Abstract: A laser marker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a laser emitter; an information reception circuit; a measuring circuit; and a disabling circuit. The measuring circuit starts to measure an elapsed time in response to the information reception circuit receiving an enabled time. The disabling circuit disables the laser marker for operating in response to a length of the elapsed time reaching or having reached a length of the enabled time.

Abstract: A method for an object of interest in a degraded 2D digital image of the object is provided.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a method that includes obtaining a set of color-coded sequences, each of which includes a sequence of colors. Each color-coded sequence has auto-correlation properties characterized by a merit factor larger than a first predetermined threshold, and cross-correlation properties among the color-coded sequences characterized by a demerit factor lower than a second predetermined threshold. A color-coded sequence is randomly selected from the set of color-coded sequences. A subject is illuminated in accordance with the sequence of colors in the selected color-coded sequence. A sequence of images of the subject are captured and are temporally synchronized with illumination by the color-coded sequence. A filtered response image is generated from the sequence of images by a matched filtering process. Based on the filtered response image, it is determined that the subject is an alternative representation of a live person. In response, access to a secure system is prevented.

Abstract: A compact munition antenna system that includes a curvilinear transmit antenna on a top and bottom of a ring-shaped substrate, and a curvilinear receive antenna on the top and bottom of the substrate. The transmit antenna and receive antenna are positioned opposite one another on the substrate, and are separated by a pair of isolation barriers to reduce coupling of the two antennas. The munition antenna system may be mounted on a metal cylindrical portion of a guidance system in a nose section of the munition, using a vertical convex surface of the cylindrical portion and a horizontal surface of the munition as a reflector for improving antenna performance.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a hypersonic object over a flightpath includes at least one observer having at least one sensor. The sensor is configured to provide measurements of the hypersonic object that are geometrically diverse such that each observer may independently measure any combination of range, angles, Doppler, and angle rates. The observers transmit measurements to a processing unit as the hypersonic object undergoes three phases including a boost phase, a ballistic phase, and a hypersonic glide phase. The hypersonic object is tracked over many time steps by first selecting a dynamics model representative of expected object kinematics during said phase. Then, an unscented Kalman filter is used to predict a future state and a covariance using the dynamics model that was selected. Finally, the unscented Kalman filter updates the future state and covariance that were predicted based on the geometrically diverse measurements of the sensors.

Abstract: A system for detecting the aim of a concentrating solar collector. The system includes a plurality of baffled photodetectors which observe various regions of the target focal plane through a set of tailored apertures. When configured in an exemplary way, the detector system can mimic the behavior of a quad cell while achieving a safe standoff distance from the intense solar radiation at the focus.

Abstract: A method for detecting positions of objects under a surface with respect to a reference Cartesian system having axes x and y, includes prearranging a GPR apparatus that includes a distance detecting unit for measuring a distance with respect to a not transparent object, a control unit, and a center of reference having coordinates xc and yc on the reference Cartesian system. The method further includes prearranging a first linear wall having direction parallel to the axis x, handling the apparatus on the surface, detecting a first measurement of distance between the distance detecting unit and the first linear wall, calculating the coordinate yc of the center of reference, calculating a change of the coordinate yc during the step of handling, and associating a coordinate yi=yci to an i-th object detected, where yci is value of the coordinate yc at the detection by a GPR sensor of the i-th object.

Abstract: A zoom system includes a collection optic L1 and a reflective Fresnel Lens L2 having a variable focal length. The reflective Fresnel Lens L2 is implemented with a MEMS MMA in which the mirrors tip, tilt and piston form and alter the reflective Fresnel Lens to focus light at a common focal point to set the variable focal length f2, hence the magnification M. In different embodiments, the zoom system may be configured to be “focal” or “afocal”. In the focal system, both L1 and L2 are fixed such that the system affects the net convergence or divergence of the magnified beam. In an afocal system, a mechanism is used to translate L2 to maintain a separation between L1 and L2 of d=f1+f2 as f2 is varied to change the magnification M.

Abstract: This disclosure discloses a radiative cooling optical filter, comprising a substrate. One side of the substrate is polished, and the rough side of the substrate is provided with a metal reflective layer. The polished side of the substrate is subsequently provided with the intermediate layers and a top layer. The intermediate layer comprises alternatingly arranged layers A and layers B. The thickness of each layer A and layer B is 50-400 nm. The material of the layer A is silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide, and the material of the layer B is titanium dioxide, silicon nitride or silicon carbide. The material of the top layer is ytterbium fluoride, yttrium fluoride or zinc sulfide. The intermediate layer and the top layer jointly constitute a multi-resonant absorption enhancer in the atmospheric transparent window.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for monitoring the stress of a rail, in particular, of continuous welded rail (CWR), providing a device that includes radar processing mechanisms and circuitry which is mountable on a rail to be monitored. The radar unit is sealed in a housing and projects a beam to a fixed target that is within a detection range of the radar unit. The radar unit also includes circuitry that allows programming of readings to take place at predetermined time intervals so changes and the extent of changes in conditions of the rail may be determined, and communicated to a remotely situated monitoring device, which may take place through a gateway or other communication network. The devices also may be used to measure temperature and other properties, rail conditions within a tunnel, such as proximity of the rail to walls, as well as ground condition, and bridge monitoring.

Abstract: A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes a MEMs MMA for beam steering to simultaneously illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame. The MMA can be adaptively segmented to change the number of output beams, and the power in a given beam, based on a list of tracked targets, range to targets, threat level etc. The MMA can be adaptively configured to simultaneously perform one or more Designation, Range Finding and Active Imaging modes on the same or different tracked targets. The MMA can be segmented so that each segment includes a plurality of mirrors to “oversample” the input beam. The mirrors in a given segment may be controlled to provide wavefront correction to the corresponding output beam.

Abstract: A scanning LiDAR system includes a base frame, an optoelectronic assembly, and a lens assembly. The optoelectronic assembly includes one or more laser sources and one or more photodetectors, and is fixedly attached to the base frame. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses. The one or more lenses have a focal plane. The scanning LiDAR system further includes a first flexure assembly flexibly coupling the lens assembly to the base frame. The first flexure assembly is configured such that the one or more laser sources and the one or more photodetectors are positioned substantially at the focal plane of the one or more lenses. The first flexure assembly is further configured to be flexed so as to scan the lens assembly laterally in a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the emission lens.

Abstract: Provided herein are various improvements to optical-inertial stabilization systems, such as those employed on electro-optical systems that receive or emit optical energy. In one example, a system includes an optical reference element rigidly coupled to a primary mirror. The optical reference element propagates a reference signal through optic elements that form at least a portion of an optical path corresponding to the primary mirror. A measurement of the reference signal is made after propagation through the optic elements to determine errors associated with the optical path. The system can also include inertial sensors rigidly coupled to the primary mirror and optical reference element to form an assembly. The inertial sensors are configured to measure inertial rotation of the assembly. Rotational adjustments about two axes can be produced for the assembly based at least on the inertial rotation properties to correct for disturbance or drift.

Abstract: A LADAR system includes a transmitter configured to emit a directed optical signal. The LADAR system includes an optical aperture through which the directed optical signal is emitted. The optical aperture receives a return optical signal that is based on the directed optical signal. The system includes a detector to generate a measurement by comparing an attribute of the return optical signal to a predefined threshold. The measurement is based on an amount of backscatter in the return optical signal. The system includes an obstructive element that is controllable, based on the measurement, to move either into or out of a path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is configured to block the return optical signal at least partly. The system includes a focal plane located in the path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is disposed between the optical aperture and the focal plane.

Abstract: A display that can play dynamic video imagery using purely infrared light. Such dynamic video imagery is useful in testing infrared detection equipment. The display contains thousands of solid state infrared LEDs. Different infrared LED types are used. Each type of LED in use emits infrared light in some selected band of the infrared spectrum. The overall display can be designed to simulate infrared signal sources for a particular type of infrared detection system. If a particular infrared detection system detects infrared energy only in a specific range, the infrared LED display can be made to have a high resolution of LEDs within that specific range and a lower resolution of LEDs outside that specific range that would be useful for calibration purposes.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a mirror tilt actuator include a chassis, one or more magnetic yoke structures affixed to the chassis, and a carriage moveably mounted to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis includes an indentation for affixing one or more magnetic yoke structures, and the chassis further includes one or more bearing receivers for mounting a mirror carriage. In some embodiments, the carriage includes one or more bearing members. In some embodiments, the one or more bearing members rest in one or more respective bearing receivers of the chassis. In some embodiments, the one or more edge members terminate in one or more curved leading edge faces. Some embodiments further include a magnet fixedly mounted to the carriage, a magnetic coil wrapped around a coil shaft mounted to the chassis.

Abstract: The invention discloses a preferable short arc initial orbit determining method based on Gauss solution cluster, and belongs to the astrodynamics field, including: grouping the observation data, using Gauss method to obtain the target state vector at the corresponding time point for each group of data, forming a solution set of preliminary estimation; dividing the solution set of preliminary estimation into a position component vector solution set and a velocity component vector solution set for clustering to obtain a position component vector solution cluster and a velocity component vector solution cluster; based on the position component vector solution cluster and the velocity component vector solution cluster, generating a two-dimensional trajectory solution set; evaluating each of the two-dimensional trajectories by using a trajectory optimal method, calculating the number of root of orbits corresponding to the optimal two-dimensional trajectory, thereby completing determination of initial orbit.

Abstract: A surveying system comprises an object to be measured having a retro-reflector and a surveying instrument main body for emitting a distance measuring light and performing a measurement based on a reflected distance measuring light, wherein the surveying instrument main body comprises a distance measuring light projecting module, a photodetector, a measuring unit, an optical axis deflector which has a reference optical axis and deflects a distance measuring optical axis, a projecting direction detecting module which detects a deflection angle and a deflection angle direction of the distance measuring optical axis, and an arithmetic control module, and wherein the arithmetic control module is configured to control the optical axis deflector, to perform a two-dimensional scan with the distance measuring light, to detect the deflection angle direction of the distance measuring light at a moment of detecting a photodetecting signal by the projecting direction detecting module, and to move an approximate center of

Abstract: An optical detector system provides beam positioning data to an optical tracking system to facilitate optical communications. The optical detector system comprises a plurality of optical photodetectors. For example, a two-by-two array may be used. Incoming light passes through one or more optical elements, such as a lens and a dispersive optical element. A first portion of the beam entering the optical elements is directed into a first spot having a first area on the array. A second portion of the beam entering the optical elements is dispersed to form a second spot having a second area on the array that is larger than the first area. This combination of first portion and second portion of the beam incident on the array provides unambiguous information in the output of the photodetectors that is indicative of a position of the incoming beam with respect to the array.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the sun with a heliostat mirror is disclosed. The solar tracking system comprises: a camera configured to capture high dynamic range images of the sky, a plurality of cameras configured to capture images of the heliostat mirror, and a tracking controller. The images of the heliostat mirror include reflections of the sky. The tracking controller is configured to generate a circumsolar radiance map characterizing the brightness of at least a portion of the sky with the high dynamic range images.

Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprises: a set of light sources configured to emit a plurality of light beams; a set of optical fiber elements, wherein each of the set of light sources is optically coupled to a first end of one or more optical fiber elements from the set of optical fiber elements; and at least one mounting unit comprising a structure configured to receive a second end of the set of optical fiber elements at one or more directions thereby affecting a direction of the plurality of light beams individually.

Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a defocuser configured to receive an optical signal from a laser and control a beam divergence of the optical signal. The optical signal can comprise a data signal and a beacon signal. The device can comprise a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present disclosure is a representation learning-based star identification method, which utilizes an end-to-end and representation learning based neural network model RPNet, for fast, efficient, and robust full-sky star identification tasks. The RPNet learns a unique star pattern for each star from a huge amount of random simulated star image samples, then a classification is made on these star patterns learned before. The RPNet comprises two parts: (1) a star pattern generator (SPG) based on a star pattern generation network to generate unique star patterns for the star image samples; (2) a star pattern classifier (SPC) to classify the unique star patterns generated on the front end. And a weight search verification algorithm is also proposed in the invention for filtering and verification of main stars of the GRSs identified by the RPNet, which further improves tremendously the identification ability for a single star image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.

Abstract: An interface for use on board a physical object, such as a vehicle, a projectile, a drone, etc., that travels autonomously under the influence of undetermined external forces that affect its travel path. During travel, the interface collects travel data, and automatically and dynamically executes a sequence of executable commands or functions using the collected data, in order to adjust deviations of the travel path relative to a predetermined travel path. The interface stores the travel data as a graphical data layer, which is superposed onto a graphical function layer for determining the travel path deviation and for dynamically executing corrective commands. The graphical function layer includes a graphical executable grid that defines a plurality of executable outlines or cells. Different executable commands or functions are embedded within the plurality of executable outlines or cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are configurations for few-mode fiber optical endoscope systems employing distal optics and few-mode, double-clad or other optical fiber wherein the systems directing an optical beam to a sample via the optical fiber; collecting light backscattered from the sample; direct the backscattered light to a detector via the optical fiber; and detect the backscattered light; wherein the directed optical beam is single mode and the collected light is one or more higher order modes.

Abstract: A system for calibrating tool center point of robot is provided, which may include a first image sensor, a second image sensor, and a controller. The first image sensor may have a first image central axis. The second image sensor may have a second image central axis not parallel to the first image central axis, and intersect the first image central axis at an intersection point. The controller may control a robot to repeatedly move a tool center point thereof between the first and the second image central axis. The controller may record a calibration point including the coordinates of the joints of the robot when the tool center point overlaps the intersection point, and then move the tool center point and repeat the above steps to generate several calibration points, whereby the controller may calculate the coordinate of the tool center point according to the calibration points.

Abstract: A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area reflective surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure, causing multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer and enhanced absorption and light conversion. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements located on a light path between the light source and the photoresponsive layer.

Abstract: A method for controlling the orientation of a solar module including a single-axis solar tracker orientable about an axis of rotation, and a photovoltaic device supported by said tracker and having upper and lower photoactive faces, including: measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called incident luminance originating from the incident solar radiation coming from the sky to reach the upper face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called reflected luminance originating from the albedo solar radiation corresponding to the reflection of the solar radiation on the ground to reach the lower face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; determination of an optimum orientation considering the measurements of said distributions of the incident and reflected solar luminance; servo-control of the orientation of the module on said optimum orientation.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device, wherein a platform is formed in a top substrate and is configured to turn through a rotation angle. The platform has a slit and faces a cavity. A plurality of integrated photodetectors is formed in a bottom substrate so as to detect the light through the slit and generate signals correlated to the light through the slit. The area of the slit varies with the rotation angle of the platform and causes diffraction, more or less marked as a function of the angle. The difference between the signals of two photodetectors arranged at different positions with respect to the slit yields the angle.

Abstract: A method for producing a calibrated radiometric image by un calibrated or partly calibrated thermal imaging device, the method comprising a steps of capturing first and second images on different sets of capturing conditions, obtaining motion matrix characterizing difference between said sets of capturing conditions, obtaining point spread function matrices characterizing a blur condition of said first and second images and obtaining system gain, and calculating a drift by inverting said system gain, motion and point spread function matrices; and calculating a calibrated image by inverting said system gain, motion, point spread function matrices and said first and second images.

Abstract: A markerless tracking device comprising a source configured to direct a beam on a plurality of beam paths, where each beam path illuminates a distinct region of an object; a sensor configured to receive beam reflected from each region in order to generate an image of each region; and a processor configured to generate a metric which indicates suitability of a beam trajectory, wherein the metric is generated by comparing images of selected regions, and wherein the beam trajectory is a path over which the beam is to be directed by the source during markerless tracking of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyranometer with a housing, a sensor in the housing, an inner window and an outer dome-shaped window both overlying the sensor. An air inlet duct and an air outlet duct extend in the housing and end in a space confined by the outer window for passing air through the space, from the inlet duct to the outlet duct. The housing is substantially closed such that no outside air flows are allowed into the housing and includes a ventilator, the inlet duct being in fluid communication with a high pressure side of the ventilator, the outlet duct being in fluid communication with a low pressure side of the ventilator. The air blown into the space below the outer window is heated by the ventilator power and optionally by and added electrical heater.

Abstract: A long range electromagnetic radiation sensor apparatus comprising a sensing system for receiving electromagnetic radiation signals from an object or area of interest and at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor, the apparatus further comprising an electromagnetic radiation source and a control system configured to cause electromagnetic radiation from said source to be applied to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions of an atmospheric volume between said optical system and said object or area of interest (204) so as to heat and/or ionise the air within said portions, wherein said selected portions are spatially located together in a three-dimensional configuration so as to simulate an electromagnetic radiation path modifying device (202) for capturing said electromagnetic signals from said object or area of interest and directing and/or converging said captured signals toward said electromagnetic radiation sensor of said sensing system.

Abstract: A metrology apparatus has an illumination source that directs collimated light to a reference surface and to an optical component having a test surface that is in parallel with the reference surface. A first imaging lens defines a Fourier transform plane for light reflected from the reference surface and the test surface. A spatial filtering element is actuable to a blocking position that blocks specular light at the transform plane. A second imaging lens forms, at an image plane, an image of the test surface. A sensor array generates image data from received light at the image plane.

Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam reception unit and a power beam transmission unit. The power beam reception unit includes a power conversion array, such as a photovoltaic array, arranged to capture at least a portion of a power beam, and a power supply circuit arranged to convert flux from the captured portion of the power beam to electric power. The power beam transmission unit includes a power beam transmitter circuit to transmit a low-flux search beam during a first time window, and further arranged to transmit a high-flux power beam during a second time window. The power beam transmission unit also includes a location detection circuit arranged to identify a location of the reception unit based on the power beam transmitter circuit transmitting the low-flux search beam during the first time window.

Abstract: Three-dimensional displays and related techniques are provided. A method of generating a stereoscopic 3D image of a casino game apparatus is provided. A first static 2D image may be applied to a surface in a virtual 3D environment as a first texture of the surface in a first view of the virtual 3D environment. A second static 2D image may be applied to the surface in the virtual 3D environment as a second texture of the surface in a second view of the virtual 3D environment. A stereoscopic 3D image of the casino game apparatus may be generated, the stereoscopic 3D image comprising the first view of the virtual 3D environment with the first static 2D image applied as the first texture to the surface and the second view of the virtual 3D environment with the second static 2D image applied as the second texture to the surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting thermal emissions from the new moon, wherein the new moon is positioned at an angle of less than about 5 degrees from the Sun. The invention utilizes a radio telescope, wherein a side-lobe level of the radio telescope is less than about ?20 dB, wherein an effective telescope diameter of the radio telescope depends on a wavelength of operation. Further, a FWHM beamwidth of the radio telescope is less than about 0.5 degree. The method comprises setting one or more of the operating frequency of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 100 GHz, and the operating bandwidth of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 10 GHz. In addition, the method comprises collecting at least one observation from the radio telescope.

Abstract: Provided is a sphere magnetic levitation system having magnetic-aligning devices that magnetically align the position of a sphere levitated by electromagnets according to whether the sphere is levitated, and a method of operating the sphere magnetic levitation system. The sphere magnetic levitation system includes: a sphere; a plurality of electromagnets symmetrically positioned about the sphere and spaced apart from the sphere at equal distances; and a plurality of magnetic-aligning devices provided around the sphere, and coming into contact with the sphere or separated from the sphere by a predetermined distance according to the modes of the system. The system is operated in one mode from among: an idle mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are in direct contact with and support the sphere; and an operation mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are separated from the sphere and the sphere is levitated and rotated.

Abstract: In a light control device, positional information of another vehicle present near an own vehicle is acquired. An irradiation area is set based on the position of the other vehicle. Output for changing the irradiation area of a light in the own vehicle is performed to achieve the set irradiation area. The output for changing the irradiation area is prohibited until the elapse of a wait time that has been set in advance are included. According to the light control device, the irradiation area of the light is not changed until the elapse of the wait time. Therefore, annoyance caused by the irradiation area being frequently changed can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that employ a mechanical method for adjusting camera field angles at a high speed. The adjustments may be synchronized to a high speed image capture process. As such, multiple frames can be captured without experiencing significant object movement or hand shake. The systems and methods may be used to capture videos and/or photo stitching, because both camera position and objects in the scene are static during the high speed image capture.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrathin digital camera inspired by an eye of an insect, that includes a prism array including a plurality of transmission channels refracting incident light and a micro lens array including micro lenses focusing the light and is implemented so that the respective transmission channels receive visual information on partial regions of an entire field of view (FOV) like a visual organ of the eye of the insect, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An optical receiver (100) for detection of light from one or more sources (108) comprises an opaque layer (102) disposed on a first surface. An aperture (104) is formed in the opaque layer. An optical detector (106) has a detection region disposed on a second surface. The first and second surfaces are spaced apart from one another such that light passing through the aperture (104) illuminates a corresponding illumination region (110) on the second surface, and is detected by the optical detector (106) In the event that the detection region overlaps the illumination region. Multiple apertures may be formed in the opaque layer, and/or multiple optical detectors may be disposed on the second surface. The optical receiver may thereby enable optical signals originating at different locations to be detected, and distinguished, over a wide field of view.

Abstract: An approach is provided for processing various sensor data and determining various characteristics associated with a user. A data collection module may process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor data for determining one or more distance measurements between at least one body part of a user and a device. The data collection module may determine one or more biometrical characteristics associated with the user based, at least in part, on the one or more distance measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a framework for location tracking of a movable target component or device (e.g., an automated device or a hand-operated device) to accurately cover an area of interest along a specified path or in a specified region. Grid patterns are projected onto a surface of a workpiece or a part. The projected grid lines may be straight or curved. Straight grid lines can be parallel or intersecting. The grid pattern may include a path to be followed. The lines of the projected grid pattern are detected by a grid detection sensor which is mounted onboard the movable target component or device. Information from the grid detection sensor is fed to a location mapping program. The systems and methods also enable navigation for use in automated and autonomous manufacturing and maintenance operations, as well as other tracking-based applications.

Abstract: A dedicated satellite to reduce the cost and increase the rate and reliability of data transmission from space to ground is provided. For each client satellite producing data in Earth orbit, a dedicated relay satellite is provided. The relay satellite may fly near the client satellite and receive data from the client satellite by RF communication. The relay satellite may transmit the data to a ground terminal or to another satellite using a laser communication system. Because the relay satellite is not physically connected to the client satellite, the attitude-control requirements of an optical communication system are not imposed on the client satellite. The relay satellite may also be deployed from the client satellite. The relay satellite may allow downlinking large amounts of data for new satellite operators without an existing ground network and for established satellite operators seeking higher data rates, lower latency, or reduced ground system operating costs.

Abstract: Laser processing machines, such as laser cutting machine, including a work table receiving workpiece, and work arm with a laser cutting head. Laser cutting head includes nozzle receiving device and nozzle. Via nozzle laser beam may be directed onto work piece. Machine includes main drives moving work arm and/or the laser cutting head on X-Y-Z axes to process work piece, as well as an alignment unit to adjust laser beam. An adjusting station includes receiving unit fixing nozzle and/or the nozzle receiving device during centering of nozzle. The alignment unit has head element in laser cutting head. Head element receives nozzle and/or the nozzle receiving device and is slidable in X-Y directions, via the main drives. Head element may be fixed in a selected position, within the laser cutting head, via clamping device releasable during nozzle centering at adjusting station.

Abstract: An optical telescope is provided that includes a steering mirror configured to receive and redirect optical signals. The steering mirror is configured to be controllably oriented so as to control a direction in which the optical signals are redirected and to correspondingly control a line of sight. The optical telescope also includes a beam tube that includes a turning mirror configured to receive the optical signals from the steering mirror. The optical telescope also includes a primary mirror downstream of the turning mirror and configured to collimate the optical signals. Further, the optical telescope includes an output mirror configured to receive the optical signals from the primary mirror and to redirect the optical signals from the optical telescope. The output mirror is configured to be controllably oriented so as to control a direction in which the optical signals are redirected and to correspondingly control the line of sight.