Based On Triangulation Patents (Class 250/201.6)
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Patent number: 12058468Abstract: An image capturing apparatus including a lens and a processing unit, wherein the lens includes a first region through which a first light ray passes and a second region through which a second light ray passes, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged in a predetermined direction, and wherein the processing unit sets a component of the predetermined direction as a degree of freedom in a first relative positional relationship between a predetermined position in the first region and a predetermined position in the second region is employed.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keita Dan
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Patent number: 11758269Abstract: An electronic apparatus suppressed in occurrence of lowering of focus adjustment accuracy in a case where an occlusion area exists in an object area. An image is acquired which is captured using an image capturing device including a plurality of photoelectric converters to which are incident light fluxes via exit pupils of an image capturing optical system pupil-divided in first and second directions. An object and occlusion areas of the object are detected from the image. Focus adjustment is controlled based on phase difference information, according to a direction of distribution of the occlusion areas.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryosuke Tsuji
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Patent number: 11041713Abstract: Provided are a nanostructured optical element, a depth sensor, and an electronic device. The nanostructured optical element includes: a light source in which a plurality of laser sources irradiating light are configured as an array; a meta-pattern layer including a plurality of first nano-posts that are two-dimensionally configured while satisfying a sub-wavelength condition, wherein the plurality of first nano-posts are configured to change the light from the light source into structured light; and a deflecting layer between the light source and the meta-pattern layer, and configured to change a proceeding direction of the light to make the light from the light source be incident to the meta-pattern layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seunghoon Han, Byunghoon Na, Jangwoo You
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Patent number: 11019328Abstract: Provided are a nanostructured optical element, a depth sensor, and an electronic device. The nanostructured optical element includes: an array of a plurality of laser sources; a meta-pattern layer including a two-dimensional array of plurality of first nano-posts; and a deflecting layer between the light source and the meta-pattern layer. Each of the first nano-posts has a dimension smaller than a wavelength of light output from the plurality of laser sources. The deflecting layer is configured to direct light from the light source onto the meta-pattern layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Seunghoon Han, Byunghoon Na, Jangwoo You
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Patent number: 10801694Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprising a single point-like light source, preferably a LED, and a transmissive lens structure optically connected to said light source defining a plurality of optically functional, mutually different segments dedicated for controlling the light, e.g. distribution and direction, originally emitted by said single light source. A corresponding transmissive element is presented.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Oy MTG-Meltron LTDInventor: Kari Rinko
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Patent number: 10775160Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Patent number: 10776639Abstract: A LIDAR system for detecting a vehicle may include a processor configured to: scan a field of view (FOV) by controlling movement of at least one deflector at which at least one light source is directed; receive from at least one sensor signals indicative of light reflected from a particular object in the FOV; detect, based on time of flight in the received signals, portions of the particular object in the FOV that are similarly spaced from the light source; determine, based on the detected portions, at least a first portion having a first reflectivity corresponding to a license plate, and at least two additional spaced-apart portions corresponding to locations on the particular object other than a location of the first portion; and based on a spatial relationship and a reflectivity relationship between the first portion and the at least two additional portions, classify the particular object as a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Innoviz Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Amit Steinberg, David Elooz, Omer David Keilaf, Oren Buskila, Oren Rosenzweig
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Patent number: 10670387Abstract: To determine a position of an object (100) parallel to the optical axis (120) of an optical device (1), the object (100) is illumined from a first illumination direction (210-1) and from a second illumination direction (210-2) and an image (230-1, 230-2) is acquired in each case. The position of the object (100) is determined based on a distance (250) between imaging locations of the object (220-1, 220-2) in the images (230-1, 230-2).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbHInventors: Lars Stoppe, Christoph Husemann, Markus Sticker
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Patent number: 10302745Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a method for determining distances to an object to be measured based on the principle of triangulation, comprising generating and emitting a measuring light beam, directing the measuring light beam to the object to be measured, detecting a reflection of the measuring light from the object with respective pixels of an image sensor during a defined detection sequence (t0-te) and deriving distance information based on the detected reflection. The detection sequence (t0-te) comprises a number of at least two exposure sub-sequences each defining a particular exposure period and saturation limit for the pixels of the sensor, wherein a successive exposure sub-sequence comprises a higher saturation limit than its prior exposure sub-sequence and each saturation limit defines a maximum charging level of the pixels for the respective exposure sub-sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBHInventors: Johan Stigwall, Thomas Jensen, Peter Champ
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Patent number: 10275903Abstract: A mobile device case or cover can include a distance marker for distance measurement. A mobile device coupled with the case may include a measurement application or module that can acquire video or still images of the distance marker. The measurement application can calculate a distance to the distance marker based on a captured image of the distance marker in the video or still images. The mobile device case can include a pocket, slot, or storage compartment for storing the distance marker.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Incipio, LLCInventors: Andy Fathollahi, David L. Zermeno
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Patent number: 9991409Abstract: An optical detection sensor functions as a proximity detection sensor that includes an optical system and a selectively transmissive structure. Electromagnetic radiation such as laser light can be emitted through a transmissive portion of the selectively transmissive structure. A reflected beam can be detected to determine the presence of an object. The sensor is formed by encapsulating the transmissive structure in a first encapsulant body and encapsulating the optical system in a second encapsulant body. The first and second encapsulant bodies are then joined together. In a wafer scale assembling the structure resulting from the joined encapsulant bodies is diced to form optical detection sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics Pte LtdInventors: Yonggang Jin, Wee Chin Judy Lim
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Patent number: 9928614Abstract: A mobile device case or cover can include a distance marker for distance measurement. A mobile device coupled with the case may include a measurement application or module that can acquire video or still images of the distance marker. The measurement application can calculate a distance to the distance marker based on a captured image of the distance marker in the video or still images. The mobile device case can include a pocket, slot, or storage compartment for storing the distance marker.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Incipio, LLCInventors: Andy Fathollahi, David L. Zermeno
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Patent number: 9864204Abstract: Interrogation optical beams are focused or otherwise shaped for delivery to a target that includes one or more tooling balls so as to have a beam radius of curvature corresponding to a tooling ball radius. Focus values can be stored in a look-up table and can include two beam focus conditions that produce a selected beam focus. The two beam focus conditions are associated with a common beam curvature. The focus conditions are associated with beam curvatures within and without a Rayleigh range from a beam waist.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Daniel Gene Smith
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Patent number: 9716845Abstract: A digital camera has a 2D image sensor designed as a CCD or CMOS sensor that can be used to measure distances based on a runtime measurement in synchronization with a pulsed infrared source. The measured distances are used to carry out a 3D reconstruction of a detected object. The digital camera does not have to have an infrared cut-off filter; however, it can have an infrared cut-off filter that can be dynamically activated in full or in part or deactivated in relation to pixels of the image sensor. In the latter event, individual areas of the image sensor, for which the infrared cut-off filter is deactivated, are used for the 3D reconstruction or for images in the infrared range. The remaining areas of the sensor are used for images of high color quality in the visible light spectrum. In the event that no infrared cut-off filter is present, individual areas of the image sensor are used for the 3D reconstruction or for images in the infrared range.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: SKIDATA AGInventor: Thomas Schlechter
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Patent number: 9661288Abstract: A projection display system includes a projector to project an image onto a projection surface, and a remote controller to control the projector. The remote controller includes a first sensor to measure a current value of horizontal distance to the projection surface, a second sensor to measure a current value of vertical distance to the projection surface, and a processor to obtain, from a memory, preset values of horizontal distance and vertical distance corresponding to a screen size selected by a user, and to control a display to display a screen including the obtained preset values of horizontal distance and vertical distance, the current value of horizontal distance measured by the first sensor, and the current value of vertical distance measured by the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Kouji Ohno
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Patent number: 9639754Abstract: A subject tracking apparatus includes a light detector, a focus detector, and a tracking controller. The focus detector is configured to detect focus information at a plurality of focus detection regions in a view of an image. The focus information includes at least focus information detected at a subject region of a subject in the view. The tracking controller is configured to determine at least one first region having substantially same light information as light information detected at the subject region from among a plurality of light measurement regions, to determine at least one second region having substantially same focus information as the focus information detected at the subject region from among the plurality of focus detection regions, and to determine reference information for tracking the subject in the view based on the at least one first region and the at least one second region.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Takeuchi, Keiko Muramatsu
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Patent number: 9267797Abstract: A range-finding device includes a plurality of image pickup units disposed at a predetermined interval with each other, a lens unit to form subject images of a subject on the plurality of image pickup units, the image pickup units on which the subject image is formed outputting signals of the subject image, and a distance calculation unit to calculate a distance to the subject based on the signals output from the image pickup units. The plurality of image pickup units are formed on a single substrate. The subject image is formed through the lens unit on at least two image pickup units of the plurality of image pickup units. The distance calculation unit calculates a distance to the subject based on the signals output from the at least two image pickup units on each of which the subject image is formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Shigeru Oouchida
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Patent number: 9154079Abstract: Bias voltage generators that can generate variable bias voltages for transistors in mixers and other circuits are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device or an integrated circuit (IC)) includes at least one transistor and a bias voltage generator. The transistor(s) have a threshold voltage and receive a bias voltage. The bias voltage generator generates the bias voltage based on changes to the threshold voltage of the transistor(s), e.g., due to IC process and/or temperature. In an exemplary design, the bias voltage generator includes a replica transistor that tracks the transistor(s) and an op-amp that provides a gate voltage for the replica transistor. The bias voltage is generated based on the gate voltage. The bias voltage generator may generate the bias voltage (i) to track the threshold voltage of the transistor(s) in a first mode or (ii) based on a fixed voltage in a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Wei Zhuo, Himanshu Khatri, Ojas M Choksi
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Patent number: 8829402Abstract: The present invention relates to an autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) in a triangulating autofocusing device (21) for a microscope (40), wherein the autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) comprises at least one diaphragm opening (3, 4) with which a measuring beam pencil (34) used for the autofocusing and running in the direction of the optical axis (18) of the autofocusing device (21) can be limited in its cross section, wherein the diaphragm opening (3, 4) of the autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) is arranged in a decentred position at a spacing from the optical axis (18) of the autofocusing device (21), wherein a decentred autofocus measuring beam (36) can be generated by the diaphragm opening (3, 4) in one half of the cross section (17) of the measuring beam pencil (34).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbHInventor: Ralf Krueger
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Patent number: 8718962Abstract: A calibrating method of calibrating a measured distance of a measured object measured by a distance-measuring device according to an ambient temperature includes providing a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the distance-measuring device, calculating a calibrated imaging location of the measured object according to the ambient temperature and an imaging location of the measured object, and calibrating the measured distance according to the calibrated imaging location. In this way, when the distance-measuring device measures the measured object, the error due to the variation of the ambient temperature is avoided according to the calibrating method.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.Inventors: En-Feng Hsu, Chi-Chieh Liao, Ming-Tsan Kao
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Patent number: 8670657Abstract: The ranging apparatus of the present invention measures the distance to an object to be imaged by an imaging apparatus using the principle of triangulation ranging, and has a measurement unit in which a maximum distance that can be ranged to an object is not less than ½ of a maximum value of the hyper focal length of the imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masakazu Kodaira
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Patent number: 8654314Abstract: The system includes a rotary turret platform for aiming of a high power laser beam. The system further includes a turret payload device coupled to the rotary turret platform. The system further includes an off-axis telescope coupled to the turret payload, having an articulated secondary mirror for correcting optical aberrations, and configured to reflect the high power laser beam to a target through a first of at least two conformal windows. The system further includes an illuminator beam device configured to actively illuminating the target to generate a return aberrated wavefront through the first of the at least two conformal windows. The system further includes a coarse tracker coupled to the turret payload, positioned parallel to and on an axis of revolution of the off-axis telescope, and configured to detect, acquire, and track the target through the second of the at least two conformal windows.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: William B. King, John D. Isker, Chaunchy F. Mckearn, Eric J. Griffin
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Patent number: 8396655Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle includes: (a) at least one driving data sensor for acquiring driving data characterizing a driving state of the motor vehicle; (b) at least one camera for capturing images of the surroundings; (c) an accident recorder that can record the images of the surroundings in a buffer; and (d) an electronic controller for controlling the driving data sensor, the camera, and the accident recorder. The electronic controller is programmed to trigger an autonomous braking action of the motor vehicle based on driving data and/or images of the surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Karsten Breuer, Thomas Dieckmann, Hartmut Kitterer
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Patent number: 8053712Abstract: An inspecting method for an object lens driving device including a base, an objective lens, a holder for holding the objective lens on the base, and a drive mechanism for driving the holder so as to move the objective lens in the focus direction, the method comprising the steps of: emitting a laser beam through the objective lens; allowing the laser beam emitted through the objective lens to pass through an aperture having a predetermined diameter; applying to the drive mechanism a drive voltage for moving the holder between a first position closest to a surface of the base and a second position farther than the first position from the surface of the base; performing photoelectric conversion of the laser beam having passed through the aperture; and inspecting the objective lens driving device based on a signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Muraoka, Masaharu Sakazume, Yoshimaru Nakane, Hiroshi Yoshida, Shinya Tsukada
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Publication number: 20090146046Abstract: An image-capturing element includes a pair of photoelectric conversion cells that pupil-divide object light in a first direction and in a second direction and that output a ranging signal. The photoelectric conversion cells include a photoreceiving element configured to receive the object light and generate a ranging signal, a first light-shielding layer having a first light-transmitting area, and a second light-shielding layer having a second light-transmitting area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Yasutoshi KATSUDA, Genta Yagyu, Shinichi Fujii
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Publication number: 20080283724Abstract: The invention relates to a focus detection optical system used with the so-called autofocus (AF) system mounted on single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) or the like, and an imaging apparatus incorporating it. The focus detection optical system comprises at least n focus detection areas that are adjacent to or intersect each other on a predetermined imaging plane, where n?2. A re-imaging lens group comprises n+1 re-imaging lenses, A (n?1)th re-imaging lens and an nth re-imaging lens are a pair of re-imaging lenses that correspond to a (n?1)th focus detection area and are adjacent to each other. An nth re-imaging lens and a (n+1)th re-imaging lens are a pair of re-imaging lenses that correspond to the nth focus detection area and are adjacent to each other. The (n?1)th re-imaging lens and (n+1)th re-imaging lens are located at different positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Hisashi Goto
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Patent number: 7412159Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, in which a light is projected toward a physical object by projection means, and based on the reflected light by the physical object of the light, a defocus amount is detected (steps S2003 to S2008) by the first focus detection means and the second focus detection means, respectively, and a correction value for matching the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means with the defocus amount detected by the second focus detection means is calculated and kept stored (step S2009), and at the photographing time, based on the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means and the correction value kept stored, a focus adjustment lens within a photographic lens is driven, thereby preventing an inappropriate correction of the defocus amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Ichimiya
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Patent number: 7324218Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for distance measurement, with at least one transmitting branch (14) with a transmission source (22, 24) for a measurement signal for emitting a modulated measuring beam (16, 26, 36) in the direction of a target object (20), and with a receive branch (18) for the measurement radiation (17, 44) returning from the target object (30), and with a control and evaluation unit (28, 58) for determining the distance of the device (10) to the target object (20) from the measurement radiation returning from the target object (20). It is proposed according to the invention that the device (10) include means that enable measurement of distances with predetermined measurement uncertainties. The present invention further relates to a method for distance measurement, with which a measurement of distances with predetermined measurement uncertainties is possible.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joerg Stierle, Peter Wolf, Gunter Flinspach
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Patent number: 7130027Abstract: This invention generally relates to a reflection-photometric analytical system having a measuring head comprising a source of radiation and a radiation detector for the reflection-photometric analysis of a target surface of a test object arranged at a distance from the measuring head and in particular of a test strip for body fluids such as urine or blood. A triangulation unit operating on the basis of optical triangulation is proposed for contact free checking of the distance in order to monitor or regulate the measuring distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventor: Friedrich Ziegler
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Patent number: 6897422Abstract: A scanning electron microscope is integrated in a common measuring configuration with at least one device for the angle-dependent measuring of the scattering or diffraction of light. This measuring configuration includes a common transport system, which handles the distribution of semiconductor wafers that are to be measured. The measuring configuration also includes at least one loading and unloading station for providing semiconductor wafers in wafer transport containers. The joint configuration of the two-measuring devices for measuring the critical dimension of a feature allows a mostly contamination-free, rapid, and flexible exchange between the two measuring devices, and furthermore the measuring of lots can be planned in accordance with various measuring strategies. In particular, each semiconductor wafer of a lot can be measured without resorting to sampling strategies. Certainty is enhanced with respect to wafer-to-wafer uniformity, and a greater throughput is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Oliver Broermann
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Patent number: 6897421Abstract: An optical inspection system comprises an optical system for providing an image of an object being inspected. The optical system comprises a plurality of lenses arranged along a normal optical axis, one of the lenses including an objective lens. A collimated laser beam is directed to one edge portion of the objective lens toward the object to illuminate the object with a spot. A focus lens focuses the spot reflected from the object and transmitted through an opposite edge portion of said objective lens onto a linear detector, whereby the location of the spot on the linear detector provides the position of the object above or below a reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Optical Gaging Products, IncInventor: Boris Gelman
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Patent number: 6850325Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the determination of a condition or state of an object based on quasi-elastic interaction between the object and light transmitted to the object, the apparatus comprising a diffractive optical element having a diffracting region comprising a first diffracting structure for diffraction and focussing of a first light beam to the object, and a second diffracting structure that is laterally displaced relative to the first diffracting structure for diffraction and focussing of a second light beam to the object. The first and second diffracting structures focus the first and second light beams in the same focussing plane, the focussing plane being substantially perpendicular to propagation directions of the first and second light beams. The diffracting region further comprises a receiving diffracting structure for diffraction of light from the light beams that has interacted with the object. The diffracted light is diffracted in a diffraction angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Kamstrup A/SInventor: Carsten Dam-Hansen
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Patent number: 6844562Abstract: A distance measuring sensor includes a case subassembly having inside a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and a lens case subassembly having a projection lens projecting a light output from the light emitting element and a condenser lens condensing the light reflected from the object, and attached to a front side of the case subassembly. The condenser lens is movably attached to the lens case subassembly, and after an output is adjusted, this condenser lens is fixed thereto. Thus, the distance measuring sensor enabling easier adjustment of an output can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Sharp Kabuskiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Takaoka, Shinya Kawanishi
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Patent number: 6833909Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optical distance measurement, having a emitter unit (12) having a light source (17, 18) emitting modulated optical beam (13, 20, 22) to a target object (15), and having a receiver unit (14), spaced apart from the optical axis (38) of the emitter unit (12) with at least one optical detector (54) for receiving the optical beam (16, 49, 50) returning from the target object (15), and having a control and evaluation unit (36) for ascertaining the distance (48) of the device from the target object (15). It is proposed that the active, light-sensitive face (66, 67, 68, 69) of the detector (54) of the receiver unit (14) narrows in the direction (61) of a beam displacement for decreasing target object distances (48) that is due to the parallax of the returning beam (16).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dierk Schmidt, Joerg Stierle, Peter Wolf, Gunter Flinspach
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Patent number: 6812479Abstract: Disclosed is a position system and method for correcting the position of a workpiece during a manufacturing process. The system includes a light generating means for projecting a light beam onto the top surface of the workpiece at a predetermined angle and a video capturing means for detecting the light received by the workpiece. The light projected on the workpiece is scanned to determine the deviation direction and the deviation amount from a predetermined reference point, then the position of the work piece is adjusted based on a positional relationship between a digital image of the projected light on the surface of said workpiece and the predetermined reference image.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Michael Joffe
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Patent number: 6768540Abstract: A phase difference detection apparatus for detecting a phase difference between images formed on a pair of optical sensor arrays in which the possibility of unproductive compensation is reduced by use of a compensation effectiveness judgment unit that judges whether or not compensation of a pair of image data rows would be effective. A compensation unit calculates a compensation amount based on a difference in maximum values and minimum values in a pair of image data rows corresponding to the images produced by the optical sensor arrays and compensates the image data rows by the calculated compensation amount. Based upon the compensated values, a correlation calculation unit carries out a correlation calculation, and a maximum correlation detection unit detects a maximum correlation level. Based upon the maximum correlation level, a interpolation calculation unit carries out an interpolation calculation, and a phase difference is detected by a phase difference detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Seiko Precision Inc.Inventor: Shiroshi Kanemitsu
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Patent number: 6763140Abstract: A mesh is created from selected focus points having locations on a surface of interest of a sample being micro-imaged. The mesh and associated focus settings of the focus points are used to define adjacent focus facets forming a focus surface substantially coincident with the surface of interest of the sample. In micro-imaging the sample, a micro-imaged portion of the surface of interest is segmented for the purpose of acquiring tile images. A tile image focus location is used to extract a tile image focus setting from the focus surface. A tile image focus determination process selects a focus facet coincident with the tile image focus location and interpolates a tile image focus setting from focus settings associated with the focus points defining the focus facet. If a coincident focus facet is not found, the tile image focus setting is set to the focus setting of a nearest focus point. Dependence on autofocus is thus eliminated, providing faster imaging and better focused images.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: ChipworksInventor: David F. Skoll
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Patent number: 6697146Abstract: A range-finder, capable of finding a range by image realization, having two distantly arranged imaging devices. The first pattern having a predetermined size and the first positional information is extracted by the pattern extracting section from the first image of a target which has been made by the first imaging device. In the second image of the same target, which has been made by the second imaging device, the second pattern having the second positional information, which is most correlated with the first pattern in a plurality of upward and downward horizontal or vertical lines corresponding to the first positional information, is detected by the correlation processing section. Parallax is found from the first and the second positional information by the parallax calculating section. A distance to the target is found from this parallax by using the principle of triangulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Nobukazu Shima
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Patent number: 6650401Abstract: An optical distance sensor is provided with a substrate on which a light emitting element and a light detecting element are disposed, and a single optical structure including a first converging mechanism for converging a light beam emitted from the light emitting element, a second converging mechanism for converging a light beam reflected by an object at a distance to be measured, and a reflecting mechanism for deflecting the light beam reflected by the object twice.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Oka
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Publication number: 20030197112Abstract: The present invention provides for very rapid autofocusing of optical scanning systems. If a sample is sufficiently out of focus, the focal error signal used to focus a conventional half-blocked system can become saturated. Multiple steps toward the focus position then typically are required to bring the system into the operational range. To minimize this, a light adjustment system is provided to reduce the amount of light impinging on the half-blocked system when the focal error signal is at or near saturation. The half-blocked system then becomes primary controller again, and can move the system into a position generally close to the correct focal point. The light adjustment system then can be deactivated, but since the system now is much closer to focus, the half-blocked system can quickly bring the system into final focus. Alternatively, the photodetectors used to generate the focal error signal are segmented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew R. C. Atkinson, Orlin B. Knudson
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Patent number: 6472652Abstract: Reflected light of each light beam projected toward an object at a distance to be measured is detected to provide a far signal and a near signal, and the far signal is compared with a preset clamp signal. The larger signal resulting from the comparison is outputted from a clamping circuit and a ratio of the output signal and the near signal is calculated to obtain an output ratio signal. Output ratio signals for light emissions from a light projecting unit are accumulated in an integration to produce an integral signal. The integral signal is transformed to a distance signal according to the distance by transformation equations selected based on whether the number of clamp signals outputted as output signals from the clamping circuit during the integration is larger than a set number.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Miwa, Tatsuo Saito
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Patent number: 6456794Abstract: Distance measurement operations are executed by carrying out projection of light from IRED 4, reception of light by PSD 5, arithmetic operation by an arithmetic unit, and integral operation by an integrator plural times, and thereafter a detector detects the distance to a measured object, based on results of the respective distance measurement operations. Precharge of integrating capacitor 6 is carried out prior to the first distance measurement operation, but the precharge is not carried out prior to the second and subsequent distance measurement operations.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Yoshida
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Patent number: 6433858Abstract: An autofocusing apparatus of a telescope for automatically focusing on an object viewed within a field of view of the telescope through a distance-measuring zone arranged in the field of view, includes: a multi-point distance measuring device which divides the distance-measuring zone into at least three distance-measuring zones to detect an object distance on each of the distance-measuring zones; a lens driver which drives a focusing lens group of the telescope along an optical axis thereof; and a controller which controls the lens driver wherein the focusing lens group is moved to perform an autofocusing operation in accordance with a result of the each object distance detected by the multi-point distance measuring zones. The controller compares the each object distance detected by the multi-point distance measuring device with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6433857Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an optical triangulation displacement sensor using a diffraction grating. The optical triangulation displacement sensor includes a light source element, a condenser, a light-receiving element, an image formation lens, a transmission grating and a light-receiving element. The light source element generates light of certain intensity. The condenser receives the light from the light source element and transmits the light to the surface of measurement. The image formation lens receives the light reflected by the surface of measurement. The transmission grating converts the reflected light having passed through the image formation lens into a plurality of diffracted light rays. In the light-receiving element, an image is formed by the diffracted light rays incident from the transmission grating.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Soo Hyun Kim, Kyung Chan Kim, Se Baek Oh
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Patent number: 6333782Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus projects light toward an object at a distance to be measured, detects reflected light at a position according to the distance to the object to output a position signal, generates a distance computation value based on the position signal, integrates the distance computation value with an integrating capacitor, detects the distance, based on distance data corresponding to the integrated result, charges the integrating capacitor with a constant current for a time, and calculates a voltage for the integrating capacitor. In the distance measuring apparatus, the distance to the object is determined, based on a correction voltage calculated in a ranging routine, a reference voltage of the integrating capacitor calculated before the ranging routine, and the distance data. The apparatus reduces ranging error due to a change in the capacitance of the integrating capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Miwa
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Patent number: 6295124Abstract: In the rangefinder apparatus in accordance with the present invention, an infrared emitting diode (IRED) having four light-emitting areas projects a first correction beam when only a first light-emitting area emits light, a reference beam when the first and second light-emitting areas emit light, and a second correction beam when all of the first to fourth light-emitting areas emit light. These three kinds of beams have emission light intensity distributions different from each other and an identical emission center-of-gravity position with respect to the base-length direction. The three kinds of beams are successively projected to an object at a distance to be measured, to yield respective distance information items, according to which a beam eclipse correction is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Yoshida
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Patent number: 6246467Abstract: A rangefinder apparatus, which projects light toward a range-finding object, detects light reflected from the range-finding object, and measures the distance to the range-finding object according to a position where the light is detected, includes a step-up regulator for raising the power source voltage of a battery; a step-down regulator for receiving the raised voltage outputted from the step-up regulator and outputs a depressed voltage lower than the raised voltage; an autofocus integrated circuit actuated upon receiving the depressed voltage, for outputting a signal corresponding to the distance to the range-finding object according to the signal from a light-detector; and a stabilizing capacitor, connected between a location near a power terminal of the integrated circuit receiving the depressed voltage and a location near a grounding terminal of the integrated circuit, for stabilizing the depressed voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Yoshida