Abstract: Two photodetectors output electric signals based on the detection of light at light receiving sections mutually spaced apart. The output signal of one of the photodetectors is delayed and a first pulse signal is generated, and second pulse signal having no delay is generated according to based on the detection signal of the other of the two photodetectors. A detection signal is output when the pulse signals overlap. According to whether the detection signal is output, a movement direction and speed of a moving body that moves between the light receiving sections are detected.

Abstract: A light detecting apparatus has a two-axis deflector such as a two-axis mirror capable of controlling the deflection of a light beam. The apparatus realizes a sure and speedy light beam search operation without increasing deflecting frequencies of the two-axis deflector. In the light detecting apparatus, a digital signal processor (3) generates two periodic signals having different frequencies to separately control deflective operations in two axial directions of the two-axis deflection mirror (1). A light beam from the two-axis deflection mirror (1) draws a locus on a two-dimensional position sensitive detector (2). Along the locus, the search operation is carried out to find an orientation of a light emitting element that emits a light beam toward the two-axis deflection mirror (1).

Abstract: A sensing arrangement (12) is described. The arrangement comprises: a moveable object (80) including a plurality of marker portions (112) disposed in a calibrated configuration, each marker portion (112) being capable of emitting light in response to stimulation. The arrangement also includes a light source (42) directed towards the marker portions (112) and for causing light emission therefrom. An imaging device (44) is directed towards the marker portions (112) and includes an array of light-detecting elements for sensing light emitted from the marker portions (112) to generate image data. A processor (52), in communication with the imaging device (44), analyses image data received from the imaging device (44) to determine the location of the moveable object (80) based on the calibrated configuration.

Abstract: A position measuring instrument according to the present invention comprises a turning unit and a fixed unit, irradiates a target to be measured with measuring light to determine a distance, a direction, and a position on the basis of its reflected light. A light source unit emits measuring light; a light receiving unit receives its reflected light; a radiating means radiates measuring light in a direction which can be set freely, and directs its reflected light to the light receiving unit; an angle detecting means detects a direction in which the radiating means radiates light; the light source unit and the light receiving unit are fixedly provided; the light source unit emits measuring light toward the radiating means; and the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the target to be measured.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor comprises: a light source; a light receiving means adapted to receive light emitted from the light source; and a light diffracting element disposed between the light source and the light receiving means. The light receiving means include a first light receiving element group centrally located, and a second light receiving element group constituted by two separate clusters disposed so as to sandwich the first light receiving element group, and the light diffracting element functions to diffract the light emitted from the light source along one direction of the two-axis directions into a zero-order beam to be received at the first light receiving element group, and higher-order beams received at the second light receiving element group.

Abstract: An electro-optical system capable of being embarked aboard mobile ground or flying units, to determine the optical flow generated by obstacles in relative motion with respect to the mobile unit. The system comprises radiation emitter means (5), receiver means (1) for converting the radiation reflected by the objects into electrical signals and means (8) for processing the signals generated by the receiver means. The receiver means (1) are based on vision sensors with matrix configuration. The emitter means (5, 6) shape the radiation beam in such a way that the radiation reflected by the objects and collected by the receiver means impacts at least on a part of the receiver matrix. The processing means compute the optical flow only on the elements of the receiver matrix that are impacted by the radiation.

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: A sensor for determining the angular position of a radiating point source in two dimensions includes a mask encoded in two skewed directions with waveforms consisting of several frequencies in prescribed patterns. The frequency spectra of the received detector patterns are computed. In order to facilitate such computations, the constituent frequencies are separated so as to be distinguished in the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Each of the frequency patterns that are coded on the variable transmissivity mask consists of a series of low frequencies followed by a series of variable frequencies, and a series of high frequencies. The variable frequencies exhibit frequency changes responsive to various image positions. The low and high frequencies are responsive in phase to variations in image position. The frequency variations in the variable frequencies are used to indicate coarse position while the phases of the fixed low and high frequencies are used to indicate medium and fine position.

Abstract: A quadrant detector includes a holographic optical element and a plurality of detector elements. The holographic optical element is designated to have four quadrants, each of which directs radiation incident thereon to an associated detector element. Signals from the detector elements are processed individually to optimise the performance of each detector element.

Abstract: A measurement sensor comprising a PSD (30) as an optoelectronic receiver, a transmitter (10, 12) for generating spots (22, 26), optics (14, 32) for reproducing the spots (22?, 26?) on the PSD (30) and means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) for processing output signals (I1, I2) generated by said PSD (30) and for controlling the transmitter (10, 12) depending on the processed output signals (I1, I2) in order to measure the distance between the target (24) and the sensor by a triangulation technique is disclose closed. The transmitter comprises at least two optoelectronic signal sources (10, 12) for projecting at least two spots (22, 26) independent from each other on a target (24), the means (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) comprising a digitally controlled potentiometer (48) for balancing the output signals (I1, I2) and a digital processor (52) adapted for controlling the potentiometer (48).

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a position of an object are provided by the present invention. Light is captured by at least one collector. Each collector has a first opening through which light enters that is larger than a second opening through which light exits. The exiting light is used by at least one light detector to generate signals. The position of the object is determined based upon the generated signals.

Abstract: A device and method detect a moving, relatively thin beam of laser light, and distinguishing between illumination of photodetectors by the beam, and illumination of the photodetectors by an omnidirectional pulse of light. A plurality of photodetector arrays are arranged in a generally vertical row, with each array having a generally vertical row of photodetector elements. Weighting circuits associated with the arrays provide first and second reference signals for each array related to the elements illuminated in the array. The ratio of sum of the reference signals to the difference between the largest and smallest of the reference signals is determined and interpreted as indicating illumination by a relatively thin beam of laser light when the ratio is less than a predetermined level, and as indicating illumination by an omnidirectional pulse of light when the ratio is greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A photodetection device for a rotary laser system for projecting at least two fan-shaped beams tilted at a known angle with respect to a horizontal plane and having a known spreading angle, comprising at least three photodetectors arranged in a known relationship.

Abstract: A system for using an image of the Sun for detecting objects traveling through Earth's atmosphere is disclosed. The system includes a receiver for collecting incident sunlight (solar energy) and a light sensitive device that produces a signal in response to exposure to light. A signal processor that is coupled to the light sensitive device, the signal processor sensing the collected incident sunlight and is programmed for providing an output signal corresponding to provide a detection signal in response to a shadow that moves across the light sensitive device.

Abstract: A system for aligning one end of a passenger loading bridge to an aircraft having a doorway is provided. A transmitter is disposed within a space of a side-wall of an aircraft, the side-wall including an inner wall defining an interior surface of the side-wall and an outer wall defining an exterior surface of the side-wall, the inner wall and the outer wall disposed in a spaced-apart arrangement one relative to the other, so as to define the space therebetween. The transmitter is for providing an electromagnetic signal including a homing signal for use during an operation for aligning the one end of the passenger loading bridge to the doorway of the aircraft. A receiver is disposed about a point having a known location relative to the one end of the passenger loading bridge, for receiving the electromagnetic signal transmitted from the transmitter, and for providing an electrical output signal relating to the electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: A position measuring system, comprising a rotary laser system having a projection optical system provided at a known point and for projecting a laser beam with a spreading angle in an up-to-bottom direction by rotary irradiation and a photodetection optical system for guiding a reflection light of the laser beam toward an image photodetector, an object having a reflecting body to reflect the laser beam toward the rotary laser system, a GPS position measuring unit for obtaining a position of the object, and a control arithmetic operation unit for calculating an elevation angle with respect to the object from a photodetecting position of the reflection light on the image photodetector and for calculating a position and a height of the object based on position information of the rotary laser system, position information from the GPS position measuring unit and based on the elevation angle.

Abstract: A position sensor using a novel optical path array (OPA) element, an angle-selective spatial filter, and an imaging array is capable of measuring the translation and orientation relative to a target member in X, Y, Z, yaw, pitch, and roll (“6D”) simultaneously, and with high precision. A target member includes an array of target points surrounded by a contrasting surface. The position sensor uses the OPA element in combination with the angle-selective spatial filter in a target point imaging arrangement such that the imaging array of the position sensor only receives light rays that enter the OPA element according to an operable cone angle ?. Accordingly, each target point generally produces a ring-shaped image having a size on the imaging array that varies with the Z position of each target point. The X-Y position of each target point image on the imaging array varies with the X-Y position of each target point.

Abstract: A method for determining azimuth and elevation angles of a radiation source or other physical objects located anywhere within an cylindrical field of view makes use of an omni-directional imaging system comprising of reflective surfaces, an image sensor and an optional optical filter for filtration of the desired wavelengths. The imaging system is designed to view an omni-directional field of view using a single image sensor and with no need for mechanical scan for coverage of the full field of view. Use of two such systems separated by a known distance, each providing a different reading of azimuth and elevation angle of the same object, enables classic triangulation for determination of the actual location of the object. The invention is designed to enable use of low cost omni-directional imaging systems for location of radiation sources or objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position determining apparatus that has a simplified configuration adapted to produce a horizontal reference plane and an inclined reference plane simultaneously. A position determining apparatus (100) according to the present invention comprises a rotary laser apparatus (151) that emits at least two fan-shaped laser beams diverting in a plane other than horizontal plane while rotating the laser beams about a given optical axis, and an optical sensor (154) that has at least one light receiving section receiving the fan-shaped laser beams. One of the fan-shaped laser beams is different in inclination angle from the other, and in terms of a state of the laser beams received at the light receiving section, a relative position of the optical sensor to the rotary laser apparatus can be determined.

Abstract: A position and color detection sensor (for detecting a position of a light spot in a light distribution that can include stray light components, e.g. from other lasers, ambient lighting etc.) includes two discrete response position sensitive detectors (DRPSDs). The first DRPSD is used to calculate a raw estimate of the spot position and the second DRPSD is used to calculate the actual spot position based on information from the first DRPSD. Color is supported by further dividing each pixel of the first DRPSD into elementary photocells, each one covered with an appropriate optical filter. The use of two DRPSDs differing in pixel geometries makes them suitable for integration on the same chip using the same process. This reduces production and alignment costs. Further, analogue microelectronic processes can be used for color filter deposition and simple optics can be used for beam splitting and shaping.

Abstract: A laser receiver for detecting the position of incidence of a beam of laser light thereon includes a first photodetector and a second photodetector aligned in series with each other and spaced apart from each other by a gap. If the laser is evenly distributed between the two photodetectors, then the laser position will be set as the correct position and a corresponding signal will be displayed. However, if the first photodetector detects more light than the second photodetector, then a signal will also be displayed to inform the user that more laser is being projected onto the first photodetector. On the other hand, if the second photodetector detects more light than the first photodetector, then a signal will be displayed to inform the user that more laser being projected onto the second photodetector. These signals will assist users to adjust the laser receiver to accurately position the laser.

Abstract: A receiving device for cooperation with an optical fiber is provided with a sensor (3). The sensor (3) comprises two or more distinct sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) delivering an output signal with a strength that depends on the intensity applied to the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d). A greatest dimension (a) of the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d) is at most equal to half the diameter of a diffraction-limited spot (5) of the beam (2) exiting the optic fiber (1) at the location of the sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d). A diametrical dimension (c) of the part of the sensor (3) provided with sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) is greater than the diameter of the beam (2) exiting from the optical fiber (1). Means (15) are present for determining the strength of the output signal from each sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining workpiece drift from its nominal or intended position. The apparatus includes two proportionate sensors, each of which gives an output reading that depends upon how much of the sensor beam is blocked by an edge of the workpiece. A computer can calculate positional drift based upon these readings. Also disclosed is a method for aligning proportionate sensors to be parallel to one another.

Abstract: A system provides guidance to a vehicle on an approach to a position. A guidance transmitter stationed at the position includes light sources arranged in an array and a controller coupled to the light sources. The array defines a primary field-of-view (FOV) from which all light sources are visible. The light sources are divided into a plurality of sections with each section having a portion of the light sources associated therewith. Operation of each section of light sources is governed by the controller in accordance with unique cyclical on/off sequences. A primary waveform of light energy is defined by a composite of the cyclical on/off sequences visible from within the primary FOV. A plurality of secondary waveforms of light energy are defined by the cyclical on/off sequences visible from positions outside of the primary FOV.

Abstract: An improvement in a semi-active laser last pulse logic missile seeker is disclosed and claimed. In one embodiment, the improvement includes a first polarizer disposed in the detection field of view of the PIN photodiode detector and a second polarizer disposed in the detection field of view of the staring imaging infrared focal plane array. Each of the first and second polarizers has an identically configured plurality of segments. Each segment allows transmission of a different polarization than other segments and is sized to completely cover the fields of view of both the PIN photodiode detector and the staring imaging infrared focal plane array. First and second actuators are connected to the first and second polarizers, respectively, to synchronously and simultaneously step identical and corresponding segments in a plurality of discrete steps within the fields of view in response to incoming temporal and spatial laser returns.

Abstract: An optical system and method for positioning a first object with respect to a second object, such as a refueling aircraft and an unmanned air vehicle are provided with the system, including a pattern of reflectors, an optical receiver, an optical transmitter, and a processor. The method and system permit processing two dimensional images of reflected signals and ranging of the reflector to the transmitter. An optical transceiver may also be used instead of a discrete receiver and transmitter. The reflector may include a pattern of peripheral retroreflectors and limit-angle incident retroreflectors that only reflect light incident upon the retroreflector within a predefined range of incident angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a centroid of a spot produced by electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optic radiation, using an array of PIN photodiodes serving as photodetectors and being organized in columns and in rows. Vertical connections are used to interconnect the PIN photodiodes in the columns in accordance with a first pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent columns. Horizontal connections are used to interconnect PIN photodiodes in the rows in accordance with a second pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent rows. The first and second patterns of interconnections can include just two adjacent columns and two adjacent rows, respectively and form a checkerboard interconnect pattern. The interconnections are made such that there are no anode connections between the PIN photodiodes in the rows and columns.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for measuring the velocity of a target that includes an array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having an energy output, a first lens configured to capture the energy output of the array and project it onto the target whose velocity is to be monitored, a second lens configured to capture the energy output reflected from the target, and at least one detector configured to detect the energy transmitted from the second lens, where the energy of the array projected onto the target creates pulses of light from reflectance off of surface imperfections on the target, and the velocity of the target is determined by monitoring the frequency of the pulses of light.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a centroid of a spot produced by electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optic radiation, using an array of PIN photodiodes serving as photodetectors and being organized in columns and in rows. Vertical connections are used to interconnect the PIN photodiodes in the columns in accordance with a first pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent columns. Horizontal connections are used to interconnect PIN photodiodes in the rows in accordance with a second pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent rows. The first and second patterns of interconnections can include just two adjacent columns and two adjacent rows, respectively and form a checkerboard interconnect pattern. The interconnections are made such that there are no anode connections between the PIN photodiodes in the rows and columns.

Abstract: A beam position control system controls a position of a beam directed from a beam source. A beam position sensing system, generates one or more satellite beams which are used to determine the position of a main beam. A beam offset computation block is configures to determine a relative position of the main beam to a desired main beam position. Beam offset information is generated by the beam offset computational block, and a controller is configured to receive the beam offset information from the beam offset computation block. A compensation signal, generated by the controller, is designed to adjust the main beam position to the desired main beam position, where a beam actuation system is configured to receive the compensation signal and adjust the main beam position.

Abstract: A display unit is disposed in front of a driver's seat in a front central region of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A sensor senses a condition, such as a driver's eye position, an outside brightness and a steering frequency, affecting the uneasiness of a driver caused by the display screen. A controller reduces the size of a picture display region in accordance with the condition to achieve an agreeable size and position of picture on the screen.

Abstract: A solar sensor comprises a housing, a pair of optical devices, an optical lens and a lens member. The optical devices are disposed in the right side and the left side on the top side of the housing, respectively, of the axis parallel to the direction of travel of a vehicle. The optical lens is disposed above the optical devices and guides incident light toward the optical devices. The lens member comprising solid projections is disposed between the optical devices and the optical lens. The top surface of the lens member is coated with a screen film except the areas under the projections. The lens member makes total quantity of solar irradiation to the optical devices constant in collaboration with the optical lens.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an optical imaging system, such as a telescope, capable of providing an image of a target. The system includes a closed-loop optical tracking system comprising a reflector, an imaging device and a tracker controller. The reflector is capable of reflecting the image provided by the optical imaging system. In turn, the imaging device can record the image reflected by the reflector. And the tracker controller can generate a reflector position drive signal from a position of the target determined based upon the image recorded by the imaging device. The system also includes feed-forward augmentation assembly capable of measuring a displacement of a position of the target and thereafter generating a feed-forward augmentation signal. The feed-forward augmentation assembly can then combine the feed-forward augmentation signal and the reflector position drive signal to thereby drive the reflector to a position.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf feedback system. A mat is used to determine player foot position, and a 3D golf tracking system tracks golf balls hit from the mat to determine (a) a ground ball track and (b) a player orientation axis, based on the foot position and relative to the mat. The system further determines information indicative of how well the ground ball track correlated to the orientation axis. Preferably, a golfer using the system is led through a plurality of pin target locations in a simulated golf game. The system evaluates and stores information such as slice and hook, accuracy, player orientation axis and ball carry distance such that the player can evaluate his/her game individually or against one or more other players.

Abstract: A laser beam receiver includes a filter device, and a photodetecting means including a plurality of photodetectors. The laser beam receiver expands a laser beam in a scanning direction in which the laser beam is moved for scanning and diffuses the expanded laser beam by the filter device. The filter device has a lenticular part capable of expanding the laser beam in the scanning direction, and a diffusing part capable of diffusing expanded laser beam.

Abstract: A Cartesian scanning system for scanning a surface of a sample. The scanning system includes a light source assembly configured to produce at least one collimated beam of light, a light sensing system, a stage configured for mounting the sample thereon and a linear track having a direction of elongation. The linear track and the stage are configured to move relative to each other. The scanning system also includes a scanning head having a reflecting system which is configured to direct the collimated beam of light onto the surface and to direct a beam of light reflected from the surface to the light sensing system. The scanning head is slidably associated with the linear track so as to be moveable in a direction parallel to a direction of elongation of the linear track. Also included are a position determination system and a scan displacement correction system.

Abstract: An X-ray flat panel detector includes sensor elements constituted by a plurality of effective pixels that detect X-rays and a plurality of dummy pixels that are arranged adjacent to the effective pixel area and generate electrical signals irrelevant to X-rays, signal lines which read out electrical signals from the respective pixels, scanning lines which scan the respective pixels, a first electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the signal lines, and a second electrostatic wiring line which distributes static electricity accumulated in the scanning lines. A plurality of dummy pixels are classified into a DA area where noise superposed on the signal lines are removed and a DB area where noise superposed on the scanning lines are removed. The first and second electrostatic wiring lines are laid out around the sensor elements, and physically disconnected between the DA area and the DB area.

Abstract: Techniques for predicting and correcting for optical distortions. A method for correcting optical distortions in a laser system includes operating a laser system at a first time to emit a laser beam. The laser system includes a laser source, a beam transfer assembly, and a lens assembly. The laser beam is capable of traversing from the laser source, through the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly, to a laser target. Additionally, the method includes retrieving a first correction setting from a memory system. The first correction setting corresponds to the first time. Moreover the method includes adjusting at least one of the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly in response to the first correction setting and sending the laser beam through the beam transfer assembly and the lens assembly to the laser target.

Abstract: An actuator for tilting a moveable object such as a mirror includes a base and a coil-object assembly that includes first and second pairs of coils each of which is attached to the object, the first pair of coils being arranged along a longitudinal axis, and the second pair of coils being arranged along a transverse axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A gimbal has an attachment section attached to the object, and mounting sections connected via a plurality of beams to the attachment section, the mounting sections being attached to the base. A permanent magnet is positioned adjacent a corresponding one of each of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a rotational force is generated that causes the coil-object assembly to rotate about an axis. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A novel system for facilitating the work for setting the horizontal direction of a guide laser beam is disclosed. The guide laser beam (P) can be radiated in vertical and lateral directions from the horizontal direction as a reference by a guide laser beam radiator (20). The reference horizontal direction position of the guide laser beam radiator (20) is detected by a first GPS unit (75). A pole (81) has a second GPS unit (76) for detecting a horizontal position. A reference horizontal direction position of the guide laser radiator (20) is detected by the first GPS unit (75). A first horizontal direction position is detected by the second GPS unit (76) of the pole (81) set up at a first position (83), thereby specifying the direction Z1 in which the guide laser beam (P) is to be radiated from the reference horizontal direction position as an origin.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an optical imaging system, such as a telescope, capable of providing an image of a target. The system includes a closed-loop optical tracking system comprising a reflector, an imaging device and a tracker controller. The reflector is capable of reflecting the image provided by the optical imaging system. In turn, the imaging device can record the image reflected by the reflector. And the tracker controller can generate a reflector position drive signal from a position of the target determined based upon the image recorded by the imaging device. The system also includes feed-forward augmentation assembly capable of measuring a displacement of a position of the target and thereafter generating a feed-forward augmentation signal. The feed-forward augmentation assembly can then combine the feed-forward augmentation signal and the reflector position drive signal to thereby drive the reflector to a position.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor 11 has a level display unit (28). The level display unit (28) is constituted by arranging a plurality of 7-segment indicators (33). The 7-segment indicators (33) are partially constituted of red LED segments (33b) and partially constituted of red/green two-color LED segments (33a). For a digital display, all of the segments are illuminated in red to display numerals. For a graph display, the red/green two-color LED segments are illuminated in green to present a bar graph.

Abstract: A fluid-motion-powered modulated reflector apparatus is provided that modulates the frequency of a reflected radiation signal. Passing the apparatus through a fluid such as air causes rotational velocity of a chopping wheel or, in some instances, a polarizing filter rotatably connected to propeller blades. The radiation signal is modulated by the blocking effect of a chopping wheel or a fixed polarizing filter and a rotating polarizing filter. The apparatus also can include a frequency selector to control the rotational velocity of the chopping wheel or rotatable polarizing filter. A fluid-motion-powered modulated reflector system may include an array of fluid-motion-powered modulated reflectors, each differently modulated by a frequency selector to allow a position sensor, such as a duo-lateral photodiode position sensing detector, and position determining system, to locate and determine the position of each individual retroreflector simultaneously.

Abstract: Generally a method and apparatus for determining a position of an object is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a locating plate, a window and a camera. The camera is positioned to view the target through the window disposed in the locating plate. The position of an object viewed by the camera through the window by be resolved relative to the position of the locating plate. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be disposed in a processing system such as a chemical mechanical polisher to align components such as robots, load cups and polishing heads.

Abstract: A retreat permission position of a carrier arm when the carrier arm is moved back to retreat outside a mounting table after the carrier arm carries a substrate to a position above the mounting table while holding a peripheral portion of the substrate, to thereby place the substrate on a plurality of supporting pins vertically movable through the mounting table. A disk substantially equal in size to the substrate, having insertion holes formed to allow the supporting pins to be inserted therethrough and being supportable by the carrier arm, and a sensor to detect whether or not the supporting pin inserted through the insertion hole of this disk exists.

Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus includes a sensor which optically senses a circuit pattern formed on a plate to be inspected to obtain scanned image data thereof while moving relatively to the plate, an AD converter which converts the scanned image data into digital form, a normal image data generator which generates normal image data expressed by use of multiple values based on CAD data relating to the circuit pattern, a reference data generator which filters the normal image data to generate reference data while selecting filter coefficients according to the moving direction of the plate to be inspected by use of a finite response filter having asymmetrical coefficients, and a comparator which compares the reference data with the scanned image data.

Abstract: A position measuring instrument according to the present invention comprises a turning unit and a fixed unit, irradiates a target to be measured with measuring light to determine a distance, a direction, and a position on the basis of its reflected light. A light source unit emits measuring light; a light receiving unit receives its reflected light; a radiating means radiates measuring light in a direction which can be set freely, and directs its reflected light to the light receiving unit; an angle detecting means detects a direction in which the radiating means radiates light; the light source unit and the light receiving unit are fixedly provided; the light source unit emits measuring light toward the radiating means; and the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the target to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position determining apparatus that has a simplified configuration adapted to produce a horizontal reference plane and an inclined reference plane simultaneously. A position determining apparatus (100) according to the present invention comprises a rotary laser apparatus (151) that emits at least two fan-shaped laser beams diverting in a plane other than horizontal plane while rotating the laser beams about a given optical axis, and an optical sensor (154) that has at least one light receiving section receiving the fan-shaped laser beams. One of the fan-shaped laser beams is different in inclination angle from the other, and in terms of a state of the laser beams received at the light receiving section, a relative position of the optical sensor to the rotary laser apparatus can be determined.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for measuring the velocity of a target that includes an array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having an energy output, a first lens configured to capture the energy output of the array and project it onto the target whose velocity is to be monitored, a second lens configured to capture the energy output reflected from the target, and at least one detector configured to detect the energy transmitted from the second lens, where the energy of the array projected onto the target creates pulses of light from reflectance off of surface imperfections on the target, and the velocity of the target is determined by monitoring the frequency of the pulses of light.

Abstract: An X-ray detector includes an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses. The X-ray detector also includes an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses. In order to form an X-ray detector which exhibits a high degree of linearity over a large dynamic range in conjunction with a higher maximum count rate and in order to avoid falsification of the calculated image by multiple counting of X-ray quanta, the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto. The electric charge pulses from the conversion element are applied to the input of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.