Abstract: In an optical encoder for measuring relative displacement, a scale 10 has a reference mark 14 composed of a reflection slit formed on at least one point of an incremental track 12, a detection portion (20) has a light irradiation portion (24), main light receiving portions 30a, 30b, 30ab and 30bb that are disposed at the surrounding centering around the corresponding light irradiation portion and output incremental signals four phases of which are different from each other, and a pair of reference signal light receiving portions 32z and 32zb that are disposed in the direction perpendicular to the length measurement direction using the light irradiation portion as the center of point symmetry, and a signal processing portion 40 has a three-phase signal generation portion 48, a quadrature sine wave signals generation portion 50, a direction judgment circuit 56, an internal period counter 58, and a reference signal processing portion 60, thereby bringing about a micro-sized optical encoder capable of detecting t

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning weighting coefficients to measurements of a succession of stars acquired by a star sensor connected to a client device in order to determine a spatial orientation, characterized in that higher or lower preference is given to refreshment of the positions of measurements with the highest weights and/or stars on which these measurements are made by the star sensor and/or its client device, so as to displace part of the power of the error associated with the set of star measurements within the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. An imager disposed aboard the aircraft is used for scanning a target that is located proximate the parking space, the target including machine-readable information that is uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Data relating to the machine-readable information of the target is extracted from image data and used for encoding a signal for transmission to a controller of the passenger boarding bridge. The controller determines the presence of the extracted data and compares the data to a unique bridge identifier code for that passenger boarding bridge. When a match is determined, then communication with an aircraft within or proximate a parking space adjacent to that passenger boarding bridge is confirmed.

Abstract: A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. Human intelligible information visually displayed proximate the parking space is determined, the human-intelligible information being uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Using an input device that is disposed aboard the aircraft, the human-intelligible information is provided to a communication module that is also disposed aboard the aircraft. A signal including the human-intelligible information is transmitted from the communication module to a receiver that is in communication with the passenger boarding bridge. Only signals determined to include the human-intelligible information are accepted as valid signals during a current bridge alignment operation.

Abstract: Motion sensing of a portable device using two cameras. A first camera is directed along a first viewing axis and a second camera is directed along a second viewing axis, different from the first viewing axis. The second viewing axis can be substantially opposite the first viewing axis. A motion processing module determines changes in images from the first camera and changes in images from the second camera. The motion processing module compares the direction of change determined from the first camera images relative to the direction of change determined from the second camera images. The motion processing module determines the motion of the portable device based in part on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectric encoder including a scale having a grating (incremental pattern) of a predetermined pitch formed thereon and a light source (light-emitting element) and a light-receiving unit, which are relatively displaceable with respect to the scale, wherein light-receiving elements of the light-receiving unit output bright and dark signals of “N” phases, and the phases are detectedby fitting a sinusoidal wave function having a fixed period to the bright and dark signals of “N” phases, thereby reducing a position detection error resulting from stains on the scale and/or defects of the grating.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted within a glass-topped enclosure for pivotal movement such that each reflector is incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to remain substantially perpendicular to the sun. The incremental pivotal movement is caused by a motor energized from a solar switch having solar cells that also pivot throughout the day so that in one position of the switch, no electricity is being generated and transferred to the motor, but in a second position, the switch receives solar radiation and energizes the motor to again incrementally pivot each reflector along with the solar switch.

Abstract: A multifunction detector for detecting energy reflected from the surface, the detector comprising: a focal plane array in communication with the optical receiving path; and an optical receiving path; a read-only integrated circuit in communication with the optical receiving path, integrated with a focal plane array; and a processor programmed to operate the focal plane array and read-out integrated circuit in a first mode to process signals in a first frequency band, and in a second mode to process signals in a second, wider frequency band.

Abstract: Land-based vehicle including an arrangement for monitoring objects in or about a vehicle which includes a source from which illumination is emitted into an area in or about the vehicle, a receiver arranged to receive illumination reflected from an object in the path of the illumination, a light-regulating component arranged in front of the receiver to regulate reception of illumination by the receiver, and circuitry coupled to the source, the receiver and the light-regulating component. The light-regulating component is modulated to enable a determination of a distance between an object from which the illumination has been reflected and the receiver. The circuitry obtains information about objects from which the received illumination has been reflected other than distance information and associates with the objects distances between the objects and the receiver. This improves the ability to control vehicular systems based on the presence of objects in or about the vehicle.

Abstract: A sheet presence detecting apparatus includes a transparent plate for mounting a sheet, a light reflecting plate for reflecting light which passes through the transparent plate, a light source for emitting light to the transparent plate when an angle formed by the light reflecting plate and the transparent plate becomes a predetermined angle, an image sensor for detecting light emitted from the light source, a memory for storing a plurality of detection outputs which are detected by the image sensor and each associated with a speed of closing the light reflecting plate when the sheet is not mounted and a control circuit for calculating a difference between the detection outputs stored in the memory and detection outputs detected at time of detection, and for determining whether a sheet is mounted on the transparent plate or not based on the calculated difference.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object inside a monitored zone includes monitoring at least a part of a monitored zone. Sensors generate respective single digital images of the total monitored zone, with the single images of all sensors being generated in a uniform coordinate system. Coordinate points of the single images are flagged as “safe” by each sensor if they are free of the object, with all other coordinate points being flagged as “unsafe”. The single images are each transmitted to an evaluation unit and are superimposed to form a resulting total image. The coordinate points of the total image, which are flagged as “safe”, correspond to those flagged as safe in at least one of the single images. All other coordinate points of the total image are flagged as unsafe. The coordinate points flagged as unsafe in the total image are used for the determination of the object coordinates.

Abstract: A safety device for a machine, such as a press brake, has a light transmitter, a light receiver and an evaluation unit. The light receiver is coupled to a moving machine part such that it runs ahead of a front edge of the machine part during the operational movement. The light transmitter comprises a light source having a predominantly incoherent radiation for generating a light beam that runs substantially parallel to the edge and illuminates the light receiver. The light receiver has an image sensor with a plurality of pixels for recording a spatially resolved image of the light beam, and it has an imaging optics having a focal point and an aperture stop which is substantially arranged at the focal point.

Abstract: A system for imaging an object comprising a surface for receiving the object to be imaged and an imaging device. The imaging device comprises a housing and a fixed focusing optical device mounted to the housing, whereby the fixed focusing optics comprises a lens for focusing light reflected from the object. A plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are positioned in the housing at different distances from the fixed focusing lens so that a face of each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors is aligned parallel to the surface. A processor is coupled to the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors for receiving an output signal from each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors representative of the reflected light. The lens defines a plane parallel to the surface, and the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are adapted to receive reflected light from the object.

Abstract: A laser target seeker device arranged to receive a laser beam reflected from an object. Detector elements are arranged to detect the reflected laser beam. A processor is arranged to determine the received radiation on the respective detector element in order to determine the origin of the laser beam. A diffractor is arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements. The detector elements are arranged to detect the respective portion. A flyable body is for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A system for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A method for detecting a laser beam reflected from an object. Use of a kinoform member in a laser target seeker for diffracting a laser beam.

Abstract: A reflective sensor is disclosed which prevents divergent light from a light source from being totally reflected by an interface between the package and the outside thereof and entering a light-receiving element without using a light-shield means and which allows an improved S/N ratio and reduced variations in performance. The reflective sensor includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element which are provided on a surface, and a light-transmissive member which covers the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The light-receiving element includes a light-receiving region which is spaced from the light-emitting element along the surface, and which light-receiving region is closer to the light-emitting element than an area on the surface that would be illuminated by unimpeded light rays which are totally reflected by an interface between the light-transmissive member and the outside thereof and are directed toward the light-receiving element.

Abstract: A method for detecting users' pressing action is applied to an electronic apparatus which has at least an optical operating unit for an user to operate the electronic apparatus. The method includes the steps of detecting a deformation of a forcing object which forces the optical operating unit; and determining whether the user performs a pressing action according to a deformation degree of the forcing object. Further, an optical operating unit using the method is provided.

Abstract: In a method for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft, a first sensor disposed aboard the aircraft is used for sensing first information relating to a current bridge alignment operation and a second sensor disposed at a location that is remote from the aircraft is used for sensing second information relating to the current bridge alignment operation. The sensed first information and the sensed second information are received at a processor. The processor subsequently determines instruction data for moving the aircraft-engaging end of the passenger boarding bridge along a direction toward the doorway of the aircraft, based upon the sensed first information and the sensed second information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing substrates and measuring the temperature using radiation pyrometry are disclosed. A reflective layer is provided on a window of a processing chamber. A radiation source providing radiation in a first range of wavelengths heats the substrate, the substrate being transparent to radiation in a second range of wavelengths within the first range of wavelengths for a predetermined temperature range. Radiation within the second range of wavelength is reflected by the reflective layer.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor according to the present invention, performs a determination as to whether or not an object is present in a predetermined detection area and provides (1) a enable signal to enable operation related to a hazardous source and (2) a disable signal to disable the operation based on a result of the determination. The photoelectric sensor determines whether or not the object is present within the predetermined detection area and whether or not the object is present at a reference point which is a different location within a measurement area from the predetermined detection area, based on a position information; and provides the enable signal when the object is absent from the predetermined detection area but the object is present at the reference point, and provides the disable signal when the object is present within the predetermined detection area and the object is absent at the reference point.

Abstract: Described is a device having an anti-reflection surface. The device comprises a silicon substrate with a plurality of silicon spikes formed on the substrate. A first metallic layer is formed on the silicon spikes to form the anti-reflection surface. The device further includes an aperture that extends through the substrate. A second metallic layer is formed on the substrate. The second metallic layer includes a hole that is aligned with the aperture. A spacer is attached with the silicon substrate to provide a gap between an attached sensor apparatus. Therefore, operating as a Micro-sun sensor, light entering the hole passes through the aperture to be sensed by the sensor apparatus. Additionally, light reflected by the sensor apparatus toward the first side of the silicon substrate is absorbed by the first metallic layer and silicon spikes and is thereby prevented from being reflected back toward the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus includes an illumination system which illuminates a phase-shift mask and an image-forming optical system arranged in an optical path between the phase-shift mask and a semiconductor film. The semiconductor film is irradiated with a light beam having a light intensity distribution of inverted peak patterns whose light intensity is the lowest in portions corresponding to phase shift sections to form a crystallized semiconductor film. The image-forming optical system is located to optically conjugate the phase-shift mask and the semiconductor film and has an aberration corresponding to the given wavelength range to form a light intensity distribution of inverted peak patterns with no swell of intensity in the middle portion.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and method for making the apparatus uses a light source and a sensor having an imaging array mounted on a leadframe and encapsulated in an optically transparent body structure. The optically transparent body structure is configured to include a prism-like feature to internally reflect light from the light source toward a target surface and an imaging lens feature to optically manipulate the light reflected from the target surface onto the imaging array of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for the air conditioning of a vehicle interior as a function of incident solar radiation. In a vehicle with, for example, a four-zone air conditioning system, the incident solar radiation is detected by means of sensor elements assigned to the various air conditioning zones in the vehicle and is used for regulating the air conditioning capacity. In order to avoid faulty regulation due to a detected incident solar radiation which does not influence or only slightly influences the passengers because of perpendicular incident radiation, for example, on the roof, the hood and the trunk lid, the incident radiation direction is determined by means of the sensor elements and the regulation of the air conditioning capacity is adapted correspondingly, so that the situation of too intensive cooling, for example in the case of perpendicular radiation on the vehicle roof, is avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for performing optical navigation uses scattered light to produce frames of image data to estimate displacement with respect to a target surface. The scattered light is produced from an illumination beam of light emitted along a first optical axis onto the target surface. The illumination beam of light also produces a specularly reflected beam of light along a second optical axis. The scattered light about a third optical axis, which is offset by a predefined angle with respect to the second optical axis, is received at an image sensor array to produce the frames of image.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, crosstalk between opposing cameras imaging the same object is more easily avoided. The same effect as spatially offsetting the imager can be achieved by rotating the light source to provide a reflection axis that is not perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: When a light emission element emits no light, a detected signal from a photodetection element is captured as an intensity of external light. Then, a threshold value is offset by the intensity of the external light. The offset threshold is then compared to a detected signal from the photodetection element when the light emission element emits light, thereby determining the presence of a through hole between the light emission element and the photodetection element through which hole light passes without being influenced by external light.

Abstract: A medical table wherein a top board on which a patient is placed is supported by a base having an internal instrument so as to be movable parallel to the board surface, the medical table includes a detecting device that detects the possibility that a hand or fingers, which grip the top board, come in contact with the internal instrument during the movement of the top board or internal instrument, and a preventing device that prevents the movement of the top board or the internal instrument on the basis of a detection signal of the detecting device

Abstract: A moving object detecting photointerrupter includes one light emitting element for emitting light, at least two light receiving elements for receiving and detecting light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected off a moving object, and a detecting programmed logic circuitry for detecting movement of the moving object based on detection output from the light receiving elements when the light reflected off the moving object is received.

Abstract: A charge multiplexed position sensing apparatus and method for measuring an incident radiation with the aid of an array of solid-state photosensitive detectors such as an array of avalanche photodiodes (APDs). The solid-state photosensitive detectors multiplex sum terminal(s) and a number of correspondent spatial terminals separately. Sum signal busses are provided to establish separate connections to the sum terminals of each solid-state photosensitive detector. Spatial signal busses interconnect correspondent spatial terminals of all of the solid-state photosensitive detectors such that correspondent spatial terminals are all connected to the same spatial signal bus. The multiplexing circuit triggers on electrical signals corresponding to sum or total voltages generated by the incident radiation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for determining location and movement of a moving object. One embodiment of the method tracks the movement of a target during medical imaging scanning and transmits the position shift to the medical imaging scanning device in real time. The method includes the steps of projecting structured light on the target, receiving the reflection of structured light, converting the received structured light into spatial positions, and transmitting the positional shift to the medical imaging scanning device. The method further includes the step of adjusting the medical imaging scanning device in response to the positional change to increase accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for performing optical navigation addresses M×N photosensitive elements of an image sensor array to capture first frames of image data of a navigation surface when set to a first operational mode such that each of the first frames of image data includes M×N sampled signals, and addresses at most the M×N photosensitive elements of the image sensor array to capture second frames of image data of the navigation surface when set to a second operational mode such that each of said second frames of image data includes less than M×N sampled signals.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor according to the present invention, performs a determination as to whether or not an object is present in a predetermined detection area and provides (1) a enable signal to enable operation related to a hazardous source and (2) a disable signal to disable the operation based on a result of the determination. The photoelectric sensor determines whether or not the object is present within the predetermined detection area and whether or not the object is present at a reference point which is a different location within a measurement area from the predetermined detection area, based on a position information; and provides the enable signal when the object is absent from the predetermined detection area but the object is present at the reference point, and provides the disable signal when the object is present within the predetermined detection area and the object is absent at the reference point.

Abstract: A position detecting device includes an optical position detecting element and a position information portion which are disposed so as to be opposed to each other. One of the optical position detecting element and the position information portion being mounted on the movable portion while the other thereof is mounted on an internal wall of a cabinet. The position information portion has a pattern where a signal level produced by the optical position detecting element changes in a continuous manner when the movable portion moves in a predetermined direction. The position detecting device carries out position detection of the movable portion in accordance with the signal level.

Abstract: Mechanical sun trackers which have optical systems on their surface for concentrating direct solar radiation and its subsequent conversion into electricity through thermal or photovoltaic processes require precision solar tracking, which has to be all the more precise the greater the concentration factor used. Thus the precision required in these systems is generally less than a degree, and frequently of the order of a tenth of a degree. In view of the large dimensions of the surfaces, or apertures, of these trackers, currently in the approximate range of 20-250 m2, the difficulty of aligning these with the sun with such accuracy will be obvious. To achieve this objective a solar tracker must comply with strict rigidity specifications and its transmission must provide high resolution when positioning. In addition to this, equipment which is capable of controlling solar tracking with the specified precision at all times is required.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in a motor vehicle environment uses a detection means which scans the environment at predetermined angular increments ?i+??i (i=1,2, . . ., N). When sensing a reflection signal of the object at an angle ?i, the angular increments are refined in the angular range between the adjacent angles ?i?1 and ?i+1 as a function of signal propagation times ti?1, ti and ti+1 of the reflection signals sensed at the angles ?i?1, ?i and ?i+1.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically measuring a remote object comprises at least one source for projecting a plurality of discrete zones of electromagnetic radiation (for example laser spots) along a projection plane. Imaging apparatus images a plurality of reflections from the remote object. By spatially offsetting the imaging apparatus from the projection plane, easier discrimination and identification of the reflections is made possible.

Abstract: A transmitter formed of two or more light-emitting sections such as LEDs, which are physically arranged in a predetermined manner, is disposed in the real world object, and each light-emitting section transmits data by flashing at a flashing pattern representing the transmission data of a predetermined bit length. A receiver, on the other hand, includes a photoreceiving section formed from a two-dimensional photoreceiving surface, decodes the transmission data on the basis of the photoreceived flashing pattern, and recognizes the spatial information of an object on the basis of the flashing position on the two-dimensional photoreceiving surface. Therefore, information, such as an ID, can be obtained from the object in the real world, and also, the spatial position of the object can be recognized at the same time.

Abstract: A light-sensing module and arrays of two or more light-sensing modules are described. Each light-sensing module comprises a mounting support structure that may include an air vehicle guidance section and an optical element adapted to direct incident light to a detector array that comprises an array of photodiodes and is attached to the mounting support structure. The detector array is adapted to receive the directed light and convert the received light to a set of electrical pulses via a plurality of photodetectors each of which is operatively coupled to an amplifier and a threshold circuit adapted to output a detection to a memory store adapted to associate a detection with a time-of-arrival. The light-sensing module may be adapted to output the associated detection and time-of-arrival. Air vehicles including the light-sensing modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light sensor for recording the position of a light source includes a photo detector and a light modulator. The light modulator is configured to modulate the quantity of light hitting the photo detector based on an incident angle (?) of the light from the light source on the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo radiation intensity sensor (1) comprising a housing (2) having a lens (4), and a printed circuit board (7) placed in such way in the housing (2) that one of its edges (37) faces the lens (4), where at least a first and a second sensing element (5a, 5b) are placed at a first side (7?) of the printed circuit board (7), where the first and second sensing elements (5a, 5b) are separated by a first flange (8), serving as a shading element. Further, at least a third sensing element (5?; 5c) is placed at a second side (7?) of the printed circuit board (7), arranged to detect both the direction and the intensity of the radiation source and for producing corresponding output signals. The present invention also relates to a calibration and measurement method.

Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a cupola and photocontrol receptacle assembly that allows a user to adjust the direction of the cupola base and the photocontrol receptacle simultaneously without using tools. A fixture housing may have an opening for receiving a photocontrol receptacle connection member and one or more ribs located in proximity to the fixture housing opening. A cupola base may include an opening for receiving the connection member and features adapted to detachably engaged the fixture housing ribs. In addition, a spring may be coupled to the connection member and configured to allow the photocontrol receptacle to move in a first direction upon the application of a force in the first direction and recoil when the force is removed or decreased.

Abstract: A reflective sensor is disclosed which prevents divergent light from a light source from being totally reflected by an interface between the package and the outside thereof and entering a light-receiving element without using a light-shield means and which allows an improved S/N ratio and reduced variations in performance. The reflective sensor includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element which are provided on a surface, and a light-transmissive member which covers the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The light-receiving element includes a light-receiving region which is spaced from the light-emitting element along the surface, and which light-receiving region is closer to the light-emitting element than an area on the surface that would be illuminated by unimpeded light rays which are totally reflected by an interface between the light-transmissive member and the outside thereof and are directed toward the light-receiving element.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tumor therapy method and an articulated electron beam transport system are provided for use with a high power, long focus electron source for tumor therapy. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a laparoscopic tube proximate a target tumor for electron irradiation therapy.

Abstract: In a compact laser measuring device with a high level of transmission power the problem arises of the laser detector being dazzled by unwanted stray light. To resolve that problem there is provided a module (2) for a laser measuring device (4) which includes a laser source (6, 36), a transmission light guide (8, 38a-d) optically connected to the laser source (6, 36), a laser detector (10), a reception light guide (12) optically connected to the laser detector (10), a transmission reception light guide (16, 42a-d, 54) and a coupling element (14, 40a-d) which optically connects the transmission reception light guide (16, 42a-d, 54) to the laser source (6, 36) and the laser detector (10), wherein the transmission reception light guide (16, 42a-d, 54) is operatively connected to a light amplifier element (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optically sensing the surrounding area of a vehicle using at least one optoelectronic emitting/receiving device that is mounted on the vehicle. According to the method, a monitoring area located in the field of vision of the emitting/receiving device is scanned and, in addition to the monitoring area, a region of particular interest is scanned by using at least one radiation deflecting device, which is located in the field of vision of the emitting/receiving device, however, outside of the monitoring area. The invention also relates to a corresponding sensing device.

Abstract: There is provided an optical projection system for projecting an image onto an object that is being manufactured and/or inspected. The system includes an image-projecting device, a target-locating device for determining the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object, and an image-rendering device for rendering the image that is projected onto the object. The target-locating device advantageously comprises a camera that locates at least one target in mechanical communication with the object to determine the orientation of the image-projecting device relative to the object. The image-rendering device advantageously stores a three-dimensional representation of the object that is converted into a two-dimensional image that is projected upon the object. The image projected upon the object is advantageously used during assembly and/or inspection of the object.