Abstract: A device for measuring the width L of a mail item on the fly in a mail handling machine in which mail items are caused to move parallel to a reference wall, the device comprising: a detector device rendered active when the presence of a mail item passing over a plurality of levers is detected, said levers being disposed at a determined set pitch perpendicularly to said reference wall; an emitter device for emitting a light ray, which emitter device is disposed facing a first lever of said plurality; a receiver device for receiving said light ray; a measurement device for measuring the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device; and a processor device for computing a determined number y of levers activated by said mail item going past, on the basis of a comparison between said measurement of the received light intensity and an initial measurement of the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device when no mail items pass over said plurality of levers, the width L of

Abstract: A measuring system for determining the electromechanical coupling characteristics of a piezoceramic (PZT) vibrator, which apply photo-interrupters matrix, glass tube, and metal ball to measure the bouncing motion, wherein the system includes an elastic-bouncing tester, a height measuring circuit, an instantaneous height indicator, a microprocessor, a monitor, and a driving circuit. There is a metal ball in the elastic-bouncing tester. By measuring the bouncing height and flying time, it can determine the electromechanical coupling characteristics of a PZT vibrator or the hardness of other rigid objects.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for correcting for gain changes in detectors in a guided vehicle. In one version of the invention, an on board light source is used to generate a reference set of detector gains, which are stored in computer memory. The on board light source is then pulsed at subsequent times and the signals generated by the detectors are compared to the reference set of detector gains to determine whether any gains have changed.

Abstract: One embodiment described relates to an optical displacement sensor for sensing movement of a data input device across a surface by detecting displacement of optical features in a succession of images of the surface. The sensor includes a detector having an array including a number (N) of sets of photosensitive elements, each set having a number (M) of photosensitive elements, where M is greater than two and not equal to four. Signals from each of the photosensitive elements in a set are electrically coupled or combined with corresponding photosensitive elements in other sets to produce a total of M independent group signals from M interlaced groups of photosensitive elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A circuit provided with an optoelectronic display unit. For discrete display of the settings of a regulating/control unit, said circuit comprises at least one detection element for detecting the actuation of an object in order to modify the settings of the regulating/control unit, whereby the detection element delivers an output signal corresponding to the desired modification. Several luminous diodes (1a, . . . , 1n), which are essentially arranged next to each other in a row and which emit luminous radiation, are used as display elements. A control device controls at least one of the luminous diodes (1a, . . . , 1n) according to the output signal in order to display the respective setting, in addition to the regulating/control unit for modification of the setting. In order to produce a quality display and operator unit, at least two receiver elements which are sensitive with respective to the luminous radiation of the luminous diodes (1a, . . .

Abstract: In a method and system to provide high intensity photic stimulation to disable target subjects, a high intensity light source is activated by trigger signals to produce light flashes in commanded patterns of duration and frequency. A user views a field illuminated through a shutter viewer such as shutter goggles. The goggles are gated to a light blocking state in response to trigger pulses. The light blocking state has a wider time width than the light flashes from the light source produced in response to the trigger pulses to avoid the need for close synchronization. The target subjects are exposed to the high intensity light flashes while the light flashes are blocked from the view of users. Due to a low duty cycle, the users' view through the shutter goggles is unaffected by the intermittent opacity of the shutter goggles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: Keys, which are incorporated in an automatic player piano, are monitored with an optical transducer system. The optical transducer system includes sensor heads provided on both sides of the key trajectories, LEDs connected to predetermined sensor heads through optical fibers, LDDs connected to the other sensor heads through optical fibers and a controlling unit. A luminescence controller is connected to the LEDs for optimizing the luminescence, and bias controllers are respectively connected to the LDDs. The luminescence controller and bias controllers optimize the luminescence of emitted light and the bias level of electric signals so that the optical transducer system is free from the individuality of component parts and the deterioration.

Abstract: One-dimensional line data is produced based upon an evaluation area in image data obtained by imaging the area the slit light beam is irradiated. Each point data value included in the line data is obtained based upon each pixel value in a pixel array arranged in a Y-axis direction having the same X coordinates in the evaluation area. The point data value in the line data depends upon the result of the difference between the pixel values of the adjacent pixels in the pixel array. The affect by the reflected light of the slit light beam from the surface of the moving object is offset between the adjacent pixels, so that it is not reflected on the point data value. The point data value corresponding to the blocked state and the point data value corresponding to the non-blocked state can be made clearly different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting the efficacy of machined parts, and particularly to an automated system and method that detects whether tooling features (e.g., holes) are properly formed and aligned in work pieces during the machine tooling process. In one embodiment the system and method includes at least one roller that engages an associated work piece and is capable of applying a rotational force to the work piece, a source of electromagnetic radiation emits electromagnetic radiation through at least one feature of the associated work piece, and a detector for detecting a characteristic associated electromagnetic radiation with the at least one feature of the electromagnetic radiation when the rotational force is applied. The detected characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation is used to determine whether the work piece has been properly tooled (or machined) or contains a defect.

Abstract: A single plate flatbed scanner utilizing a single sensor to detect both opening of a lid covering the plate and the leading edge of an automatically fed document. The flatbed scanner includes a contact glass plate defining a flatbed scanning area where a document to be scanned may be manually positioned. An automatic document feeder (ADF) scan window where ADF-fed documents are scanned is defined within the flatbed scanning area. An image sensor is maintained at a fixed position in the ADF scan window while scanning ADF-fed documents. To scan a manually fed document, the image sensor moves under the flatbed scanning area so as to scan an image of the document. Since the ADF scan window and the flatbed scanning area both are defined in the same area of the contact glass plate, a document inadvertently left on the contact glass blocks the ADF scan window and prevents the scanning of an ADF fed document.

Abstract: A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor where a main element holder and an additional element holder are relatively moved in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of optical axes. An engagement projection of the additional element holder is fit into a receiving hole of the main element holder and the hook of the additional element holder engages with the end edge of the main element holder, whereby the main element holder and the additional element holder are mechanically coupled to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely counting the number of individual objects of the same general shape and disposed in a collection having a front end in a common vertical plane.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized game device or game playing method for use with objects such as balls and a generally planar surface. The game device may comprise at least two electromagnetic beam transmitters arranged to emit electromagnetic beams and at least two corresponding electromagnetic beam receivers generating signals. The game device further comprises a support for the transmitters and receivers having a surface shaped to rest stably against the planar surface, the support positioning each transmitter to emit its electromagnetic beam parallel to the other beams and parallel to the planar surface, the support positioning each receiver to receive one of the electromagnetic beams, and the support shaped to permit the objects to pass through the beams and to strike the planar surface without striking the support.

Abstract: Light emitted from light-projecting elements constituted by LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or the like is transmitted to a light-projecting optical system of a sensor head portion through an optical fiber cable and projected from the light-projecting optical system onto an object. The light projected onto the object is reflected on the object. The reflected light is made incident on a light-receiving optical system. The light incident on the light-receiving optical system is led to a light-receiving element. The light-receiving element detects the incident light and generates a light-receiving signal based on the quantity of the detected light. The light-receiving signal generated by the light-receiving element is transmitted to a signal processing control portion of a main body portion through a light-receiving circuit and an electric wire cable.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a multiple-optical-axis photoelectric switch comprising, a protrusion of a first member attached to cap members located on either end of the main case of one or both of a light receiving body and a light emitting body. The protrusion is interposed between a convex curved surface of a second member and a concave curved surface of a third member. Elongated holes in the protrusion allow the bodies to pivot about an axis containing the light emitters and light receivers. Consequently, a multiple-optical-axis photoelectric switch, mounting structure and fixture can be provided in which the optical axis can be adjusted without being influenced by the limitation in the spaces above and below the main case while the multiple-optical-axis photoelectric switch is mounted at a predetermined mounting part.

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement includes a transmitter that emits light rays and a receiver that receives light rays reflected from an object. A deflection unit deflects the transmitted light rays to periodically sweep across a monitoring range. An evaluation unit stores parameters of several safety zones that form respectively predetermined areas of the monitoring range. An object detection signal is generated in the evaluation unit in dependence on receiving signals at the receiver output, which object detection signal indicates whether or not an object is located within an activated safety zone. A communication interface is coupled to the evaluation unit and is operative for bi-directional data transmission with an external unit. At least one of the stored safety zones is activated by reading into the evaluation unit activation signals from the external unit via the communication interface.

Abstract: The disclosed intelligent lighting system is designed to provide automatic illumination when the device is in motion in any direction and ambient light is below a prescribed level. In its intended format illumination will generally be in a direction forward of the user so as to provide useful for the user illumination when it is dark. The device consists of a connection to a power source, a motion sensor, a photocell, driving and delay circuitry and an illuminating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for counting thin products (1) that can be stacked side-by-side in a tray (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one counting station comprised of at least one CIS module (31, 32, 33), whose overall length is at least equal to the length of the tray (2) and means for performing multiple scans in a direction transverse to the tray (2), each CIS module (31, 32, 33) comprising at least means for longitudinally illuminating the products (1) and at least one CIS circuit comprised of a plurality of photosensitive elements connected to at least one printed circuit, the counting device also comprises means for detecting the positioning of the tray (2), means for moving the tray in a direction perpendicular to the light beam, means for storing the signals representative of the data of the light beam reflected by the products (1), and means for processing said data for determining the number of products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light grid having a transmitter strip for the transmission of a plurality of light beams and a receiver strip for the reception of these light beams, an evaluation unit for the processing of received signals generated in dependence on the light beams received and a memory for reference values which can be compared with the received signals by means of the evaluation unit, with a position transducer being provided for the determination of the position of an object introduced into the monitored zone of the evaluation unit being able to be supplied with position signals supplied by the position transducer and the comparison of the reference values with the received values being able to be carried out in dependence on the position signals.

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 image reader includes a first image-reader unit, mounted on a body of the image reader, for reading image information of an original document on a first image-reader section, a closing unit which is openably supported on the body of the image reader through a closing device, a second image-reader unit, mounted on the closing unit, for reading image information of an original on a second image-reader section, and a closed-state detector for detecting a closed state of the closing unit. The closed-state detector includes a photoemitter, a photodetector, and a light-blocking unit which blocks a light beam traveling from the photoemitter to the photodetector, by moving in operative association with the opening and closing operation of the closing unit.

Abstract: In a method for optoelectronically inspecting pharmaceutical capsules (2) in a capsule filling machine (1), the pharmaceutical capsules (2) are fed in single file from a station (3) where the capsules (2) are made to a capsule (2) outfeed portion (8) of the machine (1) along a defined feed path (P) passing through an inspection station (13). In the inspection station (13), each pharmaceutical capsule (2) passes through an electromagnetic field created by coherent, polarised light radiation.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor and a method for producing a positive or a negative object detection signal in dependence on the presence or non-presence of an object in a foreground region or in a background region of a region monitored by the sensor. Transmitted light is transmitted in the direction of the monitored region during an operating phase. A plurality of received signals are produced in dependence on the reflected and the received transmitted light which are associated with the foreground region or with the background region. A difference of the received signals is compared with a differential threshold to produce the positive or the negative object detection signal, wherein a switching hysteresis is formed for a change between the positive and the negative object detection signal. The association of the received signals with the foreground region and the background region is changed in dependence on a change in the object detection signal to form the switching hysteresis.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes: a light projecting section projecting detection medium light to a detection object region; and a light receiving section receiving reflecting light or transmitted light from the detection object region, the sections being in a single piece or in separate pieces. The light projecting section includes: a light source generating the detection medium light; and a light projecting lens for collimating or collecting the detection medium light from the light source to form a beam spot or a light collecting point in the detection object region. The light projecting section further includes: a deflection angle adjusting unit capable of finely adjusting an optical axis deflection angle of the detection medium light projected to the detection object region from the light projecting section.

Abstract: Systems and elements are disclosed for creating a continuous, collimated detection zone for an automatically-actuated device or container, such as an automatic waste container, wherein the detection zone can be made to match the periphery of a defined area, such as the opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable and immune from ambient light fluctuations.

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated. The LEDs are arranged in a pair of linear arrays that arc aligned in oppositely extending illumination paths, such that an identical number of LEDs from each array is simultaneously illuminated to create a highly visible bar graph display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for opto-electronically determining the position of an object (50) using a measurement assembly, which is separated from the object (50) by a medium (31, 52) that is permeable to at least one type of specific radiation. The measurement assembly consists of at least one active sensor zone (S) in the medium comprising at least two measuring paths (x, y), which are maintained by at least two radiation sources (1, 3) that emit the specified radiation and by at least one radiation receiver (2) that is allocated to the radiation sources. Said receiver determines the reflection (53) returned by the object (50) to generate a detection signal which corresponds to the received radiation. A specified radiation is emitted using the radiation sources (1, 3) and the reflection (53) returned by the object (50) is detected, in order to allocate initial values (U(t), UR(d)) to the individual measuring paths.

Abstract: A retroreflective sensor apparatus which includes a light source with a collimating lens and a photoelement with a condensing lens. The light source and the photoelement are positioned adjacent to and offset from each other. A mask is placed between the light source and the collimating lens on a side away from the photoelement to block a portion of the light from the light source from reaching the collimating lens. A method of constructing a retroreflective optical sensor including providing a light source with a collimating lens and a photoelement with a condensing lens. The light source and the photoelement are positioned adjacent to and offset from each other. An opaque mask is placed between the light source and the collimating lens on a side away from the photoelement to block a portion of the light from the light source from reaching the collimating lens. A reflector is positioned to receive light from the light source and reflect it to the photoelement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making the same for sensing inclination. The apparatus includes a member moveably positioned in a body, the member moves in response to gravity between two positions if the body is rotated relative to an axis exceeding a certain amount. A detector can be used to detect when the member moves and can automatically report rotation. A method of making an inclinometer includes creating the body by laminating layers, where a layer is prefabricated to include an appropriate cut-out to guide the member between the two positions. Another layer or layers can include the detector. An aspect of the invention comprises having each layer include prefabricated features for multiple inclinometers, and then superposing the prefabricated layers, activating adhesive between them to form a lamination defining a plurality of inclinometers, and then separating the lamination into individual inclinometers.

Abstract: A zone is monitored with an optoelectronic sensor. Light is transmitted in accordance with a structured light pattern in the direction of the monitored zone and is received from the monitored zone. The received light is converted into received signals and the received signals are evaluated with respect to the presence of an object, or with respect to a movement of an object, in the monitored zone. The light is transmitted and/or received in accordance with at least two different light patterns.

Abstract: An infrared detector includes a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter has plural light emitting units. A circuit connects the light emitter with a CPU programmed decoder and a power amplifying controller. A special coded signal is amplified and emitted out with an infrared light beam by the light emitting units to a light receiver. The light receiver has plural infrared light receiving units. A circuit connects the receiving units with a signal amplifier, a CPU programmed calculating and comparing decoder, and an output controller. The special coded signal with the infrared light beam received by each separate infrared light receiving unit is simultaneously sent to the signal amplifier for amplifying and to the CPU programmed calculating and comparing decoder for processing and controlled by the output controller. Thus, the infrared detector is prevented from being disabled by an unauthorized code or a different code by an unauthorized person.

Abstract: A display monitor is provided for a multi-optical-path photoelectric safety apparatus including a plurality of multi-optical-path photoelectric sensor units. The user can determine whether a special function such as blanking is set for each optical path in a group which comprises a plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row along a longitudinal direction. The user can check the light incidence/light block status for each optical path on an indicator lamp group. The display monitor includes the plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row in the longitudinal direction. First and second switches allow the user to select the unit and the optical path to be shown on the two indicator lamp groups.

Abstract: A scaling device projects a known optical pattern into the field of view of a camera, which can be employed as a reference scale in a resulting photograph of a remote object, for example. The device comprises an optical beam projector that projects two or more spaced, parallel optical beams onto a surface of a remotely located object to be photographed. The resulting beam spots or lines on the object are spaced from one another by a known, predetermined distance. As a result, the size of other objects or features in the photograph can be determined through comparison of their size to the known distance between the beam spots. Preferably, the device is a small, battery-powered device that can be attached to a camera and employs one or more laser light sources and associated optics to generate the parallel light beams. In a first embodiment of the invention, a single laser light source is employed, but multiple parallel beams are generated thereby through use of beam splitting optics.

Abstract: An electronic tilt switch for controlling an electrical circuit such as a vehicle hood lamp circuit according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The tilt switch includes a housing, a sliding element, and a solid state electronic sensor, which can comprises a Hall effect sensor or a photo-optical interrupter. The sliding element moves within an axial bore of the housing according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The solid state electronic sensor is mounted to one axial end of the housing and is capable of determining when the sliding element slides past a predetermined position within the bore. This allows the tilt switch to determine whether the vehicle hood has been opened or shut, and is used to turn the lamp on or off accordingly. The housing, sliding element, sensor, and associated electronics can all be environmentally sealed within a single package, which can additionally include one or more molded in connectors.

Abstract: Photoelectric proximity switch for detecting the presence of an object in a monitored area. A light pulse transmitter emits transmitting light pulses into the monitored area. The pulses are triggered by an output signal of a random signal generator or a pseudo-random signal generator and are emitted with a time interval between them. A light receiver is arranged in relation to the light pulse transmitter and to the monitored area such that in the absence of an object to be detected in the monitored area, the receiver receives essentially no light from the light pulse transmitter, but in the presence of an object to be detected in the monitored area, it receives such light from the light pulse transmitter due to reflection that a receiving signal evaluating device connected to the light receiver and to random signal generator or the pseudo-random signal generator delivers an object detection signal.

Abstract: An improved method for counting irregular or unsymmetrical shaped articles that allows greater precision and provides enhanced features over current counting devices and methods. The method improves upon current devices and methods by providing a more precise volume for each article by using actual cross sectional areas of articles. The improved method also allows the user to count broken or incomplete articles as “partial” volumes. These partial volumes may be added to one another to give a precise total batch volume. The actual cross sectional areas may also be used to allow the user to display three dimensional adaptations of each article counted. Because this information is stored, the articles may be displayed at any time after the articles are scanned. The improved method also allows a user to determine the distance between articles, by using the counting device, and, using this information, adjust the feed rate of the device to an optimum feed rate.

Abstract: A peak detector for detecting a peak value of a burst signal in a burst mode optical receiver is disclosed, which comprises: an amplifying terminal configured to reduce an offset of a peak value in a received burst signal using feedback in the peak detector; a transistor that functions as a diode when a positive signal is received from the amplifying terminal; a peak hold capacitor for charging a peak value when the transistor received the positive signal; a signal amplitude detector to monitor the received burst signal amplitude; and a current source to drive a current responsive to the output signal amplitude detector.

Abstract: A circuit provided with an optoelectronic display unit. For discrete display of the settings of a regulating/control unit, said circuit comprises at least one detection element for detecting the actuation of an object in order to modify the settings of the regulating/control unit, whereby the detection element delivers an output signal corresponding to the desired modification. Several luminous diodes (1a, . . . , 1n), which are essentially arranged next to each other in a row and which emit luminous radiation, are used as display elements. A control device controls at least one of the luminous diodes (1a, . . . , 1n) according to the output signal in order to display the respective setting, in addition to the regulating/control unit for modification of the setting. In order to produce a quality display and operator unit, at least two receiver elements which are sensitive with respective to the luminous radiation of the luminous diodes (1a, . . .

Abstract: A shopping receptacle, the shopping receptacle being adapted to receive and retain a product item, the product item having an interface surface associated therewith, the interface surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, wherein the receptacle comprises:

Abstract: An optical sensor for use in high vacuum plants and/or in ultrahigh vacuum plants has a metal housing surrounding an interior space in a manner substantially impermeable to gas in which a window which transmits light to be detected is provided and an optical sensor element arranged in the interior space for the detection of light to be detected which is incident through the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: An automatic card counter (20) with a housing (22) with an open front with a card deck assembly (24) having a front opening to a card counting location and an underlying support for a stack (29) of cards (30) such as may be contained in a card box, such as plastic opaque, transparent or translucent credit cards, with an optical sensing system for detecting the edges of the cards (30) in the stack (29) to determine the number, or count, of the total number of the cards (30) in the stack (29) includes a light source (64) composed of an elongate string of a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes directing red light rearward and downwardly away from the front card deck opening and along the entire length of the stack of cards through a window (96), a mirror (76) for simultaneous reflecting a complete image of the entire stack of cards downwardly and rearward to another mirror (100) that reflects the complete image rearward and horizontally to a lens system (108) with a relatively wide depth of field to

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid dispenser employing ultrasonic sensing to determine the level of a dispensed liquid with respect to the height of a container to be filled. In one aspect, the invention relates to a refrigerator with an automated liquid dispenser that utilizes ultrasonic sensing.

Abstract: A light curtain system is provided for establishing a protective light curtain for a tool in a system for processing objects such as wafers, and is particularly provided as a safety device for an operator of the tool. The light curtain system includes a first light curtain component of invisible light beams. A receiver and an emitter form edges of the protective light curtain from the invisible light beams. In addition, a second light curtain component of visible light beams is provided. The visible light beams are directed and transmitted adjacent and in parallel to the light beams of invisible light for forming a part of the protective light curtain and for making the protective light curtain visible for an operator. The second light curtain component of visible light beams is activated at least temporarily.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one safety-specific function of a machine. The method includes monitoring a monitoring region with at least one location-resolving and time-resolving sensor, where the monitoring region includes a safety boundary which separates off a danger region and defines a safe distance from a danger zone of the machine. The method also includes detecting at least one of a position, a movement direction and a movement speed of an object. The method also includes establishing a position of the safety boundary in a variable manner depending on the at least one of a detected position, movement direction and movement speed of the object. The method also includes triggering the safety-specific function of the machine when entry into the danger region by the object is detected. An apparatus corresponding to the method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic detection device, in particular a laser scanner, comprising at least one transmitter unit for the transmission of electromagnetic radiation, preferably pulsed electromagnetic radiation, at least one receiver unit associated with the transmitter unit and at least one radiation deflection device with which radiation transmitted by the transmitter unit can be guided into a monitored zone and radiation reflected from the monitored zone can be guided onto the receiver unit, with the front of the radiation propagating in the direction of the deflection device being of elongated shape and the deflection device being formed and being movable relative to the elongated radiation front such that the radiation front reflected into the monitored zone adopts different orientations in space in dependence on the position of the moved deflection device.

Abstract: A control device comprising a mobile component such as a lever mounted on a ball pivot, wherein the lever is displaceable in rotation around three different axes and the device comprises two arrays of photodetectors for detecting points uniformly distributed over supports with the shape of a portion of a sphere, the arrays being fixed and the supports being borne by the lever.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image capturing device comprises a light source for irradiating a distance measuring light beam to a subject. The light source has a plurality of light source rings, each of which is formed of a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are annularly disposed along an outer periphery of a lens barrel. The ratio of the intensities of light beams irradiated by the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light source rings is 1:2:4:8:16. The intensity of the distance measuring light beam irradiated by the light source rings is modulated by selecting the light source rings to be turned ON, so that the intensity of the distance measuring light beam changes in accordance with the time.

Abstract: An object detecting device has components which emit electromagnetic waves by scanning a scan range in horizontal and vertical directions, receive reflected waves, obtain signal level of the received reflected waves, calculate a correction value based on vertical position of the zone in the scan range where the level of the received waves is the highest and the center position of the scan range in the vertical direction, and correct the center position in the vertical direction of the scan range based on the calculated correction value.