Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor protection system. The system may have a sensor for receiving an incoming optical signal, a passive sensing and modulation component, and an active sensing and modulation subsystem. The passive sensing and modulation component is configured to sense when a first characteristic is associated with the incoming optical signal is present that adversely affects operation of the sensor, and redirects at least a portion of the incoming optical signal thereof away from the sensor to thus reduce an intensity of the incoming optical signal reaching the sensor. The sensor is located on an image plane downstream of the ISM subsystem, relative to a path of travel of the incoming optical signal.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a processing unit to set, on a basis of acquired input information, a feedback target range in which an object existing on inside serves as a target to be fed back to a user, in which the processing unit outputs information regarding the set feedback target range to an output unit.

Abstract: Device for improving an optical detecting smoke apparatus and implementing thereof. Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of smoke in a small, long-lasting smoke detector are disclosed. Specifically, the present disclosure shows how to build one or more optimized blocking members in a smoke detector to augment signal to noise ratio. This is performed while keeping the reflections from the housing structure to a very low value while satisfying all the other peripheral needs of fast response to smoke and preventing ambient light. This allows very small measurements of light scattering of the smoke particles to be reliable in a device resistant to the negative effects of dust. In particular, geometrical optical elements, e.g., cap and optical defection elements, are disclosed.

Abstract: The rotation detection apparatus including an annular member, a scale member having flexibility and being fixed to a circumferential portion of the annular member, and a detector facing the scale member and configured to detect relative rotation between the scale member and the detector. The circumferential portion of the annular member includes multiple convex portions and multiple concave portions along a circumferential direction of the annular member. The scale member is in contact with the multiple convex portions. Both ends, in the circumferential direction, of the scale member are fixed to the circumferential portion.

Abstract: A monitoring device for agricultural use comprising a housing adapted to accommodate at least a solar radiation sensor positioned in the top portion of the housing, the housing comprising an aperture at the top end adapted to allow the solar radiation sensor to be exposed through the aperture. The housing is attached to a hanger located at the same level or below the top end of the housing and adapted to hang the housing on a hanging element such as a cable. The housing may further comprises a leveling component for leveling the solar radiation sensor or the entire monitoring device. The monitoring device optionally comprises a shading sleeve compatible with passing the hanging element through the monitoring device.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a processing unit to set, on a basis of acquired input information, a feedback target range in which an object existing on inside serves as a target to be fed back to a user, in which the processing unit outputs information regarding the set feedback target range to an output unit.

Abstract: A microprocessor for metering electric energy, a microcontroller unit thereof, and a circuit and a method for metering energy accumulation. The circuit for metering energy accumulation includes a calculation-comparison circuit and a counter circuit that are connected. The calculation-comparison circuit is configured to: calculate an accumulation of a value of power in power consumption data and a value of current energy, and a difference between the accumulation and a preset threshold; output a flag bit, characterizing whether the difference being less than zero, to the counter circuit; set the value of current energy to be the difference in a case that the difference is not less than zero; and set the value of current energy to be the accumulation in a case that the difference is less than zero. Calculation in electric energy metering is specifically implemented, effectively improving electric energy metering efficiency and product economic benefit.

Abstract: A system may comprise an instrument with an elongate body portion to be moved along a path, one or more datums, and a plurality of sense elements disposed at positions spaced along a length of the elongate body portion. Each sense element may sense or be sensed by one of the datums when in proximity to the datum. The system may also include a processor configured to compare signals transmitted from the datums or from the sense elements, including a first signal and a second signal, and identify, based on the comparison, a state of motion of the elongate body chosen from a state of motion in a forward direction (insertion) along a path and a state of motion in a rearward direction (withdrawal) along the path. The processor may identify the state of motion of the elongate body based on whether the first signal is lower than or higher than the second signal and whether the first and second signals are both increasing or decreasing.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus is provided. According to an example, the controlling apparatus comprises: an operating body configured to bear acting forces; a mechanical sensing apparatus arranged on a surface of the operating body and configured to sense the acting forces and convert the acting forces into electric signals; and a controlling module configured to determine a resultant force of the acting forces according to the electric signals and control a controlled object to move along a direction of the resultant force of the acting forces.

Abstract: A filter device is for a collimator of an irradiation device. In an embodiment, the filter device includes a plurality of filter disks, arranged on a disk that is rotatable around an axis. Each filter disk is mounted so as to be movable in a radial direction and is tensioned by way of a respective spring element radially away from the axis or toward the axis against a guide contour, effecting a radial movement of at least one filter disk.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes a spinal implant template configured to provide three dimensional coordinates of a selected implant configuration. An implant bending device includes work surfaces engageable with a spinal implant to manipulate the spinal implant to the selected implant configuration and an implant contact sensor. Surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A lighting structure for distance measuring wheel has a case, a circuit board, a switch, a power supply port, a power supply, a light source and a display unit. The circuit board, the power supply, and the light source are accommodated in the case. One part of the switch is arranged in the case and electrically connected to the circuit board and the other part of the switch is exposed outside of the case. The display unit is arranged below the case and a display screen is arranged thereon. An inclined surface is formed at a lower corner of the case and faced to the display screen of the display unit, the light source is electrically connected to the circuit board and a light beam emitted from the light source penetrates through the inclined surface toward the display screen of the display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved cutting of self-retaining elements on a suture material, including the use of an improved calibration system. The calibration system includes a light emitting source and light receiving source, emitting light through a blade housing where the blade edge is within the light emitted pathway. The blade housing can be moved in accordance with the calibration information.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of optical measurement of an aqueous stream, and of processing the results of the measurement in order to determine the anionic charge of the stream, the method being carried out by measuring the light absorption of the stream and predicting the amount of anionic groups in the stream using a mathematical processing, such as mathematical calculations. Particularly, the method includes the steps of adding an amount of a cationic dye to the aqueous stream, measuring the light absorption spectra of the obtained dye-containing stream, and processing the obtained light absorption spectrum using said mathematical processing in order to obtain the anionic charge. The invention also concerns the use of the obtained spectrum in determining the turbidity of the stream, as well as a device suitable for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer measures a temperature of an energy zone. The infrared thermometer comprises a beam splitter for splitting an incident light beam from an energy zone into an infrared light beam and a visible light beam; an infrared detector for detecting the infrared light beam and generating a signal indicative of a temperature of the energy zone according to the detected infrared light beam; and a sighting device having an optical module for generating a reflective reticle image and transmitting the visible light beam to generate a target image at a sight window, wherein the sighting device is configured to superimpose the reflective reticle image over the target image at the sight window to align the infrared detector with the energy zone. The infrared thermometer and an associated measurement method facilitate the alignment of the energy zone by the users, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement.

Abstract: A method for constructing real-time solar irradiation metering network of gigawatt-level photovoltaic power generation base comprises the following steps: Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of irradiation quantity of the target area is analyzed based on the historical observation data of the irradiation quantity. The outline location of solar irradiation metering stations is determined by dividing the typical areas where the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics are consistent. The detailed location of solar irradiation metering stations is selected based on the center location distribution of photovoltaic power station clustering. A solar irradiation metering device is constructed on the detailed location of the solar irradiation metering station.

Abstract: Embodiments include a flow measuring system for measuring characteristics of a fluid flow. The flow measuring system can include a pair of rotating members rotating synchronously to the fluid flow. At least one rotating member can include a normally-reflecting portion and a non-normally reflecting portion. The normally-reflecting portion reflects an incident beam in a direction parallel to the normal direction of the plane of the normally-reflecting portion. The non-normally reflecting portion reflects the incident beam in a direction non-parallel to the normal direction of the plane of the normally-reflecting portion. The flow measuring system measures the optical characteristics of a beam reflected by the normally-reflecting portion and determines rotational characteristics of the rotating member. The flow measuring system determines characteristics of the flow based on the rotational characteristics of the rotating member.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a sewing portion, a display, a processor, and a memory. The sewing portion is configured to perform sewing on a sewing workpiece. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the sewing machine to perform processes that include determining a plurality of first positions based on embroidery data, causing the display to display an image showing an embroidery pattern and a plurality of feature points superimposed on the image, identifying one of the plurality of first positions indicated by one of the plurality of feature points displayed on the display, identifying, as a second position, an arbitrary position on the sewing workpiece, changing positions of a plurality of stitches identified by the embroidery data, and causing the sewing portion to sew the plurality of stitches based on the changed positions of the plurality of stitches.

Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining the eccentricity of an encoder scale member of a rotary encoder includes taking an encoder scale blank having a geometric center and mounting the encoder scale blank centered about a second center. A scale can then be produced on the encoder scale blank thereby forming an encoder scale member. The scale of the encoder scale member is centered about the second center. Any eccentricity between the geometric center and the second center is measured by, for example, measuring any change in the apparent radius of the encoder scale member. The encoder scale member may then be mounted in a working location wherein it is rotated about a third axis. The eccentricity when mounted in the working location may be matched to that measured during manufacture thereof and/or the eccentricity errors arising from both manufacture and mounting of the encoder scale member may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for time-gated fluorescence or luminescence detection includes gating means (206) arranged to alternately permit light from an excitation source (242) to be directed to a sample (235) along a first communication path (231, 232), and then permit light emitted from the sample to be directed to a detector (246) along a second communication path (237, 238) while blocking the first communication path (231, 232): The gating means (206) may comprise a single chopper wheel or apertured disc, or a rotating or oscillating arm, and may further comprise one or more reflective facets (207). The gating means (206) may be driven via a magnetic rotor, with a ferrite bead placed to offset rotor magnets with respect to drive coils, when at rest, so as to assist with self starting.

Abstract: A light fence represented by aligned apertures in a plurality of wheels permits the passage of a light beam to a sensor to activate an electro-mechanical control for a lock. Such an arrangement avoids the sound-producing mechanical action of the typical tumbler lock and safeguards discovery of the opening combination. Rather than the typical case of a numerical sequencing combination, a novel approach is taken by using visual pattern recognition to align the apertures. The electro-mechanical control of the present invention additionally features optimized energy use, customizable settings, precision positioning, and an expansion of possible combination permutations by including direction of rotation.

Abstract: A reflection plate for an optical encoder includes: a base material (1) with a reflecting surface; and a film (3) that is formed on a part of the reflecting surface and includes a non-electrolytic plating film or an electrolytic oxide film.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an x-ray flux management device that adaptively attenuates an x-ray beam to limit the incident flux reaching a subject and radiographic detectors in potentially high-flux areas while not affecting the incident flux and detector measurements in low-flux regions. While the invention is particularly well-suited for CT, the invention is also applicable with other x-ray imaging systems. In addition to reducing the required detector system dynamic range, the present invention provides an added advantage of reducing radiation dose.

Abstract: An optical encoder, with a simple structure, that can output a high-precision origin signal is provided. Rotary origin phase slits (112), which are formed into a pattern of linear slits arranged in parallel at equal pitches, are prepared for a rotary disk (110), while fixed origin phase slits (122), which are formed into a pattern of linear slits arranged in parallel at equal pitches, are prepared for a fixed origin phase scale (120). Light emitted by a light source (130) passes through an ejection window (121) and irradiates the rotary origin phase slits (112). The light reflected at the rotary origin phase slits (112) passes through the fixed origin phase slits (122) and is detected by a light-receiving element (140). Then, based on the detection signal, an origin signal is generated.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a cylindrical reflective scale, a point light source for irradiating the reflective scale, and light-receiving elements for receiving the light beams reflected by the reflective scale. The pitch of the reflective scale is set to an appropriate value such that the pitch of interference fringes formed by light beams that are reflected by the reflective scale is matched to the pitch of the light-receiving elements at a position with a desired gap.

Abstract: A discrete three-dimensional receiving element has multiple sensors scattered over its surface to detect and locate a signal. The sensors facing the signal detect the signal, and a boundary line is drawn between the sensor which detect the signal and those which don't. The strength of signal may also be detected. A plane is drawn through the receiver element, and the direction of the signal is determined as generally perpendicular to the plane, in the direction of the sensors which are receiving the signal. Distance to the source may also be determined based on signal strength. The location of the signal source may be transmitted to a remote location, or the receiver may direct an electromagnetic beam toward the source to detect further information about the source.

Abstract: A remote sensing apparatus includes an optical system device, a frequency converter, and a frequency analyzer. The device transmits laser light generated from a laser light source toward an optical pattern rotary plate to receive its reflection light by an optical receiver. The plate is a measurement object. The converter converts a reception signal obtained by the receiver into a signal in a frequency domain. The analyzer analyzes a frequency component of the signal obtained by the converter, selects candidate values of sideband wave frequencies from the signal in the frequency region, obtains an approximate value of a rotational frequency by decision of a majority of intervals of the sideband wave frequencies, obtains candidate values of the carrier frequency from the approximate value, and selects the rotational frequency on the basis of the candidate values of the rotational frequency from among the candidate values of the carrier frequency.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a motor for rotating a shaft connected via a gear train to an output device; an interrupter vane connected to the output device and adapted to travel in a path corresponding to the movement of the output device; and at least two interrupter switches, such as opto-interrupter switches, spaced apart from one another along the path of the interrupter vane at locations corresponding to travel limits of the output device. A controller energizes the motor in response to a command signal and de-energizes the motor in response to an indication from one of the interrupter switches that the output device is at or approaching one of the travel limits. The actuator may be a rotary or linear actuator, and may be particularly well-suited for avionics applications.

Abstract: A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for detecting the early signs of cycle-induced fatigue and thereby predicting failure of the rotating disk in turbo-machinery. It identifies change in shape of the entire disk in radial, tangential and axial directions. It examines these deformations as a function of rotational velocity and compares them to a data base of deformations due to cracks in the rotor. Blade-tip measurements are processed through specialized algorithms to detect such asymmetry during operation, providing a real-time, non-destructive method of prediction. The sensors can be housed within the machinery case, and are capable of operating in harsh environments while maintaining adequate stand-off distance, making the entire apparatus robust enough for conditions in high-speed turbo-machinery.

Abstract: A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.

Abstract: A background rejection circuit uses the harmonic content of an angularly narrow target to produce a signal. The signal is used to modulate an externally derived audio signal to produce a target indication signal free of background noise.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor has a light source (10) for the transmission of a scanning beam (11), a light deflection unit (12), which is formed for the periodic deflection of the scanning beam (11) within an angular transmitting range (14), a receiving device for detection light reflected from an object to be sensed and/or back-scattered light, and a deflector (18) which has a light entry surface (20) arranged at least regionally within the angular transmission range (14). The light deflector is formed for the deflection of light incident through the light entry surface (20) onto a photo-detector (22). The photo-detector (22) can be coupled to a synchronization circuit to produce a synchronization pulse for the determination of the start of a sensing period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a timing ruler or a timing disk for the exact positioning of working machines, servo-motors, encoders or the like. The device consists of a transparent material on which codings are arranged for scanning via optical sensors. The transparent material consists of a film supporting on one side a light-sensitive layer. The light-sensitive layer is provided via masks or photoplotters with codings for producing windows. The light-sensitive layer is covered with a transparent thermally stable and moisture-resistant material. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of such a timing ruler or such a timing disk.

Abstract: A reticle for a guidance seeker for spinning projectiles comprises a substrate; a pattern of a plurality of alternating light modulating structures, such as opaque and light transmitting, or light absorbing and light reflecting areas on the substrate such that an image of a target moving on the substrate will generate a plurality of pulses corresponding to the number of lines crossed by the image, the number of pulses increasing as the image moves outwardly from the center of the reticle; and a distinguishable, unambiguous, and singly periodic feature of the pattern, which is readily detectable every time the target image moves circumferentially, completing a full circle around the center of the reticle.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing a submergible optical sensor is provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor body having a sensor opening. The sensor body is operable to protect a sensor when submerged in a fluid. A shutter is disposed above the sensor opening. A motor couples to the shutter and can rotate the shutter. A controller couples to the motor and is operable to cause the motor to rotate the shutter such that the sensor opening is exposed when the sensor takes a measurement. The controller is further operable to cause the motor to rotate the shutter such that the shutter covers the sensor opening when the sensor is not taking a measurement.

Abstract: A method of generating a color wheel index signal for use in a display system (10) that uses a spatial light modulator (14) and a color wheel (15). The index signal is compared to a reference signal associated with an input image signal so that the color wheel and the data being displayed can be synchronized (FIG. 2). The index signal is generated by placing a color-sensitive photodetector (14a) in close proximity to the spatial light modulator (14). Light filtered through the color wheel (15) illuminates both the spatial light modulator (14) and the photodetector (14a). The photodetector (14a) responds to color transitions in the filtered light, generating a pulse in response to each transition to the color to which it is sensitive.

Abstract: Thermal imaging chopper (22) having a frame (42) with an open window (47) and a covered window (48). The covered window (48) is preferably covered with a material that partially blocks a selected amount of thermal radiation from a scene and randomly scatters the remaining thermal radiation from the scene that is transmitted through the covered window. The open window (47) allows unrestricted transmission of thermal radiation from the scene.

Abstract: A respiratory gas monitor for measuring the concentration of certain gases in a respiratory gas stream has a compact and unitary lid assembly having an integral low-profile motor and a cylindrical infrared light beam chopper. The lid assembly also contains a motor position sensor and flex circuit for passing electrical signals through epoxy sealed orifices in the lid to a processing and control unit in the monitor. The flexible circuit uses releasable connectors to facilitate removal of the monitor from an external controller and the removal of the lid assembly from the bottom portion of the monitor.

Abstract: A needle position detecting system for a circular knitting machine inputs the needle position to a computer which controls the needles to perform jacquard knitting. The knitting machine includes a needle cylinder carrying a plurality of needles, a driven gear fixedly mounted on the needle cylinder and driven to turn it by a motor driven gear. An optical encoder coaxially connected to the drive gear counts the number of rotations of the drive gear and the needle cylinder and sends a signal to the computer for calculating a respective needle position.

Abstract: A color wheel (15) for use in a display system (10). The color wheel (15) is comprised of a rigid hub (23) and an outer perimeter of color filter segments (21), which are made from a thin plastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a timing device for controlling machine tools, handling equipment or other servomechanical elements and a method of manufacture. The timing device comprises a timing control element having a light sensitive layer including thereon a plurality of transparent windows and opaque windows arranged in a selected pattern, a reflective means disposed behind the light sensitive layer, and a carrier material disposed behind the reflective means. A transmitter emits light toward the timing control element. The device further comprise means for operating the timing control element to controllably select one of the transparent and opaque windows to be in the path of the emitted light. The emitted light propagates through one of the transparent windows, and is reflected by the reflective means only when the selected window is transparent. A receiver, disposed adjacent to the transmitter, generates an electrical signal in response to the reflected light.

Abstract: An optical rotation encoder for an X-Y direction input device includes a light source for emitting therefrom a light, a pair of substantially vertically aligned light responsive elements for receiving the light, and a circular code wheel mounted between the light source and the light responsive elements, provided thereon plural equiangularly distributed apertures every adjacent two of which have a shielding sectorial area and having a first desired distance with respect to the light source and a second desired distance with respect to the light responsive elements for obtaining an X-Y displacement of the input device by plural pulses resulting from the light which is to be received by the light responsive elements and passes through the apertures to be intermittently projected on the light responsive elements when the circular code wheel is in a rotating motion, wherein the light source is a point light source and either the aperture or shielding sectorial area has a width smaller than a combined width of the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a refracting power of an optical system to be inspected. A beam source generates a luminous flux which passes through the optical system to be inspected. A rotating plate intermittently blocks the beam after passing through the optical system to be inspected. A beam receiving element receives the beam passing through the optical system to be inspected and intermittently blocked by the rotating plate, and outputs a beam reception signal based on the received beam. A rotational position detector detects a rotational position of the rotating plate and outputs a rotational plate detection signal based on the detected rotational position of the rotating plate. Further, a calculating means calculates the refracting power of the optical system to be inspected based on a change quantity from the detected rotational plate detection signal to the detected beam reception signal.

Abstract: Optical scanning system to scan a code on an object comprising a laser source (1), a laser beam shaper (2) receiving a laser beam from the laser source and focussing the laser beam on the object, a mirror polygon (4) having facets (6-9), of which at least one is reflective, and being rotated by a motor (5), a mirror array (10) surrounding the polygon arranged in such a way that the laser beam will generate a scanning pattern (3) on the code to be detected, and a detector (24) receiving the light scatterred by the object, in which system the mirror array (10) is substantially entirely surrounding the polygon (4); the polygon (4) is designed to perform an optical chopper function, in such a way that during one rotation cycle of the polygon (4) each mirror (11-22; 61-75) of the mirror array (10) will at least once receive the laser beam and generate its own scanning line.

Abstract: In order to protect the eyes or other sensor, from light produced, e.g., by odern laser weapons which have extremely fast onset times and high power per pulse, a protective shutter device is provided which is based on the integrative property of such sensors. The sensor is shielded for a large proportion of the time and only exposed after a light detector associated with the protective device has assured a safe environment. The normal exposure provided is a series of rapid image-views that integrate over time within the sensor. In an eye goggles embodiment, clear vision is maintained and a fast-response variable-density "sunglass" is perceived by the wearer. Only one eye is exposed and thus at risk at any one time, and that eye only about 10% of the total time. A high-speed mechanical shutter controls the exposure experienced by the sensor.

Abstract: An infrared imaging arrangement using a chopping device for periodically blocking exposure of an array of detector elements responsive to infrared energy by using a plurality of individually-mounted cells. There is a non-reciprocating rotary mechanism used for moving the cells substantially orthogonal to the array in such a manner that constant orientation of the cells is maintained in order to expose the array to energy via the cells. Since the cells orientation is maintained, the shift of energy relative to the array increases the arrays ability to resolve spatially sources of energy. There is also an infrared blocking piece used for blocking the infrared energy from impinging on the array.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning apertures in a beam of light including a plurality of drive members coaxially supported on a longitudinally extending shaft, each having a separate electrically operable drive motor mechanically interlocked therewith.

Abstract: A reliable shutter position indicator for an x-ray diffractometer utilizes an optical shutter position sensor for detecting the position of a shutter of the x-ray diffractometer. In one embodiment, a pair of optical isolators are utilized with an arm coupled to the shutter shifting to a position to interrupt a light beam of the optical isolators when the shutter is in either the open or closed position. The controller of the x-ray diffractometer then compares the detected shutter position with the expected shutter position to determine whether a shutter error is present.