Abstract: A system to detect an article includes one or more terahertz modules. Each module either generates or receives, or both generates and receives, terahertz radiation. Some of the terahertz radiation is reflected from the article and the remainder of the terahertz radiation is transmitted through the article. A processor analyzes the reflected and transmitted terahertz radiation to characterize the article.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for using color inconstancy pigments and/or dyes, such as rare earth doped color inconstancy pigments, in security applications including semi-overt and covert security application.

Abstract: A visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for a vehicle comprising a windshield and a button connected to the windshield, with the button having a peripheral body defining an open area in a middle section of the button. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system further includes a rain sensor located in the middle section and an interior rearview mirror system connected to the button. The rain sensor is operatively coupled to the windshield independent of the interior rearview mirror system. At least a portion of the rain sensor is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield as the interior rearview mirror system is detached from the button.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging an object includes transmitting distinguishable electromagnetic waves from a plurality of radiators of an antenna array, wherein each of the distinguishable electromagnetic waves is distinguishable from others by a detector. Each of the radiators transmits radiation comprising a different distinguishable electromagnetic wave. The method also includes imaging at least a portion of the antenna array onto a targeted object, wherein each image area of a plurality of image areas on the targeted object corresponds to an image of a respective radiator of the antenna array, and detecting a plurality of resultant electromagnetic waves, wherein the resultant electromagnetic waves are transmitted, scattered, or reflected by respective image areas on the targeted object in response to each of the respective image areas being illuminated by the radiation transmitted by the respective radiator of the source array.

Abstract: Method and apparatus enable direct measurement of at least one flow velocity for one or more phases within a multiphase fluid mixture flowing in a conduit. Some embodiments provide determination of actual individual phase flow rates for three phases (e.g., oil, water and gas) that are distinct from one another within the fluid mixture. A multiphase flowmeter according to embodiments of the invention includes at least two optical sensors spatially distributed along a length of the conduit and designed to detect light interactions with the fluid mixture unique to the phases such that detected time-varying signals can be processed via cross-correlation or an array processing algorithm to provide desired individual phase flow velocity for oil, water and/or gas phases. This flow velocity can be applied to phase fraction measurements, which can be obtained utilizing the same flowmeter or another separate device, to calculate the flow rates for the phases.

Abstract: A method for detecting interference energy in a sliding door safety system includes the steps of disposing at least one emitter along a first vertical surface, disposing at least one receiver corresponding to the at least one emitter along a second vertical surface, activating the at least one receiver, activating the at least one emitter to emit an energy beam that includes a modulated square wave of a predetermined frequency, sampling an energy intensity received by the activated at least one receiver a predetermined number of times recording each time a received energy intensity to form a plurality of recorded energy intensities, selecting the lowest magnitude one of the plurality of recorded energy intensities to form a lowest recorded energy intensity, comparing the lowest recorded energy intensity to a threshold value and determining a source of the energy intensity to be external when the lowest recorded energy intensity is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: The laser grid (1) permits a single-sided installation in order to record a person or object in the monitoring area. The grid operates using punctiform sensor units (3), each including at least one laser diode and two photosensitive pixels. The sensor units are arranged in a line in a housing (2).

Abstract: In a multistage active infrared sensor, light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C emit infrared signals which contain distinct channel information. These light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C emit the infrared signals at different timings from each other. The sensor judges whether the infrared signals received by light receivers 12A, 12B, 12C contain channel information of opposite light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C. The sensor cancels any infrared signal which does not contain the channel information of the opposite light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C.

Abstract: Mesoporous silica is shown to be a sample holder for laser desorption/ionization of mass spectrometry. Supported mesoporous silica was prepared by coating an ethanolic silicate solution having a removable surfactant onto a substrate to produce a self-assembled, ordered, nanocomposite silica thin film. The surfactant was chosen to provide a desired pore size between about 1 nanometer diameter and 50 nanometers diameter. Removal of the surfactant resulted in a mesoporous silica thin film on the substrate. Samples having a molecular weight below 1000, such as C60 and tryptophan, were adsorbed onto and into the mesoporous silica thin film sample holder and analyzed using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract: An infrared absorption gauge includes a detector circuit including a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation from a sample and for generating a signal representing the radiation received, and means for stabilizing a response characteristic of the detector to the radiation detected thereby, said stabilizing means having a GaAs diode for directing radiation at the detector and means for controlling the radiation source in dependence upon the signal generated by the detector. The stabilizing means thus acts as a negative feedback loop and seeks to maintain the overall illumination irradiating the detector (i.e. the combined illumination that is reflected back from the sample and that is emitted by the GaAs diode), at a substantially constant predetermined level, which tends to linearize and extend the frequency response of the detector to the radiation detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic inspection of a surface is provided, the method including the steps of irradiating an area of the surface from at least two different directions using a different wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in each of the directions, and using a camera in order to recover an image of the irradiated surface, characterized in that the electromagnetic radiation is infra-red radiation.

Abstract: The simultaneous multi-frequency excitation with two or more discrete frequencies of an electrically modulatable hot light source enables the parallel evaluation corresponding to the different drive frequencies. As a result thereof, the measuring time in the measurement of multi-layer systems is significantly shortened. As a result of a suitable selection of the discrete frequency parts of the drive frequencies, these can be adapted to the measurement problem.

Abstract: A device reader having a multiplex illuminator, the illuminator, and methods for reading deflection of a large number of microcantilevers are provided. The illuminator includes a micro-optical subassembly for illuminating cantilevers (illuminator) that uses a plurality of VCSELs for generating an array of electromagnetic beams, and focuses the beams on the cantilevers. Deflection of the cantilevers causes a change in angle of the beams reflected from the cantilevers, which is recorded by a plurality of position sensitive devices.

Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of resolving the color of an image on a transparent original to extract an infrared component, detecting the level of the infrared component, detecting the defect infrared component level at the defect position on the transparent original where the infrared component level becomes lower than a first infrared level, obtaining a correction factor by calculating (first infrared component level)/(defect infrared component level) on the basis of the first infrared component level and defect infrared component level, resolving the color of the image on the transparent original to extract a visible component, detecting the visible component level of the visible component, and calculating the corrected visible component level by multiplying the defect visible component level at the defect position on the transparent original by the correction factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infrared camera comprising detector means (2) sensitive for infrared radiation and optics for focusing an object (4) to be monitored on the detector means. A light source (8; 8′; 12; 17) is emitting a narrow beam within the visible wavelength region towards the object (4) to be imaged by the detector means.

Abstract: A method and a device is disclosed for illuminating a sample (1) and/or reference and collecting diffuse reflected and/or transflected radiation from the illuminated element and delivering it to a measuring equipment. The illuminating means (2A to 2H), when illuminating a sample or a reference, provide an extending illumination, coming from at least two positions. A movable reflecting element (4) is provided such that it in one position reflects the light from the illuminating means (2A to 2H) onto the sample or reference to be irradiated and reflects the diffuse reflectance and/or transflectance from the sample or reference to means (3) collecting the radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting, locating, isolating and controlling variations in the manufacturing process by transient thermography. A heat source (200) imparts heat to a surface which is radiated in the infrared region. Infrared sensors (204, 206, 208, 210) are coupled to a processor which tracks the physical characteristics of the sample, and provides feedback to a central process controller to make adjustments to the manufacturing process. The sample can be a continuous product such as a green powder metal sheet or tobacco product.

Abstract: A measurement method and apparatus, which are capable of simply measuring the water content of an object with a high degree of accuracy, is characterized by irradiating the surface of the object with at least two monochromatic light beams having different wave length values, one of the wave length values being less than 1350 nm; measuring the intensity of light for each of the light beams reflected from the surface of the object using a light intensity-measurement unit; obtaining the reflective absorbance (A&lgr;) of each light beam; calculating a reflective-absorbance differences (&Dgr;A&lgr;) between, or a reflective-absorbance ratio (A&lgr;′) of, the respective light beams, respectively; and estimating the water content of the measured object by using the relationship between water content and the reflective-absorbance differences or reflective-absorbance ratio, which relationship stored in a memory device in advance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for detecting objects (3) on a windshield (2). The method comprises the following steps: Placing an optical sensor array (4) on the inner side of a section of the windshield (2), said array having a plurality of individual pixels and being focused on the outer side (7) of the windshield (2); determining the local frequency spectrum S(f) of the intensity fluctuations of pixels of the sensor array (4), said pixels being combined in one or more blocks, and afterwards; evaluating the local frequency spectrum, whereby the detected local frequency spectrum S(f) is compared to one or more reference frequency distributions, and whereby a control signal for triggering one or more actuators is generated when the determined local frequency spectrum S(f) sufficiently conforms to a reference frequency distribution. The device comprises a detecting unit (4) connected to a data processing unit (5).

Abstract: A radiation source assembly and transducer incorporating same are suitable for use in measuring spectral absorption properties of a substance to be analyzed, such as a gas. The radiation source assembly has an optical axis. A measuring radiation source provides radiation in the direction of the axis and a reference radiation source provides radiation in the direction of the axis. An optical diffuser is spaced from the radiation sources along the axis. Radiation from the measuring radiation source and radiation from the reference radiation source are applied to the diffuser and the diffuser forms an exiting radiation beam for the assembly from the radiation of the measuring radiation source and reference radiation source. The exiting radiation beam extends along the axis.

Abstract: In a multistage active infrared sensor, the light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C emit infrared signals which contain distinct channel information. These light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C emit the infrared signals at different timings from each other. This sensor judges whether the infrared signals received by light receivers 12A, 12B, 12C contain channel information of opposite light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C. The sensor cancels any infrared signal which does not contain the channel information of the opposite light emitters 11A, 11B, 11C.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor array apparatus and method, relates to at least two photoelectric rail elements each having alternating light emitting diode transmitters and photo detecting receivers. The array produces a plurality of light devices with corresponding sensors, whereby the light beams are blocked in the region where an opaque object is located. Each rail contains both transmitters and receivers so that control circuits for the transmitters and receivers are substantially identical and mounted on opposite sides of the array apparatus, to provide a more compact unit of higher resolution and to reduce the design and manufacturing costs. Such construction and method enable the sensing array apparatus to function in direct sunlight or other such photoelectric saturation conditions, which would otherwise blind conventional light sensitive sensor arrays.

Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from at least one signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.

Abstract: A holding apparatus including a suction nozzle which applies a negative pressure to a back surface of an object and thereby holds the object, a front-surface lighting device which emits a first visible light toward a front surface of the object held by the suction nozzle and thereby lights the front surface, and a back-surface lighting device which lights the back surface of the object held by the suction nozzle and which includes a light emitting plate which is provided around a base portion of the suction nozzle and emits a second light from a light emitting surface thereof facing a side of a free end of the suction nozzle that holds the object; and a dark infrared-ray transmitting filter which is dark, covers the light emitting surface of the light emitting plate, and transmits infrared rays of the second light.

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 opening periphery of the container, is height adjustable, immune from ambient light fluctuations and relatively simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dramatically increasing the imaging rate of optical tomography are disclosed. The novel technique is based on precise, time-resolved measurements. Measurements may optionally be taken at different wavelengths more-or-less simultaneously with a single device. A stationary array of emitters and a stationary array of detectors are located around the sample. High bandwidth is achieved by rapidly delivering light signals (single pulses or bursts of periodic pulses) in sequence from discrete, stationary emitters positioned around the sample, and rapidly detecting signals transmitted through the sample by discrete, stationary detectors . Bandwidths on the order of megahertz are possible in imaging biolgical sample. By selecting appropriate illuminating wavelengths, the system may be used, for example, to rapidly image the state of, and changes in, such characteristics as blood volume, blood flow, oxygen saturation, cellular depolarization, cellular repolarization, and tissue redox state.

Abstract: A device for and a method of analysing a sample, comprising: a sample positioning unit (1) for positioning a sample (3); a radiation generating unit (16) for providing at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation to each of first and second surfaces of the sample (3); an imaging unit (23) for providing at least one image from radiation transmitted through each of the first and second surfaces (3a, 3b) of the sample (3); a detector unit (25) for capturing the images provided by the imaging unit (23) and generating signals corresponding thereto; and an analysing unit (61) for operating on the signals received from the detector unit (25) and generating signals representative of the three-dimensional distribution of at least one component in the sample (3).

Abstract: An arrangement for the optical remote control of an apparatus such as a data terminal, an online bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment or the like, employing the palm of a hand or a finger of an operator as a control includes a light transmitter part in which there are several sources of light. The light from each of the sources of light of the light transmitter travel through a first collector member to a presumed keyboard in which a keyboard layout is arranged. Each presumed key in the keyboard layout is connected to at least one source of light in the transmitter part. The image of the source of light is visible at the location of the relevant presumed key. Also provided is a light receiver part and a second collector member through which the image of the source of light at the key in question, travels to the receiver part. A processor controls the operation of the light transmitter part.