate through use of the feature within the movement candidate. The scanner main body further presents at least any one of the moving direction or moving speed of the depth sensor to a user based on an evaluation result.