Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring full or partial Mueller matrix information in a single shot are described. One single shot polarimeter includes a polarization filter that is positioned to receive collimated light from a light source and to produce light having different polarization states. The polarization filter includes at least four sections, where each section receives a portion of the collimated light and produces light of a particular polarization state, which is spatially separated from light produced by other sections of the polarization filter. An imaging component images the sections of the polarization filter onto a plane of a sample object. One or more optical elements receive the light from the sample object and image a section of the sample object onto a detector. The disclosed devices and methods enable the measurement of the Mueller matrix of the sample with high signal-to-noise ratios.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes an inspection apparatus. The inspection apparatus may include: a structured-light source configured to sequentially radiate a plurality of structured lights having one phase range; a lens configured to adjust, for each of the plurality of structured lights, optical paths of light beams corresponding to phases of the phase range such that a light beam corresponding to one phase of the phase range arrives at each point of a partial region on an object; an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of reflected lights generated by the structured lights being reflected from the partial region; and a processor configured to acquire a light quantity value of the reflected lights; and derive an angle of the surface by deriving phase values of the reflected lights based on the light quantity value for the reflected lights.

Abstract: A plant detection system includes a radiation module and a photodetector system. The photodetector system includes a photodetector housing, one or more photodetectors, a detector lens, and an aperture plate. The aperture plate is disposed within the photodetector housing between the detector lens and the one or more photodetectors and has an aperture extending therethrough. The detector lens and the aperture plate are configured so that stray radiation received by the detector lens is directed through the aperture in the aperture plate or onto a surface of the aperture plate without being directed onto sidewalls of the photodetector housing.

Abstract: An imager captures images of a living subject including a near-infrared image, an infrared image, or both. A processor is connected to the imager and an output device. The processor is configured to generate output images of vasculature of the living subject from the images captured by the imager, include in the output images a range of discrete scale comparator objects of different sizes, and provide the output images to the output device for display to a user.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing image authentication for authenticating persons or items. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive an image (or video stream) from an optical sensor device, might extract image regions from each received image (or each image frame from each image stream), might analyze each image region to identify one or more spatial relationships amongst pixels (and/or groups of pixels) in each image region, might compare each identified spatial relationship amongst (groups of) pixels in each image region with a plurality of spatial relationships amongst (groups of) pixels that are characteristic of particular image artifacts (whether known and/or machine-learned), and might generate authenticity values and/or results for the image based at least in part on results of the analysis and the comparison. The computing system might also analyze a plurality of authentic and inauthentic images to identify distinctions between authentic and inauthentic images.

Abstract: A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy is disclosed. The method includes selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.

Abstract: An embodiment includes instructing a light source to emit light within a hardware socket configured to disengage a hardware component from a mounting surface. Emitted light received at a detector while a first portion of the hardware component is in contact with the mounting surface is detected. One or more instructions are sent to cause a relative rotation between the hardware component and the mounting surface. The embodiment further includes detecting that the first portion of the hardware component is no longer in contact with the mounting surface, and recording an extent of relative rotation that occurs in response to the one or more instructions to disengage the first portion of the hardware component from the mounting surface until the detection that the first portion of the hardware component is no longer in contact with the mounting surface. The extent of relative rotation is stored.

Abstract: A conduit laser alignment assembly includes a plurality of tubes that each has a unique diameter with respect to each other. A respective one of the tubes is positionable on an exposed end of an existing conduit in a building that has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the respective tube. A laser emitter is removably coupled to the respective tube when the respective tube is positioned on the exposed end of the conduit. In this way the laser emitter can emit a beam of light that extends along a longitudinal axis of the existing conduit thereby facilitating the route of a new conduit to be displayed. An adapter disk is provided for coupling the laser emitter to a tube that has a greater diameter than the laser emitter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for calculating a light field distribution in the process of generating a computer-generated hologram, including: performing a three-dimensional modeling to an object for which a hologram is to be generated so as to obtain a three-dimensional model of the object; determining the luminous characteristics of each voxel of the three-dimensional model at various azimuth angles within a viewing angle range of the hologram to be formed; and calculating a light field distribution of the object light wave of each voxel on the holographic plane based on the luminous characteristics of each voxel at various azimuth angles within the viewing angle range of the hologram to be formed. The present disclosure also provides a method and a system for generating a computer-generated hologram.

Abstract: Two wells are selected and upper, lower, left, and right logical edge coordinates of the two wells are calculated. An image of a portion near each set of logical edge coordinates is captured, and a rectangular separability filter is applied to each captured image and for each captured image, coordinates of a center position of the rectangular separability filter obtained when a peak value of a separability is obtained are detected as temporary edge coordinates. Thereafter, actual center coordinates are calculated for each well selected, based on upper, lower, left, and right temporary edge coordinates. Finally, the amount of positional displacement of a well plate from an ideal placement state is calculated based on the center coordinates of the two wells selected.

Abstract: An optical network node capable of being powered, comprising—a reflector arranged to reflect an optical signal, and—a switch arranged to direct the optical signal to the reflector in dependence on whether the optical network node is powered.

Abstract: A system for active co-boresight measurement includes a detector, first and second steering mirrors, and a controller. The detector detects a portion of a transmission beam emitted by a transmitter and a portion of a received beam received from a remote terminal. The controller instructs the first steering mirror to scan the detected portion of the received beam to determine an alignment position. The controller controls a position of the first steering mirror to align the portion of the received beam with the alignment position on the detector, and controls a position of the second steering mirror to align the detected portion of the transmission beam with a defined position on the detector. The detected portion of the received beam at the alignment position and the detected portion of the transmission beam at the defined position correspond to the received beam and the transmission beam being aligned.

Abstract: A laser generating device including a housing and a laser module assembly. The laser module assembly is at least partially housed in the housing. The laser module includes a laser module. The laser module includes a laser generator, a transparent member and a cone member. The laser generator generates a laser beam which is directed towards a cone member. The cone member reflects the laser beam into a laser line. The transparent member has a generally cylindrical shape. The cone member includes a cone section including a reflecting surface and the cone section is located inside the transparent member. The cone member further includes a connection portion, the connection portion including a flange. The flange is located outside the transparent member at an outer surface of the transparent member.

Abstract: A tracker includes a retro-follow mode that causes a beam of light from the tracker to follow a retroreflector while locked onto the retroreflector with the beam of light turned on or, alternatively, using target cameras with the beam of light turned off.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement for LOS-MIMO communication, comprising first and second directive antenna units, a mounting bracket, and a connecting element attached to at least one of the directive antenna units and arranged to separate the directive antenna units by a distance. The connecting element is rotatably arranged in relation to the mounting bracket, wherein a rotation of the connecting element about the rotation axis changes an effective distance d between the first and the second directive antenna units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a LiDAR system at a first location with a radar system at a second location. A calibration target is placed at a location and orientation with respect to the LiDAR system and the radar system. Coefficients of a plane of the calibration target are determined in a frame of reference of the LiDAR system. Coordinates of the calibration target are determined in a frame of reference of the radar system. A cost function is composed from a planar equation that includes the determined coefficients and the determined coordinates and a relative pose matrix that transforms the frame of reference of the radar system to the frame of reference of the LiDAR system. The cost function is reduced to estimate the relative pose matrix for calibration of the LiDAR system with the radar system.

Abstract: The methods herein utilize polarized light for detecting through holes in substrates. A light source directs light through a first polarization filter having a first polarization axis, wherein polarized light travels from the first polarization filter and toward a substrate. The orientation of the polarized light is changed while traveling through substrate material, and is scattered. However, polarized light traveling through a hole in the substrate remains unscattered. A second polarization filter receives unscattered light and scattered light traveling away from the substrate. The second polarization filter includes a second polarization axis angularly offset from and not parallel with the first polarization axis. As such, the second polarization filter blocks the advancement of unscattered light while the scattered light is not blocked by the second polarization filter. The hole is detected based on an absence of unscattered light surrounded by light traveling from the second polarization filter.

Abstract: An experimental system for laser beam measurement and steering control, and relates to the technical field of optical, mechanical and electronic integration experimental systems. It includes: a high-precision optical mirror, a piezoelectric micro-actuator, a vibration exciter, a signal collection subsystem, a laser emitter, a beam splitter mirror, a fast steering mirror, a mechanical vibration isolation air bearing table, an optical vibration isolation air bearing table, a data processing and analyzing subsystem, and data transmission lines and power supply lines between subsystems and components. It uses a deflection angle of the laser beam as a control variation, can not only precisely measure the deflection angle of the laser beam, but also inhibit vibration of the high-precision optical mirror by using the piezoelectric micro-actuator and directly adjust the steering of the emitted laser beam by using the fast steering mirror, thereby improving precision of beam steering control.

Abstract: A sample shape measuring method includes a step of preparing illumination light passing through a predetermined illumination region, a step of applying the illumination light to a sample, and a predetermined processing step. The predetermined illumination region is set so as not to include the optical axis at a pupil position of the illumination optical system and is set such that the illumination light is applied to part of the inside of the pupil and the outside of the pupil at a pupil position of the observation optical system. The predetermined processing step includes a step of receiving light, a step of obtaining the quantity of light, a step of calculating the difference or the ratio between the quantity of light and a reference quantity of light, and a step of calculating the amount of tilt in the surface of the sample from the difference or the ratio.

Abstract: An assembly and method for aligning a light beam that is exiting from a light source/guide are provided. The assembly includes an outer housing and an inner housing which is at least partially arranged inside the outer housing and is adjustably mounted to the outer housing. The inner housing accommodates and fixes the light source/guide such that the optical axis of the light beam is fixed relative to the longitudinal direction of the inner housing and such that different inclinations are adjustable between the longitudinal direction of the inner housing and the longitudinal direction of the outer housing in order to align the optical axis of the light beam relative to the longitudinal direction of the outer housing.

Abstract: A testing device determines the presence of substances on a surface using a sensor positioned at a known vantage point to the surface. A liquid dispenser deposits a liquid drop on the surface. A data generator after a first time interval for allowing the liquid drop to stabilize on the surface detects, via the sensor, a geometric characteristic of the liquid drop that is related to a first equilibrium contact angle of the liquid drop to the surface. The data generator after a second time interval detects via the sensor the geometric characteristic of the liquid drop that is related to a second equilibrium contact angle. The data generator compares the first and second contact angle and determines a contamination on the surface that is soluble in the liquid drop in response to a change between the first and second contact angles.

Abstract: An angular offset apparatus for determining an angular offset, or scribe line offset (SLO), of two objects within a drilling environment. The angular offset apparatus may include a sensing component and a target component located at various locations within the drilling environment. The sensing component may implement one or more sensors configured to collect data associated with the target component and the drilling environment to determine the SLO between the two objects. The angular offset apparatus, along with the calculated SLO, is designed to ensure accuracy and safety during drilling operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement system for measuring at least an angle of the first plane through a first surface area of an object. The system includes a sensor arrangement for measuring the coordinates in a measurement coordinate system of a plurality of measurement spots on the first surface area. The measurement system further includes an inclinometer for measuring an inclination of the measurement coordinate system to the direction opposite to the direction of the force of gravity. The measurement system also includes a processing device for determining the angle of the first plane based on the measured coordinates of the plurality of measurement spots, the measured inclination from the inclinometer and the direction opposite to the force of gravity. The system may also measure the angle of the second plane.

Abstract: A light source device includes a laser light source, a first adjustment mechanism, a second adjustment mechanism, and a mirror. The laser light source emits laser light. The first adjustment mechanism is configured such that the laser light from the laser light source is incident thereto, and performs an emission angle adjustment of the laser light and a focus adjustment of the laser light. The second adjustment mechanism is configured such that the laser light from the first adjustment mechanism is incident thereto, and performs a positional adjustment of the incident laser light. The mirror is configured such that the laser light from the second adjustment mechanism is incident thereto, and emits the incident laser light in a predetermined direction. An image display apparatus includes the above light source device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for determining the position of a target. The system comprises a device for determining the position of an observer. The system further comprises a range and direction measuring device. The system even further comprises a coordinate determining module. The coordinate determining module is arranged to receive the position of the observer. The coordinate determining module is further arranged to receive information from the range and direction measuring device. The coordinate determining module is even further arranged to determine initial coordinates of the target based on the position of the observer and the received information from the range and direction measuring device. The system further comprises a wearable presentation device. The wearable presentation device is arranged to receive the determined initial coordinates of the target. The wearable presentation device is further arranged to present a geo-referenced three-dimensional map to the observer.

Abstract: A laser marker in one aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a laser light generator, a main body, and a pack attachment portion. The pack attachment portion is configured such that a battery pack, which is chargeable and dischargeable and supplies electric power to the laser light generator, is slidably attached to an outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: Apparatus for the alignment of optical beams includes an optical beam; a beam splitter in the path of the optical beam; the beam splitter splits the optical beam into at least two sub-beams paths; a first one of the at least two sub-beam paths is directed through one or more optical devices for amplification of lateral shift alignment; a second one of the at least two sub-beams is directed through one or more optical devices for amplification of angular alignment; the first and the second sub-beams impinge on first and second screens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for droplet generation are suitable for use in connection with goniometers. Via preferential condensation, droplets of a variety of liquids may be formed at a variety of temperatures and pressures, eliminating the need for expensive and complex conventional droplet generation systems. Condensation and evaporation of a droplet may be controlled in order to evaluate advancing and receding contact angles in the goniometer.

Abstract: A laser navigation system for measuring the position of a vehicle or object. An environmental housing with first and second optical windows contains a first laser source with a steering optic oriented to the first optical window; and a second laser source with a scanning optic oriented to the second optical window. A system controller operates the first laser source with at least one of modulation and signal encoding information and provides steering commands to the steering optic to generate at least three or more adjoining or near-adjoining differentiated steered beams, and operates the second laser source and scanning optic to provide a distance measurement information, wherein the position of a vehicle or object is determined from its angular location within the differentiated steered beams in combination with the distance measurement information.

Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.

Abstract: A method for operating a scanning microscope and for determining point spread functions, with which sample images are recorded with the scanning microscope. The method includes scanning a sample with at least one illuminating light beam; recording at least one sample image with a detector device during a scan by the illuminating light beam; and comprising the point spread function, with which a sample image is recorded, from the at least one sample image. A detector device having receiving elements is used, where the distance between the receiving elements is smaller than a diffraction disk that generates a sample point on the detector device. Detector signals, generated by means of the receiving elements, are read out for each of the different positions of the illuminating light beam on the sample, as a result of which the scanning of the sample allows the detector signals, which are read out, to generate a plurality of sample images.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a surgical device comprising a battery dock. The surgical system further comprises a battery unit comprising at least one battery cell and a battery drain. In a first state, the battery drain is not electrically coupled to the at least one battery cell. In a second state, the battery drain is electrically coupled to the at least one battery cell to discharge the at least one battery cell. The battery drain transitions from the first state to the second state upon attachment of the battery unit to the battery dock.

Abstract: A distance measuring method for a point on an object is performed by emitting measurement radiation. When an optical measurement axis of the measurement radiation is aligned with the point to be measured, an optical measurement point region is defined by the beam cross section of the radiation on the object. The beam cross section may be, for example, a maximum of eight times the standard deviation of a Gaussian steel profile of the measurement radiation. The the distance to the point on the object is determined by receiving measurement radiation reflected from the object. The method includes altering, at least once, a measurement direction as emission direction of the measurement radiation with respective emission and reception of the measurement radiation. Altering the measurement direction is carried out such that respective area centroids defined by the beam cross section on the object lie within the measurement point region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding apparatus for an optical measurement device. The holding apparatus has two holding units for two preferably telecentric optics units of the measurement device. Each holding unit has a first bearing device and a second bearing device. The two bearing devices are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of an optical axis of the optics unit. A three-point bearing by three bearing elements for the associated optics unit is provided on each bearing device. At least two of the bearing elements can be positioned along a relevant adjustment axis. The adjustment axes extend substantially at right angles to the relevant optical axis. The optics unit can thus be displaced in a plane spanned by the adjustment axes and can be inclined or tilted on account of the two bearing devices distanced from one another.

Abstract: A dynamic signal to noise ratio tracking system enables detection and tracking of amusement park equipment within the field of view of the tracking system. The tracking system may include an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within an area, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected back from vehicles within the area, and a control unit configured to evaluate signals from the detector to survey the amusement park equipment to determine whether the equipment has degraded or shifted.

Abstract: A sensor device for suppressing a magnetic stray field, having a semiconductor body with a surface, formed in an x-y plane, and a back surface. Each circle half of a disk-shaped magnet has two magnetic poles and the magnet is rotatable relative to the IC housing around a z-direction. An imaginary lengthening of the axis penetrates the magnet in the center of gravity of the main extension surface of the magnet. A first pixel cell and a second pixel cell are integrated into the surface of the semiconductor body together with a circuit arrangement, and each pixel cell has a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor. The first pixel cell is spaced apart from the second pixel cell along a connecting line, and the first pixel cell in a projection along an imaginary lengthening of the axis is arranged within the two inner circle segments.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for analyzing the alignment of at least one wheel of a vehicle using a non-contact locating system. Systems can include a tie rod with a three-dimensional target that is used by a non-contact measuring instrument to determine the position of the target in three dimensional space. The target may be pyramidal in shape. The position of the target may be indicative of a desired wheel alignment.

Abstract: A threat detection system is disclosed. The threat detection system may also determine the location of the threat. The treat detection system may determine the threat attributes. The threat detection system may detect lasers.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having an input device for receiving a gesture based input from a user is used to control a navigation operation of an appliance. The portable electronic device receives via the input device the gesture based input and uses one or more parameters stored in a memory of the portable electronic device and one or more characteristics associated with the gesture based input to cause the portable electronic device to transmit a navigation step command to thereby control the navigation operation of the appliance.

Abstract: An object detection method includes, in turn, enabling a first light source, a second light source and a third light source to transmit a first light wave signal, a second light wave signal and a third light wave signal; in turn, receiving the first light wave signal, the second light wave signal and the third light wave signal reflected by an object to determine strengths of the first light wave signal, the second light wave signal and the third light wave signal, respectively; and determining a first displacement of the object along a first direction according to strength variances of the first light wave signal and the second light wave signal, and determining a second displacement of the object along a second direction according to strength variances of the first light wave signal and the third light wave signal, wherein the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a tip configured to move with respect to the housing based on contact pressure applied the tip, and a circuit. The circuit detects pressure applied on the tip based on movement of the tip. The circuit includes a variable current source configured to drive a sensor, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) configured to receive current from the sensor and an analog to digital converter configured to sample output from the TIA.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for managing semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A method may include preventive maintenance involving steps of disassembling, cleaning, and assembling parts of a chamber. The assembling of the parts may include checking whether the parts are correctly assembled, using reflectance and absorptivity of a high-frequency voltage applied to the parts.

Abstract: Gradient index lenses, or GRIN lenses, are useful for collimating light from a waveguide and reducing loss when coupling two fibers or coupling the fiber to other optical components. There is provided herein a method to align a GRIN lens to the distal end of an optical fiber with precise lateral alignment. The alignment occurs by: (1) rotating the fiber with respect to the lens so that the fiber is parallel with the lens, such that a light is transmitted through the fiber and then through the lens, and (2) translating the fiber laterally with respect to the lens based on the position of a circle pattern that appears on the screen after the distal end of the lens. The transmitted light is centered in the circle pattern for centered alignment or positioned at calculate distance from the center of the circle pattern for off-axis alignment.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes: a light emitting unit that projects irradiation light to an object; a first lens that changes a divergence degree of the irradiation light; an aperture stop unit that stops down the irradiation light projected from the first lens; a second lens that condenses the irradiation light passing through the aperture stop unit and projects the irradiation light to the object in a first direction; a transmission unit that is provided in a focal plane of the second lens and transmits therethrough a part of reflected light; a first light receiving unit that includes a light receiving surface that receives the part of the reflected light transmitted through the transmission unit; and a measurement unit that measures a height of a surface of the object by using a position of the part of the reflected light on the light receiving surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for loading a railcar with crop material. A grain cart has a frame, ground wheels, a hitch assembly, a storage container and an auger assembly having a discharge end for removing particulate material from the storage container discharging it out the discharge end. A spout can be moveably connected to the discharge end of the auger. The method can include loading the storage container of the grain cart with crop material, maneuvering the grain cart adjacent to a railcar using a tow vehicle and discharging crop material from the storage container of the grain cart into the railcar using the auger assembly. A mobile computer or other processing device can be used to determine how much crop material is being loaded into the railcar during the loading by the grain cart.

Abstract: A device for assisting the aligning of a patient support dockable onto an operating table is provided A sensing unit is configured to be arranged on the patient support or the operating table and configured to sense a feature of the patient support and/or of the operating table, said feature lying opposite the sensing unit. The sensing unit configured to sense a position-dependent physical interaction and herefrom to generate a signal that depends on the spatial relative position between the patient support and the operating table. An evaluating unit is configured to receive the signal from the sensing unit and to generate an output that characterizes the relative position between the operating table and the patient support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of particles. In particular, the invention relates to devices for the detection of particles, comprising a reaction chamber formed within a chamber body between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is located opposite to the first surface, and one or more displacers, wherein the distance between the first surface and the second surface is variable via the one or more displacers at least in one or more parts of the surface area of the first surface and/or second surface. The invention also relates to corresponding methods for the detection of particles.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of systems for detecting the posture of a moving object. The system may include a fixed electro-optical device of known orientation comprising an emission source, an image sensor and image analysis means, and an optical assembly comprising an optical retroreflector arranged on the moving object. The optical retroreflector of the system is an optical sphere of variable index comprising a transparent hemisphere and a reflecting hemisphere. It comprises a meshing comprising at least three opaque wires, of small thickness and known geometrical arrangement. The image of the retroreflector lit by the source forms a reflection on the image sensor, said reflection comprising at least the two images of the shadow of one of the three wires. The image analysis means detect the orientation of the leak line given by said images, said orientation being representative of one of the parameters of the posture of the moving object.

Abstract: A proximity sensing apparatus includes a device housing, a plurality of energy emitters, an energy detector, a reflective member, and a controller system. The proximity sensing apparatus channels reflected energy to the energy detector and determines the location of the source of reflection. The channeling of energy to the energy detector may reduce manufacturing costs by utilizing less hardware while maintaining a high level of reliability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for aligning a cradle supported by a table in an imaging system with a gantry scan plane in a bore of the gantry. More particularly, various embodiments provide a laser alignment structure having at least two alignment apertures arranged along an axis of the bore, and an adjustment device configured to adjust a position of the laser so that the laser beam is aligned with the alignment apertures. Highly accurate alignment of the cradle to the gantry scan plane is achieved by utilizing this apparatus in tandem with an imaging-based alignment analysis method.