Abstract: Methods and devices for calculating the position of a movable device are disclosed. The device may include multiple optical detectors (ODs) and the movable device may include light sources. Optics may be above the ODs. A controller may calculate the position of the light source based on data from the ODs and properties of the optics. The device may be a game console, and the light source may be a game controller. The roles of the OD and light sources may be interchanged. The rotation of the movable device may be determined using multiple light sources and/or multiple ODs on the movable device. The movable device may calculate its position and transmit it to a console. The light sources may be modulated by time or frequency to distinguish between the light sources. There may be two or more movable devices. There may be two or more consoles.

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 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: One or more fixed-orientation fanned laser beams and one or more displacement measurement devices to precisely measure the orientation of a payload platform are disclosed in a metrology system and method. The measurement devices may be distributed at locations across a payload platform such that displacement changes of these devices can be used to accurately determine platform pointing. Laser beam transmitters may be fixed in the same reference block to which a spacecraft attitude sensor is mounted. Fanned laser beams are transmitted from these sources to the measurement devices so that their displacements can be determined with respect to the plane of the fanned beams and thereby with respect to the spacecraft attitude sensor. Only a small number of fixed laser beams are needed to achieve precision measurements at a reduced cost, weight and power, and with increased system reliability and simplified system integration.

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: 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 directional alignment and alignment monitoring sensor system that is designed to be mounted to a directional or omni-directional antenna wherein the system includes a sensor having one or more phototransistors that are associated with one or more baffle members and wherein each baffle member defines a restrictive light passageway toward a phototransistor such the by measuring the time that a phototransistor is illuminated, a correct orientation of the antenna may be accurately determined.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an optical arrangement, an assembly of a plurality of detectors, and a signal processor. The optical arrangement is capable of viewing a scene that includes an object, where the scene is capable of moving through a field of view of the optical arrangement during each of a plurality of transit periods. The detectors of the assembly are arranged in a vertical scanning direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the scene, and are separately capable of producing an image of the object for each transit period in accordance with a time-delay integration technique. The signal processor, then, is capable of determining the angular position of the object for each transit period based upon the images produced by the detectors.

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: Motion of a speckle pattern is employed to provide for navigation in three dimensions. Non-speckle optical navigation methods may also be used to provide for two dimensional surface navigation with speckle being used to provide for navigation in the third dimension.

Abstract: A laser measuring method in a laser measuring system, which comprises a rotary laser system for projecting a laser beam by rotary irradiation and at least one photodetection system having at least one photodetector for receiving the laser beam, comprising a step of emitting at least two fan-shaped laser beams by the rotary laser system, at least one of the fan-shaped laser beams being tilted, a step of receiving the laser beams at least at three known points by the photodetection system, a step of obtaining elevation angles with respect to the rotary laser system based on photodetection signals which are formed when the photodetector receives the laser beam, and a step of measuring an installing position of the rotary laser system based on elevation angles and position data at the three known points.

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 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: An automatic controlling apparatus of a boarding bridge to match a position of the boarding bridge with an airplane, includes: a light irradiator, an optical sensor, and an actuator. The light irradiator irradiates a light to the airplane. The optical sensor can detect a reflection wave of the light reflected from the airplane. The actuator moves the boarding bridge such that a position of the boarding bridge is matched with the airplane, based on a detection result of the reflection wave detected by the optical sensor.

Abstract: An attitude determination system and method is provided that includes at least two sensor sets. Each sensor set is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation, such as light of a known frequency. Specifically, each sensor set is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation from a one of a plurality of point sources, where each of the plurality of point sources emits electromagnetic radiation of a different frequency. Each sensor set includes at least three sensors, with each of the three sensors having a different orientation. The three sensors in the sensor set are used to determine a relative orientation of the vehicle with respect to one of the point sources. The at least two sensor sets in the system determine the relative orientation with respect to at least two point sources. By placing the sensors on a vehicle and knowing the direction to the point sources in a reference frame coordinate system, the orientation of the vehicle with respect to this reference frame can be estimated.

Abstract: A pointing position or direction is accurately determined with a simple constitution without burden to a user. A pair of PDs (photodiodes) forming one photoelectric conversion unit provide a light receiving surface of valley fold with respect to a light source, and another pair of PDs forming the photoelectric conversion unit provide a light receiving surface of mountain fold with respect to the light source. In the same manner, a pair of PDs forming another photoelectric conversion unit provide a light receiving surface of valley fold, and another pair of PDs forming the photoelectric conversion unit provide a light receiving surface of mountain fold. The outputs from the light receiving surfaces of valley fold and mountain fold are averaged in the respective photoelectric conversion units to countervail an error caused from the both, whereby the position of the light source can be accurately located.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the detection of absolute motion in a three-dimensional coordinate frame of reference, having mutually perpendicular axes X, Y and Z, by an instrument positioned in the path of a light beam or ray traveling in only one direction, existing in its own space-time frame, and moving straight ahead at the speed of light from its point of origin; and detecting the impact of the beam by the instrument, where the detection is by a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) positioned in the path of the ray or beam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the detection of absolute motion in a three-dimensional coordinate frame of reference, having mutually perpendicular axes X, Y and Z, by an instrument positioned in the path of a light beam or ray traveling in only one direction, existing in its own space-time frame, and moving straight ahead at the speed of light from its point of origin; and detecting the impact of the beam by the instrument, where the detection is by a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) positioned in the path of the ray or beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid measurements of far-field radiation profiles having a large dynamic range from an optical source is disclosed. Some embodiments of the apparatus include a collector coupled to a rotating hub so that the rotation of an entrance to the collector defines a plane, a detector coupled to receive light captured at the entrance to the collector, and detector electronics having a programmable gain coupled to receive a signal from the detector, Some embodiments may include a rotatable entrance mirror for reflecting light from the optical source into the plane of the entrance of the collector. In some embodiments, the optical source is fixed relative to the plane of the entrance of the collector. In some embodiments, the optical source is rotatable in the plane defined by the entrance of the collector. In some embodiments, the source can be an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the source can be a material irradiated by a laser.

Abstract: An attitude determination system and method is provided that includes at least two sensor sets. Each sensor set is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation, such as light of a known frequency. Specifically, each sensor set is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation from a one of a plurality of point sources, where each of the plurality of point sources emits electromagnetic radiation of a different frequency. Each sensor set includes at least three sensors, with each of the three sensors having a different orientation. The three sensors in the sensor set are used to determine a relative orientation of the vehicle with respect to one of the point sources. The at least two sensor sets in the system determine the relative orientation with respect to at least two point sources. By placing the sensors on a vehicle and knowing the direction to the point sources in a reference frame coordinate system, the orientation of the vehicle with respect to this reference frame can be estimated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deviation detecting device that detects a deviation angle of a rotary unit of a laser light projector relative to a projector body. The deviation detecting device (190) includes a light emitter (193) attached to the projector body of the laser light projector for emitting laser light, a reflector (195) attached to the rotary unit of the laser light projector for reflecting light emitted from the light emitter, and a light receiving unit (194) attached to the projector body of the laser light projector for receiving the light reflected by the reflector. In the deviation detecting device, a position at which the light reflected by the reflector is incident upon the light receiving unit is utilized to determine a deviation angle of the rotary unit relative to the projector body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detection device having a function of an electronic shutter. The position detection device is devised to perform the following: a light sending means sends out emitted light, which comes from a light emitting means, to a target object; a two-dimensional light receiving means receives reflected light coming from the target object, and converts the reflected light into an electric charge; and an arithmetic processing means determines a position of the target object on the basis of a light receiving signal from the two-dimensional light receiving means. In addition, the two-dimensional light receiving means has a function of an electronic shutter for discharging an accumulated electric charge in order to adjust the quantity of received light. Moreover, the arithmetic processing means can drive the light emitting means within a period of time during which the electronic shutter is stopped and the two-dimensional light receiving means is accumulating an electric charge.

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: Methods and apparatuses for determining angular information from a target. A plurality of sensors on an image plane are used to obtain measured amplitude data. An azimuth and elevation may be estimated using this measured amplitude data. A residual error between the measured amplitude data and calibrated amplitude data may then be determined. The angular information corresponding to the azimuth and elevation at which the residual error is minimized may then be outputted as representing or corresponding to the angular information of the target.

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: A position sensing apparatus and method includes a targeting device with a plurality of infrared transmitters or photodiode receivers attached to the targeting device and with corresponding receivers or transmitters mounted near a display monitor. The transmitters emit light signals that are received by the photodiode receivers. Receiver circuitry converts the light signals into signals representing the distance of the transmitters from the receivers. A processor then calculates the three-dimensional position and vector of the targeting device relative to the display monitor.

Abstract: One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of “principal” axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.

Abstract: Sun sensors or position sensors may be used to determine the angular location of the sun or other object with respect to the sensor. The sun sensor provides high resolution over a wide field of regard. A position or sun sensor comprises a sensor housing, a plurality of pinholes formed In the sensor housing, a detector mounted within the housing and a method of processing the information detected. The detector is mounted in the sensor housing. Each pinhole has a field of view and the detector receives the images from each field of view. Each field of view is defined by the position of the pinhole relative to the detector. The images are received in an overlay relationship thereby providing a field of regard. The processing method determines the presence and location of an object In a field of regard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detection device having a function of an electronic shutter. The position detection device is devised to perform the following: a light sending means sends out emitted light, which comes from a light emitting means, to a target object; a two-dimensional light receiving means receives reflected light coming from the target object, and converts the reflected light into an electric charge; and an arithmetic processing means determines a position of the target object on the basis of a light receiving signal from the two-dimensional light receiving means. In addition, the two-dimensional light receiving means has a function of an electronic shutter for discharging an accumulated electric charge in order to adjust the quantity of received light. Moreover, the arithmetic processing means can drive the light emitting means within a period of time during which the electronic shutter is stopped and the two-dimensional light receiving means is accumulating an electric charge.

Abstract: A radiation sensor with particular application to detection of sunshine has at least two (but typically seven) light sensitive detectors and a masking element. The masking element has a pattern of translucent and opaque areas which are disposed to ensure that at any time at least one detector can be exposed to direct sunlight (if the sun is shining) through a translucent area and at least one detector is shaded from direct sunlight by an opaque area. Signal processing apparatus analyses signals from the detectors, such analysis including a comparison of the signal from the detector exposed to the most light and the signal from the detector exposed to the least light.

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 lidar-based air defense system for providing a single unified system that may detect, track and even destroy airborne objects, even objects designed to move relatively undetected through conventional radar systems. The lidar-based air defense system includes a support, and a plurality of laser transmitters mounted on the support in sets of different angles. Each of the laser transmitters are adapted to transmit a coherent beam of light along an axis, with the plurality of laser transmitters being oriented such that the axes of the beams of light emitted from the laser transmitters radiate outwardly from the support to generate a grid of laser beams in the atmosphere. The system also includes a plurality of laser receivers and a processor for processing information from the laser transmitters and laser receivers.

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: The present invention is embodied in an apparatus for sensing solar position. The apparatus includes a precision wide-field-of-view (WFOV) passive optical sensor head and a set of interface electronics disposed within a spacecraft computer, which is located remotely from the precision WFOV optical sensor head. The interface electronics convert current signals supplied by the precision WFOV optical sensor head into digital signals usable by a spacecraft control processor. The spacecraft control processor uses the digital signals from the interface electronics to precisely determine the attitude of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system and method for control of the field of view of one or more cameras for providing that one or more subjects are to be in a single field of view (“share view”) wherein the system will automatically calculate the values for the various field of view variables to provide the appropriate camera operation. Various computer-controlled programs are included to operate the system including programs for the integration of camera operation and automatic tracking of the subjects present. The system is designed for video and it can automatically add and remove subjects from a share view.

Abstract: A three dimensional information measurement apparatus employing a rotator or surface-of-rotation type mirror, an imaging apparatus disposed with its light receiving axis aligned with a center axis of said rotator type mirror for measuring three dimensional information on a target placed in a space surrounding said center axis, and a reference light projection means for projecting reference light. Also, main scanning is performing by deflecting the reference light in a circumferential direction centered about the center axis or, in an alternative embodiment, avoided by providing a conically shaped reference beam.

Abstract: A mirror is scanned to provide an image of a portion of the Earth to a multiband focal plane array (MBFPA) of optical detectors (an “imager”). Initially, the mirror is positioned relative to a first axis. The mirror is then scanned about a second axis and repositioned relative to the first axis while scanning the mirror about the second axis. This invention may be used in a weather satellite to remove prevent/reduce errors in pixel-to-pixel registration within an image frame and errors in band-to-band that occur when the various imaging bands (e.g., visual and infrared) of the MBFPA are used to image or scan selected areas of the Earth. The present invention positions the mirror relative to the first axis (e.g., elevation), and while scanning the mirror about the second axis (e.g., azimuth), the mirror is regularly repositioned in a prescribed manner relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A charge-coupled imaging device (FIG. 3) is thinned to allow for backside illumination. The device is further enhanced using ion implantation techniques to establish an electrical field (44) at the back surface, which functions to drive free electrons to potential wells generated beneath a gate structure (40) on the front surface. The device structure allows for both front side and backside illumination and is useful as a imaging device in applications where it is necessary to combine images from two different optical sources. The imaging device is particularly useful in terrestrial guidance systems (FIG. 5) where the imaging device is used to detect guide stars from a large guide star field. In such systems, the imaging device must be translated within an X-Y plane in order to cover the entire guide star field. In order to accurately know the position of the imaging device, optical fiducial marks are imaged onto a side of the imaging device opposite the side receiving the guide star photons.