Abstract: A gesture position correcting method includes obtaining position information of a gesture performed by a gesture-performing object, calculating a position deviation of the gesture according to a distance and an angle between a depth camera capturing the gesture and a user eye, and correcting the position information according to the position deviation.

Abstract: A multi-aiming point reticle for use in an optical scope is described including both range-finding and aiming points. The reticle, and scope incorporating the same, finds special utility for combination with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launcher to hit targets at extended distances. A method of operation is also described.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods using a border guide and/or border guide easel that enables art instruction in a relatively low cost and simple to use manner suitable for group or individual instruction of a relatively sophisticated nature. A scaled border guide preferably labeled with numbers and letters provides a virtual coordinate or reference system that enables artists to locate multiple random points on the surface to be painted. A physical grid or stencil or the like are not used on the artist's surface. The scaled border lines are used to define a virtual grid on the artist's working surface that may be used to indicate reference, points, positions, sizes and shapes for drawing or painting. Art instruction methods allow the teaching of drawing and painting in a more classical and relatively sophisticated style as compared to paint-by-numbers or grid art.

Abstract: A fabric alignment, marking and/or cutting guide that allows for accurate marking, and/or cutting of fabric along the diagonal using a multiple axis fixed edge alignment and a movable triangular angle. The alignment guide has a square cutting board with right angularly positioned upstanding angular edge surfaces for material engagement. A transparent hinged triangular cutting guide plate extends from one alignment edge surface defining a true diagonal line guide edge across a material square to be marked and cut positioned on the cutting board under the triangle guide plate.

Abstract: A system for providing loaner clubs to novice golfers includes a coding scheme for golf club holders, which can be provided at a golf range having targets, in order to facilitate play by people entirely new to the game of golf. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can include a golf club stand including holders for golf clubs of different types, and visual indicators associated with the holders for the golf clubs of different types, where the visual indicators correspond to targets of different distances within a golf range.

Abstract: The laser-based alignment device includes a housing and at least two laser devices affixed to the housing. Each of the at least two laser devices emits a laser beam. At least one alignment mechanism is positioned on the housing and is engagable to a structure, wherein the laser beam is positioned at a predetermined angle to the structure when the at least one alignment mechanism is attached to the structure.

Abstract: The laser-based alignment device includes a housing and at least two laser devices affixed to the housing. Each of the at least two laser devices emits a laser beam. At least one alignment mechanism is positioned on the housing and is engagable to a structure, wherein the laser beam is positioned at a predetermined angle to the structure when the at least one alignment mechanism is attached to the structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of evenly spaced marks disposed on an art implement handle which allow an artist to accurately compare the relative sizes of different portions of their subjects so that they may depict them to scale.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for measuring a distance D1 between two points E1, E2, includes a visible and rotatable light emitter, an angle computing unit, a distance computing unit and an output unit. The light emitter generates a rotatable light beam capable of rotating from pointing in an initial direction to project to the point E1. The initial direction is substantially perpendicular to a line defined by the points E1, E2. A distance H1 between the light emitter and the line, and a distance S1 from the point E2 to the point of intersection of the line defined by the first and second points E1, E2 with the initial direction, are known. The angle computing unit computes an angle defined by the visible light beam projecting to the point E1 and the initial direction according to the rotatable light beam. The distance computing unit computes the distance D1 based on the angle, the distance H1 and the distance S1.

Abstract: A laser level detection system which detects a reference plane of laser at an arbitrary position includes a plurality of level detection units and an operation unit which displays a detection result of each of the level detection units and can operate each of the level detection units, and the laser level detection unit, which has detected the reference plane of the laser, outputs the detection result and an own identification signal of the level detection unit, and the operation unit displays the detection result and a receiving result of the identification signal of the level detection unit.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance D2 between two points includes following steps. A first surface of a portable electronic device is parallel to a line defined by the two points. A distance D2 between the first surface and the line is obtained. A visible light beam B1 is rotated from an initial direction substantially perpendicular with the first surface and the line to direct at the point E1. A first angle defined by the visible light beam B1 striking the point E1 and the initial direction is computed. A visible light beam B2 is rotated from an initial direction to strike the point E2. A second angle defined by the visible light beam B2 striking the point E2 and the initial direction is computed. A distance D1 is computed based on the distance D2, the first angle and the second angle. The distance D1 is outputted.

Abstract: A fallen game locator to aid the hunter in locating the precise location game was when shot. A cylindrical, cone shaped device with unspecified fluorescent or brightly colored series of rings on the exterior, working in conjunction with a target site viewer tube, extending through the small center tip of the cone shaped device, through and beyond the larger opening of the cone shaped device with the back plate in place, and secured to a riser so as to enable the series of colored rings to be seen from multiple locations, at a distance, with the naked eye, a scope, or binoculars, thus economizing the length of time required to find shot game.

Abstract: Range finder for determining the distance between the user and an object of known height or width, such as a golf flagstick, structure, etc. The range finder is a flat card, having a series of graduated apertures, each aperture being dimensioned to correspond to a particular distance to the flagstick. Range information is provided for each aperture. The user holds the card 24 inches from the eye and sights the flagstick through the apertures. The range information for the aperture whose diameter most closely corresponds to the height of the sighted flagstick is the actual distance between the user and the flagstick. The apertures are graduated in size, to represent range information in specific increments. The size of the increments is selected to facilitate optimal performance and may vary within a series of apertures.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is conveniently used without a support such as a tripod, and simply measures a relative distance between two arbitrary points, i.e. two arbitrary measurement target objects, without restriction as to the positions of the measurement target objects. Further, the measuring apparatus realizes a very simple measurement process, so that a user can have faith in the measured distance. The measuring apparatus allows first and second indicators to be easily oriented towards the two points that the user wants to measure using the manipulation of the first and second indicators.

Abstract: A device for measuring physical characteristics includes a beam generator selectively generating a target beam. The device further includes two angle detectors that measure the respective angles between the beams and, respectively a vertical and a horizontal axis. The device further includes a calculator that calculates the distances to said points as well as the distance between the two points.

Abstract: A device for measuring physical characteristics includes a beam generator component generating first and second beams at two points. The device further includes a protractor that measures the angle between the beams. The device measures the distances to the two points and with the angle between the two beams, determines a predetermined characteristic, such as the distance between the two points.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for recording a point in space, which is to be used as the viewing point of from which the eye of an artist will view a copy easel and the subject to be copied. This viewing point is recorded so as to allow the artist to move the eye from this viewing point and return the eye to the same specific viewing point in order to continue drawing. This is accomplished by placing a portion of a figure, into which a pair of reference points has been incorporated, on the drawing surface of the easel. A second complimentary portion of the figure, into which a second pair of reference points has been incorporated, is placed behind the drawing surface of the easel. The second portion of the figure is positioned so as, when seen from the viewing point, to appear to complete the figure and align the two pairs of reference points.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an alignment paddle that allows the golfer 18 to identify a straight line between the golf ball 12 and the intended target 14. The hand held alignment paddle includes a vertical elongated aperture 26 and two parallel horizontal apertures 22, 24. One horizontal aperture intersects at the top 22 of the vertical aperture and the other horizontal aperture intersects at the bottom 24 of the vertical aperture 26. The intersections create an upper 34 and a lower 36 viewing passage centerline. The golfer 18 identifies a straight path from the golf ball to the intended target by positioning the paddle in his line of sight such that the golf ball 12 is visible in the lower viewing passage centerline and the intended target, e.g., the hole 14 is in the upper viewing passage centerline. When both the ball 12 and the intended target; e.g., the hole 14 are visible, a straight path has been identified.

Abstract: An arrangement for the vertical orientation of a geodetic instrument over a ground point, comprises an optical observation device for visual sighting of the ground point with a target beam, a laser device for generating a laser beam, and an optical in-coupling element by which the laser beam and the target beam can be coupled into a target axis impinging vertically on the target point. In this way, an exact orientation of the geodetic instrument can be achieved under all light conditions. The geodetic instrument retains its compact dimensions. In addition, a laser in a lower hazard class can be used.

Abstract: A low-cost-of-manufacture, portable, capable-of-adjustment range finder for estimating distances between the user and one or more objects with a known width, height or other linear dimension (such as a cup on a putting green, a target for target shooting, a military vehicle, etc.) is disclosed. In each of its embodiments, the invention relates to, and relies on, the fact that the image of an object appears to decrease in size as distance increases. In the preferred embodiment, an opening is formed through which to view the object, and recorded information is expressed on, in or included with the device so that the user can correlate the position of the object image to predetermined distance information. The shape and size of the opening are reasonably variable, but, once the size and shape are determined, the position of the distance information is fixed at the position on the opening where the image size corresponds to the indicated distance.

Abstract: A device for measuring the angle of orientation with respect to a known frame of reference between a first object having a first axis and a second remote destination comprises a first arm member defining a first longitudinal axis and an object engaging surface substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis for engaging a first object. A second arm member is connected in pivotal relation to the first arm member at a primary joint for pivotal movement about a first transverse pivot axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis and defining a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis and the first transverse pivot axis. A laser is mounted on the second arm member for projecting a laser beam along a laser beam axis parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A first angle measurer is mounted on the second arm member to measure and indicate the angle of the second longitudinal axis with respect to a fixed reference frame other than the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for measuring the angle of orientation with respect to a known frame of reference between a first object having a first axis and a second remote destination comprises a first arm member defining a first longitudinal axis and an object engaging surface substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis for engaging a first object. A second arm member is connected in pivotal relation to the first arm member at a primary joint for pivotal movement about a first transverse pivot axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis and defining a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis and the first transverse pivot axis. A laser is mounted on the second arm member for projecting a laser beam along a laser beam axis parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A first angle measurer is mounted on the second arm member to measure and indicate the angle of the second longitudinal axis with respect to a fixed reference frame other than the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: For assisting a golfer to determine the yardage from a golf ball to a target golf hole and to select the proper base club for the golf shot, a flat card has an elongated aperture with its top edge spaced from its bottom edge at parallel intervals taken across the aperture by distances decreasing in length from one end of the aperture to the other. The front and back faces of the card have first and second pluralities of the parallel intervals marked along the edges of the aperture respectively. The distances across the aperture at the marked intervals are nomographically coordinated to intervals of distance from the golf ball to the pin placed in the target golf hole. The distance from the golf ball to the pin is thus determinable by coincidental alignment of one of the marked intervals with the pin when the pin is visually registered in the aperture by the golfer.

Abstract: A hand held device adapted to be used by an archer situated in an elevated position to aid in the determination of the approximate ground distance to a stationary or moving target in a simple and efficient manner in order that he might thereby increase his chances of hitting the target.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A hand held device adapted to be used by an archer situated in an elevated position to aid in the determination of the approximate ground distance to a stationary or moving target in a simple and efficient manner in order that he might thereby increase his chances of hitting the target.

Abstract: A laser positioning device is provided in which a level is associated with a demountable mounting set-up and a plate member. The plate member projects laterally from the level and is scribed with a protractor. A pointer is pivotally associated with the apex of the protractor. A laser beam generator is associated with the pointer. Thus, a laser beam from this generator can be impinged against a remote target location that is in a predetermined orientation relative to the generator when the device is mounted by the mounting set-up.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for locating in the sky celestial objects, using a telescope, wherein two guide stars and the celestial object are represented, according to their respective locations, on a disc which is able to rotate with respect to the telescope around an axis, orthogonal to the telescope axis, and passing through the representation of the celestial objects. The images of the two guide stars are projected in the sky and the telescope and the disc are moved until the images of the guide stars are superposed with the respective actual guide stars in the sky.The guide stars form a triangle with the celestial object. The telescope is preferably provided with a alt-azimuth type mounting. The guide stars are represented on the disc by small holes. A light source placed under the disc creates light dots which are projected in the sky using a plano convex lens optically aligned with the disc rotation axis, and a semi-transparent mirror inclined at 45 degrees on the rotation axis.

Abstract: A projection scale apparatus and method uses a projection scale on the chain guide of a chain saw. The throttle of the chain saw may be continuously manipulated to prevent the saw from stalling while the diameter of a tree is measured with a scale provided on the chain guide.

Abstract: A golfing instrument that allows two dissimilar objects, one object presented to the right eye, and the second object presented to the left eye to be seen simultaneously by the golfer, which allows the golfer to align the intended target that the golf ball will travel to be aligned perpendicular to a line crossing the golfer's shoe tips.

Abstract: A hand held instrument for determining the degree of angular deviation of a line between selected points on a subject from a gravity-dependent reference, including a transparent base through which the selected points may be viewed and a gravity-dependent indicator mounted on the base for free rotation under the influence of gravity. The base includes indicia complementary with the gravity-dependent indicator to provide an indication of the degree of deviation between the gravity-dependent indicator and the line between selected points on the subject when the instrument is held in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A convenient and economical artwork analysis device that visually aids an observer in determining the existence of geometric interrelationships among the artistic elements making up a work of art. The device includes a transparent sheet of synthetic resin material, a plurality of opaque indicia impressed on the sheet presenting a plurality of geometric patterns with small indication circles surrounding and drawing attention to key points of intersection of the indicia. A handle is integral with the sheet for positioning the sheet in order to visually superimpose the indicia on the work of art to aid the observer in determining the existence of and analyzing geometric interrelationships among the artwork elements. In use, the observer holds the device to observe the work of art therethrough and to visually superimpose the indicia thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specialized sextant of the clinometer type capable of providing the translation of the height of a tree (or any finite line) to a distance along the ground, (or any other orientation sharing a common end point with the first line) on any selected slope of the terrain.A significant aspect is that by two adjustments, made anywhere within sight of the tree (or finite line) the device directs the user to a point on the ground (or other orientation) which lies at the exact distance from the tree's base that the tree's length is. If the tree is to be cut down, the point on the ground where the top of the tree will hit is located. This is accomplished without scales, calculations, tape measurements, or target settings.

Abstract: A reticle plate provided with a reticle and three concentric circles of ving diameter and methods of use thereof, the invention allows a user to establish a north-oriented or south-oriented line by alignment of selected circumpolar stars with the circles. The circles are located on the reticle plate in positions determined by angles which exist between the celestial north (or south) pole and the particular low-magnitude circumpolar stars chosen as sighting points, the radii of the circles being directly proportional to the objective lens focal length of the theodolite or optical instrument within which the plate is used. A first method of the invention allows unambiguous location of the north or south pole by alignment of each of three selected stars with one each of the three circles. A second method provides data to a user sufficient to locate the pole by alignment of innermost and outermost circles respectively with one each of two of the selected stars.

Abstract: A longitude finder for locating the longitude on the earth of a defined location at which the user of the device is positioned. The device includes a reflective surface for viewing an image of one body in the solar system, such as the moon or a planet, while directly observing another body such as the north star. One specific form of the device is a mirror having side panels secured perpendicular to the mirror in parallel spaced relation to permit the user to directly view the north star above an image in the mirror of the moon or a defined planet. The other form of the device includes a sphere such as made of glass with side panels and handles for supporting this sphere whereby the first body in the solar system such as the north star is observed directly and a first reflection of the moon or a planet is seen in the outer surface of the sphere and a second reflection from the inner surface of the sphere while directly observing the north star in vertical alignment with the reflections.

Abstract: A sighting device for aiming an astronomical telescope. The sighting device comprises a tubular housing which is removably mountable in the eyepiece holder of the telescope. A light source is mounted within the tubular housing for projecting light into the eyepiece holder to thereby form a beam of light emergent from the front end of the telescope. This beam of light provides a visual indication of the direction in which the telescope is aimed, and the telescope may be aimed at a desired object or area by reference to the beam of light. After the telescope has been aimed, the sighting device is removed and replaced by a normal eyepiece.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to measure a plurality of physical attributes of a human body in relation to the values of these attributes in a theoretically ideal human body. In one embodiment, by means of a novel proportional panel and measurement guide, a wide range of human body heights can be accommodated in a single measuring structure.

Abstract: A horticultural pruning template system (10) is provided for aiding a user in pruning a horticultural object (12) to some predetermined contour. A template member (14) which is substantially transparent includes first indicia (18, 20, 22 or 24) formed thereon to provide a general outline contour for a design. Second indicia (28) which may be in the form of cross-hairs intersecting at a center point may be aligned with a predetermined point on object (12). The template (14) is releasably coupled to the horticultural object (12) through a string member (30) which is looped around and tied to the trunk (34) of horticultural object (12). The opposing end of the string (30) is tied through openings (38) formed in template (14) to template member (14). The user then may view horticultural object (12) at varying angles prior to trimming or cutting the horticultural object (12) into the predetermined contour.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus for the purpose of separating a particular view from its surroundings and for the purpose of identifying the distance of the viewed object is disclosed. A viewing apparatus that attaches to and is used in conjunction with firearms weaponry is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by an enclosed and elongated see through hooded opening attached directly to said firearms weaponry and is used to direct and aid open sight viewing of a distant object by blocking out immediate surroundings and thereby separating the view of said object from its immediate surroundings. The apparatus is affixed with a calibrates scale designed to measure distance of a distant object according to its height. The apparatus can be affixed with additional apparatus for precise windage and elevation adjustment.

Abstract: A course plotting device comprises substantially parallel first and second legs, substantially parallel third and fourth legs which are pivotally connected to the first and second legs so that they cooperate therewith to define a collapsible parallelogram structure, and a compass rose element mounted at the point of pivotal connection between an adjacent connected pair of the legs. The device is operable for plotting courses on a chart by aligning one of the legs with either a latitude or a longitude line on the chart and aligning one of the other legs with the desired course line. One embodiment of the device includes a vector element which is adjustably secured to one of the legs for plotting courses which have been compensated for the effects of winds and/or currents and another embodiment includes a pair of mirror elements which are operable for determining the relative bearing angles between remote objects.

Abstract: A spacer device for use in placing contour lines between known points of elevation when plotting stadia, in spacing of architectural units, and in making perspective drawings, includes a parallelogramic frame comprising a plurality of frame elements pivotally connected together at their respective ends. A single elongate filament is threaded through openings in an opposed pair of frame elements to arrange the filament in parallel equally spaced apart spacer elements. The spacing between adjacent spacer elements may be readily selectively varied by adjusting the parallelogramic frame to thereby facilitate interpolation when using the spacer device to make topographical contour maps, and the like.

Abstract: In a method of determining the direction of a target by means of an optical square and passing on this direction to a magnifying sight for warfare tanks the exit window (4) of the optical square is provided with a vertical line of sight (8) and the entry window (1) with a sight aid (11). Marked areas (5, 10) in the exit window (4) have the effect that upon adjustment of the sight to the direction defined by the sight aid (11), the marked area positively will lie within the field of view of the magnifying sight.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a method of calibration (FIG. 1) for determining the distance (base length E.sub.b) between two angle-measuring instruments (theodolites 1, 2) used for triangulating measurement of coordinates of given points on larger objects.For this purpose, a horizontal measurement bar (3) is fixedly set up between the measuring instruments (1, 2). The bar mounts at least three spaced target marks (4, 5, 6) in the form of balls which can be sighted from both sides, i.e., by both angle-measuring instruments (1, 2). The base length is calculated from the predetermined distance between the marks (4, 5, 6), and from difference in angles measured for each sighting.Precise alignment of the bar (3) is not necessary, since inclination of the bar to the line connecting the theodolites can be calculated from the measured angles, for sightings made upon different pairs of marks (4/5 and 5/6, respectively).

Abstract: The "Cruiser's Crutch" is a slope correcting basal area angle gauge to be used in variable plot sampling for determining basal area in square feet per acre. It incorporates the critical angle for the 10, 20, 30 and 40 basal area factors. This gauge enables the forester or timber cruiser to make the same basal area measurements that would normally require a critical angle gauge for each factor chosen and at the same time compensates for slopes of from zero to ninety percent. The user selects the factor desired and then holds the instrument a fixed distance from his eye, as determined by the larger balls on the attached charin. The larger ball nearest the angle gauge is for 40 factor measurements; the next larger ball, 30 factor; the third, 20 factor and the last for ten factor measurements. (Other basal area factors between 10 and 40 can be easily added if desired.) User then rotates 360.degree. around a point, keeping his eye over the point at all times and the gauge perpendicular to the slope.

Abstract: A device having four engagement points movable along a bore and provided with an optical target or gage adjustable in cross directions normal to the bore axis and a probe mounted for rotation on the gage and engageable with the cylindrical surface of the bore for determining concentricity of the gage and the bore axis.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and device which allows one to measure distances from one object to a remote object, e.g., the distance from a driver of one car to a car ahead of him. The method allows an observer to determine easily and at any time the exact distance between himself and the object, e.g., a driver can tell, by reading off his speed from the speedometer, whether he is maintaining the necessary safety distance between his car and the car ahead of him, thus enabling him to correct his speed if necessary. The device used for controlling the safety distance comprises a vertically adjustable scaled transparent plate which is mounted adjacent to the windshield of the car in the driver's field of view. The scale markings on this plate consist of a reference line and a sequence of scale lines parallel to the reference line and below it.

Abstract: A device for use by artists and others to aid in freehand sketching, comprising generally a base, a transparent sketching surface in an upright position and a chin rest less than an arm's length away from the sketching surface, said base being supported by nesting folding legs, or being supported by the artists' knees, when the artist is in a sitting position, wherein the artist views the object to be sketched through the sketching surface and sketches directly on the sketching surface.

Abstract: A method of aiming or aligning in which two overlapping fields of view fixed with respect to each other are produced, one of which is inverted and reversed with respect to the other and superimposed thereon. Given a target in the overlapping fields of view, movement of the fields of view to cause a given point on the target in the two images thereof provided by the two fields of view to overlie each other will cause such points to lie on an axis having a fixed relation to the axes of two fields of view. Optical and electronic devices for practicing the method are described.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a device for simulating the view of a television or movie camera to assist the technical picture taker in selecting the size of the frame of the scenes to be viewed. There is a front opening which can be changed by inserting frames of different size openings into a slot above the opening. There is a rear opening adapted to permit the eye of the camera technician to look therethrough. A storage compartment is located below the viewing area for storing the various frames having different size openings. A handle assembly is located beneath the front lower portion to enable the technician to hold the viewer while he is looking through it to determine the frame size desired.

Abstract: An improved tribrach device for attaching an optical sighting instrument to a support such as a tripod. The tribrach device includes a pivotable locking ring for securing the legs of the sighting instrument to the tribrach. The locking ring is biased towards its locked position and is easily unlocked when desired. A laser beam is projected upwardly and downwardly along a vertical axis.